Hello everyone!
We are back with a new Beta update, and this time we have three new additions for you to try out: Auto Level, Flexible Conveyors and Manlifts!
With these additions, we are looking to make some everyday tasks a little easier, from keeping a consistent ground level, to putting together production lines and reaching those harder to access areas around your mine sites and buildings.
Alongside the new features, V0.36 also brings further performance improvements, adjustments and fixes across the game.
We are continuing to work through other reported issues and feedback as well. Not everything that has been reported is included in this update, as some areas affect larger parts of the gameplay and need more time and attention than a quick fix (such as economy, camera modes, vehicle behavior and more ). We will continue working through these areas step by step in the upcoming updates.
Further down, we will take a closer look at each of the new features, how they are intended to work and how to get started with them.
As always, thank you to everyone taking part in the Beta and continuing to send us your bug reports, feedback and suggestions!
Remember that the Beta update is optional and is still being tested and polished with the help of those who choose to take part in Beta testing and reporting. We also recommend to always do a backup before switching between game versions!
How to join the Beta branch
Right-click Out of Ore in your Steam Library and select Properties.
In the Properties menu, select Betas from the left sidebar.
Select "beta - Latest beta for players" from the dropdown list.
The Beta should begin downloading automatically.
Auto Level
The first version of Auto Level is currently available for loaders, dozers and graders.
For this first version, Auto Level keeps things simple and works with a flat horizontal level. It will help keep your blade or bucket at the height you have set, but tilted or sloped levels are not supported yet.
This is our first step with Auto Level, and we would like to build further on the system as development continues.
DX100A Dozer and L8000/L10000 loaders do not support Auto Level due to these being older machinery.
Below we will go through how to set your target height, make adjustments and use Auto Level while working.
How to use Auto Level?
Before you can use Auto Level function, you will need to purchase the Auto Level Reciever from the store. (Under Equipment - GPS - Auto Level Reciever)
Once purchased, equip the Auto Level Reciever to one of the vehicle's light slots. After it has been equipped, the Auto Level system and its controls will become available for that vehicle.
If the Auto Level GPS is equipped on a vehicle that does not currently support Auto Level, you will see a message in the Vehicle Inventory letting you know that the vehicle is not supported.
Where to find the controls?
The Auto Level controls can be found under Settings → Controls → Vehicle. Scroll down to the bottom of the Vehicle controls to find the Auto Level controls.
Activate Auto Level Turns Auto Level on or off. When active, the system automatically controls the blade or bucket height based on the currently selected target.
Set Height Sets the current blade or bucket height as the new target height and activates Auto Level.
Height Offset Increase Raises the working height from the current target by 15 cm each time it is pressed. This can also be adjusted while Auto Level is active.
Height Offset Decrease Lowers the working height from the current target by 15 cm each time it is pressed. This can also be adjusted while Auto Level is active.
How to manually set or adjust the target height?
While sitting in the vehicle, open the Vehicle Inventory (I) and you will find the Set Auto Level Target input at the top. Enter the height you want to work at and Auto Level will use this as the new target. (You can press Enter or just close inventory, it updates automatically)
How does the Offset work and what is it for?
The Offset controls allow you to fine tune the working height without having to manually type in a new target height.
Each step increases or decreases the Offset by 15 cm. The Offset can also be adjusted while Auto Level is active, making it easy to raise or lower your working height as you go.
For example, with a target of 13,300 cm and an Offset of +30 cm, Auto Level will work 30 cm above the set target.
On Target
This indicator shows when the blade or bucket has reached the currently set working height.
Once the blade or bucket is level with the target, On Target will turn green. This gives you a quick visual indication that you are working at the correct height.
Auto Mode
Once Auto Level is set and active, the blade or bucket will automatically follow the selected working height.
Auto Level will disengage when you manually lift the blade or bucket. It can also disengage when the machine is under heavier load, such as when a dozer is pushing a large amount of material. Once disengaged, Auto Level needs to be activated again when you want to continue.
This prevents the blade or bucket from being hard locked to the target height, allowing for smoother and more natural operation while still helping you maintain the level you have set.
Manlifts
Manlifts give you an easier way to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to access.
There are two versions available, wheeled and tracked, giving you a choice depending on where and how you want to use them. Both can be purchased from the store under Vehicles → Lift.
Manlifts are designed to be operated by a single person. In Multiplayer, having multiple players on the platform at the same time is possible, but you are doing so at your own risk!
Controls
You can find the Manlift controls under Settings → Controls → Lift.
GLE 450 AJC (tracked version)
GLE 450AJ ( wheeled version)
Flexible Conveyors
Flexible Conveyors give you more freedom when connecting different parts of your production setup, especially when the input and output points do not quite line up with each other.
They are intended for shorter connections and smaller adjustments between production equipment rather than replacing regular conveyors over longer distances. Flexible Conveyors have a maximum length of 6 meters.
A Flexible Conveyor can be connected starting from either an input or an output side, making it easier to fit into both new and existing production lines.
You can purchase Flexible Conveyors from the store under Factory → Conveyors → Flexible Conveyor.
Flexible Conveyors are designed to connect between two already placed production elements.
If you remove one of the elements that a Flexible Conveyor is connected to, the Flexible Conveyor will also need to be removed and placed again once your production elements are placed down.
Current patch fixes & improvements
Fixed characters not standing correctly on moving vehicles
Fixed big dual hopper top part being different color
Added a hint when player does not have enough material to place ore on the ground
Added display hint when the player tries to place building elements on land they do not own
Mossy rocks in the world can be destroyed with pickaxe
Fixed an issue where the engine won't stop properly after the player leaves the vehicle
Removed a pre-placed ramp far from start area on Coal Country map
Improved vehicle physics, animation and hydraulics performance
Improved voxel foliage save loading performance when moving around
Improved vehicle collision update behavior
Fixed an issue where a joining client's time was set 00:00 when the host's game was paused
Fixed issue where falling dirt effect sound keeps playing once player has exited vehicle
Improved bank input to accept numeric values only and prevent negative or oversized values
Added Gold ore to Metal Ore Sorter as output
Fixed issue where compact roller's drum was visually moving faster than vehicle
Fixed issue where hand tools (axe, shovel, fast shovel) were missing effect sounds when used
Fixed issue where GPS horizontal tilt was mirrored and improved GPS angle display
Fixed issues with sounds ang high/low gear speed differences on some larger excavators
How to report a bug/issue?
When sending in bug reports, it is a huge help if you can describe the issue in as much detail as possible.
Useful information includes:
Your game version, which can be found on the main menu (for example, V0.35.5511)
What happened
What appears to cause the issue
Steps we can follow to reproduce it
If the issue involves a vehicle, which vehicle(s) are affected
If the game crashes, please include the crash report
Your Discord/Steam name or email address so we can reach out if additional information is needed
You can find the bug report link in the game menu or use the Bug Report Link.
How to find savegames and crash reports
Savegames:
%localappdata%\\OutOfOre\\Saved\\SaveGames
Crash reports:
%localappdata%\\OutOfOre\\Saved\\Crashes
Note:
Copy the path above and paste it directly into the File Explorer address bar or the Windows search box.
If you're unsure about %localappdata%, you can also find these files by navigating to:
C:\\Users\\YourUsername\\AppData\\Local\\OutOfOre\\Saved\[/c]
While working through player reports and feedback, there are several areas we feel need more focused attention. Rather than making smaller individual fixes here and there, we want to look at these areas more closely and find a good balance that works well for as many players as possible.
For some of these areas, we also want to start using player surveys. This will give everyone an easier way to share your thoughts and help us get a broader picture of how the community feels, rather than relying mainly on individual opinions and reports when deciding what may need to be changed or improved. We know there is players who prefer realism and players who want sandbox, so sometimes combining both sides to be satisfied is a difficult task.
We are also working on a new system for bug reports, crash reports, suggestions and feedback.
Your reports are a huge help, but sometimes we simply need a little more information to figure out what is happening. If no contact information was included with the report, there has not really been a way for us to ask those follow up questions. The new system should make that communication much easier and help us work together with you when a report needs some extra information or clarification.
We also see many of you asking about things like draglines, modding, mirrors, trains and much more. We will talk more about these separately in a Development news post, where we hope to give you a clearer picture of where development is heading and how some of these areas are progressing.
That’s it for this Beta update!
We hope you enjoy trying out the new additions, and as always, we appreciate everyone taking the time to test, report issues and share feedback with us.
There is more to come, and we look forward to sharing more with you soon!