No Rest for the Wicked | Wicked Inside Showcase | Class System | 1.0 Launch Preview

No Rest for the Wicked 1.0 Update

Thomas Mahler of Moon Studios explains that No Rest for the Wicked’s 1.0 launch was delayed to March 2027 in part to overhaul character progression. The showcase introduces a class system designed to change how characters play, along with faction quests, a new stat-customization system, and other additions.

Class system and combat

• Weapons determine your class: Equipping a spear makes you a Dragoon; equipping a dagger makes you an Assassin. Using a class’s weapon builds Insight, which unlocks that class’s traits and runes.
• Traits can be mixed across classes: Unlocked traits go into a shared collection. Characters have six trait slots—two offensive, two defensive, one utility, and one augment—so builds can combine abilities from different classes.
• Dragoon: This class focuses on range and precision. A long-distance rune attack can activate Spear’s Reach, extending attacks until the player blocks or is hit. Aimed attacks build Focus, while traits such as Stormborne create lightning spears that can be unleashed by later attacks.
• Assassin: Stealth relies on enemies’ vision cones and responses to sound. Traits let players inspect enemy sightlines, move more quietly and quickly, deal extra damage with backstabs, cloak near walls, or distract guards with noises. Runes and stealth kills offer ways to bypass or thin out groups.
• Build combinations: The showcase combines Assassin and Dragoon traits for stealthy openings followed by lightning attacks. Other demonstrations combine Rogue, Archer, and Stormbringer abilities for critical hits, lightning effects, and arrow barrages. A heavy melee build combines stagger effects, powerful slams, armor, and recoverable health.

The game is planned to include 24 classes, each with its own weapon, traits, and runes.

Factions and world quests

Isola Sacra has six factions, and every class belongs to one.

The showcase visits the Severed Hand, Sacrament’s criminal underworld. Its quests involve kill contracts; completing one earns access to the faction’s hidden sanctum. Faction questlines reveal parts of the world and can unlock areas, class traits, and vendors selling gear for associated classes.

Cerim Cores and character stats

Traditional attributes have been removed. Cerim Cores now provide stats such as health, stamina, and Focus.

Leveling earns core points, which can be spent at a Whisper to unlock cores. Examples include increased attack speed, life steal, better item drops, and removing stat caps.

Cores have capacity costs. Going over capacity is possible, but each excess point increases damage taken by 10%. Cores can be swapped at any Whisper for free, so players do not need to commit to permanent stat choices.

Other 1.0 additions and improvements

• The 1.0 release is described as roughly doubling the game’s content, with an expanded Sacrament, new zones and secrets, new enemy factions—the Deadtide and Hollowborn—and new bosses.
• Some enemies will use player-like combat skills, including dodges, parries, and runes.
• Loot is being adjusted to reduce excess drops while making each item more meaningful. Hidden or guarded royal chests contain unique rewards.
• Gem Fusions let players combine two gems for new effects.
• Combat updates include hit reactions tied more clearly to poise damage, more distinct shield behavior, and quick step becoming a trait and build choice.
• Moon Studios also highlights extensive optimization work, including for consoles.

Sources featured

• Thomas Mahler, Creative Director at Moon Studios
• Moon Studios (showcase source)