Frosthaven’s Legacy of the Algox Early Access Update Available Now
Arc Games and Snapshot Games have released their second major Early Access update for tactical board game RPG Frosthaven. Similar to the previous update, the “Legacy of the Algox” update comes with a new storyline, plus three new playable heroes, five new bosses, two new unique biomes, a new pet, new quests, new items, and more.
The new storyline for the game, which is based on the board game of the same name and a spiritual successor to Gloomhaven, sees players navigating a conflict between the two tribes of the Yeti-like Algox and an ancient threat stirring beneath the ice. It features three potential routes, each with their own set of missions. In the board game version, it has a mechanic that requires players to solve puzzles before they can progress, but the developers have elected to make the puzzle elements more of a guide for completing missions, which are still needed to obtain the clues needed to solve the puzzles as in the board game, in its version of the storyline.
The three new unlockable heroes are known to players as “Astral”, “Drill”, and “Shackles”. Astral makes use of infusions, which leads to effect chains. Meanwhile, Drill is built around a pressure mechanic; their pressure status grants different bonuses and effects on each their cards, also causing a change in their pressure status in the process. Finally, Shackles focuses on transferring pain and being able to transfer damage or debuffs to himself or enemies.
Other changes included in the update are improvements to the game’s UI and gameplay elements, with the goal of removing unnecessary details that may clutter the screen, but keeping them readily accessible for when players do need them. This includes the mission objectives section being made more compact and allowing users to click icons to view further details, including the full in-depth rules for many of its unique encounters. It also includes the first implementation of “ambiguity” rolls, where players can decide which of two randomised selections to take where appropriate, in outpost attacks, which will be extended to other areas in future updates. Other planned focuses for the team include making the game’s onboarding more friendly for newer players.
Frosthaven features both single-player and online co-op multiplayer. It sees players taking on quests and fighting in turn-based, grid-based battles using action and movement cards that work together with cards held by their teammates. Players also build up their outpost, building and upgrading structures that unlock new features and mechanics. The Early Access version of the game is currently available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The developers have stated that the game is expected to receive another two major content updates before fully releasing, and well and multiple minor updates. Other additions that are currently being considered or in the works include a save editor, which could enable players to “transfer progress” between the board game and video game.
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