Witchfire Webgrave Update Preview – What’s New in the Biggest Patch Yet?
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Witchfire is launching its biggest update to date, the Webgrave Update, and I had the chance to try out the latest build. This update overhauls how you build your character, adds a massive new location called Velmorne, and introduces new tools and improvements that make this FPS feel like it's right on track in leaving early access.
Witchfire has been in early access since 2023, and since then, The Astronauts have been hard at work adding content and slowly building toward a complete experience. Its fast-paced shooter gameplay fits comfortably in the space carved out by DOOM and, at times, Destiny 2, which may sound like a weird comparison despite that game’s problems; gameplay remains top class, and I see similarities of that greatness in Witchfire’s gunplay.
Engaging a group of enemies is addicting — dodging, shooting, and using my character’s abilities always pulled me into the action. I often felt like I was fighting my way out of a corner, with no room to breathe during combat encounters, and I loved that about Witchfire.
You then top that off with the risk of dropping key resources when you die, uniquely designed weapons that encourage complementary loadouts, and a solid variety of enemy types that constantly test you. The result is a promising gameplay loop that can easily steal 20 to 30 hours of your time, or less if you’re an able gun for hire.
That said, this isn’t a game for everyone. Witchfire is designed for players who don’t mind revisiting the same locations multiple times. As you increase the difficulty level (called Gnosis in this game), you’ll unlock more items, new upgrade paths, and hidden secrets that are only accessible at higher thresholds. You’ll find yourself jumping in, collecting what you need, farming a bit, and deciding whether to keep going or return to the hub to use your resources and improve your character. This loop only works with satisfying gunplay, and Witchfire absolutely delivers on that front.
Starting fresh with the Webgrave Update
I started a new save with the Webgrave Update and spent around 15 hours exploring everything it offers. With this update adding a new onboarding experience to ease new players into the game’s mechanics and functions, it only made sense to start from scratch, especially since this update adds the rosary mechanic.
The Rosary System and build Customizations
On paper, the new rosary system is a great addition to the game’s character progression, though it doesn’t fully come into its own until later in the playthrough. The idea is simple: players can attach beads to a rosary, each providing buffs such as increased ammo reserves or longer-lasting elemental effects. Most beads have stat requirements, which naturally steer players toward a more focused build.
For example, if you want more total ammo for your guns, you’ll need to raise your Arsenal stat, which improves your weapon handling, ammo capacity, and more. Want a bead that reduces stamina usage when dashing? You’ll need to meet specific thresholds as well. It’s a clever system that supports unique builds tailored to individual playstyles. It also made me think more carefully about stat allocation. Before this patch, defaulting to Vigor (your health stat) felt like the safest option when unsure. Now, it feels more meaningful.
With a few balance tweaks and more distinct bead designs, this system could become one of Witchfire's best features. Right now, many feel a bit uninspired as it’s hard to get excited for beads that increase healing by 20% or Vigor.
The rosary is also complemented by a more robust stat system overall. New stats like Arsenal give clear benefits (better weapon efficiency, more ammo, etc.) while others affect item drop rates or defense. Your character’s performance in Expeditions is now more spread out across different attributes, but thanks to the rosary, you’re no longer left wondering where to invest. By the time I reached the highest Gnosis tier available, I had five beads equipped, and I’m excited to see how powerful builds can become with more specialized combinations.
New Location Velmorne - A web of Mysteries
Velmorne is the new area added in this update, and it’s a haunting city overtaken by the Witch’s magic. It’s filled with monstrous townsfolk who immediately charge at you upon spotting you.
One enemy carries a cross and lobs green projectiles that leave patches of decay, forcing you to reposition constantly. There’s also a large, clawed female enemy that can teleport rapidly when she locks eyes with you. It’s freaky, intense, and yet another space where you can go from fully prepared to barely surviving in an instant.
How Velmorne Fits Into the Overall Progression
Like previous locations in the game, Velmorne conveys a sense of emptiness and loss. Burnt-out buildings and barricades made of debris and webbing paint a picture of a town recently consumed by the Witch’s influence. Some parts even reminded me of Irongate Castle, the next destination after this one. As with other zones, Velmorne is full of secrets and unlockable areas, but only once you hit a certain Gnosis tier. It’s designed to be the third location you visit, serving as the midpoint of your journey, I assume, as the update shows there’s one more location to be included. Irongate Castle feels slightly more difficult, while Witch Mountain still holds the title as the most challenging area in the game, and rightfully so.
Even after completing Velmorne several times, one key piece was missing: the Familiar boss fight, which is called The Widow. When I reached the designated area, I was met with a message saying the encounter is locked until the update’s full release on July 28. The area is filled with spiders, so I suspect a large, likely terrifying spider-like boss waiting to take you on.
“Access is blocked until release (July 28) along with a few other surprises we are preparing” the message says.
So, by the time you read this, that fight should be live, and I can’t wait to update Witchfire and dive straight into Velmorne again for that showdown. I’ll provide an update on this encounter soon.
The Webgrave Update isn’t just a major content drop. It offers a clearer glimpse into what Witchfire is ultimately shaping up to be. The gameplay loop is tight. The upgrades are satisfying. And most importantly, experimentation is rewarded every time you return from an expedition. Velmorne helps fill the midgame void that existed before, and the rosary system adds more build depth, though I hope they expand more by adding more Beads that would make laser-focused builds that complement a certain weapon type.
It feels like one or two more big updates are all Witchfire needs before it’s ready to leave early access for good.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers higher visual fidelity, consistent performance across the board, and a few new tricks that make gameplay more accessible, challenging, and fun. If you have the patience and come in with an open mind, you’ll be in an exclusive group of people who will struggle to describe this experience to anyone else.