The King Is Watching Upgrades Guide
Written by Alec Blackwood | The King is Watching
Upgrades in The King Is Watching are permanent bonuses you unlock between runs. After each game, you earn resources based on your progress, which you can spend to strengthen your kingdom, improve your units, or unlock new features for future reigns.
These upgrades are part of the game’s roguelite system. They carry over between games and are critical for pushing deeper, unlocking new playstyles, and surviving more intense battles.
You access them through the upgrade building at the start screen. Each upgrade has multiple tiers and affects different parts of your run.
How the Upgrade System Works
After every run, you're awarded gold, clay, bars, and other resources. These are used in the upgrade menu before your next reign begins.
Upgrades are organized by category. Some improve unit stats like Swordsman health. Others unlock new mechanics like double-speed mode or spell slots. Some upgrades affect starting conditions, like increasing your minimum unit count or starting with extra vision.
Each purchase makes future runs easier or opens new paths to explore.
Best Upgrades to Prioritize
Vision Size
Unlocking extra gaze tiles lets you run more buildings at once. This speeds up your economy and unlocks more complex layouts. Always get this early.
Unit Cap
More unit slots means stronger armies and faster recovery after wipes. Critical for longer runs and boss fights.
Swordsman Stats
Boost their health and damage so they don’t get shredded in early waves. Stronger frontlines help everything else survive.
Double Game Speed
Lets you run the game faster when you’re waiting on resources. Huge quality-of-life boost once you’ve stabilized.
Council and Kings
Unlock more advisors and kings for new builds. Each king brings a new passive, and the Council lets you customize your run from the start.
Where to Spend Wisely
Start with vision and unit upgrades. Then unlock speed or spell slots based on your strategy. Avoid dumping early resources into niche troop types unless they’re part of your core build.
Focus on broad upgrades that help every run. Specialized buffs can come later once you’ve nailed your go-to layout.
Final Blurb
The upgrade system in The King Is Watching is what turns failure into progress. Every run earns resources, and every resource makes the next one stronger.
Invest wisely, grow your kingdom, and rule with more power each time you return.
FAQ
How do I access the upgrade system?
Go to the upgrade building on the start screen after a run. You’ll see all available categories and unlocks.
Do upgrades carry over between runs?
Yes. All upgrades are permanent and affect every future reign.
Which upgrades should I get first?
Vision size, unit cap, and swordsman buffs are the most important early picks.
Can I unlock new kings or characters?
Yes. Some upgrades unlock new kings with different traits or starting bonuses.
What does the Council have to do with upgrades?
You unlock Council functionality through the upgrade system. It allows you to choose advisors before each run.
Are upgrade resources the same as in-game materials?
No. You earn upgrade materials between runs. They are separate from the resources used inside each game.
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