The open-world tactical RPG Wartales, developed by Shiro Games and boasting over one million units sold, is set to receive a significant free update on Monday, September 7, 2026. This latest addition, titled Community Update 7, introduces a new hub known as The Lair, specifically designed to expand the game’s criminal and chaotic gameplay style. The Lair acts as a central hub for players who want to engage in underworld activities, such as trading stolen goods, taking on criminal bounties, and acquiring exclusive weapons.
In addition to the new hub, the Prisoner system has undergone a major rework. Players now have more nuanced control over captives, whether managing them in camp or during battles. New additions include a Prisoner skill tree that allows for the development of unique abilities, and each prisoner now has personalized desires based on their traits. The needs and trust systems have also been revised, with hidden objectives designed to influence a prisoner’s level of trust. These changes aim to deepen the strategic and role-playing aspects of the game.
To enhance the overall experience, Community Update 7 introduces an 'End Round' button that automatically skips the turns of inactive mercenaries. Players can use this feature and cancel it at any point to maintain control. The character sheet has also been redesigned with improved readability, now split into three tabs: core stats, relationships, and special secondary classes. This makes it easier for players to track and manage their characters.
Alongside these major features, the update also adds three new armor sets, which can be either bought or stolen from wandering merchants. Six new battle maps are available across various regions, including Alazar, Harag, Gosenberg, and Edoran. Personal mercenary quests offer new storylines for individual characters, while a host of quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes aim to polish the game further.
According to Quentin Lapeyre, Game Director at Shiro Games, the changes included in Community Update 7 reflect the studio’s ongoing commitment to engaging with player feedback. The addition of The Lair and the Prisoner system overhaul, in particular, provides both new and returning players with a wealth of content. An open beta for the update is already available, allowing players to test the new features and offer feedback before the full release.
Shiro Games, based in Bordeaux, France, was founded by Sebastien Vidal and Nicolas Cannasse, veterans in the gaming industry. The studio has previously released successful titles such as Northgard, a Viking strategy game that sold over five million units, and its tactical RPG Wartales, which has sold more than one million units since its April 2023 release.
The update marks another milestone for Wartales, showcasing Shiro Games' dedication to expanding and refining its popular titles. Players can download Community Update 7 for free on September 7, 2026. More information about Wartales and upcoming developments from Shiro Games can be found on the official website and followed on platforms such as X/Twitter, Facebook, and Discord.