Rise of the Heskyr Brings the Biggest Update Yet to Steam Early Access Dungeon Crawler
Chief Rebel and Coffee Stain Publishing have launched Season 3 of Fellowship, introducing what developers describe as the game’s most ambitious update since entering Steam Early Access. The new season, titled Rise of the Heskyr, adds a new playable hero, multiple dungeons, expanded progression systems, and extensive gameplay improvements aimed at both veteran players and newcomers.
The update is available now as a free content expansion for all Fellowship players on Steam. Alongside fresh content, Season 3 delivers major changes to the game’s core systems based on community feedback gathered throughout the Early Access period.
New Hero Gunde Joins the Roster
One of the headline additions is Gunde, a new melee damage-dealing hero inspired by Scandinavian folklore and adapted to the fantasy world of Fellowship.
Armed with a powerful axe and designed around the season’s blood-themed mechanics, Gunde specializes in applying bleed effects to enemies. His signature Rend passive ability allows players to build bleed stacks over time before unleashing devastating bursts of damage.
The character also introduces new tactical options, including transferring bleed stacks to priority targets and controlling groups of enemies through crowd-control abilities. Developers say the hero was designed to offer a fresh playstyle for players who favor aggressive, high-damage combat roles.
Blood-Themed Heskyr Faction Debuts
Season 3 also introduces the Heskyr, a new enemy faction built around ritualistic devotion and sacrifice. According to the game’s lore, the faction worships a corrupt fallen god and serves as the primary antagonist throughout the season’s new content.
Players will encounter the Heskyr across three newly added dungeons, each featuring unique mechanics tied to the faction’s blood-themed identity.
The Ruins of Regath and Scryer’s Peak are designed as single-boss dungeons that provide accessible challenges for both returning and first-time players.
For those seeking a tougher test, Xul: The Blood Monolith introduces the game’s first multi-boss dungeon experience. The dungeon serves as a Pinnacle-level challenge and is unlocked deep within the Eternal rank progression system. Developers say it offers the most difficult encounters currently available in the game, along with access to rare mounts and high-level rewards.
Loot 2.0 and Gameplay Improvements
Beyond new content, Season 3 introduces substantial updates to Fellowship’s gameplay systems.
Among the most significant changes is Loot 2.0, a redesigned itemization system intended to make equipment drops feel more meaningful and rewarding. The update aims to improve progression by creating greater excitement around discovering and upgrading gear.
Additional improvements include hero balance adjustments, crafting updates, and the introduction of an Odd Comp queue, giving players new ways to participate in dungeon runs.
The update also expands customization options through new profile features, collectible companions, mounts, and character skins. Every hero in the game receives a new summer-themed cosmetic skin as part of the season’s content rollout.
Seasonal Challenges Add New Progression Path
Season 3 introduces Seasonal Challenges, offering players a structured progression system with exclusive cosmetic rewards.
The feature is designed to accommodate a wide range of skill levels while providing additional goals beyond dungeon completion. Rare cosmetic items earned through these challenges can be unlocked throughout the season.
According to the developers, the new progression path is intended to encourage long-term engagement while rewarding dedicated players with unique customization options.
Developers Highlight Community-Driven Changes
Chief Rebel says many of the season’s biggest changes were inspired directly by player feedback received during Early Access.
“Fellowship Season 3 is our biggest update yet, featuring a host of exciting Heskyr-themed content tailored for both veterans and new players alike, as well as significant gameplay changes based on extensive community feedback. I’m particularly hyped about all the new rewards we’re adding for players to chase down and can’t wait to see people showing them off in game,” said Hamish Bode, Community Director at Chief Rebel.
“Fellowship is and always will be shaped by the players, and we can’t wait for fans to jump back in and see how the game feels with all the new and improved systems in place.”
About Fellowship
Fellowship is a multiplayer online dungeon adventure that combines cooperative gameplay with endlessly scaling dungeon runs. Players build teams consisting of tanks, healers, and damage dealers to overcome increasingly difficult encounters while collecting loot and advancing through competitive rankings.
The game emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill-based combat while offering leaderboard competition for players seeking additional challenges.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of Rise of the Heskyr, Chief Rebel is delivering its most substantial update to date, expanding both the game’s content and underlying systems. The addition of a new hero, challenging dungeons, revamped loot mechanics, and expanded progression options marks a significant step forward for the title as development continues in Steam Early Access.
The update is available now, with developers encouraging players to explore the new content and continue providing feedback that will help shape the future of Fellowship.
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