We already knew that Salt and Sacrifice would have multiplayer elements when it releases in Q1 2022 for PC, PlayStation 4, and PS5. Developer Ska Studios said that there would be “drop-in, drop-out” online cooperative multiplayer. Details were scant at the time, but the team shared new info about that system, including its PvP elements, during the Future Game Show at Gamescom.
As a Marked Inquisitor, players are tasked with hunting down corrupt mages to cleanse the land of the Altarstone Kingdom. That much we knew. Now it’s clear that other players will be able to either help with that endeavor or stand in its way.
A trailer that debuted during the Future Game Show gave a look at that system, showcasing two of the factions that will provide aid or “wreak chaos”: the Shroud Alliance (PvP) and the Blueheart Runners (PvEvP). It also confirmed that players will be able to play through the entire Salt and Sacrifice campaign with a partner through a password system.
The summoning candle is used to initiate multiplayer, useable by those that have reached atonement by consuming what’s called a Guiltless Shard. As Developer James Silva puts it in the video above, atonement allows players to summon allies to fight against AI enemies, but it also opens the door for invasion from the Shroud Alliance.
Much like in Dark Souls 3, it’s possible to auto-summon allies when invaded, pending other players are wearing an “amulet of the Oathbound Watcher.” This system of invasion and protection seems more akin to what Soulslike vets are accustomed to, though it’s unclear if invaders under the Shroud Alliance will battle AI enemies on their way to an Inquisitor.
Those playing as Blueheart Runners have a slightly different task ahead of them, focusing on PvEvP while taking on other players, as well as collecting something called Ashes of the Hazeburnt. Silva describes the Hazeburnt as a “horde of zombie-like creatures who have succumbed to the Spellmark curse.”
The description is interesting because it’s unclear if the Hazeburnt are in any way related to the shades of defeated players (think a take on the bloodstain system in Dark Souls).
Regardless, slaying Hazeburnt summons Hazewraiths that Silva said will “hunt your pursuers” constantly invading and hunting other players. Up to four players (2v2) can fight each other at one time in this mode.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about Salt and Sacrifice, the sequel to 2016’s Salt and Sanctuary. Stay tuned for more.
Header image credit: GamesRadar
