TECHMASH

Tag: #11BitStudios

  • Death Howl! The “No-Mercy Deckbuilder” just got even more relentless

    Death Howl! The “No-Mercy Deckbuilder” just got even more relentless

    When The Outer Zone first teamed up with the masters of bleak, atmospheric storytelling at 11 bit studios to release Death Howl, they delivered exactly what the hardcore crowd was craving: a tactical, soulslike experience wrapped in a dark Nordic mythos. It was punishing, beautiful, and deeply emotional.

    But if you thought you had mastered the Spirit World, think again. The free Rebirth Update has officially arrived, and it’s designed to push even the most seasoned hunters to their absolute limit.

    What is Death Howl?

    For the uninitiated, Death Howl follows the journey of Ro, a hunter traversing a fractured Spirit World in a desperate attempt to bring her son back from the dead. It’s a game of high stakes, where every card played in the strategic grid-based combat can be the difference between a breakthrough and a permanent setback.

    The Rebirth Update: Survival of the Fittest

    The headline feature of this free update is the eponymous Rebirth Mode. Unlocked after your first successful playthrough, this mode turns the difficulty dial up to eleven.

    1. Empowered Enemies

    The spirits inhabiting the 13 regions of the world aren’t just stronger; they’re smarter. Enemies in Rebirth Mode come equipped with new abilities and significantly increased health pools, forcing you to rethink strategies that worked in your initial run.

    2. “Realmless” Card Transformation

    One of the most interesting mechanical shifts is the introduction of transformed Realmless cards. These cards feature:

    • Completely new names and visual identities.
    • Reworked effects that offer higher power ceilings—at a higher risk.
    • Deepened synergy options for endgame deck archetypes.

    3. A New Look for Ro

    To mark her transformation and the cyclical nature of her journey, Ro gains a new aesthetic in this update, swapping her traditional gear for a striking blue robe that signifies her deeper connection to the Spirit Realm.

    Beyond Rebirth: Custom Mode

    If Rebirth Mode still feels like a walk in the park, 11 bit studios has included the ultimate challenge: Custom Mode.

    Unlocked after completing Rebirth Mode, this gives players total control over the “misery” of their experience. You can manually tweak enemy health, Ro’s health, card availability, and even specific penalties for failure. It’s a playground for those who want to craft the most “unfair” deckbuilding challenge imaginable.

    Quality of Life & Balance

    It’s not all about the pain, though. The update also brings a suite of welcome changes to the core game:

    • Balance Overhaul: Several underperforming cards have been buffed to ensure more viable build paths.
    • Performance Fixes: Bug squashing and quality-of-life improvements make the tactical grid feel smoother than ever.

    Where to Play

    The Rebirth Update is out now and is 100% free for all owners of the game. You can find Death Howl on:

    • PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)
    • PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S
    • Nintendo Switch (including the newly launched Switch 2)
    • Xbox Game Pass

    If you haven’t yet stepped into the shadows of the Spirit World, there’s never been a better—or more terrifying—time to start. Just don’t expect the spirits to go easy on you.

    Have you braved the Rebirth Update yet? Let us know your most broken card combos in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2825880

    #DeathHowl #TheOuterZone #11bitstudios #RebirthUpdate #SpiritWorld #PC #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • The Frostlands Are Growing: 11 bit studios Unveils “Breach of Trust” DLC

    The Frostlands Are Growing: 11 bit studios Unveils “Breach of Trust” DLC

    The mercury is dropping, but the hype is heating up. During the much-anticipated Frostpunk Franchise Fest, 11 bit studios finally pulled back the curtain on the future of their icy empire. The headline act? Breach of Trust, the second major DLC for Frostpunk 2, is looking to be a trial by fire—literally.

    Set to launch on June 23, 2026, this expansion marks a significant shift in the series’ survival loop, introducing a deadly new variable that makes the biting cold look like a minor inconvenience.

    New Edinburgh: A City on the Edge

    Forget the relatively stable (if miserable) confines of New London. Breach of Trust takes us to New Edinburgh, a city built atop a geothermal goldmine. The catch? The reckless use of that energy has destabilised a nearby volcano.

    Players will step in as the First Citizen after the Old Captain has been deposed. You aren’t just fighting the freeze anymore; you’re contending with:

    • Volcanic Hazards: Expect tremors and “Volcano Nights” where ash fills the sky, choking your infrastructure.
    • The Vote of Trust: A new political mechanic where your approval is measured in real-time. Fail to keep the peace, and your leadership—and the city—will crumble.

    Key Features at a Glance

    This isn’t just a story add-on; it’s a massive gameplay overhaul. Here is what we know is coming in the June update:

    FeatureDetails
    New Factions5 unique communities with clashing ideologies.
    Independent ColoniesContact, trade with, or conquer the colony of Aurora.
    Expansion2 new scenario maps and 5 new buildings/hubs.
    GovernanceNew laws to shape your society under the shadow of the volcano.
    MilitaryThe introduction of Battalions—yes, you can finally build an army.

    Beyond the Breach: More Frostpunk News

    While Breach of Trust stole the show, 11-bit studios didn’t stop there. The Franchise Fest was a love letter to the 11 million “souls” who have played the series to date.

    • Frostpunk on Switch: In a surprise move, the original Frostpunk is finally making its way to the Nintendo Switch, allowing you to make agonising moral choices on the bus.
    • Frostpunk 1886: We got another tantalising tease for this “reimagining” of the original story, with a new devblog series, Revisiting New London, starting this week.
    • DLC 3 Codename: The roadmap has been updated with the third DLC’s official codename: Surge.

    “11 million players… almost a whole decade of sending children to the mines and building an amazing community around the Generator.” — 11 bit studios Team

    How to Play Early

    If you can’t wait until June 23, 11 bit studios has opened playtest registrations starting today. Tests are scheduled for May, so head over to their official site to sign up.

    Frostpunk 2: Breach of Trust will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. If you haven’t jumped into the frozen wasteland yet, now is the time—there’s a massive franchise sale running across all platforms to celebrate the fest.

    The temperature is rising, Citizens. Will you build trust, or will New Edinburgh burn?

    Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates on Frostpunk 2 and the latest in gaming news.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/1601580/

    #11bitstudios #FrostpunkFranchiseFest #BreachofTrust #DLC #Frostpunk2 #scifi #games #gaming #gamers

  • Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Receives Massive “Greed & Glory” Early Access Update

    Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Receives Massive “Greed & Glory” Early Access Update

    The shop doors are open, the lanterns are lit, and the vaults are deeper than ever. Digital Sun and 11 bit studios have officially dropped the first major content update for Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, titled “Greed & Glory.” Since its Early Access debut in late 2025, fans of the merchant-roguelite hybrid have been clamouring for more ways to risk their necks (and their gold). This update delivers exactly that, expanding the 3D world of Tresna with new combat mechanics, punishing challenges, and much-needed shop upgrades.

    Master the Arts of HEX and High-Speed Combat

    The headline addition in this update is the introduction of HEX, a brand-new combat path. Unlike the direct physical prowess of previous builds, HEX allows Will to curse his enemies. This deals delayed, lingering damage that can actually spread to nearby foes—perfect for clearing out those crowded rooms in the deeper biomes.

    For those who prefer a more “run and gun” approach, the update also introduces the Blo-Blitz dual guns. You’ll need to complete a specific quest starting in Prison 2 to unlock the crafting recipe, but once you do, you’ll have access to some of the fastest, most mobile combat the sequel has seen yet.

    Step Into the Greed Colosseum

    If you think you’ve mastered the current dungeons, the Greed Colosseum is here to humble you. This is a new wave-based challenge mode that unlocks after defeating a biome boss.

    Escalating Difficulty: Face waves of enemies and mini-bosses.

    Higher Stakes: The further you go, the better the rewards, including legendary relics and rare boss materials.

    Risk vs. Reward: It pushes the “Moonlighter” philosophy to the limit—know when to cash out, or lose it all.

    Shopkeeping and “The 5th Key”

    It wouldn’t be Moonlighter without the hustle. The update expands the narrative with the 5th Key, continuing the mystery of the Endless Vault. Back in town, the shopkeeping experience has been deepened with:

    Shop Cosmetics: Ten new visual customisation options to make your storefront stand out.

    Expanded Skill Trees: New perks for the Witch (focusing on survivability) and K33P3R (improving shop utility).

    New Armor: The Nimbus Regalia adds a strategic twist—it grants a shield that, when broken, gives you a temporary 20% damage buff.

    Technical Polish & Steam Deck Love

    Digital Sun has been vocal about “going beyond the checklist” for Steam Deck optimisation. This patch includes a significant pass on stuttering and performance, ensuring that the transition from 2D pixel art to 3D isometric environments remains buttery smooth on handhelds.

    At a Glance: What’s New?

    New Combat Path: HEX (Damage-over-time and chain reactions).

    New Weapon: Blo-Blitz dual guns.

    New Mode: Greed Colosseum (Wave-based survival).

    Content: 20 new combat rooms and 10 shop cosmetics.

    Narrative: The 5th Key storyline expansion.

    Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is currently in Early Access on PC, with a full 1.0 release planned for later in 2026 across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Find out more here – http://re.11bits.com/4b5

    #DigitalSun #11bitstudios #Moonlighter2TheEndlessVault #Moonlighter2 #SteamEarlyAccess #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • The Alters launching tomorrow

    The Alters launching tomorrow

    Players of the Alters game will need to face themselves over and over again, different lives, different jobs and yet all the same person, a miner on an isolated planet looking to make his way in the galaxy. Space is a very hostile place and mining is one of the hardest jobs around. Put the two together and you get The Alters game, which will be launching on the 13th of June.

    To find out more about The Alters game, go to the official game website here https://altersthegame.com/ or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/ixLRZ

    #TheAlters #games #gaming #scifi #newgames #11BitStudios #survival #spaceminer #spaceexploration #resources #space #planets #spacetravel #epicgames #steam #pcgames

  • Frostpunk 2 Welcome To New London

    Frostpunk 2 Welcome To New London

    Following on from the first game, Frostpunk 2 is coming out on the 20th with early access becoming available from tomorrow. This story ended with the demise of the Captain who had guided New London through the whiteouts and the struggles. Now the story of New London is moving on staying put is not survival, the empire must expand and build colonies in order for humanity to survive. This is a city builder with so much more going on around it, not only do you have the politics to worry about, but there are also natural hazards to watch out for, along with the wildlife that seems to be prospering despite the weather.

    To find out more about the Frostpunk 2 game go to the games page on Steam here http://re.11bits.com/dx3

    #Frostpunk #Frostpunk2 #NewLondon #Whiteout #Survivors #CityBuilder #11BitStudios #Planning #Politics #Games #Gaming #Gamers #SciFi #NewCity