Returning to Embervale after time away can mean entering a world with different rules. With Enshrouded 1.0, returning players may find changes to combat, progression, exploration, and building mechanics added throughout Early Access. Before you relight your Flame, check out these ten changes to plan your return and make the most of Version 1.0.

How to Prepare for Enshrouded 1.0: Things to Know for Returning Players

Enshrouded leaves Early Access on October 15, 2026, bringing its accumulated content and substantial changes to PC and PlayStation 5. Whether you stopped playing after the early dungeons or spent hundreds of hours building settlements, these ten changes deserve your attention before you dive back into Embervale.

10. Recheck Your Controls

Upon returning to Embervale, and before leaving your base, inspect your key bindings and controller settings. The Forging the Path update changed the default inputs for several features, including separating mouse-and-keyboard controls from controller settings. It also introduced new weapon special abilities, heavy attacks, and dodging improvements. Spend a few minutes testing your movement. Place a Training Doll and test your movement, dodges, target locks, and weapon attacks. This simple warm-up can prevent frustrating deaths when you return to the Shroud.

9. Get Acquainted with the Water

If you stopped playing before November 2025, you probably missed one of Enshrouded’s most significant updates: the Wake of the Water. This major patch introduced dynamically simulated water, swimming, diving, and fishing. Since then, players can also gather new resources scattered across aquatic environments. Water now flows through constructed canals and waterways. It can also power water wheels connected to crafting factories and support crops that require submerged growing conditions. Fishing is now a sustainable system for Flameborns to catch aquatic creatures for cooking and crafting.

8. Explore Adventure Sharing

Creative players have another reason to return with the launch of Enshrouded 1.0. With the Forging the Path update, it introduced the first version of Adventure Sharing, a feature that lets players upload and browse community-created base builds. Browse hundreds of unique versions of Embervale, and find inspiration for your next base. Check out bases ranging from humble campsites to massive kingdoms created by different Flameborn builders. You can also use Adventure Sharing so others can check out your creative base designs.

7. Catch Up on Major Early Access Content Updates

Returning players shouldn’t miss the substantial amount of content introduced over the years. Some notable examples include the Hollow Halls dungeon experience, the Blackmire region, the Albaneve Summit, and the Veilwater Basin. The Veilwater Basin, in particular, deserves special attention, since it combines underwater exploration with dangerous enemies, forgotten structures, and distinct resources rewarded through exploration. Endgame enthusiasts may also want to test their skills in the Hollow Halls.

6. Learn the New Equipment Upgrade System

While you may still have your old equipment tucked away in a storage box, the Forging the Path update changed gear progression. Equipment like armor, shields, and rings, along with tools like pickaxes and woodcutting axes, are now upgradeable with runes. Interact with specific NPCs to upgrade themed equipment. For instance, talk to the Blacksmith if you want to upgrade melee-focused armor and weapons. On the other hand, the Alchemist handles mage equipment, while the Huntress handles the ranger’s gear.

5. Consider Rebuilding Your Character

The Forging the Path update also revamped the skill tree, introducing new nodes and additional upgrade options. This revised layout makes it easier for players to fine-tune their builds and combine skills from different combat paths. For example, Double Jump moved toward the center of the tree, making it more accessible than before. Specific builds can also unlock distinct nodes tied to particular weapon types.

4. Relearn Combat

Enshrouded’s combat system no longer mainly focuses on pressing one button. Melee combat received heavier attacks, enemies now have improved awareness, and some weapon abilities deal more damage when powered by Focus. Rangers also receive additional skills and new Eternal arrows. Enshrouded 1.0 also has something in store for magic users. With its release, spellcasters can take advantage of new area attacks, crowd control spells, and mana-draining effects. More totems will also be added, and wands gain heavy attacks that pierce enemies.

3. Increased Level Cap and New Endgame Content

Version 1.0 raises the maximum player level to 50 and the equipment level cap to 55. That increase should tie in with the new biome, which should become the home of stronger enemy tiers, late-game equipment, and more difficult challenges. The new level cap should also be ideal for returning veterans, particularly those who already reached level 45. The full release should give you fresh reasons to explore, gather resources, and improve your equipment.

2. Decide Whether to Continue Your Old Save or Start Fresh

Unlike other games that say goodbye to their Early Access days, it’s not mandatory to have a fresh start in Enshrouded 1.0. This means Early Access saves remain usable in 1.0, as they convert to a newer and more efficient format. Still, developer Keen Games recommends starting over. A fresh save offers a chance to experience the revised early-game progression and rediscover locations without relying on old quest history.

1. Treat Version 1.0 as a New Adventure

With over two years in Early Access, Enshrouded players should remember that Version 1.0 represents a culmination of various updates, not merely an increase to the level cap. During this period, Embervale has expanded its biomes, dungeons, combat options, building tools, and survival systems. This time, you’ll also experience performance improvements and refinements to existing systems. Give yourself time to explore and let the new content, balance changes, and overall improvements sink in slowly. If you play with friends on Enshrouded servers, coordinate your builds and decide whether to preserve a shared world or begin a new campaign together.