Written by Alec Blackwood | The King is Watching
In The King Is Watching, players unlock permanent upgrades between runs to strengthen their kingdom. After each attempt, resources earned can be spent on:
- Unit improvements (health, damage)
- Kingdom expansions (vision range, unit capacity)
- Gameplay mechanics (unlocking advisors, kings, or speed modifiers)
These upgrades are essential for progressing further in the roguelite structure, enabling strategic flexibility and survival in later challenges.
Key Mechanics of Upgrades
- Resources like gold, clay, and bars are earned post-run
- Upgrades are tiered and categorized in the pre-run menu
- Effects range from unit stats to quality-of-life features
Top Priority Upgrades
- Vision Size ▼
Expanding gaze tiles allows more simultaneous buildings—critical for economic scaling. - Unit Cap ▲
Higher troop limits prevent army collapses during extended runs. - Swordsman Buffs
Improve frontline durability to survive early waves. - Double Game Speed
Accelerate resource farming after stabilizing your setup. - Council/Kings Unlocks
New rulers and advisors enable unique starting builds.
Resource Allocation Tips
- Focus first on vision and unit cap upgrades
- Specialize later—avoid niche troop improvements early
- Prioritize universal boosts over situational perks
FAQ
- How do I access upgrades?
Visit the upgrade building on the start screen post-run. - Are upgrades permanent?
Yes—they persist across all future attempts. - Early upgrade priorities?
Vision, unit cap, and swordsman stats. - Can new kings be unlocked?
Yes—via specific upgrades offering unique passive traits. - Council functionality?
Unlocked through upgrades for pre-run advisor selection. - Resource types?
Post-run materials ≠ in-game resources.