If you’re waiting for the next Hades 2 update and need something to scratch the itch, Realm of Ink might be just what you’re looking for. The early access game takes very much after Supergiant’s formula, and combines it with stunning artwork to render one of the prettiest action roguelikes you’ll find on Steam. In its major December update, developer Leap Studio introduces more ink gem powers, additional abilities for all characters, a plethora of perks, and a legendary elixir system to transform your builds in all-new ways.
“As we edge closer to the highly anticipated 1.0 release, we want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our players for your unwavering support throughout this year,” the Realm of Ink developer writes. With an overall user rating of 92% on Steam and reviews across the past 30 days pushing up into an ‘overwhelmingly positive’ 96%, Leap Studio’s project comes impressively close to rivaling the mighty, much-anticipated Hades 2 as the top-rated new roguelike on the Valve platform this year, albeit at a smaller scale.
The December update is a big one. At the top of the list are three new ink gems. Guardian Ink summons the Guardian’s Soul ink pet. Pisces Ink gives your ink pets the ability to trigger damage-over-time effects and summons a unique pet. Kylin Ink improves the quality of the perks that drop and gives you more control over them.
There are nine new character-specific abilities to try out. I’m personally most taken by Red’s Ripple Strike, which turns the final hit of her light attack into a dash forward and back, dealing damage at both locations while making you temporarily invulnerable. 21 perks have been added, ranging from the General’s Meteor Hammer, which can cause bonus hammer strikes to follow up your ink skills, to the Carefree Bamboo Contract, which summons a panda pet that doesn’t move but amplifies the damage you deal when nearby and will teleport near you, dealing AoE damage, when you use an ink skill.
The final but most significant upgrade is the introduction of legendary elixirs. Each ink gem power now has a matching elixir that will amplify or transform its effects. The elixir for the new Guardian Soul pet, for example, reduces your pet’s skill cooldown and gives the on-death effects a 25% chance to trigger a second time. The Kylin Ink’s elixir boosts your perk damage by a whopping 30%, and gives you two extra free refreshes on the perks available to buy in The Emporium.
The Realm of Ink December update is out now, and there’s currently a 10% discount on the game, meaning you’ll pay $15.29 / £12.86 for your copy. There’s also a free demo you can download and try first if you’re curious.
If you’re in the mood for some more high-octane holiday hijinks, we’ve rounded up the best action games in 2024, along with the best indie games on PC right now for plenty of hidden gems you might have missed.
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