Sweet Bandits Studios and Tripwire Presents have released the first major post-launch update for their wildly popular multiplayer game of subterfuge and deception, DECEIVE INC., introducing a wide array of quality-of-life and balancing updates based on feedback from its ever-growing community. The Misery Empire update, available now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, also sees the release of the first new playable spy, Red.
Red is a versatile scoundrel spy and introduces an all-new status effect: Charmed. Charmed spies are sent back into cover and gain the status effect, making them both slowed and neutralized. Spies who fire their weapons while charmed become heartbroken, removing the slow effect but making them vulnerable instead. Players can unlock Red immediately for 1500 DI Credits earned by playing the game or when purchasing the premium seasonal catalog.
The update also introduces the player-friendly Catalog System, a DECEIVE INC. alternative to traditional Battle Pass systems. With the Catalog System, players can unlock Red and other premium cosmetics with Catalog coins earned by playing the game or with Bonds (in-game premium currency). The new HEAT System is designed to reduce collateral damage and raise operational standards. Agents will be penalized with increased vulnerability and suffer extra damage when mistaking civilians for rival agents too many times in a row. Players’ HEAT levels will also reduce over time.
Following player feedback and developer investigation, the TEAM Intel Update now shares team intel, slowing down speed running tactics and incentivizing teams to take more strategic approaches towards splitting up to collect intel while providing more value to acquiring keycards in team games. The TEAM Revives Update allows downed spies to be revived by teammates up to three times with increasing health penalties, encouraging players to stay in the fight longer and contribute to their team.
The Misery Empire update also adds a variety of new fashion-forward agent skins, allowing players to look good while capturing the objective. To celebrate the arrival of Catalog 1 and the Misery Empire update, players can look forward to a Steam Free Weekend for DECEIVE INC. from April 27 to May 1, with a 20% discount available during this time for all available platforms.
The Misery Empire update is a great way to encourage more strategic approaches towards capturing the objective, and the Catalog System is a welcome addition for those who want to unlock new content without being tied to a traditional Battle Pass system.
So what do you think of Red? Are you looking forward to having a new charming and treacherous addition to the roster or do you have a favourite you’re committed to now in your games? let us know in the comments below or over in our Community Discord.
Where to Buy
We’ve hunted around the internet to find out which reputable stores have the best deals on Deceive Inc right now. Discounts are based on the time this article was written (April 27, 2023 at 4.25pm BST).
DECEIVE INC. MSRP is $19.99 USD, €19.99 EUR, and £16.99 GBP with an ESRB: T for Teen and PEGI 16 rating.
Aspiring agents can also purchase the DECEIVE INC. Black Tie Edition for an MSRP of $29.99 USD, €29.99 EUR, and £24.99 GBP to receive a ton of cool extras, including the “Dressed to Impress” Profile Portrait, Title, and Equipment Ink with an additional 1,000 Bonds (in-game premium currency).
CDKeys
Standard Edition
Standard Edition | PC – Epic Version (35% off) *
Standard Edition | PC – Steam Version (38% off) *
Standard Edition | Xbox Series X|S Version (22% off) *
Black Tie Edition
Black Tie Edition | PC – Epic Version (35% off) *
Black Tie Edition | PC – Steam Version (38% off) *
Black Tie Edition | Xbox Series X|S Version (23% off) *
Epic Games Store
Epic Games Store (20% off) * | This is the Epic Game Store version of the game
Green Man Gaming
Standard Edition
Standard Edition | PC – Epic Version *
Standard Edition | PC – Steam Version *
Black Tie Edition
Black Tie Edition | PC – Epic Version *
Black Tie Edition | PC – Steam Version *
Fanatical
Standard Edition
Standard Edition | PC – Epic Version *
Standard Edition | PC – Steam Version *
Black Tie Edition
Black Tie Edition | PC – Epic Version *
Black Tie Edition | PC – Steam Version *
Humble Store
Standard Edition | PC – Steam Version *
Black Tie Edition | PC – Steam Version *