The Lamplighters League adds new playable character and Events system in latest free update

06.12.2023 - 00:43 / eurogamer.net

The Lamplighters League might have officially flopped according to publisher Paradox Interactive, but that hasn't stopped developer Harebrained Schemes from making improvements to its pulp strategy adventure since its arrival — and its latest free update is perhaps its biggest yet, adding a new playable character and new events system.

The Lamplighters League, which launched to a mix reception back in October, blends tactical turn-based action and real-time stealth in a globe-trotting adventure inspired by the classic pulp stories of the 1930s, putting players in control of a disparate group of rogues as they attempt to thwart an occult-obsessed cabal known as the Banished Court.

And as of today, with the launch of The Lamplighters League's 1.3 update, the number of available playable rogues has swelled by one thanks to the arrival of Isaac Greymoor. Described as a «hot-headed, lead-slinging mercenary who wields a deadly light machine gun to devastating effect», Isaac is the sun of former Lamplighters League leader Lord Greymoor.

Despite slotting into the melee-focused Bruiser category of characters, Isaac is armed with a light machine gun that spits out a hail of bullets and generates Heat — plus additional damage — as it fires. However, the more Isaac lets rip, the greater his chance of Overheating, and if that happens, Isaac will start to take damage himself.

After installing the free Isaac DLC — which, it's worth noting, must be downloaded via your storefront of choice seperate from today's 1.3 update — Isaac will become available via next Agent Recruitment mission you find. He can also be selected as one of a player's four starting Agents when beginning a custom game.

Elsewhere, The Lamplighters League's 1.3 update introduces a new Events system that comes into play after a mission, when reviewing Activity on the World Map. Most weeks, players will recieve a Fate Event, offering up a mini-story highlighting the League's adventures outside of Missions and Expeditions. Each one includes a choice on how to resolve the event, determining the reward players receive to help them on their quest against the Banished Court.

Occasionally, however, players will encounter House Events, which are different from Fate Events in that they usually cost resources to be resolved. Doing so, however, lets players slightly sway the balance of power between the three Banished Court houses — but opting to do nothing will see them gain a little ground instead. And rounding out today's 1.3 update are a range of bug fixes as detailed in Harebrained's patch notes.

It's unclear how many further updates The Lamplighters League will receive after today's release before development officially comes to an end; Paradox