Sea of Stars, the beloved retro-inspired RPG from Sabotage Studio, is expanding with an exciting new DLC called Dawn of Equinox, scheduled for release on November 12, 2024. Available across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this free expansion introduces a variety of new features designed to enhance the core gameplay and appeal to both new and returning players.
New Co-op Mode and Enhanced Combat
One of the most anticipated features of Dawn of Equinox is its local co-op mode, allowing up to three players to experience Sea of Stars’ adventures together. This addition not only encourages teamwork but also introduces a unique “Co-op Timed Hits” combat mechanic, which adds a fresh layer of strategy as players coordinate attacks for maximum effect. In addition, combat has undergone a significant overhaul, labeled as “Combat 2.0,” which introduces Mystery Locks—a system where players must decipher enemy weaknesses through a series of experimental attacks and abilities. This mechanic makes encounters more interactive and offers players the opportunity to delve deeper into tactical play.
Revamped Story Elements
The prologue has been reimagined to integrate action from the start, featuring young versions of the main characters in combat sequences rather than relying on flashbacks. This redesigned opening allows players to immerse themselves in the story from the beginning, gaining a more cohesive understanding of the protagonists’ journey. Additionally, a new cinematic scene has been added to accentuate a pivotal storyline, enhancing the emotional connection players have with the characters and unfolding plot.

Added Features for Replayability
Beyond the core story, Dawn of Equinox brings several quality-of-life improvements and customization options to enrich replayability. Three difficulty settings have been added, each incorporating Relics that can be tailored to players’ preferred levels of challenge. New Relics also provide gameplay enhancements, such as improved item-tracking and adjustments to difficulty based on player feedback. Furthermore, for those interested in speedrunning, a Speedrunner Mode Relic is included, enabling features that assist players in optimizing their runs, making Sea of Stars more accessible to both casual players and competitive gamers.
Localization and Accessibility
The expansion also introduces Quebecois localization, giving French-speaking players a fully translated version that retains the nuances of the original dialogue. This addition highlights Sabotage Studio’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, broadening Sea of Stars’ appeal and making it available to a wider audience.
Conclusion
Overall, Sea of Stars: Dawn of Equinox is shaping up to be a comprehensive DLC that significantly enriches the gaming experience without costing players a dime. The addition of co-op gameplay, revamped combat mechanics, story enhancements, and replayability features make it a must-play for any fan of the original game. Sabotage Studio’s attention to detail and community feedback shines through in this update, which seems poised to make Sea of Stars even more engaging and memorable.
With these exciting updates, Dawn of Equinox not only adds to the game’s current content but sets the stage for future expansions, like the Throes of the Watchmaker, expected in 2025.
Samet Akyol
FounderA game-addicted engineer.