Hello, Merchants!

We are fast approaching the finish line for the first wave of our UI Update! We expect the closed beta to begin this month, but can't quite nail an exact date. However we wanted to clarify exactly what this entails.

The closed beta test will have the majority of the game functions in what should be close to their final state. However, we are expecting that there may be several things which need more visual improvement, and we are also expecting bugs to occur. This update touches every single system in the game, and massively overhauls most of them at the same time, and while we have been testing it as much as possible, internally we are comprised of 3 testers, so getting the proper amount of testing in is just not something we are able to pull off in a reasonable timeframe. So that means that if you participate in this closed beta, which we very much hope you do as we need as much feedback as we can get, please do let us know any and all feedback you have on the visuals and functionality of the new UI, and report any and all bugs so we can get them sorted.

Another, and probably more important note to consider is that this initial version of the closed beta will not have a working Logbook/tutorial! Since the entirety of the game has changed so much, the previous Logbook is no longer viable. As this closed beta test is underway, we will be actively working on the Logbook in the meantime, and will release it to the closed beta in a patch for testing as well before this patch goes live. The new Logbook will have little to no reading required, have video guides to every mechanic in the game, and will be easily accessible at any time! This does mean, however, that if you are wanting to help us by participating in this closed beta, you should be somewhat familiar with the game so you have an idea of what you’re looking for. We will be releasing an instructional video along with the closed beta patch, and it will help guide players to the right places, but it will certainly not be all inclusive like the Logbook will be once it is implemented, so previous knowledge of the game is almost crucial. We will make sure to post another announcement when the Logbook is part of the closed beta test as well so that even players inexperienced with the game will know they can jump in as well and should be able to follow along far easier than before!

We wanted to kick off this closed beta in May, but we ended up adding on a couple extra weeks to the back end of this patch as we closed in on our “final form” for the UI. We did this because we realized that with a few changes to the layout, we could make the UI far more suitable and seamless not only for PC players, but for those playing on Steam Deck as well! So expect that when this UI does finally make it out, playing on Steam Deck will be a much more appealing experience.

Ultimately, with this post we wanted to give anyone interested in helping us test the UI an update that it is coming very soon! Veteran players, you should expect a pretty large shock to how the game plays compared to what you’re used to, so there may be some discomfort initially, but we expect that once you’ve adapted to the many changes, the game will be a substantially better version than what it is now, and we can’t wait to hear feedback!

If you are interested in helping with this closed beta, please join our Discord! We have a channel dedicated specifically to the closed beta discussion, and we will be there to answer questions, handle bug reports, and discuss your feedback. Join our discord here:

https://discord.gg/2M7tTk7r9g

We will be back again soon with the closed beta patch and the instructional video to get you going!

Thanks!

-Devs