Embark Studios has rolled out Update 8.3.0 for The Finals, bringing with it a fresh limited-time mode, new esports bundles, store updates, Twitch Drops, and numerous gameplay adjustments. The headline addition is Heaven or Else, a 5v5 limited-time event where contestants duel using spears on celestial platforms, aiming to knock opponents off the stage rather than turn them into coins.
Alongside the new mode, the patch includes esports bundles supporting professional teams, cosmetic store updates, and balance tweaks to weapons, gadgets, and smoke grenades. Several map adjustments, bug fixes, and performance improvements are also included, reflecting the developers’ ongoing focus on refining competitive play.
Full Patch Notes (Update 8.3.0):
New Limited-Time Mode: Heaven or Else
- 5v5 spear-based combat on celestial platforms
- Knock players off the stage instead of converting them to coins
- Health influences launch distance when struck
- Contracts offer up to 12 free rewards across two weeks
Store Update
- New companions Quill and Cinder
- Cosmetic weapons: Mandate Javelin, Malebolge’s Notice Trident
- Poland and Greece bundles now available
- The Grand Major 25 Prime selection for tournament play
Esports Bundles
- First wave of team collab bundles introduced:
- ALLIANCE x ENGIMO
- ENVY x OSPUZE
- PULSAR x ISEUL-T
- KCP x ALFA ACTA
- NTMR x VOLPE
- SSG x HOLTOW
- Teams receive a share of sales revenue
Twitch Drops
- Broadcast Blaze set available until October 16, 2025
- Unlock cosmetics for the M26, Cerberus, and ShAK-50 by watching four hours of eligible streams
Balance Changes
- Breach Drill: Activation time reduced from 3s to 2.5s; cooldown reduced from 25s to 20s
- Smoke Grenade: Duration reduced from 15s to 9s; ammo reduced from 3 to 2
- Cashout Respawns: Adjusted to prevent teams from spawning too close after wipes
- BFR Titan: Damage decreased from 98 to 90 to eliminate problematic one-shot combos
Content and Bug Fixes
- Numerous animation, audio, controller, customization, and gameplay fixes
- Revive statues updated to have Light, Medium, and Heavy variants
- Increased aiming accuracy for Grapple Hook and Winch Claw
- Weapons, melee interactions, and spear animations corrected
- Riot Shield collision improved
Maps
- Fixes to out-of-bounds exploits and destructible objects
- Adjustments to Fortune Stadium, Kyoto, Monaco, Seoul, SYS$Horizon, and Skyway Stadium for better balance and flow
- Lighting fixes and zipline adjustments for Nozomi/Citadel
UI and Social
- Custom reticule color option added
- Player name now shown on match reports
- Chat scroll functionality improved
- Improved pacing of Player Card sequences in replays
Performance and Stability
- Optimized memory use on lower RAM systems
- Reduced animation-related crashes
- Improved performance in customization menus
The Finals is a free-to-play first-person shooter developed and published by Embark Studios. The game features class-based, team-oriented combat across destructible arenas, encouraging players to use the environment strategically to gain an edge in competition.
Have you tried the new Heaven or Else mode yet? Share your impressions below.
