Shadows of Thornkeep has rolled out version 0.8.0, titled Highland Crawlers, with a new open world area, a new hero class, interface changes, and more visual rework as the game moves closer to its 1.0 release.
The big addition is the Highlands, a new side location that players can reach through Rotfen. Like the Infected Village and Deep Woods, it is not part of the main path, but it gives players another reason to explore the map.
Its main feature is a new vendor who sells rare Class Items. These items can change or reshape hero abilities, which should open up more build options for parties that are already deep into the current version.
The update also adds the Harbinger, a frontline class built around bleed damage. It is designed to stay in the front row while stacking damage over time, so it should fit parties that want a tougher fighter with a more aggressive long fight plan.
The class can later branch into Exorcist or Reaper. Exorcist leans into support by helping the party regenerate mana, while Reaper pushes the bleed side harder, especially during boss fights where repeated stacks can matter more.
Version 0.8.0 also improves the character sheet, and new mouseover popups now explain ideal party placement and the most useful stats for each class.
There is also more work on the game’s older enemy art. Drowners and Crabmen now have new sprites and animations, continuing the effort to bring earlier assets closer to the newer visual standard.
Tryzna also gave a brief look at what comes next. Update 0.9 will return to endgame content, with more Blood Tree talents, additional Blood Stone types, smaller tweaks, and a dedicated sound set for the Goatmen enemy faction. Version 1.0 is getting closer, but Thornkeep still has a few more systems to tighten before it reaches that point.
Shadows of Thornkeep is available in early access on PC via Steam.
