Most known for their world on the souls like action RPG Salt and Sanctuary, developer Ska Studios has confirmed the next instalment in the S&S series is in the works for release in Q1 2022. Titled Salt and Sacrifice, it is being worked on by Ska Studios (Lead developer) and Devoured Studios (online play) for release on the PlayStation 5 and Windows PC platforms.
Salt and Sacrifice takes place in the Alderstone Kingdom, where captured criminals face two choices for their punishment: death or service. Most understandably opt for execution, given the fate that awaits them otherwise. Those brave few choose to live life in penance as Marked Inquisitors. These wandering wrongdoers hunt wicked Mages, devouring their hearts to prevent them from terrorizing the Kingdom any further. Players… take control of someone who chose the latter.
Players will be invited to customise a Marked Inquisitor of their own, including their crime, look and class. Choose from one of eight starting classes — Highblade, Paladin, Assassin, Cleric, Dualist, Fighter, Ranger, or Sage — then partake in the Magebane Rite. Imbibe the sacred drink, speak the words, and come away from the rite Spellmarked, in a flux state between life and death. Free from mortal fears, the Inquisitors vow to spill the blood of Mages to put an end to their cruelty.
and roam eerie villages, tomb temples, and swamp kingdoms in single player or drop-in drop-out online co-op. Find clues and track down more than 20 types of Mages, including scorching Pyromancers, toxic Venomancers, and abominable Corpumancers. Wield grappling hooks and pursue them, then slay them in brawler-style side scrolling combat.
Pillage the remains of Mages to craft new equipment with Runic Arts, granting Inquisitors unprecedented new abilities. Search every decrepit corner across multiple maps for powerful melee weapons, deadly ranged weapons, and protective armor and charms. Join multiplayer factions, including the cooperation-focused Dawnlight Order and the player-killing Shroud Alliance.
Ska Studios hopes to “bring[] back its signature hand-drawn look, providing each candlelit cave and foggy forest with a personal feel”.