The surprise Laborratory Update for Vampire Survivors has been announced and shadow dropped by developer Luca Galante, also known as poncle. Described as an “AAAA upgrade,” this update marks the largest free update in the game’s history, introducing a plethora of new features and animations.
Vampire Survivors initially gained widespread acclaim in 2022, quickly rising to become the highest-rated game on Steam, earning two BAFTA awards, and achieving millions of unit sales. Despite its early success, the game has continued to evolve with regular updates, constantly adding new content such as characters, stages, and features. Notably, Vampire Survivors has recently expanded its horizons through collaborations with other titles, with the upcoming Operation Guns crossover with Contra being the latest addition, scheduled for release on May 9, 2024.
However, before the anticipated Contra crossover, players were surprised by the Laborratory Update, yet another substantial free update for Vampire Survivors. Among its highlights is the introduction of a new holiday-themed character named Santa Ladonna, complete with a custom weapon called the Santa Javelin. Additionally, players can expect two more new weapons, including the evolution of the Santa Javelin, a fresh standard stage named Laborratory, and a bonus stage called Carlo Cart, where players embark on a thrilling cart ride throughout the entire stage. Furthermore, the update adds seven new achievements for players to unlock.
Humorously dubbed an “AAAA upgrade” by the developer, the Laborratory Update boasts “hyper-realistic features,” such as fully-rendered running animations and interactive door-opening mechanics. Since its release, Vampire Survivors has received over 30 updates, continually enhancing the game experience with new content and tweaks. Notably, one of the most significant updates introduced a multiplayer mode to the game.
Part of Vampire Survivors’ Chaos Roadmap, the Laborratory Update is designated as version 1.10, alongside the Operation Guns crossover. The roadmap hints at a future update in version 1.11, teasing the possibility of another free upgrade or collaboration. While there has been speculation about a crossover between Vampire Survivors and Baldur’s Gate 3, no official announcements have been made regarding this potential collaboration.
Players can dive into the new update starting today across various platforms, including Xbox One, Xbox X|S, Steam, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. The PlayStation version of Vampire Survivors is set to launch in the summer, also featuring the Laborratory Update and the Operation Guns crossover.
The Laborratory Update brings the following additions:
- Festive new character: Santa Ladonna.
- Festive new Weapon: Santa Javelin.
- New Evo: Seraphic Cry.
- New Passive weapon: Arma Dio.
- New Stage: Laborratory, a former pinnacle of weapons science now overrun by evil forces and a corrupted milk magician.
- New Stage: Carlo Cart, an abandoned underground railway station where lizardmen host clandestine go-cart races.
- Seven new achievements.