- Star Knight is Steam Deck verified! - 25 June 2026
Welcome back Star Knights!Star Knight: Order of the Vortex has been verified for Steam deck and Steam Machine. This game is fully functional on both and works with the built-in controls and display. This means: All functionality is accessible when using the default controller configurationThis game shows Steam Deck controller iconsIn-game interface text is legible on Steam DeckThis game's default graphics configuration performs well on Steam Deck/Steam Machine
- Steamdeck and Controller Improvements - 21 June 2026
This update primarily affects Steamdeck users by creating an alternative UI layout specifically for the Steamdeck that allows for better readability. The smaller screen and lower resolution made much of the UI hard to comfortably and easily look at. Improvements to text rendering has made text much sharper and clearer in general. Handling for multiple controllers has also been added, allowing for easy switching between gamepads rather than being locked into the first connected gamepad.Example of the new UI Layout and improved text renderingAddedNew compact layout for SteamdeckHandling for multiple controllersChangedBetter text rendering for sharper text and increased readabilityFixedLots and lots of typosController bug when creating new saveBug that allows starting a level while still in the shop tutorialCrash when selling attachment and attachments have already been purchasedBug that m…
- Controller Support Update out now! - 9 May 2026
Welcome back Star Knights!The controller support update is here, adding dedicated support for Xbox, Playstation, Switch, and Steam controllers. The update also adds support for Steam Deck. Currently tested controllers:Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X ControllersNintendo Switch Pro ControllerPlaystation 4 (DualShock), Playstation 5 (DualSense) controllersSteam Controller, Steam Deck
- Beta Branch Update: Controller Support Fixes/Improvements - 18 April 2026
AddedExpanded support to PS5 and xbox series XAdded controller vibration when damage taken and on boss deathAdded controller vibration settingImproved controller glyphs for Steam DeckFixedCrash when selling last attachment with controllerController issues with Steam InputController sounds not working
- Beta Branch Update: Playstation Controller Support - 27 November 2025
Small update to the beta branch as part of the controller support update. PlayStation controllers should now be supported.
- Beta Branch Update: Controller and Steamdeck Support - 7 October 2025
Welcome back Star Knights! This beta branch update adds controller support and steam deck support to the beta branch. Since this is a beta, there are likely plenty of bugs to be fixed and improvements to be made. If you are interested in testing the new update, but don't know how to access the beta branch, check out this link here: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2462090/view/7374170303759278373 Important note for controller users This update currently supports Xbox 1, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch Pro controllers. Support for PlayStation controllers is currently in work. Furthermore, this game does not utilize Steam Input for controllers. If your controller is not working, try disabling Steam Input by right clicking on the game -> properties -> controller -> Disable Steam Input. Important note for steam deck users For Steam Deck, the default template layout should be Gamepad. T…
- Major Update: Survive and Score out now! - 9 August 2025
Welcome back Star Knights! The Survive and Score update is here, with new content including an Endless Mode (which features its own unique mechanics) and a scoring system accompanied with leaderboards which allow you to compare yourself to previous runs and other players. Furthermore, this update introduces many smaller features, improvements, and bugfixes. Important note: This update IS compatible with older saves, so any progress will be kept. MAIN FEATURES Scoring System The scoring system is simple but effective. Players gain points for killing enemies, with a kill streak that increases with every kill and makes each subsequent enemy worth more points. However the killstreak resets if the player takes damage. This makes killing enemies and avoiding damage both important to getting a high score. Furthermore, playing on higher void crystals multiplies the score, meaning the best way t…
- Survive & Score - Beta Branch Patch - 3 August 2025
Added Relic and Attachment info can be seen by clicking a run in the leaderboard* New explosion sounds for boss deaths Fixed Vampire no longer ticks down health when boss death animation is playing Crash when selecting a leaderboard run and not connected to steam *Note: This will only apply to runs from after this update
- Survive & Score - Beta Branch Update - 4 July 2025
Welcome back Star Knights! I'm excited to announce that the Survive & Score update is finally available in the beta stage for anyone who wants to play and test the new content. Since this is still in beta, there will be bugs and balance issues that will need to be fixed. If you are interested in playing the new update, but don't know how to access the beta branch, check out this link here: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2462090/view/7374170303759278373 Here are the main additions that are available as part of this beta update: Scoring System: Add a way for players to earn a score that rewards skillful gameplay, giving players another goal to strive for besides just beating a run. Killing enemies adds to a kill streak which makes subsequent kills worth more points. However, taking damage resets the killstreak which makes killing enemies and avoiding damage equally important to g…
- Devlog - Leaderboards and Endless Mode - 13 June 2025
Welcome back Star Knights! It's been a couple of months since the last major update but I'm happy to say I've made some good progress in the meantime. After the Blackstar Castle update I wanted to work on a smaller update before working on the final major update that will bring this game to its fully released state. The main features I wanted to add in this upcoming update are: Scoring System: Add a way for players to earn a score that rewards skillful gameplay, giving players another goal to strive for besides just beating a run. Leaderboards: Both a personal leaderboard to keep track of personal bests and good runs, as well as an online leaderboard to compete against other players for the highest score. Endless mode: Include an option to keep playing, even after winning a run, and give players a chance to see just how far their build can go against ever increasing difficulty. The work…
- Blackstar Castle: patch #2 - 23 April 2025
Fixed an issue where text and asset size of the pause menu was too small on some screen Fixed an issue that caused an crash in the shop when selling a level 2 attachment when its level 3 upgrade was available to purchase Attachment cards in the shop now reset properly if that attachment is sold
- Blackstar Castle: patch #1 - 12 April 2025
Fixed an issue where the "Next level button" could be clicked while in a level, effectively skipping the level Mouse cursor is now hidden during levels (unless playing with the Tempest ship)
- Major Update: Blackstar Castle out now! - 11 April 2025
Welcome back Star Knights! The Blackstar Castle update is here, with new content including a brand new area, attachments, relics, crew members, ships, mechanics, and various improvements and bugfixes. Important note: This update IS compatible with older saves, so any progress will be kept. MAIN FEATURES Fight through a corrupted fortress A new area, Blackstar castle, has been added with includes a new boss, new enemies, and new challenge levels. The enemies in this area follow different spawning and combat rules, adding extra variety to the run. Blackstar Castle: A 4th, new area in the furthest reaches of the Vortex 6 new enemies to defeat A new multistage boss A new challenge level 2 new music tracks Master an improved arsenal A new attachment class, Volatile, has been added along with 5 new attachments. A new ship, 2 new crew members, and 35 new relics have been added, greatly increas…
- Blackstar Castle Update - Releases April 11th - 29 March 2025
Welcome back Star Knights! I'm very excited to be able to share that the release date for the Blackstar Castle update is April 11th 2025. It's been a long way since the Early Access release so this announcement will be also go over all the new content and changes to expect with this update. While there have been a couple of minor updates in the past, this is the first major step outlined in the roadmap. A more detailed patch notes will come with the update's release. Fight through a corrupted fortress A new area, Blackstar castle, has been added with includes a new boss, new enemies, and new challenge levels. The enemies in this area follow different spawning and combat rules, adding extra variety to the run. Prepare to learn new attacks and face new foes as you traverse the old headquarters of the Order. The former Grandmaster of the Vortex awaits you... A squadron of enemy fighters fl…
- Beta branch patch #3 - 23 March 2025
Added Time left for powerups is displayed on top right Stagger and sound effect to end level stats New save button to main menu Changed Increased rate at which kill X enemies challenge level scales per area Upgrades that cost more than double what you can afford are now weighted even less Removed poison bullet chance as a curse
- Beta branch patch #2 - 16 March 2025
Changes General Increased base movement speed by 15% Updated roadmap timeframe Slightly changed intro text Shortsword Flak burst now lasts for 0.25 seconds rather than one frame Health increased: 75 -> 100 Shields decreased: 35 -> 25 Speed multiplier decreased: 125% -> 100% Bullet explosions smaller and less intrusive Attachments: Volatile Beam: Initial crit chance reduced 25% -> 20% Forlorn Hope: Alt path crit chance increased: 30% -> 40% Alt path lvl 4 damage increased: 25 -> 30 Levy Fighters: Decreased base stat boost: 5% -> 3% Decreased how quickly stat boost increases Volatile Toxin decreased dps: 45 -> 40 Reduced starting crit damage: 300% -> 250% Speed Booster Decreased how quickly speed and firerate increase Crew: Technician Health debuff reduced 50% -> 25% Shields start half charged Knight Added shield strength doubled Relics: Widespread: damage boost decreased 15% -> 5% Kineti…
- Minor beta branch hotfix - Shortsword unlock - 15 March 2025
Beta Branch Fixed issue where Shortsword could not be unlocked if playing on save that already had the Squib unlocked.
- Blackstar Castle - Beta Branch Update - 14 March 2025
Welcome back Star Knights! Some exciting news today for everyone who has been wanting to get their hands on the new update. The Blackstar Castle update is finally available in the beta stage for anyone who wants to play and test the new content. Of course, since this is still in the beta stage, there are likely to be bugs and balance issues that will need to be hammered out, so if you want to experience the new content at its best, it might be better to wait until the full update release. If you are interested in playing the new update early, but don't know how to access the beta branch, check out this link here: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2462090/view/7374170303759278373 And of course, if you are interested in testing and want to provide feedback or report bugs, make sure to join the Star Knight discord! When you open the game, there is a link to the discord on the lower r…
- Devlog - Blackstar Castle - 7 January 2025
Welcome back Star Knights! It's been a while since my last Steam Announcement so I wanted to start the year off with a devlog of everything I've been working on since the last update. I've been working on the next area Blackstar Castle, and all that entails such as a new boss, new enemies, etc. Plenty of other content is also coming including new attachments, crew members, ships, relics and more. So far I've added a new class, Volatile, that centers around scoring critical hits for massive damage. 5 new attachments have been added and some other attachments have been reworked to include being part of the Volatile class. A new boss, 5 new enemies, and 2 new crew members have also been completed. Full Changelog Added New Area: Blackstar Castle 5 new enemies (names subject to change) Corrupted Fighter Corrupted Sergeant Corrupted Fanatic Corrupted Veteran Fallen Knight New enemy behavior s…
- Development Update #2 - 25 October 2024
Welcome back Star Knights! This update adds the first new in-game content since release and aims to address some of the concerns regarding lack of visual variety, boring enemy behavior, and uninteresting asteroid mechanics. It also adds new challenge levels and brings along some bug fixes, balance changes, and UI improvements. This is likely the last update before the next major content update which will add a new stage with its own boss and enemies, new items, attachments, crew members, and more. This next major update is currently in progress and should release later this year or early next year. Asteroids are now destructible! They spawn a bit more frequently, have increasing health throughout a run, and tie in to one of the new challenge levels. Visuals have gotten an update, with a new dash animation, new pixel art sprites for increased background variety, and unique visuals for so…
