The Outlast Trials: Project Lupara – Major Post-Launch Update Coming July 16

After hosting several smaller events earlier this year, The Outlast Trials is getting its first major post-launch update, and as a dedicated fan of the series, I couldn’t be more excited. Project Lupara is a free update coming on July 16 that adds a new roguelite mode, a new map, missions, abilities, cosmetics, and a brand-new villain. Here’s everything you need to know about The Outlast Trials’ Project Lupara from a fan’s perspective.

New Villain, Map, and Missions

The centerpiece of the update is Franco “Il Bambino” Barbi, the son of a New Orleans mob boss. Il Bambino’s unsettling nature fits perfectly with the series’ reputation for creepy characters. Unlike the other melee-focused villains in the game, Il Bambino wields a shotgun, adding a new level of threat.

The update also introduces a new Docks map that ties into Il Bambino’s mobster background. This map will feature a new main mission, several shorter side missions, and an updated final mission that now escalates in difficulty as you progress. Plus, there’s a new ending to discover once you manage to escape.

A new cooldown ability called The Barricade is also being introduced. This ability allows players to block off pursuers, buying precious time to complete tasks or widen the gap between them and their pursuers.

New Roguelite Game Mode – Escalation Therapy

One of the most exciting additions is the Escalation Therapy mode, a roguelite endless mode that ramps up in difficulty the further you progress. Each mission comes with unique variables like increased damage or additional traps, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever the same.

Players must survive as many Trials as possible, with permadeath eventually resetting progress. Starting with empty loadouts, players will need to build their characters strategically as they advance through the Trials and acquire buffs.

New Live-Service Metagame

The Outlast Trials is evolving into a living game with Project Lupara, introducing daily and weekly challenges alongside new Catalogs, which function similarly to battle passes.

Two new Catalogs will be available at the update’s launch. The Standard Catalog, “A New You,” includes a mix of new and previously available cosmetics, while the paid Deluxe Catalog offers even more new cosmetics. Players can earn Stamps to progress through these Catalogs, which never expire, allowing completion at your own pace.

Difficulty Options and More

The update brings new difficulty options to The Outlast Trials for the first time. Players can now choose from Introductory, Standard, Intense, and Psychosurgery difficulties, catering to both newcomers and veterans seeking a greater challenge.

Additionally, the Programs menu has been revamped, and matchmaking will now group players based on their selected difficulty settings. Players can also alter their loadouts in the shuttle before starting a mission, and if they fail, they can restart immediately without returning to the lobby. The maximum player level has been increased to 70.

In the shared social space, a new activity called The Stroop Effect Test has been added. This test challenges players to correctly identify the color of a word when the word itself spells a different color, offering a fun distraction while waiting to join a mission.

The Exotica Pack

For those who love customization, a new DLC pack called the Exotica Pack is coming to the store. Priced at $20, it includes four new skins, several profile icons, and a variety of personal items for players’ private cells.

Lore enthusiasts will be pleased to know that a new free comic book will be available on the studio’s website starting July 12. This comic delves into the backstory of the latest villain, Il Bambino.

Limited-Time Bambino Event

To celebrate the update, The Outlast Trials will feature a limited-time cosmetic event. For four weeks, Il Bambino will appear in various Trials alongside existing villains Mother Gooseberry and Sergeant Coyle. The event will be updated halfway through, offering a fresh experience in the latter two weeks.

This major update is packed with new content and improvements that are sure to enhance the gameplay experience for both new and returning players. Mark your calendars for July 16, and get ready to dive back into the chilling world of The Outlast Trials!