Bandai Namco’s 2D action platformer Shadow Labyrinth received a significant update in version 1.1.0, released in late October 2025, aimed at improving overall playability and accessibility. This update introduces a brand-new Explorer Mode, balance tweaks, control improvements, and quality-of-life enhancements responding directly to fan feedback.
Explorer Mode and Veteran Mode
Explorer Mode significantly lowers game difficulty, making the narrative, exploration, and combat much more approachable for a broader audience. Meanwhile, the previous game mode has been renamed Veteran Mode, preserving the original, more challenging experience.
Players can now switch between Explorer and Veteran Mode anytime from the save or warp point menu without penalty, allowing for flexible play styles.
Gameplay and Control Improvements
The Mini-PUCK controls during maze sequences have been refined, including new tutorial stages, a dedicated neutral jump button to reduce input errors, and added diagonal forward-up input for normal jumps to improve precision. Mid-air control has also been enhanced for better movement responsiveness.
Adjustments include increased attack power for Sword Fighter and GAIA phases, reduced damage taken, nullified contact damage in many cases, and improved energy consumption and recovery rates, alongside a new “Tenacity Boost” that gradually increases attack power each time the player dies.
Save, Travel, and Difficulty Balance
The number of save and warp points has been significantly increased, with some simple save points replaced by warp-enabled ones to ease backtracking. The MAZE difficulty has been adjusted with boss weakening and changes to item placements, along with a reduced reward score requirement for clear bonuses.
Players can now retry MAZE boss battles from the last boss checkpoint if they die or restart the game, removing the frustration of replaying entire segments.
Bug Fixes and Stability
The update fixes crashes related to the staff roll, edge screen behavior in specific battles, ESP recovery issues after death, and other minor bugs that affected gameplay stability.
FAQs
What is Explorer Mode?
A new easier difficulty option designed to make combat and exploration more accessible without penalizing players.
Can I switch between Explorer and Veteran Modes?
Yes, players can switch at any time from the save or warp point menu.
What improvements were made to controls?
Mini-PUCK controls received tutorials, a dedicated neutral jump button, better mid-air control, and diagonal input enhancements.
What are the changes to MAZE difficulty?
Bosses have been weakened, item placements adjusted, and rewards made easier to obtain.
Does the update fix stability issues?
Yes, several crashes and bugs encountered in previous versions have been addressed.
Conclusion
Shadow Labyrinth’s 1.1.0 update is a thoughtful response to community feedback, broadening the game’s appeal through the addition of Explorer Mode and numerous quality-of-life improvements. With better controls, rebalanced combat, and improved saving systems, the game is now more accessible and enjoyable for new and veteran players alike.