New Blood’s Ultrakill—already a standout in the early-access FPS landscape—is poised to deliver its most ambitious update yet. The developer has confirmed that Fraud, the eighth and penultimate layer of Hell, will arrive next week, bringing with it a radical shift in art direction and gameplay mechanics. Originally slated for late 2025, the update’s delay has only heightened anticipation, with New Blood’s team playfully advising players to ‘skip school’ and ‘call out sick from work’ in anticipation.
The layer’s design leans into themes of illusion and distorted physics, a departure from the game’s previous environments. Lust, a dreamlike metropolis, and Gluttony, a grotesque, organic maze, have set the tone for Ultrakill’s layered Hell, but Fraud promises to push boundaries further with environments that defy conventional spatial logic—something only a game can achieve. The update’s arrival brings the title one step closer to a full 1.0 release, with just Treachery remaining as the final layer.
Why This Matters for Early Access
Ultrakill* has thrived as an early-access title by steadily refining its core mechanics while expanding its world. Each new layer has introduced distinct visual styles and gameplay twists, rewarding long-time players with evolving content. The upcoming Fraud update is no exception, offering a fresh aesthetic and mechanical depth that aligns with the developer’s track record of ambitious design choices.
For newcomers, the game remains an exceptional value at $25, though patience is advised. New Blood’s annual anniversary sale, running from February 23 through March 2, will likely coincide with the update’s release, making it an ideal time to jump in. Meanwhile, the studio continues to expand its portfolio with projects like Dungeons of Dusk, a grid-based dungeon crawler set for release later this year.
A Broader Look at New Blood’s Early Access Strategy
New Blood’s approach to early access has proven effective, with Ultrakill, Gloomwood, and Fallen Aces each demonstrating how incremental updates can sustain momentum over years. Gloomwood, for instance, recently introduced a monster transformation serum system that allows players to absorb enemy abilities—a feature that mirrors the revelatory expansions seen in titles like Elden Ring. Such innovations reinforce the studio’s ability to deliver unexpected depth, even in a genre often dominated by linear releases.
The arrival of Fraud not only signals progress for Ultrakill* but also underscores the broader trend of early-access games refining their vision over time. For players, it’s a reminder that the most rewarding experiences often require patience—especially when the payoff is as visually and mechanically rich as what New Blood is building.
