Source: Keen Games

Keen Games announced on the 23rd that it has released 'Backporting,' the final major update for the early access phase of its open-world survival action game, Enshrouded.

Developed based on player feedback, 'Souls of the Sea' introduces the most significant changes since launch, featuring comprehensive system overhauls across combat, progression, beginner experience, crafting, building, and social features.

The combat system has been completely revamped with the introduction of a 'Focus Gauge' for special weapon abilities, while a new reposting system and two-handed weapon rework significantly enhance strategic depth and impact.

Enemy alert mechanisms have also been improved; enemies now react in stages—from active searching while on alert to engaging in full combat. Additionally, wands have received increased range and durability, and the explosion radius of the basic Fireball spell has been expanded.

Skills can now be leveled up after being unlocked, allowing for focused investment in core abilities. Lower base unlock costs enable players to complete essential skill trees faster, and increased connectivity between classes in the skill tree allows for more flexible hybrid builds.

Players can also unlock new perks tailored to their playstyle and upgrade armor, shields, wards, and rings with runes, making hunting more accessible than before.

The highly requested 'Adventure Sharing' feature has been added, allowing players to upload their own worlds or download and explore content created by others via a dedicated hub.

A craftable camera item now allows for in-game base screenshots, with future updates planned to include logic systems, interactive elements, puzzles, enemy spawners, and traps.

In preparation for the 1.0 release, the early-game experience has been overhauled, with a redesigned tutorial and starting area that allow players to learn core content more naturally.

Convenience features such as the quest log, crafting system, and item set functionality have been improved, and the building system has undergone major revisions, significantly enhancing material management and construction efficiency through the use of magic chests.

"This update focuses on the community's voice, deepening the combat experience and laying the foundation for sharing creations," said Creative Director Antony Christoulakis. "During Early Access, we have delivered eight major updates, 13 patches, and 36 hotfixes, and we will continue to provide support after the 1.0 official launch."

As the final major update of the Early Access period, 'Souls of the Sea' aims to further refine the game's polish ahead of the 1.0 official version and console release scheduled for this fall.

Since its Steam early access launch in January 2024, Enshrouded has been enjoyed by over 5 million players worldwide. Further information is available on the game's official website and X (formerly Twitter).