Stoneshard is one of the most unique RPGs in early access right now, blending turn-based tactical combat with an unforgiving survival system. Every fight matters, every wound counts, and every choice in your build shapes your long-term playthrough.
With the Beasts and Sages update, the world of Aldor has expanded significantly, bringing new environments, enemies, mechanics, and progression options that deepen the already brutal experience.
Stoneshard Of Beasts and Sages Update Guide – New Bosses
What’s New in Beasts and Sages?
1. Caves & Mining Encounters
- Newly added cave systems expand exploration beneath the surface.
- Expect to run into both human miners and hostile underground creatures.
- Caves are designed to be resource-heavy but dangerous, rewarding careful preparation.
Tips:
- Carry torches or light spells; darkness can make fights chaotic.
- Don’t underestimate miners – they’re armed and can overwhelm you if you’re careless.
2. New Enemy Types & Mini-Bosses
- The update introduces nefarious underground beasts, some acting as mini-bosses.
- These fights are designed to test positioning and stamina management more than before.
Survival Advice:
- Always have bandages and healing salves.
- Don’t engage enemies blindly – use the shout mechanic to bait them into favorable terrain.
- Wolves and boars in the overworld remain lethal – treat new monsters with the same respect.
3. Herbs, Buffs & New Equipment
- Several new herbal items were added, granting temporary buffs such as regeneration, resistance, or stamina boosts.
- New equipment sets expand build variety and let you fine-tune your mercenary.
Why this matters:
- Herbs now play a tactical role beyond crafting. Using the right buff before a cave run can mean the difference between victory and death.
4. The Arcanist Ability Tree
- A brand-new magic-focused skill tree designed for spellcasters.
- Adds new layers of depth for sorcerer-style builds, but can also be mixed with hybrid melee/magic mercenaries.
Example Builds:
- Pure Arcanist Sorcerer: Maximize mana efficiency and magical burst damage.
- Hybrid Battlemage: Combine heavy armor with Arcanist utilities for a bruiser playstyle.
- Magic Archer: Mix ranged combat with support spells for versatile control.
Core Gameplay Reminders
Deep Build Flexibility
- No classes – your build is entirely shaped by chosen stats, gear, and ability trees.
- Every character has unique traits, but you’re not locked to them.
- Example: Jana, a runaway sorceress, can be played as a heavy-armored greatsword fighter.
Permanent Choices
- Max level is 30.
- No respec potions exist. Once you commit to a path, you live (or die) with it.
- This makes early planning critical – balance survivability with damage output.
Brutal Combat & Survival
- Every body part matters. Broken arms, bleeding wounds, and infections can end a run.
- Resource management is vital – carry bandages, splints, and food.
- Positioning and environment control are more important than raw DPS.
Community & Ongoing Development
- Stoneshard’s Discord community is active, with both dev feedback and player theorycrafting.
- Expect more updates – the game is still in early access and evolving rapidly.
- The devs are transparent with teasers, patch notes, and testing new mechanics.
Should You Play in 2025?
Absolutely. Here’s why:
- Depth: Limitless build experimentation thanks to classless design.
- Challenge: Combat rewards patience and punishes arrogance.
- World-Building: Every settlement, NPC, and dungeon is crafted with lore and danger.
- Longevity: Updates like Beasts and Sages prove the devs are committed to expanding the game.
If you’re hesitant, try the free prologue, which includes:
- Early access to ability trees (melee, ranged, magic).
- A boss fight at the end to test your skill.
The Beasts and Sages update is a huge step forward, making 2025 the best time yet to jump into Stoneshard. Between the new caves, enemies, herbs, and the powerful Arcanist tree, the game now offers even more survival depth and build variety.