The Smog Emperor Update: Making Boss Battles More Strategic

Boss fights are one of the most important parts of Clockwork Desolation: The Frozen Time. They aren’t just meant to test reflexes but also to push players into making smart choices under pressure. With that in mind, I’ve been updating one of the key bosses, The Smog Emperor.

This update fixes a few smaller bugs but, more importantly, introduces two big mechanics that change how the battle plays out.

Smog Emperor’s New Mechanics

Teleport Movement Update

Previously, the Smog Emperor could only teleport forward, which made it too easy for players to lock their aim and deal damage without much thought. Now, he can teleport left and right, forcing players to constantly adjust their aim and adapt on the fly. This makes the encounter more dynamic and keeps the tension alive throughout the fight.

Smoke Phase and One-Time Heal

When the Smog Emperor’s health drops below 75%, he enters a new phase: he teleports into dense smoke, vanishes from sight, and fully heals himself once. Players who panic and fire blindly into the smoke risk wasting precious ammo, leaving themselves defenseless when the Emperor re-emerges.

This mechanic is designed to increase the stakes. Players will need to be patient, manage resources carefully, and stay sharp if they want to overcome the challenge.

Why These Changes Matter

The goal behind these updates is simple: to make boss battles feel more than just “shoot until it dies.” Instead, I want encounters that:

• Force players to adjust their aim and tactics.

• Create tense moments where every bullet counts.

• Deliver a sense of reward when the player adapts and wins.

The Smog Emperor now feels more alive, unpredictable, and worthy of his place as one of the game’s major foes.

Beyond the Update

Alongside this boss work, I’ve also published all of my past tests and learning games on our website. These small projects were created while I was learning to code, and they are now available for free. If you’re curious, feel free to check them out.

We’re also getting a little closer to setting up our Steam account, a significant step toward reaching a wider audience of players. The process takes time, but progress is progress.

Step by Step Forward

Every update, no matter how small, makes Clockwork Desolation a little more alive. With the Smog Emperor’s new abilities, I’m one step closer to creating the kind of boss battles I’ve always wanted to play, intense, strategic, and memorable.

👉 What do you think about bosses that heal mid-fight? Do they add to the tension, or just frustrate players?