Before we get to the update, consider picking up Level Zero: Extraction and all the DLC with a 35% discount.

The offer will be valid until December 4th—the end of the Steam Autumn Sale that's just started:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1456940/Level_Zero_Extraction/

Supporter Pack
Elite Task Force Outfit Pack
Digital Artbook
OST

Upcoming Changes to the Lighting System: Improvements and Testing

We’ve gathered a lot of feedback and are taking the necessary steps to improve it, aiming to address the issues that have arisen for both sides—Mercs and Aliens. This week, we want to introduce another significant change to how the game feels for both aliens and mercs in the context of the light system.

So, here’s what we’ll be testing in this week’s patch:

• We plan to rework the light system so that aliens will only take light damage from UV light. Regular light will no longer damage them. All devices will be reworked to use UV; there will be UV electronic glowsticks, the flashlight will become UV, the light trap will work like a UV spotlight, and flares will serve as light sources that won’t damage aliens but will instead help improve visibility in the dark.
• We still plan to add more dark areas to the map, so light sources like standard flares and glowsticks will come in handy for checking dark spots for enemies. Overhead ceiling lights will stop damaging aliens, allowing them to move freely under light. Invisibility will then mainly be needed to avoid UV light. We might also add safe zones with UV light in certain rooms where mercs can rest.
• UV light will gradually force aliens out of invisibility, similar to the previous game concept where being under light slowly drained invisibility energy. This will also resolve the problem of body-blocking mercs.
• Alien vision will become more comfortable to use since we won’t need to recolor and highlight all the map’s light sources in red, making the visual experience easier on the eyes.
• We plan to remove invisibility as a shield mechanic in its current form and turn the shield into a separate ability that can be activated temporarily to escape while being shot at rather than simply body-blocking players.

Reworking the light system should also improve client and server-side optimization since the current light system is overloaded with complex logic affecting the entire map. With these updates, we expect a noticeable FPS boost for players with both low-end and high-end PCs.

Spoiler Alert: You will also see a complete rework of weapon recoil in the game.

Alien Render Rework

With the upcoming changes in mind to how damage to the Alien is handled, we’ve reworked the Alien’s rendering and how it perceives the world around it. Our goal was to create a visually pleasing experience without overly harsh light sources while still maintaining the sense that you’re playing as the Alien. See the video above.

Space Station Map: WIP

New Glowstick Type: UV