Update [Tue 12th Nov, 2024 16:30 GMT]: After weeks of anticipation, Sabotage Studio's free 'Dawn of Equinox' update for Sea of Stars is finally here! The latest patch has landed on Nintendo Switch today, bringing a host of exciting features. Players can now enjoy local co-op, a fresh combat system, a revamped prologue, new cinematics, difficulty settings, and much more — all at no extra cost.
Sabotage Studio shared the update trailer on Twitter, expressing gratitude for the "overwhelming support" from players since the game's release. They noted that this new version embodies "everything we ever hoped this adventure to be".
For a complete list of additions in the 'Dawn of Equinox' update, visit the Sabotage website. Alternatively, scroll down to see the full rundown in our original article below.
Original article [Mon 30th Sep, 2024 15:00 BST]: Here's some unexpected good news. Before next year's 'Throes of the Watchmaker' DLC, Sabotage Studio has announced another free, feature-packed update for the popular nautical RPG Sea of Stars. Even better, it's set to launch on 12th November. The 'Dawn of Equinox' update focuses on adding highly requested features, with Sabotage calling it the "fully realised vision for Sea of Stars' spectacular adventure".
What's included? The headline addition is local co-op, briefly teased earlier this year. This feature allows you to play the entire story with up to two friends, including a new Co-Op Timed Hits system for team-based enemy takedowns.
Additionally, there's a new combat system dubbed Combat 2.0, introducing fresh ways to break enemy barriers and build up Combo Points. Players will also find a completely revamped prologue with its own action sequences, a new cinematic, difficulty presets, and more.
Here's Sabotage Studios' full list of features in Dawn of Equinox:
- Brand-New Local Co-op: Play Sea of Stars' entire story with up to three players. Allies explore the world together and master a new Co-op Timed Hits combat mechanic.
Revamped Prologue: The updated introduction now features combat for the younger versions of our heroes. The new structure abandons the flashback approach, instead beginning with their childhood and directly incorporating action into the prologue.
New Cinematic Scene: An entirely fresh cutscene, dubbed "Paths on Water," has been added to highlight a crucial moment in the original adventure.
Speedrunner Mode Relic: This newly introduced item activates a range of features designed to assist players aiming to set personal bests or world records.
Difficulty Options: Players can now choose from three difficulty presets when starting a new game, each utilizing the game's Relic system. Additional Relics have been introduced, offering both quality of life improvements and difficulty adjustments.
Enhanced Parrot Relic: Sea of Stars' secret-tracking parrot has expanded its skillset, now providing improved assistance to players seeking out overlooked challenges and collectibles.
Quebecois Localization: A comprehensive French Canadian translation has been added, catering to Quebec's finest Solstice Warriors. The update also includes a constellation of general improvements spanning Sea of Stars' entire campaign.
Quality of Life Enhancements: While the wait for Throes of the Watchmaker's Spring 2025 release may feel lengthy, this update serves as a welcome opportunity to reconnect with the Solstice Warriors in the meantime.
For those yet to experience Sea of Stars, it captivated us upon its Switch release last year. Our full review, available below, hails the throwback RPG as "an instant classic and a new benchmark for modern retro-styled indies."
