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Developer Update – Building, Combat, Lore, and More!

[h3]Greetings Seekers,[/h3][p]The ritual continues. Shadows lengthen on Farmouth Island as our team weaves new systems, summons darker threats, and breathes life into every corner of the world you’ve come to haunt. This is your glimpse into what’s next for The Bornless…[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]BUILDING SYSTEM – YOUR DOMAIN, YOUR DESIGN[/h3][p]Our Building System is nearly ready for prime time, letting you transform resources and scrap gathered on Farmouth Island into structures, fortifications, and decorations for your personal island.[/p][p]Whether you want a practical fortress or something purely aesthetic, you can place items with snap, grid-align, or freeform precision—right down to putting furniture in mid-air if you wish.[/p][p]Structures can be rotated, demolished on the fly, and rebuilt to your liking. We’ve built this system around freedom—unlike many games, there are no strict build zones, so your creativity sets the limits.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]MOTORBIKE – RIDE THE STORM[/h3][p]From concept sketch to roaring reality, we’re thrilled to introduce a Motorbike that prowls the wilds. Functional headlights, brake lights, fuel and speed gauges—it’s as much atmosphere as it is transportation.[/p][p]Tear through the swamps under moonlight, or kill the lights and vanish into shadow before the hunt begins.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]THE BORNLESS TAROT DECK[/h3][p]A deck born of black magick—rubber-hose style art depicting demons, angels, and mortals of our realm.[/p][p]Ten cards already exist, each carrying hidden lore and whispered secrets. One day, the deck will be whole… and perhaps, usable both in-game and in the physical world.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]RADIO TOWER – THE HEART OF CONFLICT[/h3][p]At the centre of the map rises the Radio Tower: a labyrinth of corridors wide enough for the largest demons, choke points perfect for ambush.[/p][p]This fortress-like landmark will also play host to puzzles, quests, and mini-games, with interconnected spaces designed to support future gameplay mechanics—like locked-door logic puzzles and scavenger-style objectives.[/p][p]We’re really excited for you to unleash hell here![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]NEW HOUSES – LURKING HISTORY[/h3][p]Our homes now carry the salt-worn bones of Lovecraftian New England.[/p][p]We’ve overhauled our house designs to better match the atmosphere of Farmouth Island, drawing inspiration from Lovecraftian interiors and New England coastal architecture. These homes are more open inside, allowing demons to enter and stir chaos, but still filled with nooks and crannies for humans to hide and plan their next move.[/p][p]These new houses will be making their way onto the island very soon![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]CORRUPTION & NEW ENEMIES[/h3][p]Dwell too long in the island’s grip and you will change—ashen skin, glowing eyes, and torn remnants of who you once were. Through progression you will be able to unlock new dark variation of your chosen character — marking you as a battle-hardened veteran.[/p][p]As well as these dark variations we are also introducing new horrors, Shoggoths – Failed angelic experiments dripping with rage.[/p][p][/p][p]Stillborn – Motionless until your back is turned… then lightning-fast.[/p][p][/p][p]Brains – Their exposed brains make them fragile, but they can fly with rapid speed and have a deadly bite.[/p][p][/p][p]Tentacles & Growths – Silent horrors that wait in the dark.[/p][p][/p][p]Wardens – Floating titans wielding divine judgment.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]MELEE SYSTEM OVERHAUL[/h3][p]The melee system you all experienced in the Next Fest build was unfinished, and we listened to your feedback to make sure whatever we worked on felt just right.[/p][p]We’ve rebuilt the Melee System from the ground up. The old “hold to charge” mechanic is gone, replaced with intuitive light attacks and unique special attacks per weapon. Updated animations, on-screen blood effects, and hit-stop feedback make every strike feel heavier and more satisfying.[/p][p]There are a few other additions to the melee system and we’re really excited for you to try them out![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]GUNPLAY IMPROVEMENTS[/h3][p]Your feedback was clear: the gunplay needed more weight. Now, pistols are snappy, sniper rifles deliberate, and movement shifts depending on your weapon’s heft.[/p][p]Weapon sway, smoother transitions, and tactile recoil bring the chaos to life.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]THE GREAT SWAMP OF ZABOSLAV[/h3][p]This optional side quest zone introduces one of the many realms belonging to the island’s mysterious entities.[/p][p]Heavy with mist and menace, shrines, hidden lore of Zaboslav, and rewards for the brave. But be warned—Haag and his kin guard it well.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]UNREAL ENGINE 5.6 UPGRADE[/h3][p]Performance was one of the biggest pieces of feedback that we received post-Next Fest and one we were hyper aware of too. So, we have now moved from UE 5.4 to UE 5.6 as part of our ongoing performance push.[/p][p]The upgrade brings better stability, optimized Lumen and virtual shadow maps, improved hardware ray tracing, and new tools for animation, 3D assets, and Metahuman creation—keeping The Bornless at the forefront of modern tech.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]SPELL CRAFTING RETURNS[/h3][p]Curses are back.[/p][p]The return of Curses comes with a full Spell Crafting System. Gather ingredients—from herbs and oils to more grotesque finds—across Farmouth Island, extract them safely, and combine them at the spell crafting bench.[/p][p]Discover powerful spells through experimentation, with rare recipes rewarding creativity and exploration.[/p][p]This still needs a bit more time, but we’re really excited to be bringing this back very soon![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]OUR COMMUNITIES DEEP DIVE[/h3][p]Over the past weeks, our Creators and Partners have been hard at work conjuring unholy content — sharing gameplay, lore, and even exclusive developer updates.[/p][p]We want to shine a light on their efforts, give them a proper shoutout, and invite you to watch their creations.[/p][p]This video from Firewitch74, one of our Partners, is a must-watch — a super in-depth breakdown of fresh updates coming to The Bornless. If you want the latest, this is where to start.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]TiredEyeBags gives you the rundown on The Bornless — what to expect, how to survive, and how to escape the fog.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]A truly unique edit from Rusticmoon VR — diving into the dark mythos of The Bornless and the Ritual itself. This one’s special.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]For our Spanish-speaking Seekers — Alma_Caninaa shares thoughts and reactions to the latest The Bornless updates.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]A hot take: “The Bornless is the Extraction Horror Game that changed everything.”[/p][p]Not our words — but those of HonestlyBretter.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]AbsurdNerdz is doing all she can to summon a new playtest… maybe she knows something we don’t? 👀 Watch Here[/p][p]We are endlessly grateful to every Creator and Partner who continues to keep the flame alive with their videos, streams, and edits.[/p][p]Seekers — watch their work, drop them a follow, and show them some love. This community wouldn’t exist without you.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]PRE-REGISTRATION EVENT NOW LIVE[/h3][p]Don’t forget our Pre-Registration Event is still live.[/p][p]Sign up and help unlock exclusive rewards for launch: [/p][p]https://thebornless.com/preregister[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The island changes. The air grows heavier. The Ritual waits for no one.[/p][p]We see you. We hear you. And we cannot wait to witness the chaos you bring next.[/p][p][/p][p]#StayUnholy [/p][p]- The Bornless Team 🖤 [/p][p][/p][h3]Want to be among the first ones who will experience the true horrors of Farmouth? Add The Bornless to your wishlist.[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p]

LIVE STREAM: The Bornless Town Hall, September 2025

[p]Join us as our team unveils secrets of what’s to come on Farmouth Island — and face your chance to question the Keepers directly in a live Q&A.[/p][p][/p][h3]What lies ahead in The Bornless?[/h3]
  • [p]First look at the Building System[/p]
  • [p]Unearthed new locations and POI updates[/p]
  • [p]Blood-soaked refinements to Melee & Gunplay[/p]
  • [p]And other whispers yet to be revealed…[/p]

SEEKERS, GATHER…TOWN HALL, SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER

[p][/p][h2]Greetings, Seekers.[/h2][p]The time has come for another great unveiling. Saturday 6th September at 5pm UTC, we invite you to join us live on Twitch as we reveal what lies ahead on Farmouth Island. From new systems and locations to refinements that sharpen the very edge of survival, this will be your chance to glimpse the future of The Bornless.[/p][p]But that is not all… the ritual is twofold. After the reveals, we’ll be hosting a Q&A session, where you may step forth and ask your questions directly to the dev team. What would you like to know about the Ritual? What mysteries do you wish to pry from the dark? This is your moment to be heard.[/p][h3]What awaits you in this transmission?[/h3]
  • [p]A first glimpse at the Building System - construct, create, and reshape your presence on Farmouth Island.[/p]
  • [p]Exploration of newly unearthed locations and the evolution of existing points of interest.[/p]
  • [p]Blood-soaked updates to Melee & Gunplay that will test your steel and your aim.[/p]
  • [p]And other whispers best left unspoken…[/p]
[p]🗓️ Saturday, 6th September 2025[/p][p]⏰ 5pm UTC[/p][p]📍 [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p]For those who prefer the company of their fellow Seekers in the Discord Safehouse - fear not. The ritual will echo there too.[/p][p]Prepare yourself. The questions you bring may be answered… but the answers may bring more questions still.[/p][p]Be present, if you dare.[/p][p]#StayUnholy [/p][p]- The Bornless Team 🖤 [/p][p][/p][h3]Want to be among the first ones who will experience the true horrors of Farmouth? Add The Bornless to your wishlist.[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p]

🩸 WISHLIST. SHARE. SUMMON. 🩸

[h2]A storm brews on Farmouth Island... and it’s fueled by your wishlists.[/h2][p]Today marks the launch of our Pre-Registration Campaign, a global ritual to summon the next evolution of The Bornless. Your mission is simple:[/p][p]➡️ Wishlist The Bornless on Steam[/p][p]➡️ Enter the Gleam Competition[/p][p]➡️ Summon rewards for you—and the entire community[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]WHAT YOU GET FOR ENTERING[/h3][p]Every Seeker who joins the campaign will receive:[/p]
  • [p]Guaranteed Playtest Access on Open Weekends[/p]
  • [p]A Free Enigma Box at Launch[/p]
  • [p]Entry to win prizes:[/p]
    • [p]A 50 series NVIDIA GPU[/p]
    • [p]The Bornless Collector Box[/p]
    • [p]And, The Bornless Merch[/p]
[hr][/hr][h3]THE MORE YOU SHARE, THE MORE WE UNLOCK[/h3][p]This is a global milestone campaign, as wishlist numbers rise, so too do the rewards unlocked for all. Here’s a breakdown of the unlocks available:[/p]
  • [p]Enigma Boxes (Common & Rare)[/p]
  • [p]Player Banner & Avatar[/p]
  • [p]Weapon + Truck Skins[/p]
  • [p]Premium Currency[/p]
  • [p]A New Demon... available Day 1[/p]
[p]But this only happens if the ritual is completed…[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]HOW TO JOIN THE RITUAL[/h3][p]Visit the Pre-Registration event webpage and enter the Gleam competition and choose your path:[/p]
  • [p]Share our posts on X & BlueSky[/p]
  • [p]Join the Discord & Steam Group[/p]
  • [p]Send your allies referral links[/p]
  • [p]Submit gameplay clips[/p]
  • [p]Use the sacred hashtag: #WishlistTheBornless[/p]
[p]Complete entries, climb the leader board, and claim your place in the Unholy Order.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]The Ritual has begun, Seeker. The summoning circle is drawn. Now it waits for you.[/p][p]🩸 Start here: https://thebornless.com/preregister[/p][p]🖤 And don't forget: Add The Bornless to your wishlist[/p][p][/p][p]#StayUnholy [/p][p]- The Bornless Team 🖤 [/p][p][/p][h3]Want to be among the first ones who will experience the true horrors of Farmouth? Add The Bornless to your wishlist.[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p]

Steam Next Fest was an overwhelming success!

[p]Now that the dust has settled, the data is clear...[/p][p]Despite server issues and some hilarious (and frustrating) bugs, we had over 60,000 downloads! Players made countless visits to Farmouth Island, it’s safe to say the ritual has well and truly been invoked. But what does the data say? Let’s dive in.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]First of all, we’d be remiss if we didn’t open with a huge thank you to our community. Thanks to your generosity with feedback, your patience with our development hiccups, and your passion for The Bornless, we’ve come away from Next Fest armed with a ton of useful information to help us improve the game.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We saw over 5M impressions on our Steam page—from people watching our live streams, to checking out our Demo and reading our news posts. These impressions grew and grew, with us sitting in the top 50 demos during Steam Next Fest, a stat we're particularly proud of.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Social Media impressions for the week went through the roof with over 750,000 organic impressions from not only our own content but the content shared by you, and that doesn't include Twitch streams...[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We saw an incredible amount of people streaming The Bornless during Next Fest with over 1,000 people streaming the game, all translating to over 250,000 views and over 60,000 hours watched (that's roughly 6.9 years)![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Our Store Page itself had over 500,000 visits, which is an incredible number to sit at for just one week. We're super proud of that and grateful for all of those who stopped by, checked out the demo, and added The Bornless to their wishlist.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]And we can't forget the Discord community. Our general chat was a non-stop feed of incredible messages from members new and old. From those helping new lambs as a Shepherd (our find a duo set-up) to those raving about the incredible games they played. We saw some incredible clips shared by our community, too, and best of all, we saw nearly 2,000 new people come through the door![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We now have over 270,000 people registered to access our future playtests, and we are thrilled with that. We're working hard as we write this post to bring even more exciting content, bug fixes and polish to the game and can't wait to send out invites soon for our next playtest...[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]None of this would’ve been possible without you, so again, thank you. Now, we’re getting our heads down once more, noses to the grindstone, so we can come back bigger and better soon. This was our first Next Fest, and our first widely available demo at this scale. It wasn’t without challenges, but we’re incredibly proud of our efforts, and even more grateful to you.[/p][p]We’ll be back soon, stay Unholy![/p][p]
#StayUnholy
- The Bornless Team 🖤

[/p][h3]Want to be among the first ones who will experience the true horrors of Farmouth? Add The Bornless to your wishlist.[/h3][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p]