Halloween is arriving in Rise of Kingdoms, and this year's update brings more than just spooky decorations. Version 1.1.12, titled Dreams of Phantasma, launches on September 22 and introduces an entirely new kingdom-versus-kingdom competitive format, a full Halloween event series, and significant quality-of-life improvements across early-game seasons. Whether you're a veteran governor grinding through Season of Conquest or a newer player navigating your first Lost Kingdom, this patch has something substantial for you.
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of everything included in the Dreams of Phantasma update.
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What's New in Version 1.1.12: Dreams of Phantasma
The Dreams of Phantasma update is headlined by three major additions: the Radiant Rivalry event, the Halloween event series, and a sweeping set of Lost Kingdom and season optimizations. There are also notable changes to the Wheel of Fortune, the Conquest Tavern, and combat quality-of-life features.
The Halloween event series kicks off with several interconnected activities. Esmeralda's Prayer returns as the centerpiece, with Esmeralda's Collection serving as the free-to-play method for earning coins used in the prayer event. Additional activities include Race Against Time and In Search of Wonders, rounding out a packed seasonal schedule.
Radiant Rivalry: A New 1v1 Kingdom Showdown
The most significant addition in this patch is Radiant Rivalry, a brand-new PvP format that pits two kingdoms of similar strength against each other in a structured competition. Unlike traditional Kingdom vs Kingdom events that emphasize territory expansion across a shared Lost Kingdom map, Radiant Rivalry narrows the focus to a direct confrontation between two matched opponents.
How the Preparation Phase Works
Radiant Rivalry unfolds in two distinct stages. During the Preparation Phase, both kingdoms compete for points over multiple days. Kingdom members earn points by completing preparation quests, and these points are tallied daily. The kingdom with the higher cumulative score at the end of the preparation phase gains a critical advantage.
A key consideration here: based on how similar formats have functioned in the past, farming accounts can contribute disproportionately large point totals. If you're planning to compete seriously, coordinating farm activity across your kingdom may become a strategic necessity.
The Battle Phase and the Radiant Spire
Once preparation concludes, the winning kingdom earns the right to teleport into the losing kingdom's territory and contest the Radiant Spire— a special structure that becomes the focal point of the battle phase. The defending kingdom must protect its Radiant Spire while the attacking kingdom attempts to seize control. Both kingdoms fight within the losing kingdom's territory, making this a rare inversion of typical KvK dynamics where the aggressor invades the defender's home ground.
Governors can earn Radiant Emblems by completing both preparation quests and battle quests. These emblems are redeemed in the Radiance Shop for rewards. The quality of those rewards — and how troop loss is calculated during the battle phase — will ultimately determine how worthwhile this event proves to be.
Early Impressions and Strategy Tips
Radiant Rivalry has been spotted in early-game kingdoms through the Pioneer experience, meaning some governors have already had hands-on time with the format. The consensus so far suggests that kingdom-wide coordination is paramount. Every governor's contribution matters, and consistent daily participation during the preparation phase is more valuable than a last-minute push.
If your kingdom is matched in Radiant Rivalry, prioritize the following:
- Complete preparation quests daily. Don't wait until the final day to contribute.
- Coordinate across alliances. A fragmented kingdom will lose to a unified one.
- Stockpile resources in advance. Depending on quest requirements, you may need extra troops, resources, or Action Points.
Halloween Event Series: Esmeralda's Prayer and More
The Halloween event series brings a familiar structure with seasonal flair. Esmeralda's Prayer operates as a luck-based event where governors spin for rewards. Esmeralda's Collection provides the free-to-play path to earn the coins needed for those spins.
Additional events in the series include:
- Race Against Time: A time-limited challenge event.
- In Search of Wonders: Focused on acquiring high-quality armaments.
These events are designed to run alongside the broader Halloween celebration, giving governors multiple avenues to earn seasonal rewards without necessarily spending.
A new Camp Treaty system is being introduced for Season of Conquest stories via the Pioneer experience. The leader of the coalition occupying a Crusader Fortress can serve as a delegate to initiate treaties on behalf of their camp. Treaty terms determine how rewards are distributed between the two camps upon final occupation of the Ziggurat, covering items like Arch Testimonies, Legendary Testimonies, and the Star of Champions. This effectively formalizes what has traditionally been informal alliance negotiation into an in-game mechanic.
Lost Kingdom and Season Optimizations
The early-game experience receives substantial adjustments in this patch, with changes spanning Seasons 1 through 3.
Chronicle Unlock Timing
Key chapters in the Chronicles will now unlock at fixed times — specifically, Fridays through Saturdays at 12:00. This is a welcome change for players who have long requested that major progression milestones align with weekend availability.
Pass Protection Changes
In Season 2, the Level 4 Pass becomes semi-protected. Semi-protected passes can only be attacked by alliances from the home kingdom of the corresponding outer province, meaning governors from other kingdoms cannot attack these passes or enter the outer provinces of other kingdoms. Season 3, which is King of All Britain, introduces similar adjustments with the Level 4 Pass becoming semi-protected and the Level 8 Pass opening.
Acclaim Feature and Eve of the Crusade
A new Acclaim feature arrives in Seasons 1 and 2, allowing governors to earn acclaim by battling governors from other kingdoms. In Season 3, acclaim is earned by battling governors from other camps.
The Eve of the Crusade event now opens simultaneously with the Lost Kingdom, rather than running as a separate preceding phase. This integration means governors can earn credit across both systems at once — a significant efficiency gain. Additionally, the starting province selection for Season 3 has been removed; governors will now be automatically assigned based on camp buffs derived from total points and rankings from the Eve event.
Past Glory and Speedup Consumption
Stage 2 of Past Glory will now require the consumption of speedups. Consuming a certain amount of speedups grants the Crusader Resource Chest and accelerates the construction of your Crusader Fort. This change applies only to kingdoms entering Season 1 preparation or Seasons 2 and 3 matchmaking after the update. For early-game players, this adds a new resource-management consideration — burning speedups during KvK prep is now part of the expected progression path.
Domain Matchmaking Adjustment
Domain matchmaking rules have been adjusted so that different domains of the same kingdom can now be assigned to the same Lost Kingdom. This is relevant for very large kingdoms that register multiple domains of accounts; previously, these domains could end up in separate KvKs, complicating coordination.
Individual Season Rankings
Individual season rankings now include rank rewards, which may feature limited-time titles or nameplates based on performance in the Lost Kingdom. This adds a personal progression layer on top of the existing kingdom-level competition.
Conquest Tavern and Wheel of Fortune Updates
Five commanders have been added to the Season of Conquest Conquest Tavern: Cy, Shajar, John, Phillip, and Steven. These commanders will presumably be available for exchange, providing additional avenues to acquire commander sculptures through the tavern's currency system. Phillip in particular is a solid option for players who don't yet have him, though he's generally considered to be on the decline in the current meta rather than on the rise.
The Wheel of Fortune receives a meaningful change in Season 1. Each spin now consumes spin tickets, which can be obtained directly with gems or through bundles. This aligns the Season 1 wheel with the endgame wheel structure, potentially simplifying the gem-spending calculus for newer players.
Clash of Divine Isles Optimizations
The Clash of Divine Isles event receives adjustments that broaden how governors can earn points. Previously, individual points came primarily through invasions. Now, defense points can be earned by engaging invading governor troops while defending your territory. Invasion points continue to be earned by defeating roaming troops, statue sentries, and enemy defending troops, or by conquering statues.
This change should make the event feel less one-dimensional, rewarding active defenders as much as aggressive attackers.
Final Thoughts: What to Prioritize in Dreams of Phantasma
The Dreams of Phantasma update is one of the more substantial patches Rise of Kingdoms has seen in recent months. The introduction of Radiant Rivalry represents a genuine shift in how kingdom-versus-kingdom competition can work — a focused 1v1 format that emphasizes preparation, coordination, and a climactic battle for a single strategic objective.
The Halloween season is always one of the most active periods in Rise of Kingdoms, and Dreams of Phantasma looks to make it memorable. Sharpen your blades, stockpile your speedups, and get ready — the Radiant Spire awaits.
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Rich Experienced Game Editor
Rich is a passionate gamer and strategy explorer who loves uncovering hidden mechanics, experimenting with team comps, and sharing tips that actually help players succeed. She has a talent for breaking down complex systems into easy-to-understand guides, making even the trickiest battles feel manageable. When she's not diving into virtual worlds, you might find her debating game lore, hunting for easter eggs, or enjoying a snack while plotting her next in-game strategy. Rich's goal? Helping fellow gamers have more fun while leveling up their skills.
