Patch NotesIronmaceSeason #10

Dark and Darker Early Access Season #10 Patch Notes (17th July 2026)

Season 10 resets everything and introduces major magic overhauls for Wizard and Cleric, a weapon-specific parry system, and two weeks of solo-only dungeon runs.

Nathan Lees16 min read
Dark and Darker wizard casting new arcane magic in a dungeon setting
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Early Access Season 10 is live, and it's a full reset. All characters, items, stashes, and progression wiped. But what you're getting in return justifies the wipe: nearly 40 new perks, skills, and spells spread across all four classes, with Wizard and Cleric receiving the heaviest magical overhauls. New Artifacts are in the loot pool, and Firedeep has expanded from a 3x3 to a 5x5 layout with fresh modules and a Magma Wyvern boss.

The real mechanical shift here is the riposte system. Sword and dagger users now have a defined sweet spot on their weapons. Block within it, and you can riposte immediately. Block outside it, and you're just guarding. Other weapons have been reworked into a block-and-riposte model instead. It's a skill-based change that rewards precision rather than spam.

Ironmace is running a two-week Solo Self-Found event starting now, which means the Trading Post and Marketplace stay locked until July 31. Arena season 3 kicks off the same day, limited to Epic gear with no loss penalties. Quest guidance has been tightened, Triumph EXP is easier to earn across all modes, and Adventure Ranks now award actual gold at the top tiers. Check the full list, including every Firedeep module expansion and headshot sound effect improvement, below.

Full Patch Notes

▲ Buff▼ Nerf✓ Fix◆ Tweak

Hello Adventurers,

Welcome to Early Access Season 10. All character levels, items, stashes, inventory, reward tokens, karma, quest, affinity, and triumph levels have been reset. This season brings several large new features.

  • Enter the Flames! – Power stirs once more within the dungeons. New arcane magic has awakened. Forgotten divine magic has been rediscovered, and a new terror now rises from the Firedeep.
  • Nearly 40 new perks, skills and spells! – Overwhelming magic has been bestowed upon the Wizard and Cleric. Also a broad revamp of many familiar skills for the other classes.
  • New Artifacts – Are you worthy enough to discover and wield the brand new Artifacts and minor Artifacts?
  • New Melee Riposte Mechanics - Blocking with sword-type weapons now takes into consideration the size and sweet spot of the weapons. Blocking with the sweet spot now allows a quicker riposte.
  • More QoL and Smoother Progression – Numerous QoL improvements including better game guidance, smoother quest progression, and quicker unlocks. Triumph exp can now be more easily earned in all game modes. The Adventure Ranks have been extended with actual gold rewards for attaining the top ranks!

We have decided to start this season with a two-week ‘Solo Self Found’ event. This means that the Trading Post and Marketplace will not open until July 30, 2026. In the lead up to that date, we will be running a Twitch Drops Campaign from July 18. Also be sure to login and collect all your EA Season 9 rewards including the first Solo/Duo Arena portrait borders. The new Arena season 3 will also commence on July 31, 2026. Please note that the Arenas will be limited to ‘Epic’ grade and you will not lose your gear upon a loss.

Finally, be sure to collect your ‘EAS10 Welcome Delivery’ pack from the Expressman’s ‘Post Express’ service tab to help you start the season off with a bit of gold. We thank you and see you in the dungeons!

IRONMACE

Bugfixes:

  • Fixed an issue where rewards from the previous season could fail to be claimed.
  • Fixed an issue where the Rogue's Thrust could be applied to weapons other than daggers.
  • Fixed an issue where casting spells with the Magic Staff could apply an additional 10% movement speed penalty.
  • Fixed an issue where War Cry's 20% Max Health Bonus was not applied to Bonus Health, causing less Health to be granted than intended.
  • Fixed an issue where the Ranger's Explosive Shot would not trigger the effects of Longshot Expert, Point-Blank Expert, or Purge Shot.
  • Fixed an issue where an Escape Portal in the Forgotten Castle - Ruins, Great Hall C module could spawn overlapping background props.
  • Fixed an issue where the Ice Kobold's low-health animation could be interrupted or fail to play.
  • Fixed an issue where the Demon Imp could fail to use its healing behavior even when nearby monsters were present.
  • Fixed an issue where screen shake could occur during the Fire Colossus' attack patterns.
  • Fixed an issue where players could avoid taking damage from lava in the Fire Colossus boss room.
  • Fixed an issue where updated key bindings might not be reflected in the key guide.
  • Fixed an issue where players could respond to Highlight Pings.
  • Fixed an issue where the Highlight Ping icon could be displayed incorrectly.
  • Fixed an issue where using a Highlight Ping (V) on the map could behave like a regular ping.
  • Fixed an issue where Highlight Ping (V) could also be used on inventory items and quests.
  • Fixed an issue where the directional audio of ping sounds could play from an unintended direction.
  • Fixed an issue where pings could appear larger than intended on Arena maps.
  • Fixed an issue where Faustian Bargain transformation points could be reset when moving to the next floor.
  • Fixed an issue where the order of required quest items could differ between the lobby and the dungeon.

Game Updates:

  • Optimized the monster spawning system to improve server performance.
  • Claim the EAS10 Welcome Delivery package from the "Post Express" tab of the Expressman.
  • New cosmetic items have been added to the Shop.
  • The purchase quantity for Redstone Shards has been adjusted.
  • Improved item previews in the Shop and Customize screens.
  • The Early Access Season 10 Pack is now available. It includes one permanent Magma Wyvern Torch skin, 2 Redstones, 1 shared stash tab and 5 additional Marketplace slots available for the season, 3 Gold Coin Bags (non-tradeable), 6 Gold Coin Pouches (non-tradeable), and a bundle of consumables.
  • The Twitch Drops campaign will run from July 18 to August 7. For more details, please see the announcement in the Twitch Drops section on our official website.
  • The Early Access Season #10 Solo Self-Found (SSF) event will run during the first two weeks of the season. The Marketplace and Trading Post will open on July 31.
  • During this period only, the High-Roller Gear Score requirement will be reduced from 280 to 140.
  • Added nearly 40 new perks, skills, and spells for the Rogue, Ranger, Wizard, and Cleric.
  • Improved the sound effects for the Fighter's Spell Reflection and Last Bastion.
  • Improved the sound effects for the Barbarian's Morale Boost.
  • Added headshot sound effects. Landing a headshot with a primary weapon now plays different sounds based on the weapon type. Applies to players, sub-bosses, and bosses. (Excludes thrown utility weapons and spell projectiles.)
  • Reworked projectile pass-by sound effects, improving distant projectile audio and overall sound quality.
  • Added a near-death audio effect. When Health falls below 20%, sounds become muffled.
  • A scream sound now plays when falling to your death.
  • Optimized lighting in several modules of The Forgotten Castle - Crypt.
  • Firedeep in The Ashen Range has been expanded to a 5x5 layout. Explore new modules, monsters, and a new Magma Wyvern boss.
  • Dreadspine no longer appears in the game. It’s special dropped items are now dropped by the Skeleton Champion and Abomination.
  • Changed how the spell, music, transformation, and emote selection wheels are canceled. Moving the cursor to the center of the wheel cancels the current selection. Since the center is selected by default when opening the wheel, opening and immediately closing it will now cancel the selection. This change also allows Sorcerers to cast two-handed spells while holding a Crystal Ball.
  • Updated a new Riposte system.
  • Parry & Riposte - Parry is a weapon-specific trait. Only sword-type and dagger weapons can perform a parry now by blocking an attack with their parry sweet spot, allowing for an immediate Riposte. If they block an attack outside their sweet spot, they can only guard against the attack and forego the chance to riposte.
  • Block & Riposte - Most of the weapons that cannot parry have now been changed to a block & riposte weapon. Blocking an attack will elicit the blocking animation based on the impact difference of the weapons. A block-riposte can be triggered after the block.
  • The Riposte damage modifiers have been updated to reflect the greater skill required to successfully land a riposte.
  • Added new Artifacts and Minor Artifacts: Shadowbite, Windreaver, Titanium Pavise, Grimveil Cloak, Tear of Hrímthurs, and Soul-Devoted Folio.
  • Added an "Auto-Equip Supplies" checkbox to the Quick Purchase popup shown before entering Normal and Squire Royale modes.
  • Base Supplies will not be automatically equipped if the box is unchecked.
  • Locked quests now display the prerequisite quest and quest giver’s name.
  • Quest items now display the name of the merchant they should be turned in to.
  • Added a confirmation popup when submitting Unique or higher rarity items for quests that accept items regardless of rarity.
  • Improved achievement completion indicators to make newly completed achievements easier to find. Indicators are shown from the category down to the achievement and remain until clicked.
  • Reworked the Triumph system. Triumph EXP can now be earned by escaping dungeons, killing or assisting in the killing of enemy players. The amount earned varies depending on the game mode and floor. The EXP required for each Triumph level has also been adjusted.
  • The Demigod rank has been expanded to Level 50. Reaching each Demigod level grants 10,000 Gold delivered through the Expressman. (Must be claimed within one week and expires at the end of the season.)
  • Goblin Recovery recovery rates are now displayed in the game mode descriptions.
  • Moved the Recent Party Members list to the left side of the screen.
  • Moved the Ping icon displayed on character portraits to the left side.

    Balance Updates:

    General

    • Adjusted the Artifact drop distribution table due to the addition of new artifacts and a new boss.
    • Adjusted the Merchant Affinity requirements for purchasing equipment. Uncommon equipment can now be purchased at 25 Affinity, and Rare equipment at 50 Affinity.
    • Reduced the cost of Workshop Crafting, Workshop Enhancing, and Upgrading the Workshop.

    Classes

    Fighter

    • Weapon Guard now grants +1 Impact Resistance, and its Physical Damage Reduction effect has been removed.
    • Perfect Block duration has been increased from 8 to 12 seconds. Cooldown has been increased from 7 to 8 seconds.
    • Last Bastion duration has been increased from 8 to 12 seconds. Cooldown has been reduced from 48 to 32 seconds.
    • Disarm cooldown has been reduced from 24 to 18 seconds.
    • Pommel Strike cooldown has been reduced from 18 to 12 seconds.
    • Fortified Ground cooldown has been reduced from 18 to 12 seconds.
    • Combo Attack now grants its buff immediately after the first successful hit.

    Barbarian

    • Hurl Weapon cooldown has been reduced from 16 to 8 seconds.
    • Whirlwind damage scaling has been increased from 80% to 100%.
    • Grappling Hook slow duration has been reduced from 1.5 to 1 second.

    Rogue

    • Added the new skill Play Dead.
    • Added the new perk Wall Ride.
    • Exiting Hide now applies a -30% Physical Damage Bonus for 3 seconds.
    • Removed the Physical Damage Bonus effect from Ambush.
    • Sneak Attack damage has been increased from 10 to 15. Cooldown has been increased from 22 to 24 seconds.
    • Shadowstep cooldown has been reduced from 30 to 24 seconds.
    • Dagger Mastery Physical Damage Bonus has been increased from 10% to 15%.
    • Lethal Mark's multiplicative Physical Damage Reduction has been increased from 15% to 30%.
    • Trickster now grants 30% Action Speed while throwing Throwing Knives (up from 20%), adds 10% Move Speed while throwing, and increases item equip speed by 50%.

    Ranger

    • Added the new perk Overload.
    • Purge Shot has been changed from a perk to a skill. It now removes all buffs and deals 10 Magical Damage for each buff removed.
    • Forceful Shot's knockback duration has been reduced from 10 seconds to 8 seconds.
    • Overdraw charge time per stack has been reduced from 1.25 to 1 second.
    • Explosive Shot damage-over-time duration has been increased from 8 to 10 seconds, and its damage has been increased from 7 to 10.

    Sorcerer

    • Increased the knockback distance of Windblast and Vortex slightly.
    • Eruption cast time has been reduced from 0.85 to 0.75 seconds, and its launch height has been reduced from 1000 to 800.
    • Fire Arrow damage has been increased from 8 to 10.
    • Lightning Storm damage has been increased from 10 (1.0) to 15 (0.75).
    • Flamethrower damage has been increased from 20 to 25, while its duration has been reduced from 5 to 4 seconds.
    • Flamefrost Spear damage has been increased from 30/30 to 35/35.
    • Mana Flow duration has been increased from 3 to 4 seconds.
    • Increased the projectile speed of Water Bolt slightly.
    • Aqua Prison Wet duration has been increased from 2 to 3 seconds, and its projectile speed has been increased slightly.
    • Slightly increased the size of Mud Shield and the distance at which it is created.
    • Frost Breath now reduces Move Speed by 20%, up from 10%.

    Wizard

    • Added the new perk Cold Focus.
    • Added the new perk Lingering Magic.
    • Added the new perk Static Charge.
    • Added the new perk Glass Cannon.
    • Added the new perk Focused Mind.
    • Added the new perk Arcane Precision.
    • Added the new skill Arcane Surge.
    • Added the new skill Arcane Insight.
    • Added the new skill Arcane Infusion.
    • Added the new spell Transmutation.
    • Added the new spell Sleep.
    • Added the new spell Frost Wave.
    • Added the new spell Fly.
    • Added the new spell Polymorph.
    • Added the new spell Teleport.
    • Added the new spell Meteor Strike.
    • Fireball damage has been reduced from 35 to 30.
    • Zap damage has been reduced from 20 to 15.
    • Ice Bolt damage has been reduced from 30 to 20.
    • Lightning Strike damage has been reduced from 30 to 25.
    • Explosion damage has been reduced from 25 to 20.

    Cleric

    • Added the new perk Sacred Flame.
    • Added the new perk Banishing Touch.
    • Added the new perk Stigmata.
    • Added the new perk Pain Offering.
    • Added the new perk Heretic's Brand.
    • Added the new perk Aura of Awe.
    • Added the new perk Blood Tithe.
    • Added the new perk Divine Echo.
    • Added the new skill Excommunication.
    • Added the new skill Vow of Silence.
    • Added the new skill Confession.
    • Added the new skill Barefoot Pilgrimage.
    • Added the new spell Withering Word.
    • Added the new spell Blessed Fare.
    • Added the new spell Divine Grace.
    • Added the new spell Veil of Judgment.
    • Added the new spell Radiant Blade.
    • Added the new spell Divine Barrier.
    • Added the new spell Miracle.
    • Smite duration has been increased from 7 to 12 seconds, while its damage has been reduced from 10 to 5.

    Bard

    • The range of Bard song buffs and debuffs has been adjusted from 300/450/600 to 400 (Bad) / 500 (Good) / 600 (Perfect).
    • Tranquility has been changed from restoring +2 (0.25) Health per second while resting to restoring +1 (0.1) Health every 5 seconds under normal conditions.
    • Chorale of Clarity has been changed from restoring 8 Spell Memory per second while resting to restoring 2 Spell Memory per second under normal conditions.
    • Ballad of Courage has been changed from granting 5/7/10 Physical Power as a 6-second party buff to granting 2/4/6 Physical Power as a 240-second party buff.
    • Fermata has been changed from granting +5 Resourcefulness to increasing the duration of music effects applied to yourself by 1.5x.
    • Lore Mastery has been changed from granting 30% Interaction Speed and +10 Additional Memory Capacity to granting 30% Interaction Speed and increasing Knowledge by 50% of your Resourcefulness.
    • Piercing Shrill Physical Damage has been reduced from 20/25/30 to 15/20/25.
    • Shriek of Weakness Physical Damage has been reduced from 3/4/5 to 1/2/3, Physical Damage Reduction has been increased from 6/8/10% to 9/12/15%, and its duration has been reduced from 6/12/18 seconds to 4/8/12 seconds.

    Items

    • Potion of Luck rarity has been changed from Epic to Rare.
    • Clarity Potion has been changed from restoring 34 Spell Memory per second while resting for 4/6/8/10/12/14/16 seconds to restoring 2 Spell Memory per second under normal conditions for 20/40/60/80/100/120/140 seconds.
    • The guard stance animation for all weapons has been sped up slightly.
    • The weapon guard reaction timing has been adjusted to match each weapon's attack speed.
    • The activation timing of the Longsword's second Riposte attack has been slightly delayed to make follow-up Ripostes easier.
    • Spellbooks can now Guard and Riposte.
    • Longbow damage has been increased by 3 due to the recent animation update.
    • Unique items now have 2 random modifiers, and the value range of each modifier has been adjusted to roll up to 2x its previous maximum value.
    • The values of some random modifiers have been adjusted.
    • Dark Plate Armor Magic Resistance has been adjusted from 32~45 to 39~45, Vigor from 1~3 to 1~5, and Move Speed penalty from 11 to 14.
    • Ornate Jazerant Armor Rating has been adjusted from 72~82 to 70~82, Magic Resistance from 22~38 to 32~38, Dexterity from 1~3 to 1~5, and Move Speed penalty from 7 to 9.
    • Dark Leather Leggings Armor Rating has been adjusted from 50~59 to 33~39, Magic Resistance from 13~25 to 14~20, Dexterity from 1~3 to 1~5, and Move Speed penalty from 5 to 4.
    • Dark Padded Hose Magic Resistance has been adjusted from 17~30 to 24~30, Vigor from 1~3 to 1~5, and Move Speed penalty from 4 to 6.
    • Runestone Gloves Armor Rating has been adjusted from 12~18 to 10~16, Magic Resistance from 11~24 to 14~20, Strength from 1~3 to 1~5.
    • Dashing Boots Armor Rating has been adjusted from 26~34 to 24~30, Magic Resistance from 13~24 to 17~23, Agility from 1~3 to 1~5.
    • Timeworn Robe Magic Resistance has been increased from 20 to 30.
    • Holy Robe Magical Healing has been adjusted from 0~2 to 1~3, and Move Speed penalty from 4 to 5.
    • Barbuta Helm Armor Rating has been increased from 20~38 to 26~38.
    • Forest Hood Move Speed penalty has been increased from 2 to 3.
    • Arcane Hood Armor Rating has been adjusted from 21~29 to 10~16, and 30 Magic Resistance has been added.
    • Stinky Stick Poison Cloud charges have been increased from 3 to 5.
    • Pestilence True Magical Damage has been reduced from 20 to 15.
    • Aegis now grants +50 Magic Resistance.
    • Abyssal Trident Additional Damage has been increased from 10 to 15.
    • Dryad's Wrath reflected damage has been increased from 30% to 40%.
    • Soulscraper duration has been increased from 12 seconds to 60 seconds.
    • Leviathan damage has been increased from 10 to 15, and the impact of its Water Wave has been adjusted to match the War Maul.
    • Spellweaver Spell Casting Speed has been increased from 5% to 10%, and its duration has been increased from 10 seconds to 20 seconds.
    • Kuma's Claw now grants +7% Armor Penetration.
    • Kuma's Fang now grants +5% Action Speed.
    • Cinder damage has been increased from 10 to 12.

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    Written by

    Nathan Lees

    Gaming journalist and founder of XP Gained. Covering patch notes, breaking news, and updates across 160+ games.

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