SEVERANCE progress reset was an intentional part of the Version 1.0 launch on October 26, 2026. Sykes Games removed existing player levels, money, equipment, lobby progression and other general progression so everyone could start with the rebalanced levelling and equipment systems. Your old level disappearing after updating is expected.
Your Halloween rewards are safe. Seasonal event progress was excluded from the wipe. Top 20 Early Access leaderboard players also receive permanent Legacy titles. Everything else listed below belongs to the new progression system.
SEVERANCE progress reset: what was removed in 1.0?
The SEVERANCE progress reset covers five areas of your account: level, money, equipment, lobby upgrades and general progression. Sykes Games listed them individually in the full-release announcement.
| Before Version 1.0 | After the update |
|---|---|
| Player level | Reset |
| Money | Reset |
| Equipment and equipment progression | Reset |
| Lobby progression | Reset |
| General progression | Reset |
| Halloween event progress | Preserved |
| Halloween event rewards | Preserved |
If your previous loadout has vanished, start with the Tier 1 equipment now available in the shop. Most tools have new Tier 2 versions, which unlock as you gain levels. Previously bought equipment doesn’t skip that progression.
Why did SEVERANCE reset everybody’s money and levels?
Sykes Games introduced a new Prestige system and changed how equipment unlocks work. XP requirements and shop prices were also rebalanced. The SEVERANCE progress reset gives returning and new players the same progression starting point instead of letting old purchases bypass the redesigned system.
You’ll need to earn XP and cash again by completing investigations. Check the new shop before spending: both item prices and experience requirements were rebalanced for 1.0.
What progress did SEVERANCE players keep?
Halloween progress and earned Halloween rewards were protected. The update explicitly excludes them from the SEVERANCE progress reset. You can continue the seasonal event without repeating the rewards you had already earned, even though your money and general level were reset.
Sykes Games also announced a Possessed Doll lobby keepsake for anyone who had played before full release. This commemorates the now-removed Possession evidence mechanic. It is a reward for Early Access participation, not a replacement equipment tool used to identify ghosts.
Players finishing in the Top 20 of the Early Access leaderboard receive permanent Legacy titles shown on lobby player cards. Titles reflect placements including Top 20, Top 10 and the top three individual positions. These are special launch rewards, not refunds for lost money.
Was your missing progress the 1.0 wipe or a save problem?
Look at when your progress disappeared. If it was on your first visit after October 26, missing old levels, cash and equipment match the announced SEVERANCE progress reset. That’s the new starting point for every returning Early Access player.
Progress earned after the October 26 launch is a different matter. If a newly earned level or purchase has disappeared, check that you’re using the correct Steam account and have installed the latest game update. Report that loss separately from the 1.0 wipe.
Sykes Games added an in-game bug-report tool before launch, accessible through the Esc menu and lobby laptop. If new progress disappears after an investigation or restart, report when it happened, which equipment or level was affected and whether the session ended normally. That gives the developer a specific problem to investigate.
Can you restore equipment and money wiped by Version 1.0?
Sykes Games describes the old progression as permanently reset for launch. There’s no claim procedure that restores the retired Early Access money or equipment. After the SEVERANCE progress reset, complete investigations to rebuild your balance and unlock the updated gear.
If Steam actually displays a cloud sync conflict involving your new progress, read our Steam Cloud conflict guide before making a save choice. That is separate from the planned October 26 wipe; don’t overwrite current data just to try to recreate Early Access stats.
How to progress again after the SEVERANCE progress reset
Start with the Tier 1 equipment available under the new loadout system, play investigations and use the money and XP you earn to unlock upgrades. Version 1.0 also added Prestige rewards and more cosmetics, while the Contract Equipment and Equipment Store interfaces were updated to support the new tiers.
Start by rebuilding your Tier 1 loadout, then work towards Tier 2 tools and Prestige as you level. The SEVERANCE progress reset also brought new prices and XP balancing, so the route back is different from Early Access. Our Version 1.0 patch notes cover the wider changes.
Related Guides
Official source: Sykes Games official SEVERANCE 1.0 release notes.
