Hell Clock has received its substantial 2.0 update, arriving alongside the launch of its console editions and the paid Cursed War DLC. The free update brings a host of new features and system overhauls, including the Journey of Nightmares seasonal content, a fully released Ascension endgame mode, and the Endless Nightmares activity.
Journey of Nightmares
The Journey of Nightmares system offers seasonal ARPG content designed to mitigate player FOMO. When active, players can encounter nightmare portals leading to new, randomized levels filled with foes. Defeating enough enemies spawns a boss that drops a Unique Relic. Progressing through the Journey of Nightmares allows players to complete tasks for cosmetic rewards.
Ascension Mode Overhaul
Ascension, Hell Clock's roguelike endgame activity, has transitioned out of beta with the 2.0 update. This mode involves allocating penances to increase the game's difficulty and then completing a set number of runs to defeat a specific boss. Players now have access to the full Penance tree, with the ability to challenge up to Hell 100. The mode has also seen polishing, with improved access to gear and relics, and the addition of a "Blessing of Beginnings" to aid in early runs.
Endless Nightmares
Providing an alternative endgame experience, Endless Nightmares features new randomized areas and 16 tiers of difficulty. These areas utilize modifiers known as Shards of Place for tilesets, Shards of Hope for reward affixes, and Shards of Fear for dangerous debuffs. This system replaces previous endgame activities like Abyss, Oblivion, and Void, offering more dynamic progression and the ability to complete floors more quickly or delve into side areas for loot.
Reworked Systems and New Additions
The 2.0 update also includes significant changes to Ailments and Endurance. Ignite damage now occurs faster, and Oiled status is no longer removed on ignition. Bleed damage has been doubled from 40% to 80%, and Shock now causes enemies to take 40% increased critical damage. Endurance has been reworked so that up to 75% of incoming damage is taken over 4 seconds, providing more time to recover through potions or regeneration.
Numerous new Relics have been added, many of which enable new playstyles for existing skills by altering damage types and effects. Examples include Plague Bullets, which converts Split Shot's damage to Plague and causes ricocheting bullets, and Energized Figurine, which transforms Veil of Quills to Lightning with a single high-speed projectile.
Cursed War DLC and Act IV
The paid Cursed War DLC introduces Act IV to the game's campaign, taking players to the Paraguayan war. This new act features three bosses, three mini-bosses, and six new skills: Tupã's Wrath, Lead Sermon, Holy Fire, Jaguar Spear, Carcará Dive, and Cilada. Some of the new relics added in the 2.0 update are exclusive to skills found in the Cursed War DLC.
Additionally, the Hell Clock Planner has been updated to allow players to upload their save files directly for instant build sharing. This feature is accessible by locating save files in the game's AppData folder. The update also includes new and updated guides from Maxroll covering all new content.