Since before release, Element TD 2 has suffered from desyncs, a problem where the game state isn't synced up by the end. We've tried numerous fixes to hack it down over time, but we were never successful.
However, in our upcoming Version 1.6, we've made some more adjustments, and so far from testing, we have yet to desync. This isn't the first time this has happened from testing though, so in order to help cement this (or debunk it), we'd like to ask you all to help.
To try it out, first switch to Alpha Branch!
Alpha Branch
We're opening this to the public! No more password, and no more Discord only. To access the Alpha Branch, right-click Element TD 2 --> Properties --> Betas. Once you have it, you'll be able to try all the latest changes from our upcoming version!
However, it comes with some limitations:
- Finding multiplayer games is version locked. If you're on alpha, you'll only be able to find and play with others on alpha.
- Scores pulled off on alpha won't submit to the Score Leaderboard.
- Ranked Games will not affect your MMR.
- Replays from older versions will not run properly due to balance adjustments.
Testing Desyncs
You don't have to do anything special to try and desync the game. Just hop onto alpha branch, convince your friends to join, and play together! If the game does desync, a pop-up will appear and let you know. Should this happen, please let us know and post logs of it on our Discord.
- Logs can be found here - C:\Users\%username%\AppData\LocalLow\Element Studios\Element TD 2
- Post your player.log and said replay file to the #alpha-bugs channel
- If multiple people from the same desynced game could also post a screenshot of the end score screen, that would also help considerably
Our hope is that desyncs are at least minimized compared to before. If you play on alpha branch and don't encounter any desyncs, consider that a win!
Version 1.6.alpha Changes
In addition to our desync fixes, the upcoming version contains some other new features, some that you can try out right now! Included so far is:
- Ranked Mode requires a double-accept confirmation prompt
- Ranked Mode now has a Ban Phase!
- Numerous WIP balance adjustments
You can read all the changes on our Discord in the #alpha-notes channel. If you have any feedback on the changes so far, let us know in the #testers channel. We also have regular test games in that channel, so if you're looking for players to play with on alpha branch, try there!
We also have a few more features we plan to add by the time Version 1.6 officially launches, like new maps and improved Lobby UI, so look forward to that!