- New competition mode and preparation for the full version. - 25 August 2026
Update demo 5.1.2 We are starting a big stage - the development of the remaining mechanics of the full version of "Sadko". But before that, we have prepared for you an update that is not so noticeable from the outside, but hides many important changes inside. And also - a new mode that will brighten the wait!Technical improvements ➖ Improved performance: FPS became higher (due to this, a loading screen was added); ➖ Full gamepad support in all sections of the game. Button icons automatically adjust to your controller - Xbox, PlayStation and others; ➖Added checkpoints for saving on each gathering stage, including remembering the location: no more running across the entire map after death; ➖Save reset moved to settings; ➖ You can notice new sections, the content of which will appear in the full version.Fixed many bugs: ➖ Enemies no longer appear right on the screen - now they appear as th…
- Getting closer to release! Major update for the game "Sadko" - 8 June 2026
Getting closer to release! Sadko has received a major new update 4.1! In it, we've fixed, changed, and spruced up a lot of things.Technical:Skill radius now linked to upgradingImproved camera feedback effects when using skillsChanged logic for ranged enemies (laser beam)Added new attacks for Kikimora and Bolotnik (crabs)Enemies leave combat if Sadko moves awayTemporary meta-progression systemFixed a bug with picking up the speed boosterAdded an attack buffer zone around the heroPassive skillsArt:Main character has been transformedMorok has a new lookBoosters now have a brighter outline colorEnemies, the hero, power-ups, and boosters are now visible through obstaclesNew temporary main menu designAudio:English voiceover for the introductory storySocial:Completely updated banners and capsule artWe now occasionally share progress on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/ViperLowsGame/And Tele…
- Refactoring of many systems, moving away from AI in music - 19 May 2026
Participation in the "IGROPROM 2026" contest brought us a lot of real-time feedback, which allowed us to work extremely productively. Many mechanics have been polished, new small details have been implemented, and some systems have been completely rewritten.But most importantly - we're saying goodbye forever to the "Uses AI" checkbox, because today's update replaces the last two tracks we made with it with live, professional performances by a music group.Visual Changes Minor UI tweaks: hiding unnecessary elements and highlighting key moments with animation VFX for the temporary speed booster's active duration The story scroll has been moved into 3D space Added animations for illustrations Locations refined: removed hard-to-navigate spots, filled empty spaces AudioFixed track behavior: removed overlapping when transitioning between stages Reduced the "bass" on the power-up collect sound…
- Demo Update 3.5 - 30 April 2026
Completely reworked enemy spawn system: no limits and (almost) no enemy trains — the longer you last in a stage, the harder and more fun it gets :)Enemies expelled by the monument wave now grant experience, buffs, and boostersNew booster drop system, allowing much finer control over drop chances and making it easier to respond to feedback about parametersStat upgrades in the upgrade window are now significantly more effectiveSkills obtained and equipped in previous runs are now savedActive skill levels and leveling up, plus camera effects when skills are usedGamepad support has been restored
- Demo 3.2 Update - 24 March 2026
Increased tree spawn chance in the swamp.Fixed spawner colliders.Fixed holes in fences.Added pulsing effect to UI elements (multiple).Removed unused elements from the upgrade window to avoid confusion; the continue button has been moved to a more prominent location.Auto‑close of the new active skill acquisition window.Fixed pointer arrows.Fixed bugs with booster lifetime.Slight balance adjustments.More prominent warning title when leaving the construction area.Closed spawners and their effects, opening animation.VFX animations for construction zones.Replaced VFX for the well’s healing zone; added logic to hide it when healing is inactive.Notification when a new location is unlocked.Added "invulnerability" after the construction phase, as well as a camera fly‑through to the monument.
- Wow, what an update! — Demo 3.1 - 12 March 2026
Technical:A system for obtaining active skillsNew active ability: KnockbackThe hero's characteristic system has been changedSadko won't attack until he's looking at an enemyRun faster when you're looking at your feet)A step-by-step tutorial has been added so you don't miss anythingWhen leaving the construction zone, resources aren't lost but are scattered nearbyYou now have time to return to the construction zoneBack to the roots: stat boosts drop from enemies againThree brand new temporary boostersNow you can build a mini-monument (still without a boss for now)A spawn system based on locations - go visit your swamp friendsA hint system: if you need something, an indicator will lead you straight to the targetLocations are filled with interactive animalsThe beginnings of balance: a smoother difficulty curveArtistic:The level-up stat interface has been updatedNew animations and effects fo…
- Sadko at the IGROPROM 2025 Expo - 22 October 2025
This September, our project "Sadko" was part of a major video game exhibition. Throughout the day, we handed out merch, chatted with players, and we even had our own booth for a full two hours! Visitors could try out a new build, which will be available on platforms soon.At any given time, there were up to 8 visitors near our booth! And over the course of the day, at least 60 people passed by, more than half of whom stopped for at least a minute. As for actual players, we had no fewer than 12-14.Over the day, we gave out more than:80 single card-style stickers,35 sticker packs,9 pins,10 business cards,Half a kilogram of "Fizzers" and "Sour Candies."In return, we gained new contacts from journalists and colleagues, feedback from players, comments from experts, and most importantly, the smiles of the visitors.Thank you to the festival organizers, its visitors, and everyone who supports us…
- O, merch! - 21 October 2025
Sadko now has its first merch! We designed it ourselves with special love, because we didn't want it to become just another flyer tossed into the nearest trash can. Each sticker has a quality die-cut, is coated with a matte laminate, and comes in its own individual packetWe had stickers and sticker packs, pins and candy—almost everything sold like hotcakes at Igroprom 2025! But we're not stopping there. We'll definitely make a new batch soon, putting in just as much effort to share a little piece of the project with you.Follow our VK group to be the first to know when the new batch drops!
- Large, juicy, and long-awaited - Demo 2.0 - 10 August 2025
Hurray! The new version of Sadko Demo is already available on Steam. This update has been labeled 2.0 because we've done some serious work since the last release.Technical:Added tutorial hintsAdjusted construction stages and their requirementsIntroduced unique location resourcesBoosters dropped by enemies now have a temporary effectA new location is available—the swamp (currently without mobs or a boss)Developed a location unlocking mechanicAfter completing all stages, players can enjoy an almost endless mode—have fun upgrading your stats!Artistic:Unique lighting for each locationCompletely new environment layoutsAnimals and other animated objects can now be found in locationsUpdated the appearance of the monumentRevamped the UI for the main screen and upgrade screenBug Fixes:Fixed comic bugsFixed numerous terrain "roughness" issues (you'll get stuck less often now)Enemies with incomple…
- Release date change - 12 May 2025
We regret to announce that we must postpone the release date as we initially overestimated our development capacity. We sincerely apologize for this situation. The game is currently in active development with core mechanics largely implemented. However, the current state of "Sadko" does not yet meet the quality standards we wish to deliver to our players. This difficult decision was made with that consideration in mind. Thank you for staying with us during this process.
- Updated Demo 1.2 - 5 March 2025
It has been over a week since Sadko became available to Steam users. During this time, we have received valuable feedback from the first players and are ready to show how we have responded to it. The updated demo build of Sadko is now available! Technical Changes: An explosive wave after completing the construction phase now repels all nearby enemies, giving you a moment to breathe. Ability usage has been remapped to mouse buttons instead of "Q" and "E." Difficulty balance has been adjusted for smoother progression and a more moderate game start. Audio-Visual Updates: Added a visual effect when taking damage. Added audio and visual effects when picking up hero upgrades. Added a sound effect for collecting resources. Bug Fixes: The monument no longer has an "invisible wall." Fixed the bug where resources would spawn during game pauses. Default sound and music volume have been reduced. Th…
- Demo is now available to everyone! - 25 February 2025
We’ve been working towards this for a long time (almost) and finally made it! Now, any player can try out the core mechanics of the game thanks to the free demo version. Of course, it’s still vastly different from what we’ll show at release, but it already includes the most important part – battling hordes of evil creatures coming from all directions. Since the first announcements, the following has been added to the game: Visuals: Skins for each type of mob New location objects (all those little details that bring the location to life – flowers, bushes) Water bodies and elevation changes on the map Objects for all new locations (only level design work remains) Floating damage numbers when the hero or enemies take damage The interface has been almost completely updated (but this is far from final) A new interactive story scene with basic animations Completely reworked level design Techn…
- Who is Sadko and why does he fight with gusli* - 22 January 2025
Sadko is a mix of two genres - Idle Tycoon Arcade and Vampire Survivors. With the blend of fast-paced action and laid-back resource gathering, you get a gameplay loop where you collect resources, constantly upgrade your stats, unlock new areas, and don't forget about the battles that literally chase you everywhere! Who is Sadko and why is he doing this?Sadko is a hero from Slavic epics who got fabulously rich because of his talent and skill at playing a musical instrument called the gusli*. In our game, he’s been called to help develop the city of Belozero, which is crawling with all kinds of nasty creatures. However, it’s been noted that these local evil beings are absolutely terrified of the sound of the letter "O." And guess what? Sadko is famous for his amazing "O" all over the world! * The gusli is a traditional string plucked musical instrument that was popular in Kievan Rus. What…