Dead Weight's biggest pre-launch change is the action point combat overhaul. Demo players know the old rule: roughly one action per turn — move or attack, rarely both. Community feedback and Klukva Games' own playtests proved that restriction too punishing on small grids against level 2 goblin packs. For the July 16, 2026 Steam release, the studio selected its third combat iteration: action point hoarding blended with the original tactical identity.
This guide explains what changes at launch, how movement UX improvements from 2026 playtests fit together, and how to theorycraft builds that exploit saved AP instead of fighting the demo's one-action rhythm.
From Demo to Launch: What Changes
In the current demo, characters typically perform a single action each turn. Launch builds let you bank action points across rounds and spend them flexibly — move, attack, push, or combinations enabled by skills and upgrades. Klukva Games tested four combat prototypes publicly in their March 2024 devlog; the hoarding hybrid won because it deepens class identity without copying Into the Breach's simultaneous movement.
Teammates remain on the battlefield in this variant, preserving party tactics that define Arn and Berry's contrasting roles. Expect Arn to spend hoarded AP on push chains while Berry burns bursts in single explosive turns.
Movement System Improvements
Developer updates on social channels previewed additional UX changes rolling into playtests and launch:
- Movement becomes your default skill — selected automatically after cancelling another ability.
- Red tile indicators show danger before you step — critical on Abyss edges.
- Multi-energy movement — spend 2+ energy on one move when upgrades allow.
- Enemy movement radius — click an enemy to see where they can reach next turn.
These quality-of-life additions reduce misclick deaths without removing Dead Weight's hardcore positioning puzzle.
Build and Tactical Implications
AP hoarding rewards patience. Arn can skip weak attacks to save points for a Shield Bash into Abyss Push combo. Berry can Shadow Step, Backstab, and retreat in one burst turn if she saved AP earlier. Revisit the builds page and build planner after launch — skill costs may shift under the new economy.
Practice fundamentals in the free demo, then read combat basics and the full combat system breakdown. Track patch notes on our updates page through launch week.