The King is Watching — patch notes and updates
Stored observation / content update:
Dated developer announcements recorded from Steam. Open the source for the complete update.
| Update | Date | Excerpt / source |
|---|---|---|
| Hotfix 1.2.3 is released! | 2026-03-23 | Noble Kings! We’ve released a small update with a few important fixes and improvements.Changes & Fixes DLC Kings are now automatically unlocked if you own the DLC Fixed an issue where Cannon buildings would stop firing after accumulating charges Fixed the Exorcist Sanctum not producing spells when all spell slots were full, even if a banish spell was available - Fixed inconsistent resource production over time caused by different game speeds Fixed an issue where the cursor could get stuck in a “grab” state Thank you for your continued support - and keep your gaze steady on proper buildings ~ Hypnohead team |
| Hotfix 1.2.2 | 2026-03-17 | Noble Kings!We’ve just released a small hotfix focused on improving stability and addressing a few issues reported by the community. Thank you for your continued feedback — it helps us keep the kingdom running smoothly.FixesFixed a crash that could occur when certain troops died while playing as CleopatraFixed a crash related to damaging certain terrain objectsFixed an issue where players did not receive achievements for previously completed levelsFixed a bug where Egyptian units did not properly benefit from their upgradesUpdated the Banker description in some languages for better accuracyFixed an incorrect resource icon in the Basic Constru |
| New Major Update Released! | 2026-03-16 | Noble Kings!Today we are proud to release two major additions to The King Is Watching:The Dark Realm Free Update, introducing a brand-new map with unique mechanics, enemies, bosses, and a large collection of quality-of-life improvements.The Crowns of History DLC, which expands your royal roster with three new Rulers. Here is the trailer for the update:Crowns of History DLCThe Crowns of History DLC introduces three new rulers, each with unique mechanics and playstyles.Cleopatra - Queen of DeathCleopatra commands the power of death and rebirth. She introduces a unique resource called Canopy, gathered whenever friendly units fall in battle.Canop |
| First Ever The King is Watching Merchandise | 2026-03-15 | Noble Kings! Before we release the update tomorrow, we have one more royal decree to share: our very first merchandise line is now available! We’ve launched a Royal Apparel Collection featuring six different T-shirts, now available in the tinyBuild shop, operated by our partners at Tinybox. So if you’ve ever wanted to rule your kingdom in proper attire, now is your chance to dress like true royalty — even away from the throne.Take a look at the collection and choose the garment most worthy of your gaze!With love,~Hypnohead team |
| New Update Releasing On March 16th! | 2026-03-09 | Noble Kings!Last week we talked about terrible enemies and bosses waiting for you in the Dark Realm - a free update that’s releasing along with the Crowns of History DLC. By the way, we have just announced the release date - both the DLC and the update will be released on March 16th! Today we will touch upon events, artifacts, advisors and quality of life improvements you can expect in this update. Events of the AbyssNo new map would be complete without new choices.You may allow a deadly cat within your walls.You may host an emperor riding a bear.You may sell an artifact that makes you unnaturally attractive.Each choice has consequences. Some |
| Dark Realm Reveal | 2026-03-05 | Noble Kings!We’ve already spoken at length about the Crowns of History DLC. If you wish to familiarize yourself with all the details, now you can visit the DLC page, which we launched today. And, of course, if the upcoming rulers have sparked your interest, do not forget to add the DLC to your wishlists to be the first to learn about the release date and price.But today, we turn our gaze toward something every ruler will receive.Alongside the DLC, we are releasing a free content update — Dark Realm. It includesA new map, with mechanics unlike anything we have added beforeA completely new set of enemiesNew bossesInteresting narrative eventsArt |
| Xerxes - The Glass Cannon King | 2026-03-03 | Noble Kings,The final ruler in the Crowns of History DLC makes his grand entrance, accompanied by servants and gold sand. Xerxes. He is the only King in this DLC equally inspired by both a legendary ruler from history and his dramatic portrayal in modern media. He is an emperor, a warlord, and above all, a ruler of risk and overwhelming power. In Xerxes' hands, victory is total. Defeat is instant. The Ultimate Glass Cannon Xerxes brings us one of the most daring game experiences we've ever made. All of the ruler's armies suffer from a crippling 90% reduction in maximum health. On the flip side, their damage output is multiplied several times |
| Taizong of Tang — Master of Offensive Structures | 2026-02-26 | Noble Kings,Previously, we revealed the first ruler from the upcoming Crowns of History DLC, and today, we’re pleased to share the second: the king of discipline, order, and fortifications – Taizong of Tang.Where others rely on chaos or sacrifice, Taizong relies on fortifications that will never fall.Master of Offensive StructuresAs we prepare the upcoming update, we're introducing a new building type – Offensive Structures. This type will include familiar buildings like the Cannon and Tesla Tower, as well as a few new additions, all designed to destroy your enemies from the safety of your castle walls.Under the guidance of Taizong, these str |
| Cleopatra - Queen of Death and Rebirth | 2026-02-18 | Noble Kings,The first ruler to step forward from the Crowns of History DLC is one whose name has echoed through centuries:CleopatraInspired by legend, myth, and the cultural memory of ancient Egypt, she arrives not as a mere monarch - but as the embodiment of death harnessed into power.Queen of Death and RebirthCleopatra’s reign revolves around a new resource: Canopy.Unlike gold or grain, Canopy is harvested from loss itself. Whenever a friendly unit falls in battle, Cleopatra passively gathers Canopy. With her second ability, Harvest Bodies, she may extract it directly from corpses across the battlefield, using both friend and foe.Under Cleo |
| The Road Ahead | 2026-02-16 | Noble Kings!Today, we step before the court with news of what lies ahead.Your response to The King Is Watching has been nothing short of overwhelming. The feedback, the screenshots, the strategy discussions, the creative builds - the sheer attention the game has received continues to astonish us. And recently, we crossed a milestone fit for a coronation: 500,000 copies sold.Half a million Kings and Queens ruling with their gaze.For that, we bow in gratitude.We want The King Is Watching not only to endure, but to grow - to improve, expand and offer new experiences worthy of your continued attention. In this article, we’d like to share what you |
| The Digital OST Is Now Available on All Platforms | 2026-01-16 | Greetings! The King is not only watching... He's also listening! Our soundtrack, created by the incredible Innata Vita, is now available on all major platforms: Smart Link |
| 400,000 Kings! What Does the Future Hold? | 2025-12-22 | Noble Kings!First of all, an update with festive decor is now live. Enjoy!Secondly, as the year draws to a close, we want to pause for a moment and simply say: Thank you. What started as a small Ludum Dare prototype has grown into something we never could have imagined. Thanks to your support, The King Is Watching is closing the year having crossed an incredible milestone - 400,000 Steam copies sold. It’s honestly mind-blowing to know that so many people are enjoying the realm we have built. We WATCH you: read your reviews, follow discussions and ideas on Discord and Steam, smile at your stories from chaotic playthroughs - and yes, we absolut |
| Volcano Update Hotfix | 2025-12-10 | Soulwurm associated crash is fixed Fixed a localization bug associated with the new buildings unlock in Upgrades menu Changed Sophy's Research Lab building: Time to produce blueprint 160 sec -> 140 sec Build cost 100 wood 80 gold -> 50 wood 50 gold The laboratory can produce any type of blueprint as before, including Tier 1 Resources and Troops |
| The Volcano Update is Now Live | The Game Is 35% Off | 2025-12-09 | Greetings, Noble Kings! We have many astounding news for you today. First and foremost, the greatest discount in the kingdom’s history has arrived: -35% until December 16th!If you seek more options, cast your eyes on our bundles with other marvellous games, like this one here with a roguelite colony sim, Drill Core: And secondly, we have just released a massive free content update, focusing on a new map: Volcano. Behold this new overview trailer: SHORT UPDATE SUMMARY: The new Volcano map centered around deals with Inferno. Hire nine new demon troops, fulfill the Worship Meter, and unlock Hellish rewards. You might need them to fight a new set |
| The Volcano Update Arrives December 9th | 2025-12-05 | Noble Kings!The moment draws near - the gates to the Volcano will open on December 9th at 19:00 CET! This entire update, including the new map and all Infernal content, will be completely free for everyone. We are incredibly excited to share it with you and can’t wait to read your impressions, strategies, and glorious tales of lava-fueled disaster.Alongside the update, we will also expand the Official Soundtrack with brand-new tracks composed specifically for the Volcano. Prepare your ears for fire and fury.But today’s decree focuses on everything arriving outside the Volcano - the improvements, refinements, and new features coming to the ent |
| Slay the Spire x The King Is Watching Bundle! | 2025-12-03 | Greetings, noble kings. We present to you a bundle forged with one of the finest deckbuilders in all the realm, Slay the Spire by Mega Crit. Save an additional 10%: https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/63846/Slay_the_Spire__The_King_is_Watching/ |
| Volcano Enemies & Events | 2025-12-01 | Royal Majesties!In our previous royal decrees, we spoke of two mighty pillars of the upcoming Volcano update:The fearsome bosses that rule the fiery slopes, andThe unique mechanics that shape this ever-changing battlefield.Today, we turn our gaze to what fills these lands between each eruption: the enemies, the events, and the artifacts that will define your journey into the heart of the Inferno. Scarlet GoblinsThe Volcano is an ancient land once tamed by human ritual - where shamans and sages bound the Inferno’s wild power beneath stone and flame. But nothing holds forever.After decades of relentless raids, the goblins have claimed the Volca |
| Volcano Map Mechanics | 2025-11-26 | Greetings, Noble Kings!Our royal scouts have returned, bearing word of a new realm soon to open to your realm — the Volcano. In our previous article, we spoke of the monstrous bosses who roam there.Today, we turn our gaze to the mechanics and rewards that will test your rule, tempt your ambition, and perhaps, your soul.The Volcano map is built on one dangerous theme: pact with the Inferno.You may remember Malathrax from the Village? Well, Your Majesty, he has not forgotten you either. This time, he offers you a proposal: prove your devotion to the Infernal cause, and he shall rise again to fight by your side as your most loyal (and least trus |
| The King is Watching + Of Ash and Steel Bundle Now Available! | 2025-11-25 | Two distinct kingdoms, each with their own memorable journeys. The King is Watching has joined forces with Of Ash and Steel to bring you an unforgettable medieval experience in a brand new bundle. Whether you’re ruling by the power of your royal gaze or fighting for survival in a fallen kingdom, you’ll need to keep your eyes open and your wits about you. Claim this royal bargain today! |
| Nominate us at Steam Awards 2025 | 2025-11-24 | From all of us on the team — thank you.Your support, your passion, and the sheer enthusiasm you’ve shown for The King Is Watching over this past year have meant the world to us. Watching the community grow, share strategies, celebrate victories, and laugh at the wonderfully chaotic defeats has been one of the greatest joys of the last months.As the Steam Awards 2025 approach, we wanted to humbly ask for your support and nomination.But regardless of awards or titles, thank you for making this kingdom alive with your gaze.With appreciation, The Hypnohead Team |