In V Rising, You Can Take Down And Suck Powers From Powerful Enemies

Every vampire craves blood. For the vampires in Stunlock Studios' V Rising, blood isn't just a means of sustenance, but also a way to acquire power, as laid out in this week's developer diary.

In the game, certain "V Blood" units carry within themselves the vestiges of the blood rain that fell for a week when Dracula was defeated. These units are "one primary avenue of progression" in the game, as sucking them dry can let you claim a portion of their power for yourself.

You can track them via your Blood Altar, a fixture of your castle, but beware: V Blood units are "extraordinary echoes of their peers," stronger than your average villager or animal. They'll be represented in the game by special UI indicators and just being "a sufficiently badass-looking enemy." That might be a snarling, bloodthirsty wolf or -- in the case of a human member of the vampire-hating Church of Luminance -- a champion who radiates a godlike aura.

Stunlock Studios also reported on its December beta test, which were "were interesting and informative." It went so well that Stunlock is planning to open up its beta to all comers by the end of the quarter, i.e., March. You can sign up to participate in the V Rising beta on the game's website.