Nearly four years after its debut, Stones Keeper has received a substantial overhaul, and existing Steam owners won’t have to buy it again. Developer SK Team and publisher Valkyrie Initiative released Stones Keeper: Director’s Cut on September 14, 2026, updating the dark fantasy tactical RPG’s campaign, combat, and presentation.
The combat changes include new Zone of Control and Backstab mechanics, alongside revised controls, balance adjustments, and expanded character progression.
The campaign also adds mercenaries, battles, and rewards, with Princess Elizabeth now able to join the fight herself. These changes arrive alongside reworked missions throughout the adventure.
SK Team has moved the original campaign onto the upgraded engine developed for Stones Keeper II: Chaos Lord. The story and dialogue have been rewritten, with redrawn cutscenes and closer connections to the sequel. New animations extend beyond the combat units to the world map, fortress interior, and main menu.
For anyone coming to the game for the first time, the story follows the Order of the Griffin, whose leadership passes to Princess Elizabeth after the death of King Aurelius. With undead forces advancing and former allies pursuing their own interests, Elizabeth leads an expedition to the Temple of Water to secure a future for her people.
Battles put you in charge of a recruited squad, using cover, attacking from behind, and destroying obstacles to open new routes.
Character development includes individual talents and equipment choices, while mission objectives range from sieges and defensive encounters to prisoner rescues and escort assignments. The campaign contains more than 45 story and combat missions.
Between those encounters, your base travels with you. The Order’s castle sits on a flying island that can be upgraded with better engines, stronger defenses, and improved hull integrity. You move across the world map to undertake missions, investigate ancient ruins, and find artifacts, while preparing the fortress to face enemy ships and other airborne islands.
Stones Keeper: Director’s Cut is available now on PC through Steam and GOG, with a new launch trailer accompanying the release. Returning Steam players who prefer the previous version can still access it by selecting the “original” branch under the game’s Properties and Betas menu.
