The long wait is just about over - AutoForge’s next update, Shared Workload, is now live on the public experimental branch! This means it has already undergone testing with our beta players and is now open for everyone to try. Shared Workload brings the highly anticipated multiplayer support along with many new features, content and enhancements.
Feedback and Issues
During this experimental phase, we’re focused on resolving issues and getting feedback on any of the new changes. If you do have any feedback to give or issues to report then please do so either in the Steam Forums or better yet over on our Discord.
We truly want to make sure that multiplayer is very solid before fully releasing this update so if you encounter any issues then please share it with us. We are aware of several smaller issues that we are continuing to address.
Important Reminder
Shared Workload is backwards compatible with saves from 0.4+. If you are going to be playing on experimental then please backup your save files. You can find your save files in the folder: "Steamuserdata//1960480/remotesaves".
How to get started playing the update:
Go to AutoForge Properties > Betas and select the "experimental" branch from the dropdown menu. Steam should update AutoForge to the latest build. You can verify this by launching the game and checking the version in the bottom left corner - it should be "0.7".
Playing with Others
Hosting and joining a Multiplayer game are easy to do in AutoForge! For either one you first want to click on the "Multiplayer" button on the main menu.
From there you can host an existing save with "Host Load Game" or create a new world to host "Host New Game". The default "Steam Friends" hosting method will allow any friends to freely join or you can limit it to be "Steam Invite Only". Once hosting your friends will automatically see your server listed in their "Join Game" menu or you can send them an invite directly.
Additionally, if you are not friends with someone but want to allow them to join your game then you can use a "Join Code". Once in game go to your settings and in the "Session" category you will find the Join Code that you can share with anyone. With a join code in your possession go to "Join Game" and select the "Server Code" and enter in the code.
Major Changes
Online Multiplayer
Character Cosmetics
Trinkets (accessories)
Improved Exploration - Environmental Hazards, Energy system, and many other changes
Base Decoration (coming in the next patch)
Guide System explaining complex mechanics + adjusted Tutorial
Full changelog will come with the full release of Shared Workload!
Thank you for taking the time to play the experimental version of Shared Workload!
Exciting Automation Collaboration
Continuing the good news, we had the pleasure of talking to the lead developer of Astronomics and have joined forces with them in an enticing bundle. Astronomics just hit their 1 year anniversary in Early Access and are quickly improving on the game with a major update released just last month. Don't miss this one!