Welcome to Grim Misadventures! We are back with another dev update, letting you take a peek into the latest from the Grim Dawn team.
In this update, we will be talking about our new rogue-like dungeons. For those not familiar, “rogue-like” games were early predecessors to the modern action-RPG and the name is derived from the 1980’s game Rogue. Rogue-likes are characterized by random layouts and permanent death that made the experience intense and final victory all the more satisfying. Unless you have started a hardcore character, you won’t die permanently in Grim Dawn but we have tried to capture the thrill of rogue-likes in these special challenge dungeons by sealing the door upon entering and disabling riftgates so that there is no escape except by gruesome death or fighting your way triumphantly to the end.
If you have not played Grim Dawn Early Access yet, the Steps of Torment is one of the most challenging dungeons currently available in Grim Dawn, featuring some of the strongest enemies and biggest rewards. However, only the first three floors of this dangerous location are currently available. Those enjoying Early Access will soon discover that there are two more floors that descend even deeper into Arkovia’s dark past.
With the addition of Steps of Torment (4-5), this dungeon will test your skills like nothing in Cairn has yet. Death will come swiftly to the unwary traveler. Devious new traps and powerful enemies line the halls. In fact, you may not even be able to take the same way through as the last time you entered and the treasures you seek may not appear in the same locations.
Even the entry is barred by a set of ancient doors which cannot be opened by any traditional means. Thankfully, there are those who know the secrets of the Gates of Anguish, and perhaps they will divulge this ancient knowledge with the right motivation.
A New Challenge
You will find Balvoruuk and his ghostly companion outside the ruins in Old Arkovia. This will mark the beginning of your journey into the Steps of Torment. Upon completing the quest line, you will earn your first Skeleton Key, as well as a blueprint to create additional ones.
The Master Key
This key is the only means by which the Gates of Anguish will re-open. But beware: the key is destroyed upon use and the doors will seal promptly behind you. The Steps of Torment will gladly devour the lives of the ill-prepared.
The Gates of Anguish Await
Will you brave the treacherous halls of Anguish and its devious traps? Perhaps the ancients were right in sealing this place away? Find out for yourself when Build 19 is released in the coming weeks.
Can’t get enough of what’s in store? Come back for our next dev update on 05/26/2014!
Attachment: Gates of Anguish.jpg
Attachment: Necromancer.jpg
Attachment: Skeleton Key.jpg
In all seriousness, this looks wicked, guys! 
Loving the look of Balvoruuk too (looks like the Nightblade art, always a plus in my book!) and I can’t wait to see what OTHER ancient doors that skeleton key will open!
