Indie soulslike fans have plenty to celebrate this week as Pale Coins, the hand-pixeled action RPG from solo developer Lukas Irzl, rolls out its first major post-launch expansion: Call of the Swamp (v1.1). Now live as a free update, the patch delivers a sizeable wave of new content, fresh mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements shaped directly by player feedback since launch.
More than a simple content drop, this update marks the beginning of Pale Coins’ broader 2026 development roadmap, signaling that Grenmark’s world will continue to evolve throughout the year.
A Dangerous New Frontier: The Swamp of Grenmark
The centerpiece of v1.1 is the introduction of The Swamp, an atmospheric and treacherous new region that expands the open world of Grenmark. Players can expect:
- Brand-new enemies with distinct attack patterns
- Environmental hazards that test positioning and patience
- A dedicated swamp-themed challenge designed for experienced adventurers
True to Pale Coins’ soulslike roots, this biome rewards careful exploration while punishing reckless play, making it a compelling addition for veterans seeking tougher trials.
Cooking System Adds Survival Depth
One of the most notable gameplay changes is the new Cooking System, which introduces a survival layer rarely seen in traditional soulslikes.
Players can now:
- Light a campfire
- Use a pan to prepare meals
- Craft different food buffs that impact combat and exploration
This mechanic adds strategic preparation to boss fights and long dungeon runs, encouraging players to think beyond pure combat builds.
Smarter Loot, Better Inventory, More Customization
Call of the Swamp also refines how players manage gear and items — a key pain point in many action RPGs.
Key System Improvements:
- Loot Filter – Customize which items appear in the world, reducing clutter
- Local Storage – New chests allow safe storage of valuable gear
- Item Collection System – Track discovered items in a new Capital-based collection hub
These changes streamline progression without diluting the game’s challenge.
More Build Variety with New Gear and Enchantments
For high-level players, v1.1 significantly expands endgame depth through expanded customization options:
- New high-tier items for advanced characters
- Additional prefixes and suffixes to diversify builds
- Fresh enchantments that open up new playstyles
This means more experimentation, more replayability, and more room for creative character setups.
Pale Coins: A Handcrafted Soulslike Worth Exploring
Set in the open-world realm of Grenmark, Pale Coins blends classic fantasy adventure with modern action RPG mechanics. Players battle ruthless bosses, crawl through goblin-infested ruins, and hunt legendary weapons while chasing the mythical Champion’s Coin.
With its meticulous pixel art, atmospheric world design, and challenging combat, Pale Coins stands alongside indie hits inspired by Dark Souls, Gothic, and Diablo II — while still carving out its own identity.
