Dragonkin The Banished is getting a big new content drop this week, as developer EKO Software releases the second major update in the run up to version 1.0.
The early access action RPG currently has mixed reviews on Steam, with fans praising the game’s visuals, skills and grid-based ability system that encourages forward planning and experimentation.
Needless to say, the problem with most early access games is that some systems are slightly underbaked and the overall lack of content.
Fortunately, this looks like it will change for the better when Dragonkin: The Banished’s Tracker update launches on September 16.
As the name suggests, the new update adds the brand new Tracker character class to the game.
Named Qara Tani, the Tracker strikes a nice balance between ranged and close-quarters combat, making her a good pick for fans looking for a more balanced build for all occasions.
A lot of her attacks have a toxic twist, and will deal additional damage over time. This includes the Dance of Daggers, which sees Qara Tani unleash a barrage of toxic daggers in all directions as she moves. That’s on top of the Noxious Star, is a large toxic projectile that ricochets off walls.
However, it’s Qara Tani’s Innate Targeting Ability that’s perhaps the most useful, allowing her to apply a mark after hitting an enemy with an ability.
EKO Software explains more: “When activated, Qara Tani throws a knife at every marked enemy, consuming all Marks on each target for a lethal burst attack.
“Enemies then take damage that scales with the number of Marks applied to them and Qara Tani refunds energy for every enemy killed that way or if they had the maximum of Marks.”
The new Tracker character will launch with a total of 17 skills, meaning there’s a lot for players to experiment with.
While the addition of Qara Tani is the headline new feature, the imminent Dragonkin: The Banished update adds a whole lot more.
This includes an extra two skills for each current class of the Knight, the Barbarian, and the Oracle.
For example, the Knight will now be able to use the Defensive Blow shield strike, which acts as both a melee and projectile. That’s on top of the Heaven’s Hope skill, which sees Lothair invoke a burning light that heals allies and damages enemies within its range. What I like about Heaven’s Hope is that it can be used alongside other skills at the same time.
If you’ve been burning through the game and are tried of the same old battles in the same locations, you’ll be pleased to hear that new locations are on the way.
The September 16 update introduces the flaming ‘Volcanic Plains of Koleos’, as well as The Resurgence Stronghold.
The locations launch alongside the Catacombs of Fire dungeon purification, not to mention a boatload of new enemies and bosses.
Needless to say, the update makes a variety of bug fixes, gameplay tweaks and quality of life improvements.
The latter includes a feature that fans have been crying out for, as the ability to filter loot finally joins the game. This will make it easier to sort items and focus on what you actually want and need.
The Loot Filter function includes the ability to create templates, set rules and sort loot by priority. You’ll also be able to hide, display, and highlight specific types of items.
Then there’s the Death Recap function, which will show you how you died in order to better prepare for future runs.
Finally, fans are encouraged to pick up the second Founders Pack, which is only available until the update launches on September 16.
Fortunately, Founders Pack 2 will be replaced by a third pack, which adds six pieces of equipment, including a chest and a helmet for the Knight, Oracle and Barbarian.
That’s on top of a further six pieces of equipment for the Tracker, as well as two death visual effects for your character.