update · September 6, 2026
Scorched Warfare Update v0.5.3806 Reworks Melee Combat and Adds Shield Blocking
Scorched Warfare v0.5.3806 brings a melee combat overhaul, introducing shield blocking, guard breaks, backstab damage bonuses, and standard bearers. The update also improves pathfinding, unit spacing, and performance in large-scale battles.
The v0.5.3806 update for Scorched Warfare focuses on army combat mechanics, adding shield values, guard breaks, and positional bonuses. Players can test the changes in the ongoing playtest.
Shields and Guard Breaks
Shield-bearing units now possess a Block value. Frontal attacks are stopped by shields without dealing damage or interrupting actions, consuming Block with each successful stop. When Block runs out, units are guard-broken, take double damage, and temporarily lose the ability to block before their Block value recovers. Greatshields can block while moving and attacking, while small sword-shield units can only block while charging. Attacks from the sides and back bypass shields completely, as do attacks on units that are staggered or knocked down.
Combat Adjustments and Positioning
Melee engagement has been reworked so units spread out across targets, queue for open spots, and flank around sides to reduce rear-row pile-ups and idling. Archers now actively face firing targets, spread out, and lead moving targets. Standard bearers now appear in armies with colored flags for players, allies, and enemies, and rear-row soldiers move side to side while waiting to engage. Movement follow distance has been shortened for faster command response, and regular unit attack frequency has increased slightly.
Bug Fixes and Performance
The update resolves multiple pathfinding issues that caused units to jitter, get stuck, stop permanently, or head the wrong direction. It fixes units standing off outside attack range or locking onto irrelevant targets, along with issues involving delayed movement start-up animations and skipped attack hits at low frame rates. Performance has been optimized for large-scale unit battles, reducing stutter during fights.
Why this patch matters
Version v0.5.3806 changes army engagements by making positioning and flanking critical for bypassing enemy shields, while cleaning up pathfinding and performance bottlenecks.