As we continue to develop Wartales, we recognized a demand for more engaging late-game content. This led us to create a DLC focused primarily on the combat aspects of Wartales, designed to provide a robust challenge for those who have explored all other parts of the game. The idea for tying The Pits to black markets stemmed from elements already present in the base game. Black market agents, introduced after players confront bandit hideouts, hinted at more extensive storylines and unused content, such as early models for these agents. This DLC provided the perfect opportunity to bring these elements back into the spotlight, integrating them into the new combat pit scenarios. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40723209/644d64c35de403c3458c1a2f3539e392b7e5c800.png[/img] Each Pit has a unique theme, with distinctive visuals and gameplay. For instance, the fire pit not only stands out with its vivid red and orange hues but also introduces gameplay challenges like flammable surfaces and the 'Burn' status, transforming battles into strategic puzzles that require precise planning. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40723209/39dbffbfe8a86c772ab503f18070dd445b4895e6.jpg[/img] In crafting these Pits, we aimed to deepen the tactical gameplay and reduce the role of randomness in combat. Each battle is designed like a puzzle, requiring players to execute the right moves at critical moments. The predictability of enemy actions and the minimal variance in damage help ensure that strategic planning triumphs over chance. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40723209/2915e1c469c84818c34c2659683ff53b04a281e1.jpg[/img] This design philosophy extends to the challenges within each pit, where various traps not only add tension but also serve as strategic tools to tip the scales in tough fights. These hand-designed encounters aim to provide maximum tactical depth and challenge the effectiveness of previously established tactics without becoming overly frustrating. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40723209/ca32622d11defcca41e7f997e3a24cd48314c426.png[/img] We've also made sure the DLC is accessible to all types of players. Recognizing that not everyone has a large enough squad, we introduced the option to hire mercenaries to help in the Pits. Similarly, animals can participate, adding more variety to the strategic gameplay. The DLC also supports cooperative play, allowing for shared control of units when there are more players than available companions. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40723209/2fea3cbb7c13b10838a2b354c0bc50fc8c243030.jpg[/img] Upon completing a Pit for the first time, players can unlock a legendary helmet and the Brutal mode, a tougher challenge that modifies the combat dynamics slightly. With a total of five pits, each offering five battles that can be fought in two different difficulty modes, players can undertake 25 unique combat scenarios. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40723209/44ed86a8956878389f07f80a46936e1d3f92726d.jpg[/img] Successfully navigating these challenges not only proves tactical skill but also earns reputation points within the black market. Accumulating these points unlocks exclusive rewards like new weapons, consumables, and recipes, enhancing the overall gameplay experience and rewarding strategic mastery in new and exciting ways. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40723209/30bc4f4cec0e0349aa6c0c3b0c4759ba64c9d8b5.jpg[/img] As always, let us know what you think of the upcoming features! Join our awesome (and passionate) Wartales community on our [url=https://discord.com/invite/tEDwYvkhJJ]Discord[/url] server, [url=https://www.reddit.com/r/WarTalesGame/]Reddit[/url] page as well as [url=https://twitter.com/Wartales_Game]Twitter[/url]. Don't forget to wishlist The Pits! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3112270/Wartales__The_Pits/