The latest update for 9 Kings is here, and it’s a big one! Not only does it bring a wealth of exciting content and significant gameplay changes, but it also marks a pivotal moment for the game. Alongside welcome adjustments to difficulty, a host of new achievements, and expanded deckbuilding options with fresh cards, the most crucial addition is a regal time traveler who finally allows 9 Kings to live up to its very name.
That’s right, 9 Kings now officially features nine unique monarchs! The King of Time makes his grand debut in this latest update, which developer Sad Socket has boldly dubbed their ‘most ambitious (and perhaps reckless) update yet.’ True to his name, this final character is a ‘multidimensional gentleman’ with a penchant for timeline-hopping conquest. Oh, and did we mention he literally has a clock for a face? We can only imagine the constant ticking.
This new royal brings a fresh suite of time-based cards, transforming how you approach one of the year’s standout strategy games. Success with the King of Time hinges on precise timing and strategic action, moving away from simple brute force or power-stacking tactics. He also introduces a wealth of new perks and decrees, including the intriguing ‘Broken Decrees’ – unique abilities intrinsically linked to his interdimensional travels.
Beyond the captivating new royal and his unique card set, the update introduces several other significant game-changing elements. Players who have conquered the game on King difficulty will unlock a powerful new ‘Banisher’ perk. This allows you to exclude a specific king before starting a match, providing crucial predictability and enabling more focused deck construction without worrying about countering that particular faction.
Sad Socket has subtly adjusted the overall challenge level across all difficulties. Interestingly, the initial couple of in-game years will now feel slightly easier, offering players more breathing room to explore diverse build strategies and experiment freely. This means a less stressful start to each run, leading to more intense and challenging encounters in the later stages.
For those who enjoy pursuing mastery beyond mere conquest, the update also brings 19 brand-new achievements, providing fresh goals to strive for in your quest for supremacy over the other kingdoms.
With the King of Time now fully integrated, Sad Socket’s grand vision of a complete ‘nonet of nobles’ has finally come to fruition. However, the game’s early access journey is far from over, with even more exciting developments planned.
The developer enthusiastically states, “We’re only getting started. With such a solid foundation now in place, we can truly begin to expand the game far beyond its current core. Expect a wealth of new content soon, including a patch with additional decrees and cards in the coming weeks. But our primary focus is on introducing exciting new game modes. As we continue to refine the balance of the existing kings, we’ll unlock fresh experiences that transcend traditional deck limits. Our hope is that Challenge and Ranked modes will elevate 9 Kings to an entirely new competitive plane.”
The latest 9 Kings update is available now! For a complete breakdown of every change and addition, you can find the full patch notes online.
If you’re looking for more addictive, unpredictable gameplay loops, be sure to explore our expert list of the best roguelikes – many of which are also card-based. And for those who love the thrill of forging and vanquishing kingdoms, our guide to the best 4X games will undoubtedly offer something to ignite your strategic passions.
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