Here Comes The Swarm Introduces Second Major Early Access Update Featuring New Arcanist Unit and Full Armour Rework
Indie developer CableHook Games has released the Second major update for Here Comes The Swarm in Early Access, introducing a powerful new unit, a comprehensive overhaul of the armour system, expanded unit upgrade paths, and a range of balancing and gameplay improvements.
The update marks a significant evolution of the game’s core combat systems, adding new strategic depth and refining how armies scale and interact across the battlefield.
At the centre of the update is the introduction of the Arcanist, a new long-range unit that channels Arcana to deliver high-impact magical attacks. Unlocked from the Barracks following the Stone Tier upgrade, the Arcanist introduces a flexible toolkit designed around positioning, synergy, and tactical decision-making.
The unit features multiple “Essences” that enhance its role on the battlefield, including effects that boost nearby resource production, extend unit range and vision, apply stacking debuffs, or allow attacks to pierce through enemies. It also brings powerful active abilities such as Inject, which buffs allied units, and Mini Nuke, a high-damage Arcana-based ability designed for critical moments in combat.
Alongside the new unit, the update delivers a complete rework of the armour system, shifting damage mitigation from flat reductions to percentage-based scaling. Armour now provides clearer feedback through updated tooltips, while introducing diminishing returns to improve late-game balance. Armour penetration has also been redesigned to reduce armour before damage is applied, making it a more meaningful counter-stat in combat.
The update further expands progression systems across multiple unit types, introducing new Barracks and Blacksmith upgrades that enhance healing, speed, range, and damage output. Units such as Priests, Pyromaniacs, Knights, and Arbalists all receive additional upgrade paths or refinements to existing progression, improving overall army variety and strategic depth.
Additional improvements include balance adjustments, usability updates, and general gameplay fixes aimed at improving overall stability and combat clarity.
The developer notes that this update is the second in a series of ongoing Early Access improvements, with additional units, systems, and refinements planned based on community feedback.