The Champions and Lulu find themselves at Fort Knucklebone with some new allies. They set off in a warmachine to find the Sword of Zariel and encounter some interesting folks along the way.

Traveling the wastelands of Avernus is never a simple or smooth journey.

Note: you will need to have completed the previous two Descent into Avernus Adventures, Into the Fire and Dreamscape, in order to access these new Adventures.

The Path of Dreams

The Champions and their new allies catch a sweet ride to Harumann's Hill, but the journey through the wastelands of Avernus is neither uneventful nor easy...

• Variant: The Path of Redcaps — Redcaps from Fort Knucklebone arrives to hamper your progress. Redcaps appear in each area with increased damage. Redcaps track the number of enemies destroyed. For each enemy destroyed during this adventure, the damage of all Redcaps is increased by 10% (additive).
  Reach area 350.

The Lost Hollyphant

The Champions find themself alone on Avernus and launch a rescue party for their kidnapped ally!

• Variant: Zapper Overload — The Demon Zapper is overcharged and overloading! Only Champions with STR of 13 or higher can be used. In areas 1-40, the demon zapper is no longer targeting fiends, it's targeting interlopers that are in Avernus! Every 10 seconds, one member of the formation is zapped by the demon zapper offscreen. In addition to taking damage from the zap, Champion zapped have one of the following random effects happen to them:
  • Teleport: The Champion is removed from the formation and you are unable to use them until you change areas.
  • Sear:The Champion takes 50% more damage from the beam for each Champion adjacent to them.
  • Enfeeble:The Champion's damage drops to 0 for the next 30 seconds.
Reach area 375.

See the in-game Change Log for more information, including a full list of changes and fixes included in this update.

New Features, Content Update, and Daily Rewards, oh my! It's time for our Summer Spectacular!

If you're interested in learning more about what's coming with this week's update, you've come to the right place...

Table of Contents

• Summer Spectacular
• Daily Rewards
• New Features
• Multi Party Mode
• Modron Automation
• New Gem Familiars
• New Patron Skins
• New DLC Packs
• Descent into Avernus, Part 5
• Feedback Wanted!

Summer Spectacular

We've been working behind the scenes on Multi-Party Mode and Modron Automation for a while! With the Beta of Modron Automation on almost all platforms as of today, we wanted to have a celebration as more folks get their eyes on our latest system! We hope you enjoy it, and we look forward to incorporating more of your feedback in the coming builds.
To our players on Switch: We hope to have Modron Automation Beta available on Switch in August. When we unlock it, all players will receive the exclusive Modron Component listed in the rewards below.

Daily Rewards

Every day during the Summer Spectacular you can log in and open a new Summer chest, but each chest is only available for 24 hours! Each chest contains four awesome items, hand-picked by the team here at Codename Entertainment to help you in your adventures.

Once you have claimed at least four daily Summer chests, you unlock the following additional rewards!

• Exclusive Pirate Calliope Skin
• Exclusive Epic Modron Component
• 5 Gold Chests

New Features

Today's update brings an exciting new feature to Idle Champions to more platforms; Multi-Party Mode and Modron Automation Beta! We've been enjoying and implementing your feedback during the initial Beta period and we're expanding it out to more platforms! We're really excited to see how this shakes up the meta. We've been having so much fun in the office creating multiple parties.

In case that wasn't enough stuff to get you excited, this week's update also includes the addition of three new gem familiars, a new Champion skin in each patron's shop, and some new DLC. More on those below!

Multi-Party Mode

Multi-Party Mode is a system by which players can run multiple formations on multiple adventures at the same time, using a unique set of Champions and familiars on each one. You can unlock additional party slots in order to start using multiple parties at the same time, and catch up on variants or progress through the Patron Challenges faster!

To unlock an additional party, tap the Multi-Party icon from the map screen while not actively running an adventure, and complete the requirements. To unlock your first party you must have two champions in each bench slot and complete the adventure Split the Party. Unlocking more party slots will require you to complete variants of Split the Party, as they become available.

Each party progresses through its given adventure simultaneously. No two parties will be able to run the same base adventure or variant, but they can be running the same free play at the same time if you wish. Different parties can adventure under the banner of different patrons at the same time. We're excited to see how this shakes up the meta of certain dominant Champions and their bench slots.

Modron Automation

Modron Automation is a system through which you can do two things: automate certain tasks in the game for one of your adventuring parties and provide additional buffs to that party. Your first modron core is unlocked when you unlock your first additional adventuring party, and one additional core can be purchased for gems, for now.

A Quick Primer on Modron Automation:

To begin, assign a Modron Core to an adventuring party. Next, use components you find in Modron Component Chests to route Psychomorphic Energy from the Energy Generator into the Modron Automation Component (to unlock automating the party) and Modron Core Outputs (to buff the party). While the automation tile does not require a specific amount of power, using certain components to increase the power of the flow can provide larger buffs from the Modron Core Outputs.

How do I enable the Automation Setup?


In order to enable the "Setup Automation" button, you must route the Psychomorphic Energy from the Energy Generator to the Modron Automation Component using components you find in Modron Component Chests.



What can be automated?

You can currently automate three things:


• Formation loading When enabled your Modron Core will automatically load a specific saved formation when you begin an adventure with the adventuring party it is assigned to. The saved formation chosen depends on the requirements of the adventure you start. Different saved formations can be chosen by using the selector at the bottom of the automation dialog.


• Automatic resets When enabled your Modron Core will automatically reset and restart your adventure when you complete a chosen area. This only functions when you are on a free play adventure and for event free plays, it will only trigger if you have enough event currency to start the free play again. When combined with formation loading this can automate farming of gems, patron currencies, challenges, and more.


• Automatic buffs When enabled, your Modron Core will automatically use certain potions upon reaching certain areas. This can allow you to increase the efficiency of your automatic runs, provided you have enough potions available.




How do I get more Modron Components?


You can get Modron Components from Modron Component Chests. Chests are awarded when you unlock a Modron Core or level up a Modron Core, and may also be purchased for Patron Currency in the Patron Shop.



How do I upgrade components?


Modron Components can be upgraded to the next rarity level by using Modron Component Pieces. You get pieces by breaking down components you don't want to keep. It takes more pieces to upgrade higher rarity components, but you also get more pieces for breaking down higher rarity components.



How do I get more Modron Cores?


An additional Modron Core is available for purchase on the Current Parties dialog by clicking the "Buy Additional Cores" button at the bottom. More cores will be added in the future.



How do I unlock more areas in my Modron Core Grid?


Modron Cores gain one xp every time the party they are assigned to completes an area. When they level up you get a Modron Component Chest and unlock a new region of the grid with new spaces and outputs and explore.



My Modron is Overheating! How do I prevent that?


Modron Cores will overheat if there is an infinite loop in your component layout. To avoid this, look for areas of red flow and rearrange your components so that the flow does not flow back into itself. While a Modron Core is overheating none of the outputs or automation tasks will function.



Why did my Modron Core stop automating after a week when I left it for two weeks?


Modron Cores can only automate for seven days before they need to be checked in on to refill their psychomorphic energy reserves. To prevent your Modron Core from pausing its automation, simply open up the core dialog once every seven days.

New Gem Familiars

New Familiars have appeared in the Shop! We've added three new Familiars to the shop: Raven, Quasit, and Zorbo Familiars. We also adjusted the cost of our Mage Hand Familiar, which will now cost 250 gems. Players who have bought this familiar previously have been refunded 750 gems.

New Patron Skins

Champions who find themselves in service of Mirt the Moneylender will have access to the Cyran Knight Warden Skin, those in the service of Vajra Safar may access the Baldur's Gate inspired Champion Jaheira Skin and those in the service of Strahd von Zarovich will have access the Silver Dragon Krond Skin through the Patron Shop.

New DLC Packs

Two new DLC Packs are now available!

The Valkyrie Aila Skin & Feat Pack unlocks the Valkyrie Aila Skin, the ‘Storm Warden’ Epic Feat, and 7 Gold Aila Chests. It will also unlock the Aila Champion if you don't already have her.

The Fluffy the Beholder Familiar Pack will unlock the Fluffy the Beholder Familiar, an assortment of Epic potions, and a Potion of Polish.

Descent into Avernus, Part 5

This week's content update brings Descent into Avernus, Part 5. Traveling the wastelands of Avernus is never a simple or smooth journey, and the Champions find themselves without a guide. Check out the full Descent into Avernus, Part 5 blog post for details about the new adventures and variants.

Feedback Wanted!

These changes are scheduled to go live later today. We very much look forward to your feedback, so please let us know what you think in a Community Q&A or feedback post on the Idle Champions Subreddit, a post on the Steam forums, or on the Official Idle Champions Discord!

It's the day before Shieldmeet and the Open Lord of Waterdeep has gone missing. Nobody has seen Laeral Silverhand in days and it is imperative that she be found before the meeting with the Masked Lords begins.

At the behest of the Blackstaff, the Champions are sent to discover what happened...

Midsummer 3 introduces Beadle & Grimm, the purveyors of the Pandemonium Warehouse and owners of the Giant's Bane Tavern, brings back the speedy hero of Baldur's Gate, Shandie Freefoot, and the street rogue, Xander Cesso. Players have until Monday, July 27th at 12PM PDT to complete their event unlocks and objectives.

Year 3 Champion: Beadle & Grimm

Beadle and Grimm have been best friends & adventuring partners their entire lives. Together, they have faced the most dangerous foes their realm had to offer and built a respite alongside the frozen north's harsh realities: The Giant's Bane Tavern.

Beadle & Grimm are Support and DPS Champions able to swap places in the formation on demand. The longer that one is in the formation, the more powerful the other becomes when swapped in. When you want to add Beadle & Grimm to your formation, you can swap them with Delina (Slot 8).

For more information about Beadle & Grimm, check out the Idle Champion Spotlight: Beadle & Grimm dev blog!

Year 2 Champion: Shandie Freefoot

Shandie grew up on the rough streets of the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. She quickly learned that if she wanted to survive, she needed to be fast on her feet and even faster with her wit and weaponry. The first time Shandie saw a bowmaster gracefully launch an arrow into a bull's-eye, she knew she had to master archery. With years of practice under her belt, any opponents underestimating this stealthy halfling will soon realize how dangerous she is as a volley of arrows bear down on them unexpectedly from shadowy corners.

Shandie is an agile Support Champion. Her Dash ability can increase formation speed, while Explosive Arrows and Agile Allies offer potent formation buffs. When you want to add Shandie to your formation, you can swap her with Asharra (Slot 6).

For more information about our latest Champion, check out the Idle Champion Spotlight: Shandie Freefoot dev blog!

Year 1 Champion: Xander Cesso

Fascinated by magic at a young age when he lived in an orphanage, but lacking any ability or proficiency, Xander is not terribly good at much of anything, though something about his adorable clumsiness and childlike wonder anytime magic is being used nearby has been known to inspire those around him. Until recently, he was living on the streets of Waterdeep, scraping together just enough to survive. Now, he is a faithful member of your party, always ready to leap into the fray, even if he doesn't really seem to be able to hit much of anything.

Xander is a Support Champion. His Lucky Shot ability has a chance to double quest progress, and his Streetwise ability increases the damage of Champions behind him. When you want to add Xander to your formation, you can swap him with Calliope (Slot 5).

Year Three Variants

• Arvaiss' Next Trap - Every area, a collection of magical monsters attempt to thwart your progress. Once they spawn, their effects are active until they are destroyed.
  
  • Young Red Dragons(Armored) - No other monsters can be damaged until all the Young Red Dragons on-screen are destroyed.
  • Fire Snake - The base attack cooldown for each Champion is increased by 1 second while this enemy is alive.
  • Giant Fire Beetle - While this enemy is alive, all enemies are increased in size by 20%, deal 300% more damage and move at 100% increased speed.
  Reach Area 75.


• Showoffs - Beadle & Grimm are ready to show the Champions how they do things in the frozen north! Beadle starts unlocked and in the formation. They can be moved. Champions can only be used if they meet one or more of the following requirements:
  
  • Strength 18 or higher
  • Dexterity 17 or higher
  • Intelligence 16 or higher.
  
  Reach Area 125.


• A Contest, You Say? - Beadle & Grimm have started some infighting on which method of attacking is best. It's time to answer the question, but the enemies are not going to make it easy on you!
  
  • Enemies have 300% more hit points.
  • Enemies attack twice as often.
  • When an enemy is killed by a type of Base Attack (Melee, Ranged, or Magic) the Champions with the same Base Attack type have their damage decreased by 2% while Champions with the other Base Attack types have their damage increased by 1%.
  
  Reach Area 175.

Year Two Variants

• Dreams of Grandeur — Jenks really wants to meet Vajra Blackstaff. From Area 12 onward, Jenks takes up a slot in your formation.
  Reach Area 75.


• Stay Back — Only Champions that attack with ranged or magic-based attacks can be used.
  Reach Area 125.


• Haunted Past — Only Neutral, Evil, or Champions with a Dexterity (DEX) score of 15 or higher can be used. Shandie beings the adventure in your formation and cannot be swapped out, moved, or removed. Strahd Vampires that can only be damaged by Shandie randomly spawn in non-boss Areas. Luckily, Shandie will prioritize Strahd Vampires over all others and attack twice as frequently when they are present.
  Reach Area 175.

Year One Variants

• Waterdeep Escort — The Waterdeep City Watch Officer insists that he accompany you on your adventure. He fills one slot in the formation, and if he is killed, your DPS goes down by 33% every 10 seconds.
  Reach Area 75.


• Drow Deception — The Drow said they were looking for a wizard, but the Champions seem like a more interesting quarry to chase! A Stealthy Drow Pickpocket appears on every level, and if they reach the formation, you fail the area and have to head back to the previous level.
  Reach Area 125.


• Commander Xander — Xander takes the lead as his childhood wishes of becoming a Hero have come true! Champions not adjacent to Xander have a 50% chance to miss whenever they attack (Xander isn't great at command). Those that are adjacent to Xander attack normally. He does enough missing for everyone.
  Reach Area 175.

See the in-game FAQ for more information!

It's time for the latest Champion Spotlight or should we say Spotlights? It's two-in-one with Beadle & Grimm making their debut in Midsummer 3!

Read on to find out how this dynamic duo swaps in and out to tag team crush their enemies...

I. Beadle & Grimm

Beadle and Grimm have been best friends & adventuring partners their entire lives. Together, they have faced the most dangerous foes their realm had to offer and built a respite alongside the frozen north's harsh realities: The Giant's Bane Tavern.

Beadle & Grimm are Support and DPS Champions able to swap places in the formation on demand. The longer that one is in the formation, the more powerful the other becomes when swapped in. When you want to add Beadle & Grimm to your formation, you can swap them with Delina (Slot 8).

II. Beadle & Grimm's Stats

Beadle

Race: Dwarf	Alignment: True Neutral
Class: Rogue/Wizard	Gender: Male
Age: 91	Affiliation: none

STR: 13	DEX: 17	CON: 12
INT: 16	WIS: 10	CHA: 8

Role: Support, Gold

Grimm

Race: Human	Alignment: Chaotic Good
Class: Barbarian	Gender: Male
Age: 26	Affiliation: none

STR: 18	DEX: 12	CON: 16
INT: 12	WIS: 9	CHA: 14

Role: DPS, Support

Eligible for Patrons: Mirt the Moneylender, Vajra Safahr, Strahd von Zarovich. Read on to understand how!

III. Beadle & Grimm's Design

We were elated to collaborate with Matthew Lillard and Bill Rehor on bringing Beadle and Grimm to Idle Champions. We've interacted with the crew from Beadle & Grimm's at multiple D&D events, and we fell in love with the story that their company was named after their home group's D&D Characters!

When we reached out to them to discuss their characters a bit more, we learned about many of their past exploits, including the tavern they created together: The Giant's Bane Tavern. At some point during the discussion, we decided to challenge ourselves with the design of this pair: what would it mean to have a tag-team set of Champions in one Champion slot?

We started with the idea that their shared Ultimate Attack, Tag Team, would swap Beadle for Grimm and vice versa. That ability (and its name), gave us a north star to look to during design. In every aspect of their character (where possible), they are working together.

Beadle & Grimm have all the advantages of two sets of stats and alignments, but none of the disadvantages, which is why their Inseparable ability allows both of them to be eligible for an adventure, variant, or Patron even if only one of them qualifies!

We are very excited to see what opportunities this opens up for players...

IV. Beadle & Grimm's Abilities

Basic Attack

Their normal attack changes based on who is currently in play.

• Magic Wand (Beadle) — Beadle bonks a random enemy with a wand (dealing half damage). This unleashes two magic missiles that fly out and hit two other random enemies for full damage.

• Giant's Bane (Grimm) — Grimm cleaves through the nearest enemies with his two enormous greatswords.

Formation Abilities

• Get Buff — Beadle and Grimm increase the damage of themselves or the Champions around them.
  • Beadle Increase the damage of Champions within 2 slots of himself by 100%.
  • Grimm Increase the damage of Grimm by 100% for each Barbarian in the formation, stacking multiplicatively.

• Special Order — Beadle and Grimm provide a utility to help the party.
  • Beadle Whenever Beadle damages an enemy that is not at full health, that enemy will drop 25% more gold when it is killed. Does not stack.
  • Grimm Enemies damaged by Grimm take 25% more damage until they are killed (except from ultimates). Can stack additively up to 10 times on a single enemy.

• Long Rest — While Beadle is active, Grimm's buff increases by 1 stack every 10 seconds. While Grimm is active, Beadle's buff increases by 1 stack every 10 seconds. When a Champion swaps out using their Tag Team ultimate, their stacks are reset, and while they're in-play their stacks reduce by 1 every 10 seconds. Stacks are additive.
  • Beadle — Increase the effect of Beadle's Get Buff by 10% per stack.
  • Grimm — Increase the effect of Grimm's Special Order by 10% per stack.

• Inseparable — Beadle and Grimm are so inseparable that if either one qualifies for an adventure restriction based on their tags, ages, ability scores, then both can be used.

Beadle's Specializations

• As Quick As Me — Increase the effect of Beadle's Get Buff by 100% for each Champion with a DEX score of 17 or higher, stacking multiplicatively and then applying to Get Buff multiplicatively

• As Clever As Me — Increase the effect of Beadle's Get Buff by 100% for each Champion with an INT score of 16 or higher, stacking multiplicatively and then applying to Get Buff multiplicatively.

Grimm's Specializations

• Chip Away — Increases the effect of Grimm's Special Order by 100% (up to 50% per stack)

• Strongman Contest — Grimm's Get Buff now also adds a stack for any Champion with a STR score of 18 or higher.

Ultimate Ability

• Tag Team — Their ultimate attack changes based on who is currently in-play.
  • Beadle — Grimm leaps into the fray, smashing a random enemy and all nearby enemies before leaping back into the formation while Beadle teleports into the shadows to recover.
  • Grimm — Beadle teleports into the center of the battle and explodes with arcane magic, damaging and stunning all enemies. He then slips quietly back into the formation as Beadle leaps away for a brief rest.

V. Beadle & Grimm's Equipment

Slot 1: Self DPS buff	Slot 2: Global DPS buff	Slot 3: Get Buff buff
Slot 4: Special Order buff	Slot 5: Long Rest buff	Slot 6: Ultimate Damage buff

VI. Conclusion

What do you think about Beadle & Grimm? If you have feedback, let us know in a Community Q&A or Champion feedback post on the Idle Champions Subreddit, on the Steam forums, or on the Official Idle Champions Discord!