SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes confirm the full release on October 26, 2026, introducing Prestige progression, Tier 2 equipment, three more ghosts and 48 Steam achievements. Sykes Games also reset player levels, money and equipment, and removed Possession as an evidence type.
Alongside the launch came two quick hotfixes on October 27 and 28. Those resolved problems with ghost orbs, equipment purchases, voice chat, Crucifix protection and weekly challenge payments. The major additions and the fixes are broken down below.
SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes: launch and major changes
SEVERANCE 1.0 went live on Monday, October 26 at 5 PM UK time. These SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes cover the new progression system, the revised investigations and the follow-up fixes, so returning players can see what changed before starting a contract.
The first surprise for returning players is a clean slate: old levels, money, equipment and lobby upgrades were reset. Halloween event rewards and progress were preserved.
New Tier 1 and Tier 2 equipment
Most equipment now has two tiers. Everyone begins with Tier 1 gear and unlocks Tier 2 options by progressing. Item prices and experience requirements have been rebalanced, while the Equipment Store and Contract Equipment screens have been rebuilt around the new tiers.
The SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes name eight new or updated equipment models: Advanced EMF Reader, Roped Sticks, UV Glowstick, Advanced Voice Recorder, Ghost Book, Thermostat, Laser Pen and GhostPro Camera.
Smudge Sticks are back as Tier 1 Ghost Repellent, with updated smoke effects. They provide a protective option while you work towards the higher equipment tier.
Specter, Kisi and Strigoi join the ghost roster
Sykes Games added three ghost types: Specter, Kisi and Strigoi. The SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes identify their names and explain that the evidence system has been reworked alongside their introduction.
Existing ghost behaviour clues remain in place, but several evidence combinations have changed. Use the latest in-game tablet to identify ghosts; an Early Access chart may lead you to the wrong answer even if its behavioural clues are still useful.
Possession evidence removed and identification changed
Possession is gone. It was removed in the October 25 pre-release patch because it lacked unique ghost behaviour clues. Removing it means two findings no longer narrow the roster as quickly, and several ghosts have new evidence combinations.
The SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes leave existing ghost-specific behaviours intact. Use those behaviours alongside the revised evidence tablet when choosing an identification. A chart from Early Access can produce the wrong answer.
Prestige, cosmetics and 48 achievements
The SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes introduce Prestige and dedicated rewards, extra cosmetics through levelling, and a rebalanced XP curve. The game now has 48 Steam achievements, giving players new goals beyond simply identifying ghosts.
Players who finished in the Early Access Top 20 receive permanent Legacy titles displayed on lobby cards. The recognition includes Top 20, Top 10 and individual titles for third, second and first place.
Why SEVERANCE reset progression in Version 1.0
The SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes explicitly list the reset of player levels, money, equipment, lobby progression and general progression. These changes give every player a fresh start with the new XP, shop and Prestige systems.
Halloween event progress and rewards were exempt from the wipe. If you’re wondering why your previous gear disappeared, read our SEVERANCE progress reset guide for the full breakdown.
Multiplayer, arcade and lobby updates
Open multiplayer lobbies remain visible in the browser even when the hosts have started a match. Before 1.0, those lobbies disappeared from the list during investigations. The SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes also introduce Haunt Hop, a new arcade game, with both arcade machines now free in every lobby.
You will also notice smoother Ghost Drawing animations, improved Smudge Stick smoke and a clearer equipment shop. The Contract Equipment menu has been rearranged to show the new tiers more clearly.
Bug fixes in Version 1.0 and the October 28 hotfix
The launch build fixed missing match results, slow returns to the lobby via the Return Pad and purchased equipment failing to appear in inventories. The October 27 v1.0.0.1 update then addressed duplicate Strigoi Ghost Orbs, some photo reward errors, equipment shop purchasing bugs and the bug-report text input. It also changed an objective’s wording to Stun the Ghost with Repellent.
The follow-up v1.0.0.2 update on October 28 fixed a Crucifix sometimes burning without preventing the hunt, weekly challenge money occasionally failing to pay out, EVP screens expanding during ghost events and repeating voice-chat audio after a death.
The October 28 hotfix also lets dead investigators hear living teammates and makes Place Item a configurable keybind. Install the latest version before retesting voice chat, the Crucifix or weekly challenges.
What to do first after updating to SEVERANCE 1.0
Start with the available Tier 1 gear, play investigations to rebuild money and levels, then work towards the Tier 2 equipment. Check the revised evidence tablet before identifying a ghost, particularly if you remember Possession combinations from Early Access.
The takeaway from the SEVERANCE 1.0 patch notes is simple: you’ll be rebuilding progression, learning three new ghosts and working with a revised evidence tablet. The October 27 and 28 hotfixes address launch bugs, not the intentional reset.
Related Guides
Official source: Sykes Games official SEVERANCE Version 1.0 announcement.
