No Rest for the Wicked is preparing for a major systems overhaul when version 1.0 launches in March 2027, with Moon Studios replacing traditional character attributes, introducing 24 weapon based classes, adding deeper stealth mechanics and moving core stats into a new Serum Core system.
The studio says the redesign is intended to make character progression feel more meaningful. Instead of spending points on familiar attributes that simply increase numbers, your class will now be determined by the weapon you are using.
Equip a spear and you become a Dragoon. Switch to a dagger and you effectively become an Assassin.
Each class earns Insight through combat, which can then be spent on traits and runes. The game will launch with 24 classes and more than 280 traits.
Classes Are Tied to Weapons but Builds Remain Flexible
The new class system does not lock you into one role for an entire playthrough.
Traits unlocked on any class are added to your permanent collection. You then have six trait slots available, consisting of two offensive slots, two defensive slots, one utility slot and one ascension slot.
Those slots can contain traits from any class, regardless of the weapon currently equipped.
| System | No Rest for the Wicked 1.0 |
|---|---|
| Traditional attributes | Removed |
| Classes | 24 |
| Class selection | Determined by equipped weapon |
| Traits | More than 280 |
| Trait slots | Six |
| Offensive slots | Two |
| Defensive slots | Two |
| Utility slots | One |
| Ascension slots | One |
| Core stat system | Serum Cores |
| Respec cost for cores | Free at Whispers |
The showcase demonstrated several hybrid builds.
An Assassin could combine stealth with the Dragoon's lightning effects. Another build mixed Rogue, Archer and Stormbringer abilities, while a heavy build combined Crusader, Barbarian and Berserker traits to focus on staggering enemies and becoming stronger while taking damage.
Assassin Introduces a Much Deeper Stealth System
The Assassin class also brings a substantial overhaul to enemy perception.
Enemies now use proper vision cones and react more naturally to noise. The Assassin can see what enemies are looking at, move quietly, lure guards by knocking on walls and even become completely invisible.
Successful sneak attacks can also trigger another cloak, allowing you to chain stealth kills.
Importantly, these mechanics are not restricted to dedicated stealth missions. They work inside the same environments already used for normal exploration and combat.
That should make stealth feel like another complete playstyle rather than a temporary scripted mechanic.
Serum Cores Replace Traditional Stat Allocation
Health, stamina and focus are also being moved away from the old attribute system.
These values will instead come from Serum Cores.
Leveling earns points that allow you to unlock cores at any Whisper, after which they can be slotted into your character.
Some cores provide basic stat increases, while others introduce much more specialized effects.
Feral increases attack speed, Crimson grants life steal, Fortune improves item drops and Awakened removes stat caps entirely.
Each core has a capacity cost. You can exceed your normal capacity, but every point beyond the limit causes you to take 10% additional damage.
The system is also designed to be flexible. Cores can be swapped at any Whisper for free, so experimenting with different stat setups should not require a permanent commitment.
Six Factions Add New Questlines and Rewards
Every class will belong to one of six factions.
Each faction has its own questline, which can unlock new locations, traits and vendors selling equipment for the classes associated with that faction.
The Assassin and Rogue, for example, belong to the Severed Hand, a criminal faction based in Sacrament. Its missions involve completing assassination contracts and leaving a calling card behind.
This gives the class system a broader connection to the game's world rather than limiting it to combat statistics.
Version 1.0 Will Roughly Double the Existing Content
The progression overhaul is only part of the update.
Moon Studios says version 1.0 will roughly double the game's current amount of content.
New areas are being added, Sacrament is being expanded and Isola Sacra will contain additional secrets. Two new enemy factions and a fresh group of bosses are also planned.
Some enemies will behave more like players, using dodges, parries and runes during combat.
Loot is also being redesigned to appear less frequently while becoming more valuable.
Royal chests will be hidden in secret locations or guarded by enemies and will contain unique rewards. A new fusion system will allow equipment to be combined for unusual effects.
Combat changes include more detailed hit reactions based on poise damage, shields with different behavior and Quick Step becoming a trait rather than a universal mechanic.
No Rest for the Wicked has been available through PC early access since April 2024. Its price will increase from $40 to $60 when version 1.0 launches.
Before then, all 24 classes will become playable through an open beta scheduled for December. The full 1.0 release is planned for March 2027 on PC and PlayStation 5, while Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 versions are planned for later.
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