Fun Dog Studios has unveiled an exciting update for their extraction-survival game, The Forever Winter, titled The Descent to Averno is Easy. This major update, available during the game's early access phase, brings a host of significant changes to core mechanics, aimed at deepening gameplay and enhancing the overall player experience.
A standout feature of this update is the revamped water system. Unlike the previous real-time consumption model, water now functions as a currency that grants access to various regions within the game. The price of access fluctuates daily, adding a strategic layer to resource management. Players can also trade water with their teammates before matches start, which encourages teamwork and planning. To balance this new system, quest rewards and resource distribution across the map have been recalibrated. Those who had stockpiled water prior to the update will be rewarded with a special bonus from the developers in the near future.
Combat mechanics have received substantial upgrades as well. Enhancements include a comprehensive overhaul of recoil, accuracy, weapon sway, and handling. Aiming mechanics, reload animations, and shotgun balance have been refined, with these improvements currently applied to several weapons. The developers plan to extend these enhancements to the entire weapon arsenal in upcoming updates, ensuring a consistent and satisfying combat experience across the board.
The enemy AI has been made more realistic and responsive. New detection indicators give players clearer feedback on how close they are to being spotted, while enemies now react more intelligently to their environment and combat situations. The spawn system has also been revised to prevent unfair encounters, ensuring that enemies no longer appear directly in front of or behind players.
To add variety and excitement, The Descent to Averno is Easy introduces two new features: the Stairway to Heaven map and a night mode for the Frozen Swamp. The night mode brings horror-inspired elements to the atmosphere, intensifying the game's tension and immersion. Other enhancements include an improved looting system, reworked melee combat for enemies, and a selection of new quests that offer fresh challenges and rewards for players to conquer.