Category: Games

How Tails of Iron 2 Builds Upon Its Predecessor with Brutal Combat, Powerful Magic, and More

Jack Bennett, lead designer and co-founder, Odd Bug Studio

Summary

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter releases tomorrow, January 28, bringing players back to its medieval, anthropomorphic world.
The story follows Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, as he battles a devastating ancient evil.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter introduces new gameplay mechanics, revised systems, and fearsome challenges while retaining the brutal charm of the original game.

The wait is nearly over! Tomorrow, on January 28, our new game, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, will be released into the wild, returning players to its gritty, medieval, and anthropomorphic world of epic battles and visceral executions.

Set several rat years after the conclusion of the original, the story follows the paws of Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, as he journeys across the far stretches of the Ratdom’s northern frontier in a valiant effort to overcome a devastating and ancient evil that’s spreading across the land.

When Tails of Iron first launched in 2021, we were blown away by the overwhelming support from players and critics alike; it was truly humbling. So, when it came to developing the second instalment in the Tails of Iron saga, we wanted to expand the experience in several ways – and that’s what we’ve done!

We’ve added further gameplay and combat mechanics, revised systems, and introduced fearsome new challenges, while keeping the same brutal charm you loved in the first game. There’s much to gnaw on in this sequel, but today we’re going to briefly look at the new beast hunt gameplay, how Arlo is preparing to fight back against the giant creatures and the Dark Wings.

Elementa: Magic from the Gods

As the ice-cold shadow of the Dark Wings, an old and near-mythical enemy of the Rats, drapes across the northern frontier, leaving a wanton trail of destruction, the Rat gods of old grow ever fearful. And so, in a desperate attempt to turn the tide, they gift their elemental powers to Arlo.

One of the new additions we’re bringing to combat in Tails of Iron 2 is the Elementa spellcasting system, which brings a further layer of strategy to combat. Unlocked during Arlo’s quest across the Wastes and beyond, he’ll be able to harness four devastating forces to help vanquish his foes:

Electric: Summon lightning from the heavens to stun multiple foes in their tracks.
Fire: Launch fireballs at enemies in a straight path, leaving trails of devastation.
Ice: Unleash freezing gusts that immobilize foes with a chilling grip.
Poison: Inflict a slow but deadly damage-over-time effect on groups of enemies.

Elementa abilities can also become more powerful when their upgrade shines are discovered, giving Arlo more devastating powers to wield against enemies.

Elemental Strategies and Tactical Combat

Spellcasting isn’t the only combat system embracing the power of the elements. Enemies in Tails of Iron 2 have specific weaknesses to certain types of elemental damage, making tactical preparation crucial. Knowing when to equip a fire-infused weapon or wear poison-resistant armor can mean the difference between glorious victory and deadly defeat. The same goes for in-game crafting: Weapons and armor will need to be forged and tailored to an enemy’s weaknesses to support Arlo in battle.

We’ve also introduced elemental traps into the game, essential for trying to control the impending onslaught from a group of enemies. With the expanded arsenal of weapons and armor types, from venomous swords to frost-resistant plate mail, it’s crucial to think strategically to dominate the battlefield. The Northern Wastes demand cunning as much as strength!

The Thrill of the Hunt

Across the Northern Wastes are colossal monsters that antagonise and threaten the peoples of the frontier, and naturally, as you’d expect from any hero, Arlo’s journey wouldn’t be truly complete without taking on these terrifying beasts. As he explores the world beyond Winter’s Edge, from The Golden Forest to the White Whiskers and further afar, Arlo can accept contracts from locals and embark on epic monster hunts to rid the land of its most deadly threats.

And these hunts are no pushover. Each is a battle for survival, with cunning enemies that will test Arlo’s skills and resolve. But the rewards are worth every risk. Defeating these beasts yields rare resources to craft some of the game’s rarest and most powerful equipment, strengthening more than Arlo’s resolve against the tyrannical Dark Wings. And of course, every victory comes with the glory of solidifying a legacy as the ultimate monster hunter!

Ready to Defend the Ratdom?

We’re really excited for the release of Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One tomorrow, January 28, and we hope you enjoy experiencing the expanded combat and gameplay we’ve touched upon. There’s more across the Ratdom to discover, so whether you’re wielding elemental magic, rebuilding Winter’s Edge, or hunting ferocious beasts, this is a ‘tail’ for the ages. The Northern Wastes await!

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter – Deluxe Edition

United Label

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99 $23.99

Pre-order

Prepare for the chilling clash against the Dark Wings with the Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter Deluxe Edition, combining the brutal action-RPG base game with both the ‘Augur of the Draugr’ armour and weapon pack and ‘Hair to the Throne’ cosmetic DLC. Step into the fray clad in the legendary Draugr armour of old, forged in the fires of the elder wars between Rat and Bat, before choosing between six different, warrior-worthy hair and beard styles. For those who seek to claim victory over winter’s shadow, only the fiercest attire will do. Deluxe Edition • Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter base game • Augur of the Draugr pack: Features exclusive items, including three new helms, three armours, and three pauldrons, together with three new shields and three new axes. • Hair to the Throne pack: An exclusive collection of six beards and hairstyles to further customise Arlo’s battle-readiness.

Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter

United Label

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99 $19.99

Pre-order

Just as the Rats of the South start to piece their lives together, following the great war between Rodent and Frog, an old and unspeakable evil stirs in the North; wings black as death; fangs sharp as steel; and a thirst for blood rivalled only by their insatiable hunger… for vengeance. As Arlo, young heir to the Warden of the Wastes, journey through the vast, snow-ravaged lands of the North in an epic quest to overcome the Dark Wings once and for all. Hunt down giant beasts. Unite disparate clans. Upgrade your settlement. And discover a terrible secret of blood and crown… The time for heroes is over. For the Kingdom needs a warrior; forged of the North and as cold as the snow that shrouds these lands. A rat… carved from iron. And so, a new tail begins. Explore a Vast, Wintry Kingdom Fully narrated by RPG-legend, Doug Cockle, prepare to embark on an epic adventure across the northern realms of the Ratdom; an expansive, frost-bitten land on the brink of all-out war. Hunt down Giant Beasts Track down and defeat the legendary monsters of this realm, and be rewarded with rare resources with which to craft devastating equipment. But be warned, these colossal creatures won’t go down without a fight… and then some. Master Brutal Combat The lands of the North are a perilous place, so you’ll need to master the fast, challenging combat for any chance of survival. Evade attacks with a dodge roll, nail split-second parry bashes, and unleash an array of gruesome executions. Customise your Attack Craft your own extensive arsenal of upgradeable weaponry, ready to fight as you see fit; strike quick with a spear, afar with a bow, or go claw-to-claw with a heavy-hitting mace. Alternativity, gain a tactical advantage with a range of new, deadly traps… Upgrade your Settlement As Warden of the Wastes, defending your lands is only half the battle. Construct and upgrade your settlement with hard-earned gold to gain access to more powerful items from the Smithy, tastier meals at the Kitchen, a wider range of powerful traps from the shoppe, and more!