Blasphemous: Stir of Dawn Overview

Blasphemous: Stir of Dawn represents a substantial free expansion for the brutal action-platformer developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17. Released on August 4, 2020, this update brings a host of new challenges and content to players across PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Building upon the dark, gothic foundation of the original title, the Stir of Dawn expansion introduces a New Game+ mode known as "New Torment," offering veteran players a deeper dive into the nightmarish world of Cvstodia.

Story and Setting

The expansion unlocks a fresh story branch that continues the journey of The Penitent One. The narrative shifts as Laudes, an ancient creation of the Miracle, awakens to challenge the protagonist. This development forces players to undertake a perilous quest to defeat the five Amanecidas. Along this new path, adventurers will encounter fresh characters, including Jibrael and Nacimiento, expanding the lore of this twisted world. The update maintains the game's reputation as a punishing experience that blends atmospheric storytelling with intense combat.

Gameplay Mechanics and New Torment

Central to the Stir of Dawn update is the New Torment mode, which allows those who have completed the main campaign to face a higher level of difficulty. A key feature of this mode is the introduction of the Three Penitences system, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience with drastic handicaps and corresponding rewards. These choices fundamentally alter how players approach combat and survival:

  • Unwavering Faith: Tailored for those who prefer magic-based play, this penitence features regenerating fervour used to execute special moves. However, fervour is lost upon taking damage, and sword damage is halved.
  • Bleeding Heart: This option offers a more classic gaming feel by replacing the lifebar with a set of stocks, where every attack deals one stock of damage. Enemies also respawn when entering rooms, increasing the pressure to clear areas quickly.
  • True Guilt: A punishing mode where players lose maximum fervour upon death. Tears of Atonement, the in-game currency, are placed in a fragment; dying again before retrieving the fragment results in the permanent loss of those Tears. Additionally, flasks grant fervour rather than health recovery.

Notable Features and Enhancements

Beyond the new modes, Blasphemous: Stir of Dawn overhauls various systems to improve gameplay. The update adds seven new executions to keep combat impactful and introduces a revamped map system with additional warp points to ease traversal. Quality of life improvements include an improved counterattack mechanic, new animations, and updated voiceovers, including full Spanish voice acting. The expansion also brings new items, new areas to explore, and adjustments to enemy balancing. For those seeking a lighter moment amidst the torment, the update even allows players to pet the dog.

Who It Appeals To

Blasphemous: Stir of Dawn is ideal for fans of challenging action-platformers and those who enjoy the intricate world-building and combat found in titles comparable to Metroidvania and Dark Souls styles. The free nature of the DLC makes it an essential addition for previous owners, while the Three Penitences system provides a compelling reason for speedrunners and challenge seekers to return to Cvstodia. The expansion caters to players who appreciate deep mechanics, varied playstyles, and a dark, oppressive atmosphere.