Update: We're now informed that the Survival Mode update will not launch today as planned due to "last minute unforeseen circumstances." The setback is not otherwise explained, and it's not clear at this point when this will come out. A post from a couple of weeks ago discusses beta testing of the mode.

Original Story: Stoic announces the release of a new free update for Banner Saga 2, adding a Survival Mode to the tactical RPG. This is automatically available on Steam, and here are some details about what the update includes:

In survival mode players have to assemble a ‘combat’ team from a wide range of existing Banner Saga heroes. Once their team is complete, combat begins, but beware, perma-death in battle is real and once lost, a hero can not be brought back. Each victory grants ‘Renown’ (one of the major currencies in the Banner Saga), which can be used to unlock more Heroes to replace ones that have fallen. Items now drop in combat, or can be purchased with Renown, so that you can constantly improve your combat team. A 30-second timer keeps the action moving and leaderboards track how each player ranks against others. All three difficulty levels are included in survival mode, so the hard core challenge is available to those who think they can make it all the way through.