Stonewards Game Upgrades: How to Forge, Stack, and Survive Every Wave
Master Stonewards game upgrades with our full crafting guide covering roguelite upgrade types, resource management, and wave-by-wave strategies.
Why Stonewards Game Upgrades Are the Heart of Every Run
If you've ever felt the panic of cracking walls and an incoming monster horde, you already know why Stonewards game upgrades matter so much. This first-person roguelite defense game from Banana Tiger Studio throws you into a relentless cycle of digging, forging, and defending—and the upgrades you choose between waves can make or break your stronghold. Understanding Stonewards game upgrades early on is the difference between holding the line and watching the kingdom crumble.
The game is currently in Early Access on Steam, where the developers have built a rock-solid core loop centered on randomized roguelite upgrades that shape every single run. Whether you're playing solo or with up to three friends in co-op, your upgrade strategy is your survival strategy.
The Dig-Forge-Defend Loop: Where Upgrades Live
Stonewards operates on a three-phase gameplay loop, and upgrades sit right in the middle phase. Here's how it breaks down:
| Phase | Action | Upgrade Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Dig | Rush into procedurally generated mines after each wave to gather precious metals, rare materials, and shiny rocks | Determines what resources you have available for crafting |
| Forge | Spend mined resources to craft arrows, repair defenses, and unlock randomized upgrades | Core upgrade phase—this is where you make your strategic choices |
| Defend | Hold the walls, cover the gates, and stop the horde from breaching the stronghold | Your upgrades are put to the test against increasingly tough enemies |
The critical detail here is that upgrades are randomized. Every run presents a different set of options, which means you can't rely on the same build every time. You need to adapt based on what the forge offers you and what resources you managed to pull from the mines.
Player experience suggests that the time pressure between waves is tight—linger too long in the mines and your team defends short-handed. This makes efficient resource gathering essential for maximizing your upgrade opportunities.
Types of Stonewards Game Upgrades You'll Encounter
Based on the game's Steam listing and community reports, the upgrade system in Stonewards falls into several distinct categories. The developers describe these as randomized roguelite upgrades that let you stack different benefits across a run.
Upgrade Categories at a Glance
| Upgrade Category | What It Does | Strategic Value |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Strength | Boosts offensive capabilities—more damage per hit, stronger attacks | High priority for aggressive players and solo runs |
| Strange Powers | Unlocks unusual abilities and effects that can combo with other upgrades | High variance—can be game-changing or situational |
| Tougher Walls | Reinforces defensive structures to withstand more punishment | Essential for longer missions and higher difficulties |
| Crafting Enhancements | Improves arrow production, repair efficiency, or resource yields | Force multiplier—makes every other upgrade more effective |
| Character Evolution | Medium-to-long-term unlocks that persist and develop your dwarf | Adds progression depth across multiple runs |
How Upgrades Interact
The real depth of Stonewards game upgrades comes from how these categories interact. For example:
- Strength + Strange Powers: Stack raw damage with an unusual ability like chain attacks or elemental effects for devastating combos
- Tougher Walls + Crafting Enhancements: Create a defensive fortress that repairs itself faster than enemies can damage it
- Character Evolution + Any Category: Long-term unlocks can amplify the effectiveness of run-specific upgrades
The developers have explicitly stated that they plan to add "more intricate upgrade systems" in the full 1.0 release, which means the current system is a foundation that will grow significantly more complex over the 9-to-12-month Early Access period.
Strategic Tips for Maximizing Your Upgrade Path
Resource Gathering Priorities
Your upgrade options are limited by what you dig up between waves. Here's a priority framework for resource gathering:
| Priority | Resource Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Precious metals | Currency for most core upgrades—always grab first |
| 2nd | Rare materials | Unlocks higher-tier and Strange Power upgrades |
| 3rd | Common materials | Needed for arrow crafting and wall repairs |
| 4th | Hidden treasures | Bonus resources found in secret caves—worth the detour if time allows |
Wave-by-Wave Upgrade Strategy
- Early waves (1–2): Prioritize crafting enhancements and basic wall upgrades. You need survivability before firepower.
- Mid waves (3–5): Start stacking raw strength or strange powers. Your defenses should be holding—now build offensive capability.
- Late waves (6+): Focus on synergy. Pick upgrades that combo with what you already have rather than branching into new categories.
- Boss waves: Ensure walls are fully repaired and stack every remaining resource into raw strength. Boss fights test your damage output.
Solo vs. Co-op Upgrade Decisions
| Decision Factor | Solo Play | Co-op (2–4 Players) |
|---|---|---|
| Wall upgrades | Top priority—you can't defend every gap alone | Split among players; assign one person to wall duty |
| Strength upgrades | Essential—no teammates to share aggro | One player can specialize while others cover defense |
| Strange Powers | Riskier—situational effects can leave you exposed | Safer—teammates can cover while you experiment |
| Crafting speed | Critical—solo players must craft and defend simultaneously | Less urgent—players can rotate roles |
What's Coming: Future Upgrade Systems in Stonewards
The developers at Banana Tiger Studio have been transparent about their roadmap. According to their Steam Early Access description, the full version of Stonewards will include:
- More intricate upgrade systems beyond what's currently available
- Additional playable characters with unique upgrade trees
- Expanded resources, treasures, and rewards found while digging
- More diverse enemies and challenging boss fights that will demand new upgrade strategies
- Deepened lore and an expanded central hub that may tie into progression systems
- More cosmetics for character customization
Early Access vs. Planned Full Version: Upgrade Features
| Feature | Early Access (Current) | Full 1.0 Release (Planned) |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade variety | Randomized roguelite upgrades across core categories | More intricate systems with expanded options |
| Character progression | Medium-to-long-term unlocks | Additional playable characters with unique trees |
| Resource types | Precious metals, rare materials, common materials | Expanded resources, treasures, secrets, and rewards |
| Enemy variety | Varied roster of monsters | More diverse enemies and challenging boss fights |
| Maps | Multiple distinct caves | New maps and environments |
| Price | $8.99 (10% off intro offer through August 25) | Slightly higher at full release |
The developers note that buying during Early Access not only funds ongoing development but also rewards early adopters who help shape the final game through community feedback. They actively use player data to refine progression and balance throughout the Early Access period.
Crafting Efficiency: Getting the Most from Every Forge Visit
The forge phase between waves is short and pressured. Here's how to make every second count:
Quick Forge Checklist
- Repair walls first before spending resources on new upgrades—broken walls mean instant breach
- Craft arrows if you're running low—running out of ammunition mid-wave is a death sentence
- Evaluate your current build before picking a new upgrade—synergy beats novelty
- Communicate with your team about who's taking which upgrade in co-op mode
- Check for Strange Power options even if you're building strength—some powers have hidden synergy
Common Upgrade Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Ignoring wall upgrades | One breach ends the mission—defenses are non-negotiable | Always allocate at least one upgrade to walls by wave 3 |
| Spreading too thin across categories | Jack-of-all-trades builds lack the punch to handle late waves | Pick 2 categories max and stack deep |
| Hoarding resources | Unspent resources don't help you survive the next wave | Spend everything before each wave unless saving for a specific tier |
| Skipping the mine phase | No resources means no upgrades means certain death | Always dig—even a quick run yields something useful |
| Not adapting to randomization | Expecting the same upgrades every run leads to poor decisions | Read what's offered and build around it, not around a preset plan |
FAQ: Stonewards Game Upgrades
Are Stonewards game upgrades permanent or per-run?
The core upgrade system is roguelite-based, meaning most upgrades are randomized and apply only to your current run. However, the game also features character evolution systems with medium-to-long-term unlocks that persist across runs, giving you a sense of ongoing progression even when individual run upgrades reset.
How do I unlock better Stonewards game upgrades?
Better upgrades come from gathering rarer resources during the Dig phase. Precious metals and rare materials unlock higher-tier options at the forge. Exploring hidden caves and uncovering secrets in the procedurally generated mines yields additional treasures that can expand your upgrade choices.
Will the upgrade system change during Early Access?
Yes. The developers have explicitly stated that they plan to introduce more intricate upgrade systems in the full 1.0 release. They're using the 9-to-12-month Early Access period to gather community feedback, experiment with mechanics, and refine progression balance based on actual player data. If you want to influence how upgrades evolve, now is the time to get involved.
Can I play Stonewards solo and still access all upgrades?
Absolutely. The game supports both solo and 1-4 player co-op, and all upgrade categories are available regardless of party size. Solo play simply requires more strategic prioritization since you can't split roles—focus on wall durability and crafting efficiency early, then build offensive power as your defenses stabilize.