<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8365138685_d55eb5485c.jpg"<img>

The Spiral Knights crew has been hard at work of late, updating the game and working on new features -- we're happy to share with you a preview of another upcoming feature for Spiral Knights: Battle Sprites!

<b><u>Lore</b></u>

Though they've made Cradle their home, the Knights, we would remind you, are not from <i>these parts</i> -- before arriving, Battle Sprites -- known to the Knights as "E-Class Battle Sprites" -- were originally A.I.-powered companions for the Knights, used for planetary reconnaissance.

Now, the advanced technology of the E-Class Battle Sprites has begun reacting to the strange energy emanating from the Core: as Sprites are recovered from within the Clockworks, they are found to have adapted dramatically to their various environments ... improving, adding combat capabilities, and honing their resolve to support their Knight companions!

<b><u>Gameplay</b></u>

So how will this work in-game?

E-Class Battle Sprites are companions: think along the lines of a robotic pet who will follow you around, only if your pet could also shoot fire or improve your ability to withstand onslaughts of lasers. The Battle Sprites will evolve, level-up, and gain new skills: they can add additional firepower to your party, or help by buffing you against enemy fire.

<b><u>Would You Like To Know More?</b></u>

Spiral Knights has always been designed to allow groups to form ad-hoc, without worrying about specific class roles. What Battle Sprites add are the ability to further strategize -- your Knight can battle how they wish, while providing a depth and character to your party with added firepower or abilities to help group <i>synergy</i>. And of course, for those who like venturing solo into the clockworks, you can now have a bit of extra help.

Ultimately the idea is to provide more flexibility and more customization options to gameplay. Once Battle Sprites are active within the game, a new series of rank missions will be available in Haven: these will function as tutorials to explain the three basic "starter sprites" you can choose from, ending with you adopting a Sprite of your very own!

Here's a quick preview of the three "basic" Sprite versions you'll be able to pick from:

<b>Drakon:</b> The snarling little dragon of a bot does what dragons do -- sets things on <i>fire</i>. Sets <i>all the things on fire</i>. If you favor head-on hand-to-hand combat, or you're just a fan of the aforementioned fire, this is the Battle Sprite for you.

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8366210548_e7818bca7b.jpg"</img>

<b>Seraphynx:</b> Graceful, feline, and mercurial -- and an invaluable asset to any group! The Seraphynx is there to buff & assist, adding flexibility and defense to any journey into the clockworks.

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8365138625_c9c1ca837b.jpg"</img>

<b>Maskeraith:</b> Just look at those glowing, calculating eyes -- it should be immediately clear that Maskeraith is here help Knights who prefer to engage in the arts of subtly, sabotage, and crippling enemies from a distance -- this alien looking bot can curse and cripple foes to allow their Knight to deliver the killing blow!

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8365138595_2c63688d6e.jpg"</img>

<b><u>I want one! When Can I have one?</b></u>

Battle Sprites are currently in development -- being re-calibrated and tested following their recovery from within the Clockworks -- and should be available during the first half of this year. Stay tuned for more information!

There is a lot more on the way for Spiral Knights, as well ... as with Guild Halls, Battle Sprites were a response to suggestions and feedback from the Spiral Knights community. Stay tuned for more, and we'll continue to give you sneak peeks at what's being worked on!

You can see <a href="http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/72304">original post for this announcement here.</a>

The Spiral Knights crew has been hard at work of late, updating the game and working on new features -- we're happy to share with you a preview of another upcoming feature for Spiral Knights: Battle Sprites!

Lore[/b]

Though they've made Cradle their home, the Knights, we would remind you, are not from these parts -- before arriving, Battle Sprites -- known to the Knights as "E-Class Battle Sprites" -- were originally A.I.-powered companions for the Knights, used for planetary reconnaissance.

Now, the advanced technology of the E-Class Battle Sprites has begun reacting to the strange energy emanating from the Core: as Sprites are recovered from within the Clockworks, they are found to have adapted dramatically to their various environments ... improving, adding combat capabilities, and honing their resolve to support their Knight companions!

Gameplay[/b]

So how will this work in-game?

E-Class Battle Sprites are companions: think along the lines of a robotic pet who will follow you around, only if your pet could also shoot fire or improve your ability to withstand onslaughts of lasers. The Battle Sprites will evolve, level-up, and gain new skills: they can add additional firepower to your party, or help by buffing you against enemy fire.

Would You Like To Know More?[/b]

Spiral Knights has always been designed to allow groups to form ad-hoc, without worrying about specific class roles. What Battle Sprites add are the ability to further strategize -- your Knight can battle how they wish, while providing a depth and character to your party with added firepower or abilities to help group synergy. And of course, for those who like venturing solo into the clockworks, you can now have a bit of extra help.

Ultimately the idea is to provide more flexibility and more customization options to gameplay. Once Battle Sprites are active within the game, a new series of rank missions will be available in Haven: these will function as tutorials to explain the three basic "starter sprites" you can choose from, ending with you adopting a Sprite of your very own!

Here's a quick preview of the three "basic" Sprite versions you'll be able to pick from:

Drakon: The snarling little dragon of a bot does what dragons do -- sets things on fire. Sets all the things on fire. If you favor head-on hand-to-hand combat, or you're just a fan of the aforementioned fire, this is the Battle Sprite for you.



Seraphynx: Graceful, feline, and mercurial -- and an invaluable asset to any group! The Seraphynx is there to buff & assist, adding flexibility and defense to any journey into the clockworks.



Maskeraith: Just look at those glowing, calculating eyes -- it should be immediately clear that Maskeraith is here help Knights who prefer to engage in the arts of subtly, sabotage, and crippling enemies from a distance -- this alien looking bot can curse and cripple foes to allow their Knight to deliver the killing blow!



I want one! When Can I have one?[/b]

Battle Sprites are currently in development -- being re-calibrated and tested following their recovery from within the Clockworks -- and should be available during the first half of this year. Stay tuned for more information!

There is a lot more on the way for Spiral Knights, as well ... as with Guild Halls, Battle Sprites were a response to suggestions and feedback from the Spiral Knights community. Stay tuned for more, and we'll continue to give you sneak peeks at what's being worked on!

You can see original post for this announcement here.

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8268446668_aab954eedd.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Spiral Knights - Winterfest"></img>

Cradle spins through darkness! The Core glows at the center, hot and distant! But on the surface, Cradle is blanketed in the icy grip of <i>winter</i>. Which means the grandeur of <i>snow</i>. And also, <i>presents</i>.

Presents! Because snow. Because Winterfest. Happy Winterfest, everyone!

Yes! It is the time of year when Impostoclaus appears in the Haven Town Square, dispensing presents (OR ARE THEY?) (yes, they are!) and also <i>cheer</i>, which is less quantifiable than presents.

Available with Winterfest, from now through January 3rd, we have a new Mission, a new Lockdown map, unique seasonal decorations, and all kinds of prizes!

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8268446718_1ab6b843db.jpg" width="500" height="315" alt="Spiral Knights - Winterfest"></img>

<b><u>Mission: Save Winterfest!</b></u>

Alert the pundits! For there is a War on Winterfest.

The gremlin town of Emberlight is under siege by an <i>appropriately named</i> faction of gremlins, the ‘grinchlins’, who want to actually steal presents from the town’s orphans. And destroy Impostoclaus. Because they <i>hate freedom</i>.
This is a limited-time prestige mission – it’s up to YOU to save Emberlight and help deliver the presents whilst battling your way through a grinchlin-infested back alley. This unique mission has Knights guarding presents against would-be thieves while racing to defend Impostoclaus himself from attack!

<b><u>New Lockdown Map: Avenue</b></u>

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8268446596_979ff59882.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="Spiral Knights - Winterfest"></img>

Battle through a snowy arena with traditional weapons of the Winter Knight – snowballs and swords – find secret paths to your objective, and have a jolly good time as you battle for supremacy of a bleak & frozen cityscape!

<b><u>Prizebox Promotion</b></u>

From now through January 3rd, select energy purchases receive a FREE Winterfest Prize Box and Frosty Prize Box – these boxes are unlocked and contain a variety of possible prizes, including Guild Hall furnishing and the elusive Impostoclaus Outfit!

<a href="http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/70024">Click here for additional details on prize boxes.</a>

<b><u>More Presents! More Prizes! More WINTER!</b></u>

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8268446510_83c49a58e6.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="Spiral Knights - Winterfest"></a>

Each Prize Box also includes random handfuls of Winter Confetti and Flawed Snowballs that you can throw anywhere, as well as a chance at additional prizes, including Trinket Slot and Weapon Slot Upgrades, Krogmo Coin Boosters, and Heat Amplifiers!

You can also exchange items earned in missions during Winterfest, as well as Krogmo Coins, for Winterfest items.

<a href="http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/70023">Click here for additional details on this week's update!</a>

</img>

Cradle spins through darkness! The Core glows at the center, hot and distant! But on the surface, Cradle is blanketed in the icy grip of winter. Which means the grandeur of snow. And also, presents.

Presents! Because snow. Because Winterfest. Happy Winterfest, everyone!

Yes! It is the time of year when Impostoclaus appears in the Haven Town Square, dispensing presents (OR ARE THEY?) (yes, they are!) and also cheer, which is less quantifiable than presents.

Available with Winterfest, from now through January 3rd, we have a new Mission, a new Lockdown map, unique seasonal decorations, and all kinds of prizes!

</img>

Mission: Save Winterfest![/b]

Alert the pundits! For there is a War on Winterfest.

The gremlin town of Emberlight is under siege by an appropriately named faction of gremlins, the ‘grinchlins’, who want to actually steal presents from the town’s orphans. And destroy Impostoclaus. Because they hate freedom.
This is a limited-time prestige mission – it’s up to YOU to save Emberlight and help deliver the presents whilst battling your way through a grinchlin-infested back alley. This unique mission has Knights guarding presents against would-be thieves while racing to defend Impostoclaus himself from attack!

New Lockdown Map: Avenue[/b]

</img>

Battle through a snowy arena with traditional weapons of the Winter Knight – snowballs and swords – find secret paths to your objective, and have a jolly good time as you battle for supremacy of a bleak & frozen cityscape!

Prizebox Promotion[/b]

From now through January 3rd, select energy purchases receive a FREE Winterfest Prize Box and Frosty Prize Box – these boxes are unlocked and contain a variety of possible prizes, including Guild Hall furnishing and the elusive Impostoclaus Outfit!

Click here for additional details on prize boxes.

More Presents! More Prizes! More WINTER![/b]

[/url]

Each Prize Box also includes random handfuls of Winter Confetti and Flawed Snowballs that you can throw anywhere, as well as a chance at additional prizes, including Trinket Slot and Weapon Slot Upgrades, Krogmo Coin Boosters, and Heat Amplifiers!

You can also exchange items earned in missions during Winterfest, as well as Krogmo Coins, for Winterfest items.

Click here for additional details on this week's update!

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8187138832_4756f991f7.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Spiral Knights"></img>

<b><u>In Which A Knight's Hall Becomes a Guild's Home</b></u>

It’s easy to forget, but the Knights on Cradle weren’t born there – crash-landing and finding refuge in the town of Haven, they have ventured ever inward towards the Core, for the sake of Knightly honor and adventure.

Still, Knights need a place to hang their helmet -- a rack for their swords. A place to hoist a flagon and discuss things of <i>great import</i>.

Guild Halls. What I’m getting at is Guild Halls.

Existing Guild Halls are now open for upgrades – turn your guild’s simple living space into a mighty fortress! Decorate, train, and commune with other knights … and make a bulwark against the darkness to come, for Spiral Knights has only just begun to explore the true depths of Cradle…

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8188600345_51cb93d7ac.jpg" width="500" height="377" alt="Spiral Knights"></img>

<b><u>Guild Hall Expansion</b></u>
<ul><li>Customize and expand your Guild Hall with Design Mode, accessible from the guild Command Console</li><li>Purchase vendor and service rooms</li><li>Buy furniture and decorate your new rooms from the Birdson Emporium</li><li>Guild Upgrades: Increase guild roster size and guild storage.</li><li>Special training hall for guild members!</li><li>Open your Guild Hall to the public: meet prospective recruits or throw a lavish party!</li></ul>
<a href="http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/64070">Click here to read a more detailed description of features.</a>

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8188600227_8de08cfbf5.jpg" width="500" height="395" alt="Spiral Knights"></img>

<b><u>Homecoming Celebration</b></u>

Eventually, a house – or a planet – stops being just a house and becomes a Home. Expanded guild halls seems like as good a time as any to hang that “Home Sweet Home” sign, and so, here’s to a Homecoming Celebration!

As such, presents:

-Each Knight will receive a Battle Stand furnishing item, Honor Blade sword, and Honor Guard shield just if they log in during the Homecoming Celebration event.
-Additional gifts will be awarded based on Mission Ranking.
-<a href="http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/67939">Click here for more details on rank & item awards</a>.

<b><u>Guild Creation</b></u>

The cost for creating a guild is now set at 50,000 Crowns. These are instantly deposited into a guild’s Treasury upon guild creation.

As a special bonus, all current guilds will receive an extra 50,000 Crowns deposited into their Guild Treasury!

<b><u>Haven Garrison</b></u>

The Spiral Order has also decided to run with the theme of <i>home</i>, setting up a permanent Garrison, on the Eastern side of the Haven town square. The Garrison contains the Hall of Heroes, the main Guild Hall, and additional facilities still being worked on . . .

<ul><li>The Garrison Guild Hall allows you to access your personal Guild Hall, or any other Hall open to the public</li><li>Exiting a Guild Hall will deposit you back outside the Guild Hall in the Haven Garrison</li><li>Hall of Heroes has been given a visual overhaul</li></ul>

</img>

In Which A Knight's Hall Becomes a Guild's Home[/b]

It’s easy to forget, but the Knights on Cradle weren’t born there – crash-landing and finding refuge in the town of Haven, they have ventured ever inward towards the Core, for the sake of Knightly honor and adventure.

Still, Knights need a place to hang their helmet -- a rack for their swords. A place to hoist a flagon and discuss things of great import.

Guild Halls. What I’m getting at is Guild Halls.

Existing Guild Halls are now open for upgrades – turn your guild’s simple living space into a mighty fortress! Decorate, train, and commune with other knights … and make a bulwark against the darkness to come, for Spiral Knights has only just begun to explore the true depths of Cradle…

</img>

Guild Hall Expansion[/b]

• Customize and expand your Guild Hall with Design Mode, accessible from the guild Command Console
• Purchase vendor and service rooms
• Buy furniture and decorate your new rooms from the Birdson Emporium
• Guild Upgrades: Increase guild roster size and guild storage.
• Special training hall for guild members!
• Open your Guild Hall to the public: meet prospective recruits or throw a lavish party!

Click here to read a more detailed description of features.

</img>

Homecoming Celebration[/b]

Eventually, a house – or a planet – stops being just a house and becomes a Home. Expanded guild halls seems like as good a time as any to hang that “Home Sweet Home” sign, and so, here’s to a Homecoming Celebration!

As such, presents:

-Each Knight will receive a Battle Stand furnishing item, Honor Blade sword, and Honor Guard shield just if they log in during the Homecoming Celebration event.
-Additional gifts will be awarded based on Mission Ranking.
-Click here for more details on rank & item awards.

Guild Creation[/b]

The cost for creating a guild is now set at 50,000 Crowns. These are instantly deposited into a guild’s Treasury upon guild creation.

As a special bonus, all current guilds will receive an extra 50,000 Crowns deposited into their Guild Treasury!

Haven Garrison[/b]

The Spiral Order has also decided to run with the theme of home, setting up a permanent Garrison, on the Eastern side of the Haven town square. The Garrison contains the Hall of Heroes, the main Guild Hall, and additional facilities still being worked on . . .

• The Garrison Guild Hall allows you to access your personal Guild Hall, or any other Hall open to the public
• Exiting a Guild Hall will deposit you back outside the Guild Hall in the Haven Garrison
• Hall of Heroes has been given a visual overhaul

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8097873414_a4135d7931.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Spiral Knights - Dark Harvest"></img>

Once upon a Harvest, Darkly, while you plundered Clockworks shadow keys, for many a quaint and curious lockbox of forgotten gear …

Be thankful this Harvest Season that this crude Poe pun extends no further – and then, celebrate! The harvest season is upon us – and on the planet Cradle, that means reaping what you've sown: in this case, you have sown <i>darkness</i>. Darkness that you can turn into <i>candy</i>, and then you turn that candy into <i>masks</i>. Masks you can <i>wear</i>. Because that's how the Clockworks rolls.

<b><u>Dark Harvest Event</b></u>

Throughout the event, all Clockwork Tunnels-style levels (such as Power Complexes and Blast Chambers) now have a chance to spawn special rooms inhabited by the Punkin King, monarch of this harvest holiday: give him a visit, and see what he has in store for you -- candy tokens, or even something else ...

There is also a <b>new prestige mission</b> -- available daily throughout the event, this mission offers a guaranteed encounter with the Punkin King!
<ul><li>Both via the Arcade or the Prestige Mission, Tier 1 awards the fewest candy tokens while Tier 3 awards the most candy tokens.</li><li>Candy tokens come in three varieties (Hard Candy, Sour Candy and Sweet Candy) and can be exchanged in the Haven Town Square.</li></ul>

<b><u>Candy Tokens and Prize Boxes</b></u>

Candy Tokens can be exchanged in the Haven Town Square for gnarly masks – and also prize boxes!

<a href="http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/66484">Click here for a full list of mask types as well as prize box information.</a>

Each Dark Harvest Prize Box also includes random handfuls of Trick or Treat Confetti as well as a chance to receive even more prizes -- Trinket Slot and Weapon Slot Upgrades, Krogmo Coin Boosters, and Heat Amplifiers.

Oh yes: and Trick or Treat Confetti is totally normal confetti that launches a normal, unaltered pumpkin into the air, and then nothing else happens ... right?

Dark Harvest event ends November 1st!

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8097873580_328346a37a.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="Spiral Knights - Dark Harvest"></img>

<b><u>Bugfixes and Additional Notes</b></u>

<u>UI</u>:
- Minor clarity improvements to the Vendor interface.
- The Coliseum button on the main HUD has been moved to the center of the screen.
- Coliseum and Party Finder buttons have new animations to indicate status.
- Main menu button added to spectator mode at bottom of screen.
- While using the Alchemy interface, the name of the item you're choosing to create is now display at the top of the Ingredients panel.
- Info box/Description added to Loadouts panel.

<u>Bugfixes</u>:
- Firo Driver / Firotech MKII now displays fire status in tooltip.
- Items will no longer spawn in FSC fountains.
- Virualent Catalyzer plays correct sound when fired.
- Fixed case where players could get stuck in a room with no respawning pot to free themselves.
- Miracle Cloak Recipe now requires the correct amount of Light Shards for a 4-star item.
- Spectating a game will no longer cause you to stop waiting for a PvP match.
- Fixed some issues with stunned monsters. More fixes are on the way.

<u>Misc.</u>:
- Added an arrow pointing to the elevator in tutorial lobbies.
Items
- Two new proto armors and helms have been added to knight creation.

</img>

Once upon a Harvest, Darkly, while you plundered Clockworks shadow keys, for many a quaint and curious lockbox of forgotten gear …

Be thankful this Harvest Season that this crude Poe pun extends no further – and then, celebrate! The harvest season is upon us – and on the planet Cradle, that means reaping what you've sown: in this case, you have sown darkness. Darkness that you can turn into candy, and then you turn that candy into masks. Masks you can wear. Because that's how the Clockworks rolls.

Dark Harvest Event[/b]

Throughout the event, all Clockwork Tunnels-style levels (such as Power Complexes and Blast Chambers) now have a chance to spawn special rooms inhabited by the Punkin King, monarch of this harvest holiday: give him a visit, and see what he has in store for you -- candy tokens, or even something else ...

There is also a new prestige mission -- available daily throughout the event, this mission offers a guaranteed encounter with the Punkin King!

• Both via the Arcade or the Prestige Mission, Tier 1 awards the fewest candy tokens while Tier 3 awards the most candy tokens.
• Candy tokens come in three varieties (Hard Candy, Sour Candy and Sweet Candy) and can be exchanged in the Haven Town Square.

Candy Tokens and Prize Boxes[/b]

Candy Tokens can be exchanged in the Haven Town Square for gnarly masks – and also prize boxes!

Click here for a full list of mask types as well as prize box information.

Each Dark Harvest Prize Box also includes random handfuls of Trick or Treat Confetti as well as a chance to receive even more prizes -- Trinket Slot and Weapon Slot Upgrades, Krogmo Coin Boosters, and Heat Amplifiers.

Oh yes: and Trick or Treat Confetti is totally normal confetti that launches a normal, unaltered pumpkin into the air, and then nothing else happens ... right?

Dark Harvest event ends November 1st!

</img>

Bugfixes and Additional Notes[/b]

UI:
- Minor clarity improvements to the Vendor interface.
- The Coliseum button on the main HUD has been moved to the center of the screen.
- Coliseum and Party Finder buttons have new animations to indicate status.
- Main menu button added to spectator mode at bottom of screen.
- While using the Alchemy interface, the name of the item you're choosing to create is now display at the top of the Ingredients panel.
- Info box/Description added to Loadouts panel.

Bugfixes:
- Firo Driver / Firotech MKII now displays fire status in tooltip.
- Items will no longer spawn in FSC fountains.
- Virualent Catalyzer plays correct sound when fired.
- Fixed case where players could get stuck in a room with no respawning pot to free themselves.
- Miracle Cloak Recipe now requires the correct amount of Light Shards for a 4-star item.
- Spectating a game will no longer cause you to stop waiting for a PvP match.
- Fixed some issues with stunned monsters. More fixes are on the way.

Misc.:
- Added an arrow pointing to the elevator in tutorial lobbies.
Items
- Two new proto armors and helms have been added to knight creation.

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/8036725329_45a3860a72.jpg" width="500" height="404" alt="Spiral Knights"></img>

From <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/segaamerica/7563804316/lightbox/" target="_blank">Heavenly wings and Stygian spikes</a> to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/segaamerica/7349119398/lightbox/" target="_blank">heavily armored cats and rabbits</a>, the Knights of Haven have long strutted their stuff through the Clockworks in style. But sometimes, a Knight's just got to be a Knight. Go old school with this crusader-inspired armored look for your headgear.

The Medieval War Helm is available with either Total War Battles: SHOGUN or Medieval II: Total War.

If you wish to purchase the <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/sub/16960/">Total War Master Collection</a> you will receive all Spiral Knights accessories (as well as Team Fortress 2 items!). Note that if you happen to already own either of these games on Steam, you should automatically receive the helmet accessory.

Individual accessories for Spiral Knights will be featured with Daily Deals for different Total War games, so stay tuned for more!

</img>

From Heavenly wings and Stygian spikes to heavily armored cats and rabbits, the Knights of Haven have long strutted their stuff through the Clockworks in style. But sometimes, a Knight's just got to be a Knight. Go old school with this crusader-inspired armored look for your headgear.

The Medieval War Helm is available with either Total War Battles: SHOGUN or Medieval II: Total War.

If you wish to purchase the Total War Master Collection you will receive all Spiral Knights accessories (as well as Team Fortress 2 items!). Note that if you happen to already own either of these games on Steam, you should automatically receive the helmet accessory.

Individual accessories for Spiral Knights will be featured with Daily Deals for different Total War games, so stay tuned for more!