Ethan Crossfield 
Game of Thrones: Winter Is Coming has added Brienne of Tarth and her Valyrian Steel sword Oathkeeper in its latest update. Players interested in the licensed strategy game can now pursue the character and weapon through new content, while series fans get another reminder that even Westeros’s most admired artifacts often carry uncomfortable histories. The update also adds Lord Varys, new cosmetic options, and a limited-time trial, making it a substantial return for players who have stepped away from the game.
What changed in the latest update
The August update introduces Brienne of Tarth as a Cavalry Commander and Oathkeeper as a commander-exclusive weapon. Players can collect Oathkeeper fragments through the Ruins Treasure Hunt event, with the materials appearing in A, S, and SS chests. That makes the sword part of a broader progression event rather than a simple roster addition. The update also brings Lord Varys as a Greensight-class Commander, an SS Sacred March marching skin, and four SS troop looks: Winterfell Soldier, Brotherhood Without Banners, Beastmask Army, and Summer Isles Bowmen. A limited-time Winterfell Trial gives players additional challenges to complete.
Why Oathkeeper matters to Game of Thrones fans
Oathkeeper is closely tied to one of the Stark family’s darkest turning points. Ned Stark’s Valyrian Steel greatsword, Ice, is taken by the Lannisters after his execution. In the television adaptation, Ice is later reforged into two swords: Widow’s Wail and Oathkeeper. The latter is given to Brienne with the responsibility of protecting the Stark daughters. That purpose gives Oathkeeper an important place in the story, but its origin also makes it a symbol of the destruction inflicted on House Stark. Brienne’s association with the weapon eventually turns that legacy into something more honorable, reflecting her commitment to the oath attached to it.
What players should watch next
The update arrives while interest in the wider Game of Thrones games lineup continues to build. The year’s biggest Game of Thrones release has reportedly been delayed to 2027, although the source does not identify the title in that statement. Meanwhile, Game of Thrones: War for Westeros is scheduled to appear at Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25 with a gameplay trailer. That event could provide a clearer look at the upcoming real-time strategy game, which is launching on Steam. For Winter Is Coming players, the immediate focus remains the Ruins Treasure Hunt and Winterfell Trial, while fans deciding whether to wait for the next major release have a separate showcase to follow.
What players should know
- Brienne of Tarth joins the game as a Cavalry Commander.
- Oathkeeper is a commander-exclusive weapon, with fragments available in A, S, and SS Ruins Treasure Hunt chests.
- Lord Varys, the SS Sacred March marching skin, four SS troop looks, and the Winterfell Trial are also part of the update.
- Game of Thrones: War for Westeros will appear at Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25 with a gameplay trailer.
Expert View
This is a meaningful update for players who value recognizable Game of Thrones characters and lore-linked equipment, especially Brienne fans. Oathkeeper is a strong thematic addition because its history connects the Lannisters, the Stark family, and Brienne’s defining oath. However, the source provides no evidence that the update changes the game’s wider competitive landscape, so it is best viewed as a content and collection-focused release rather than a confirmed meta-defining event.
