Project Warlock II News

Hey Warlocks!

A little heads up on some of the changes coming within the next updates for Project Warlock II.

REALMSHIFT MODE

Realmshift mode is coming. What is that you ask? Oh, just the option to choose any Warlock, any chapter and go to town on those demons with an additional upgrade of the weapons to help you out. Effectively doubling your arsenal for each of the Warlocks giving you a choice of 12 weapons instead of six. Hate to make up your mind at the upgrade station? Now you don’t have to.



Realmshift was a long time coming, but required quite a lot of work behind the scenes to make it happen. It was always the original intention, but figuring out the way to do it was something else. You should be able to choose Realmshift mode to play really soon. It’s unlocked after you beat the Chapter 3’s final boss with Kirsten.



And don’t worry. The information on clearing each of the chapters is stored separately from the save system, so if you beat the boss of Chapter 3 it will grant you access to Realmshift as the update arrives.

KIRSTEN’S ARSENAL

Kirsten was always to be the Heavy of the Project Warlock II trio. Her guns shoot loud, and hit big. They're huge slabs of metal that - when pointed forward - produce a near constant stream of energy, bullets or lava. But with big power comes big overheating necessity - as the saying goes. The trade off to that tremendous power was the need to watch out for the heat bar, and keeping it from filling out completely. As that forces a longer cooling animation for the gun at hand. To avoid those moments you could master weapon switching that reset the heat bar in the background. It worked, but wasn’t perfect.



We’re adding one piece of the puzzle that was missing from the system - the chance to actually max out the damage output when the weapon is cooling down mode. Once you enter the cool down animation there is a short window of opportunity on a bar located around the targeting reticule - that when timed correctly (either by pressing R or the shoot button as the indicator moves to a designated space on the slider) - supercharges the next couple of shots for more significant damage.



Finally, since we have just welcomed the new season, and with a cue from the fashion world, we felt it’s time to parade the new Spring Collection of Kirsten’s guns. Originally planned to accompany the full Release of Project Warlock II, we felt we didn't want to wait any longer, and with the help of a new hand on deck - Konrad - are coming back with a totally overhauled look of Kirsten’s guns.

All of them.



Pixel art work is already complete, and we’re now finishing sound effects to accompany their otherworldly, meaty and not-of-this-world-tech look befitting a Demoness that likes to see other demons bow to her power.



At the same time there’s been a couple of tweaks here and there as to the way some of the guns work, mainly with a goal to flesh out their differences more - some of these include the staffs and laser rifle, but that’s not all. Your feedback here is - as always - appreciated.

CLEANING UP AND CLUTTERING THE LEVELS

Based on player feedback we’re working on some level design that’s now being introduced to the game. For the past couple of weeks the levels were combed, cleaned, treasures being added, and level environmental details sprinkled here and there to give them more of a vibe. Hope you’ll enjoy those too.



The above mentioned changes are playtested right now and should be introduced in a matter of days now. Stay tuned!

Hey Warlocks, we're back with another update!

[h3]Full Controller Support[/h3]
After launching Chapter 3, we turned our focus to addressing outstanding issues, with full controller support being a major priority. We’ve heard your feedback about problems with gamepads and Steam Deck, and with this update, we’ve fully implemented controller support to Project Warlock II. This includes compatibility with gamepads, reworked keybinding options and updated UI icons for Xbox and PlayStation controllers, and Keyboard/Mouse users.



[h3]Cool Your Guns![/h3]
We've also made a key adjustment to Chapter 3's overheat mechanic in a form of an alternative way to cool down Kirsten's weapons that rewards precise timing! Press reload or attack when your weapon is overheated, and you'll have the chance to hit a narrow time window to instantly lose all heat. It’s a unique twist that ramps up the intensity of each encounter, rewarding you for quick reflexes and making Kirsten's arsenal even more deadly.



[h3]Optimization Update[/h3]
Beyond that, we've introduced several optimization options to improve overall performance. This includes new render distance options, toggles for blood splats and monster corpses, as well as code optimization

[h3]Got a cool loading screen tip? Get your name in the credits![/h3]
We’re still on the hunt for awesome Loading Screen Tips, and we need your help! Got a clever trick, a useful strategy, or a fun fact about the game? Drop it in this Steam Forum post, and if it gets picked, we’ll add your nickname to the game’s credits!

Make sure to let us know how you’d like to be credited - this is your chance to be a part of Project Warlock II forever!

[h3]Here's the full list of changes for today's patch:[/h3]

[h3]Full Controller Support[/h3]

• Improved overall controller support
  
• Enhanced usability of menus
  
• Added controller support to upgrade shops
  
• Reworked control keybindings menu

[h3]UI[/h3]

• Added icons for bindings for Xbox Controller
  
• Added icons for bindings for PlayStation Controller
  
• Added icons for bindings for Keyboard/Mouse

[h3]Optimization[/h3]

• Added option to set the max decoration render distance (default: 60)
  
• Added option to toggle blood splats (default: off)
  
• Added option to toggle monster corpse disappearance over time (default: on)
  
• Further code optimizations

[h3]Audio[/h3]

• Updated FMOD, which should fix the audio corruption issue caused by a bug in the FMOD package

[h3]Kirsten's Overheat Mechanic[/h3]

• Added a cooldown mechanic for Kirsten weapons. If you press reload or attack, while equipped weapon is overheated, you'll have a chance to hit a time window to instantly lose all heat

[h3]Level Stats[/h3]

• Removed Total Kills in level stats. This was done because getting 100% completion could be frustrating due to a single missed monster, so we've excluded it from the rating

[h3]Automap[/h3]

• Added bestiary counter
  
• Added secret cameo counter
  
• Removed kill counter

[h3]Bugfixes[/h3]

• Fixed a bug where Melee Master Upgrade would not work for Urd
  
• Fixed numerous UI-related bugs

Hey Warlocks,

We've prepared a small hotfix to fix some issues that were reported by players.

[h2]Changelog 0.9.0.27[/h2]

• Fixed an issue where runes would lock back after unlocking them
  
• Fixed some rune tasks not working properly
  
• Fixed an issue where Hellish Slaves would not attack certain monsters
  
• Fixed an issue where Keybinds would not display correctly
  
• Fixed localization issues for polish bestiary and monsters
  
• Fixed an issue where demonic scythes would cause fps drops
  
• Fixed an issue where camera would not be rotated properly due to horizontal recoil from melee weapons

Important Notice (Runes)

If you have the task active before patching (on build 0.9.0.21) and the quest task is visible, please save the and load the game to fix the issue. It's one time and only related to previous version of the game.

Hello, Warlocks.

The wait time is now over.
[h2]Project Warlock II: Chapter 3 is OUT NOW! 🚀[/h2]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Strap in, because it's time for a journey deep beyond the stars, where alien horrors, chaos magic, and raw firepower await. Step into the shoes of Kirsten, the Tormented Summoner - a demon born in hellfire, exiled into darkness, and seeking redemption by herself.

Armed with an arsenal of heat-based weapons and forbidden summoning magic, she brings chaos and destruction to all who stand in her way. But the void of space is vast, merciless, and teeming with monstrosities beyond imagination. Will you conquer the unknown… let it consume you?

[h2]What's new in Chapter 3?[/h2]

Chapter 3 introduces a new playable character, Kirsten, who brings a different approach to combat with heat-based weapons and summoning magic.



We've prepared 12 new levels, featuring a mix of lush landscapes, alien-infested spaceships, and cosmic anomalies, each with its own set of challenges to overcome. Speaking of enemies, expect to face a variety of new monstrosities, ranging from cybernetic war machines to eldritch horrors, all with distinct attack patterns.

But that’s not all: we’ve also circled back to Chapter 1 and added Arenas to its levels. With Chapters 2 and 3 already featuring Arenas, this update brings Pamer's campaign up to speed, ensuring a consistent experience across the entire game.

Chapter 3 marks another major milestone, but we’re not done yet. The journey ahead holds more surprises, features, and improvements, so stay tuned for future updates as we get closer and closer to the Project Warlock II 1.0 release.

Disclamer regarding save files after this patch:
Due to the extensive scope of the changes introduced to Project Warlock II's code in this update, your current saves will be moved to the "OLD" folder in the "My Documents > Project Warlock II > Steam Saves" directory. If you wish to continue your adventures from those saves, you will need to move them out of the "OLD" folder to the "Steam Saves" one. However, keep in mind you might encounter some issues while playing on the older saves, and we recommend starting a new game.

Here’s the full breakdown of what’s changed:

[h3]New Playable Character: Kirsten[/h3]

[h3]New Weapons[/h3]

• Scythe
  • Warhammer
    
  • Demonic Claws
• Combat Shotgun
  • Striker
    
  • Nailgun
• Laser Rifle
  • Laser Minigun
    
  • Railgun
• Demonic Sceptre
  • Chaos Staff
    
  • Void Staff
• Lava Streamer
  • Void Streamer
    
  • Goo Streamer
• Plasma Rifle
  • Chain Reactor
    
  • Demon Core

[h3]New Spells[/h3]

• Hellish Slaves + 2 Upgrades
  
• Soul Bargain + 2 Upgrades
  
• Demonic Hammer + 2 Upgrades

[h3]New Runes[/h3]

• Chaos
  
• Void

[h3]New Stats[/h3]

• Chaos
  
• Void

New Perks

• Chaos Storm
  
• Chaos Bolt
  
• Void Bolt
  
• Void Blast

[h3]New Monsters and Bestiary Entries[/h3]

• Added 15 new monsters and their Bestiary entries

[h3]New Levels and Entering Screens[/h3]

• Added 12 new levels, each with its own Entering Screen

[h3]Footsteps SFX Rework[/h3]

• Added new footstep sounds for various ground types
  • Dirt
    
  • Stone
    
  • Concrete
    
  • Wood
    
  • Snow
    
  • Sand
    
  • Lava
    
  • Water
    
  • Grass
    
  • Glass
• Footstep sound speed is now dynamic, depending on your velocity (mostly noticable when playing with analog input)

[h3]Other Changes[/h3]

• Added Arenas to Episode 1
  
• Reworked Save/Load Screens
  
• Adjusted texts for better user experience
  
• Localized level names for savefiles preview
  
• Reworked Rune Quests
  
• Streamlined quest types for various weapon types
  
• Reworked quest objectives to improve balance and avoid issues with assigning specific monsters to quests

[h3]Bugfixes[/h3]

• Fixed an issue where rune quest would fail to load/disappear if it's completed mid-level
  
• Fixed an issue where rune task objective could appear out of screen bounds
  
• Removed spiders above secret cameo in e1m6
  
• Fixed an issue where Skeletron fire death animation would loop indefinetely
  
• Fixed an issue where Woman NPC would not resurrect as vampy in Chapter 1, Now she should resurrect as Succubus.

Chapter 3 marks a new milestone in Project Warlock II, but we’ve got much more in store. Stay tuned for future updates, and keep your weapons ready for whatever comes next.

Until next time!

Hello, Warlocks.

The stars have aligned, the portals have opened, and the wait is almost over.

[h2]Chapter 3 for Project Warlock II launches on Tuesday, March 4th![/h2]

That’s right - Project Warlock II: Chapter 3 will be out next week, on March 4th. 2 - 3 - 4... some might call it coincidence, but we think it was written in the stars.

Chapter 3 is the final chapter of the game’s campaign, but it does not mark the 1.0 launch just yet! We have additional features, content, and surprises planned for the full release later this year, and we’ll be revealing more about those very soon.

[h2]A journey into the Cosmic Unknown[/h2]
Chapter 3 takes you beyond the stars, into the vast and terrifying depths of space. As we revealed last week, you’ll step into the shoes of Kirsten, the Tormented Summoner. A demon by birth, a Disciple by force, and a hermit by choice, she wields an arsenal of heat-based weapons and forbidden summoning magic, making her combat style a chaotic blend of raw destruction and dark sorcery.



We’ve poured everything we’ve learned from previous chapters, and their reworks, into making Kirsten’s campaign an intense, unpredictable, and unforgettable ride. New weapons, new environments, new monsters… and new secrets lurking in the void.

[h2]What's coming in Chapter 3?[/h2]
Here’s a teaser of some features coming to Project Warlock II this Tuesday!
[h3]New Playable Character: Kirsten, the Tormented Summoner [/h3]

• A demon subjected to her Master’s experiments to reshape evil into good
  
• Wields a mix of heat-based weapons and summoning magic
  
• Driven by a quest to prove herself worthy after being cast aside by her Master
  
• Remains in solitude, burdened by her demonic nature

[h2]New Weapons[/h2]

Kirsten's arsenal revolves around managing heat capacity of her weapons. It is a new approach to combat, as well as Kirsten's unique feature in Project Warlock II. She wields a mix of high-tech weapons (she probably stole some alien blueprints on her adventures), as well as weapons brimming with chaos magic. Whether you're plowing through enemies with a scythe or going all-out with a Laser Minigun, you'll surely lay waste to the alien hordes.

[h3]Nailgun[/h3]



Nailgun is an upgrade to the Combat Shotgun, which shoots penetrating projectiles that bounce off walls. It's shines in tight corridors with many smaller enemies, as it can easily deal with grouped monsters

[h3]Lava Streamer[/h3]



Lava Streamer is a weapon which spews out lava that can burn enemies. Simple as that. It's quite effective against mechanical foes.

[h3]Laser Minigun[/h3]



Laser Minigun is a beefed-up version of the Laser Rifle with a way bigger heat capacity. Alternatively, you can upgrade it with a tripod for super steady, pinpoint shooting while stationary.

[h2]New Abilities[/h2]

Kirsten's magical abilities are all about dark magic and summoning. She has the ability to summon a group of Hellish Slaves, and a Demonic Hammer. When in trouble, she can also tap into the heart of Dark Magic to activate Soul Bargain. She signs a deal with the grim reaper herself - her life for other lives. She has to kill in order to stay alive.

[h3]Hellish Slaves[/h3]



Kirsten can summon a group of demons to join her in battle. Whether you use it in tight spaces to control choke points, or summon them in the open, the demons are a great asset to keep up your sleeve.

[h3]Demonic Hammer[/h3]



While Kirsten's scythe can be upgraded into a Warhammer, she can also summon one to smash her enemies. It's heavy, and effective versus foes of any size.


[h2]New Monsters[/h2]
[h3]Asimov[/h3]



First AI powered robot ever created. Seems like hell's forces are also interested in this tech. Asimov has a simple procedure - Drag himself to the target using his Linegun, and incinerate.

[h3]Cybermage[/h3]



A combination of an Assassin, Gunslinger and a Mage. He can teleport, shoot his SMG and cast a storm spell on your position. Other than that, he's pretty vulnerable, just keep an eye on him.

[h3]Walker 4000[/h3]



An improved version of Walker 2000. Fires more rockets and is quite bigger than the 2000. Melee weapons are ineffective against it.

[h2]New Locations[/h2]

On your journey in Chapter 3 you will traverse through advanced spaceships, unknown planets, and alien facilities. The new levels are full of mysterious technology, hostile enemies, and unexpected challenges that will test your skills like never before. We've added a brand new oxygen mechanic to some of the levels you will explore in Chapter 3. We are in space, after all...

[h3]Spaceship Trouble[/h3]

Kirsten is headed for Saturn on a stolen ship, plowing through its not-so-friendly crew. The ship is full of tight corridors, and small pods, so you'll need to stay alert, as you never know what lurks around the corner.
[h3]Convoy to Saturn[/h3]

On her way, Kirsten needs to jump between spaceships to find one that will be capable of landing on Encleadus - one of Saturn's moons. Use teleport pads to your advantage as you navigate through the void of space.
[h3]Alien Planet[/h3]

After some "unforeseen consequences" Kirsten finds herself on an alien planet full of life. She doesn't know where she is or what she can expect to find here. The main mission? Finding the navigation system hidden on the Alien Spaceship which landed not so far away from her. It is, however, full of technology and unknown terrors.

[h2]We Need Your Help[/h2]
We’re working on making the loading screens a little more entertaining and varied. We’re looking for practical tips to master the Warlock ways or clever one-liners to lighten the mood. Drop your best suggestions in the comments below, like “Use Kirsten’s summoning abilities to control choke points” or “Don’t stand in the lava.” The standout lines will make it into Project Warlock II’s loading screens, and their authors will be etched into the game’s credits. So, bring your experience or your wit - whatever you choose!

[h2]See you in Deep Space![/h2]
Chapter 3 is just the beginning of the end. The journey to 1.0 is packed with surprises, and we have plenty more to share in the coming weeks. Make sure to mark your calendars. Tuesday, March 4th is the day you step into Deep Space. Kirsten’s journey begins, and the cosmic adventure awaits.