Back to the Dawn News

[p]Hello, inmates![/p][p][/p][p]Since the official release of Back to the Dawn, we’ve received a lot of valuable feedback, and our team has been working non-stop to address the issues. Thank you all for your continued support![/p][p]Here are the details of the latest update:[/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue where players would get stuck and unable to interact after entering the Hidden Room Movie CD-ROM scene while using a controller.[/p]
• [p]Fixed a bug where, after entering the Hidden Room Movie CD-ROM scene while in the "borrowing a book" state, the borrow UI would remain permanently visible even after returning the book.[/p]
• [p]Fixed incorrect quick key prompts when leaving the Hidden Room Movie CD-ROM scene in controller mode.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where the number of days served would display incorrectly when playing as the Black Panther.[/p]
• [p]Fixed a bug where collecting the “package mailed by Rocky” from the delivery cart would cause the game to freeze if there were other items already in the cart.[/p]
• [p]Corrected several text typos.[/p]

[p]We would also like to address an issue related to the support packs: the Back to the Dawn Concept Art Collection is currently only available in Simplified Chinese due to scheduling and typesetting challenges. We plan to add other languages at a later date and hope for your understanding. Thank you for your patience![/p][p][/p][p]Additionally, due to a Steam technical issue, there are currently two purchase options showing on the store page. Please make sure to choose the one with the discount! We’re urgently working to resolve this and apologize for the inconvenience.[/p][p][/p][p]We truly appreciate all the love and support you've shown for Back to the Dawn. We hope you're enjoying your time behind bars—especially following Bob’s storyline! If you come across any issues, please let us know by filling out our bug report form. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve the game and ensure your prison escape experience is as smooth and thrilling as possible.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Inmates, drumroll please! Back to the Dawn has exited Early Access and is now officially a full release game, featuring two playable main characters — including the much anticipated Bob the Panther![/h3][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]On this wonderful occasion, it would be remiss of us if we didn't show our appreciation towards our early access players. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for playing Back to the Dawn while it was still in early access, providing countless invaluable feedback, sharing about our game with your friends, and hyping us up through this gamedev journey![/p][p][/p][p]It is the enthusiastic feedback and support of our players that allowed us to complete Back to the Dawn. Without you, our “accomplices" and "co-conspirators", Back to the Dawn wouldn't be the complete game that it is today.[/p][p][/p][p]We bring to you Back to the Dawn version 1.0 — and wish you an exciting and unforgettable time within the confined walls of Boulderton Prison! [/p][p][/p][p]- Due to a technical problem with Steam, there are two base games available for purchase on the store page. Please make sure to purchase the discounted base game! We are urgently dealing with this issue and we apologize for the inconvenience![/p][p][/p][p]For more information on the Black Panther Arc, please continue reading:[/p][p][/p][h3]How to access the Concept Art Collection:[/h3][p]In Back to the Dawn's Supporter Pack DLC, we have included a concept artbook (only in Chinese).[/p][p]Players who have the Supporter Pack DLC can access it by going to your Steam Game Library. [/p][p]Right-click on Back to the Dawn and go to Manage > Browse Local Files. In the game root directory, you will find the Concept Art Collection PDF), as shown below:[/p][p][/p][p]————————————[/p][p]During Back to the Dawn 1.0's launch, the game will have a 15% off discount (July 18th - August 1st) and will be priced at US$16.99. [/p][p]As compared to the EA version, Back to the Dawn 1.0 will have a significant increase in content with the addition of the Black Panther Arc. As a result, after the 1.0 launch discount, the game's price will permanently increase to US$23.99 and other regions will also experience a proportionate price hike. We hope to seek you understanding on this change.[/p][p]————————————[/p][h3]DLCs[/h3][p]In addition, to thank the PC community who have been supporting us throughout our EA phase, we have several DLCs that will be available on exclusively on PC. The details are as follows:[/p]

• [p]Back to the Dawn – Supporter Pack DLC: Priced at $5.99, 10% off at launch Bundle option available with additional discount[/p]
• [p]Back to the Dawn – Original Soundtrack (OST): Sold separately for $5.99, 10% off at launch[/p]
• [p]Back to the Dawn – Game Modifier Toolkit (Free DLC): Includes features like satiety recovery, damage reduction, and dice bonuses to help players enjoy the story more smoothly.
  ⚠️ Please note: Activating any of these features will disable achievements for that save file. To re-enable achievements, start a new save or load a save from before using the toolkit.[/p]

[p]Additionally, "Back to the Dawn" themed badges are now online, and Steam emoticons, profile backgrounds and animated avatars will also be sold simultaneously in the Steam Points Shop![/p][p]————————————[/p][h3]New Game Bundle[/h3][p]A much-requested bundle with Threefold Recital is finally here! Enjoy a 10% bundle discount for two exciting mystery-filled furry games when completing the set.[/p][p][/p][p]About Threefold Recital[/p][p]Threefold Recital is set in an oriental fantasy world where the metropolis of Bluescales faces turmoil after a long golden age. The mix of magic, modern, and ancient technologies challenges governance, while tensions between humans, beastlings, and dragons grow. In the shadows, a crisis looms...[/p][p]————————————[/p][p]Last but definitely not least, Back to the Dawn 1.0 also has a same-day release on Xbox and will be entering Xbox Game Pass! [/p][p][/p][p]Enter the Boulderton Prison and kickstart a new adventure! [/p][p] [/p][p]Thank you again for your support! If you have any suggestions for improvements, please take some time to leave your comments or reviews on Steam![/p][p][/p][p]Discord | Twitter | Tiktok [/p]

[p]Hello inmates![/p][p][/p][p]Back to the Dawn Version 1.0 will officially launch on July 18 at 11:00 AM (GMT+8). With just 4 days to go, the excitement is building fast![/p][p][/p][p]Lately, there’s been more chatter than usual in the yard and laundry room. You can feel the energy shifting—everyone’s getting ready to jump into Bob the Panther’s storyline and make their mark![/p][p][/p][p]To thank all players for their support, anyone who purchases the game before the 1.0 release—including those who redeemed a key—will receive the Supporter Pack DLC for free. It has already been added to eligible players’ libraries and will unlock once the 1.0 update goes live.[/p][p][/p][p]At launch, the base game will be available at 15% off for two weeks (July 18 to August 1), priced at $16.99. After the discount period, the price will permanently increase to $23.99.[/p][p][/p][p]In addition, several DLCs and bundles will go live on Steam alongside the 1.0 version to support Panther Bob’s debut. Details below:[/p]

• [p]Back to the Dawn – Supporter Pack DLC: Priced at $5.99, 10% off at launch
  Bundle option available with additional discount[/p]
• [p]Back to the Dawn – Original Soundtrack (OST): Sold separately for $5.99, 10% off at launch[/p]
• [p]Back to the Dawn – Game Modifier Toolkit (Free DLC): Includes features like satiety recovery, damage reduction, and dice bonuses to help players enjoy the story more smoothly.
  ⚠️ Please note: Activating any of these features will disable achievements for that save file. To re-enable achievements, start a new save or load a save from before using the toolkit.[/p]
• [p]Threefold Recital × Back to the Dawn Bundle: A much-requested bundle is finally here! Enjoy a bundle discount for two exciting mystery-filled furry games when completing the set.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Life in Boulderton Prison is tough—but every day is a chance to change the game![/p][p][/p][p]The full story begins on July 18. See you then![/p][p]
Discord | Twitter | Tiktok [/p]

[h2]Back to the Dawn 1.0 FAQ[/h2][p][/p][p]1. Q: What is the content and scale of the Black Panther Arc? How long does it take to complete the main storyline?[/p][p]
A: Bob’s story includes a full 5-act main storyline. In terms of script size and narrative complexity, it surpasses Thomas’s route. It will also take significantly longer to complete. To stay true to Bob’s personality and role, even the dialogues reused from other parts of the game have been rewritten in Bob’s tone to ensure full immersion while playing as him.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]2. Q: Does Bob have different “starting background choices” from Thomas?[/p][p] A: Yes. Bob enters Boulderton Prison as an undercover cop on a mission, so his background before imprisonment is completely different from Thomas.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]3. Q: When does Bob’s story begin, and does he also have the 21-day time limit?[/p][p]
A: Although Bob enters the prison one month earlier than Thomas in the lore, his story starts on the same day Thomas arrives, and he also has a 21-day sentence limit. However, his story is not tied to the mayoral election in Thomas' arc.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]4. Q: Are there new prison scenes added in the full version?[/p][p]
A: Yes. The Black Panther Route adds 22 new scenes in total, including 11 story scenes outside the prison and 11 inside the prison, though the new in-prison scenes are mainly for Bob’s nighttime exploration. No new daytime prison activity scenes were added.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]5. Q: Does Bob also need to escape prison? Are there any new escape routes for him?[/p][p]
Yes, Bob also needs to escape.[/p][p]And since we already fully explored the prison’s areas when designing Thomas’s route to provide a rich experience, we did not create new exclusive escape routes for Bob. Additionally, for story-related reasons, Bob will not be able to use some of the escape routes available to Thomas. However, even when using the similar escape routes, the experience and presentation will be quite different due to the difference between Bob and Thomas.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]6. Q: Apart from the main story, does Bob have new side quests?[/p][p]
A: Yes. Since Bob is already a member of the Sharp Tooth Gang at the start of his story, he can access more core Sharp Tooth Gang missions—missions not available when playing as Thomas. His relationship with Bruce also results in a different set of tasks in that questline.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]7. Q: In Bob’s route, will he also help Bam deal with the “entities from another world”?[/p][p]
A: No. Bob’s focus will be on his own mission, and the role of “junior investigator” will be taken up by Thomas instead.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]8. Q: Does Bob have a romance storyline?[/p][p]
A: No, he doesn’t. Bob has a more urgent mission to accomplish. If Thomas is trying to save a city, then Bob is trying to save the entire country.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]9. Q: Can Bob also finish the game “without throwing a single punch” like Thomas?[/p][p]
A: No. Bob’s storyline includes unavoidable battles. As an undercover cop, Bob faces more dangerous foes than Thomas the journalist. So be prepared. We’ve added new combat skills, weapons, and powerful tools exclusively for Bob. Discover and try them out![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]10. Q: Will Bob’s story also feature multiple endings like Thomas’s?[/p][p]
A: Yes. Bob’s route includes three unique endings based on player choices, one "descriptive" ending similar to the “take the money” option, and two newspaper-style failure endings based on Bob's survival.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]11. Q: Is Bob’s achievement system still based on Tarot cards?[/p][p]
A: No. Bob will have a completely different achievement system. What exactly is it? You’ll have to wait and see![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]12. Q: I’ve already 100%-completed Thomas’s route, and Boulderton Prison feels like home. Will Bob’s route still be fun and surprising?[/p][p]
A: Absolutely. Trust us.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]This concludes the FAQ for now. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out via Steam or our social media platforms.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Also, the Steam Summer Sale is almost here! From June 27 to July 11, Back to the Dawn will be available at its lowest-ever 15% off discount![/p][p][/p][p]This summer sale is the last chance before the 1.0 full release to grab the game at a discount and get the Supporter Pack for free. Don’t miss it![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]May the Father of the Forest bless you all~[/p][p][/p][p]Discord | Twitter | Tiktok |[/p]

[p]Boulderton Times • Prison News Bulletin[/p][p][/p][p]Listen up, inmates![/p][p][/p][p]Word’s just come through the bars — Back to the Dawn Version 1.0 is officially scheduled for release on July 18. And with it? A new yet untold story lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]While Thomas quietly works on his escape from the inside, there is yet another person we should keep an eye on. And now, Bob the Panther is about to make his move! This isn’t just another cellblock shuffle, you're looking at a full-blown expansion with five new story acts, six different endings, 22 fresh scenes inside and outside the prison, Bob’s unique take on life behind bars, and a mess of dangerous new gang operations. The stakes are higher. The risks are real. Are you ready to walk in the panther’s shadow?[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Now for some news that might just make your day! As a show of gratitude to all early supporters, everyone who owns the game before the 1.0 update drops will get access to the full Supporter Pack — free of charge. Once the full version is live, this pack becomes a paid DLC. So grab a copy of Back to the Dawn now to become an early supporter and get the DLC for free![/p][p][/p][p]Here’s what’s inside:[/p]

• [p] Two Special-Edition Dice Skins: Ace Reporter and Night Owl[/p]
• [p] Cell Decoration Bundle: Includes three cell skins — Golden Wind, Breath of the Forest, and Disco Ball[/p]
• [p] "Infernal Hero" Poster: Increases Reputation by 5 each night when placed in your cell, up to 5 nights[/p]
• [p] "Floodlight" Poster: Increases Rapport with all inmates by 3 each night when placed in your cell, up to 5 nights[/p]
• [p] "Hidden Room" Movie CD-ROM: Playable on computers in the General Building; no skill effects, but provides a unique 4D viewing experience[/p]
• [p] "Zoo Breaker" Audio Cassette: Features the original Early Access main menu music, selectable in the settings[/p]
• [p] Back to the Dawn Concept Art Collection[/p]

[p]*Final contents may be subject to change at launch.*[/p][p][/p][p]Keep your eyes open and your claws sharp. July 18 is when everything changes in Boulderton Prison. The cells won’t stay quiet for long.[/p][p][/p][p]Discord | Twitter | Tiktok |[/p]