Sabotage Studio has officially released Dawn of Equinox, a free content update for Sea of Stars, adding a wealth of new features that elevate the beloved retro-inspired RPG to its next phase. The update, available on all major gaming platforms including PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, brings a cooperative gameplay experience, revamped combat mechanics, and a host of quality-of-life improvements to the award-winning title.
To mark the launch of Dawn of Equinox, Sabotage Studio has unveiled a trailer detailing the suite of new features. The trailer highlights how the update brings new layers to the game’s world and mechanics, showcasing elements like cooperative play and refined combat that enhance the journey of players guiding the Solstice Warriors through their adventure.
Thierry Boulanger, co-founder of Sabotage Studio, described the update as a gift to the Sea of Stars community, thanking fans for their continued support. “The overwhelming love and support they’ve shown us ever since we announced Sea of Stars is what gave our team the means to return to the project and refine it even more,” he said. He also hinted at further developments with the game’s upcoming Throes of the Watchmaker DLC, set to release in Spring 2025.
Highlights of the Dawn of Equinox Update
- New Local Co-op Mode: For the first time, Sea of Stars can be played in a three-player local co-op mode, allowing friends to join forces for the entire story. Players can collaborate on combat, including the new Co-op Timed Hits mechanic, which requires synchronized attacks to maximize damage.
- Combat 2.0: The update introduces Mystery Locks, a mechanic that challenges players to discover vulnerabilities in enemy spells. New “Reveal” functions added to characters’ skills help players uncover these weaknesses. Additionally, Combo Points now carry over between battles, giving players more strategic options for how to tackle each encounter.
- Revamped Prologue: In response to community feedback, the game’s prologue has been restructured, shifting away from flashbacks and incorporating playable combat sequences featuring the main characters in their youth. This change allows for a more immersive introduction to the game’s world and its heroes.
- New Cinematic Moment: A new scene, titled “Paths on Water,” has been added to deepen a pivotal moment in the story, enhancing the emotional resonance of the original narrative.
- Speedrunner Mode Relic: With the new relic item, speedrunners can activate settings that optimize gameplay for setting new records, offering tools that make the game more accessible for timed challenges.
- Difficulty Options: Players can now select from three difficulty presets when beginning a new game, each designed to match different play styles. The game’s Relics system also offers customizable options, including several new relics aimed at both accessibility and challenge adjustments.
- Enhanced Parrot Relic: The game’s secret-tracking parrot now has an expanded ability set, making it even easier for players to locate missed collectibles or side challenges throughout the campaign.
- French Canadian Localization: A full Quebecois translation has been added, expanding accessibility for Canadian French-speaking players.
What’s Next: Throes of the Watchmaker DLC
The Dawn of Equinox update sets the stage for Sea of Stars’ upcoming expansion, Throes of the Watchmaker, slated for release in Spring 2025. This free DLC introduces a brand-new storyline featuring a magical clockwork world, a new playable character, and challenges that force heroes Valere and Zale to innovate with their powers to overcome unique obstacles. Like Dawn of Equinox, the DLC will be playable in co-op mode.
A Growing Legacy for Sea of Stars
Since its debut, Sea of Stars has attracted over 5 million players and critical acclaim for its nostalgic gameplay, reminiscent of RPG classics from the 90s. The game won Best Independent Game at The Game Awards and has become a top choice for fans of turn-based RPGs. Available for $34.99 across multiple platforms, Sea of Stars is also accessible to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass subscribers at no additional cost.
