Greetings, Freerailers!
In this post we want to focus on some of the things we have done to address frustrations around players, especially newer players, getting a foothold during a raid.
Base building is a pillar of the Enginefall experience, but we know that the early hours of the game can be daunting. Deciding where to plant your roots can change every time you board a Titan, depending on your goals for the run.
Today, we’re putting the spotlight on a game-changer designed to secure a temporary shelter faster while raiding a Titan: The MiniBase!
The Problem: "Base Paralysis"
In the past, we noticed a few hurdles for new and veteran players alike:
Learning complex building systems while trying to survive is tough.
Players were reluctant to build because they didn't want to leave their hard work behind when it was time to move on.
Traditional walls and floors scream "permanent," which clashes with the need to stay mobile in Enginefall.
The Solution: The Mini Base
The Mini Base is a new 1x1 deployable structure that now serves as your natural starting point for base building. It offers an alternative fast initial setups, offering a "base-in-a-box" experience, especially when entering a potentially hostile area on the Titan.
What’s inside?
A compact basecore attached to the ceiling of the base.
Features a door interactable with a Keypad/PIN system to keep your loot safe from intruders.
A compact version of the crafting station.
Includes a pre-placed bedroll
Just a Starting Point - Expanding Your Territory
Just because it starts small doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. The walls can be upgraded and dismantled with your build tool and can easily be expanded on.
And the best part? You aren't limited to just one. You can craft additional Mini Bases as you progress, allowing you to set up strategic outposts across the Titan. Note: Up to 3 bedrolls can be placed, placing a 4th bedroll will abandon the oldest
Risk vs. Reward
We wanted to make moving easier, but we didn't want to make it magic.
No Teleportation: You still need to physically move your gear. There’s no "magic chest" linking bases, keeping our core gameplay loops intact.
New Gear: Riot Shield
Closing the distance on an enemy with a firearm can feel like a suicide mission. We’re introducing the Riot Shield to give you a viable way to push forward or safely disengage from a fight you didn't start.
Passive Block: The shield blocks bullets and melee attacks
What’s Next?
We believe these two features will help let you focus on the raid you want to play without the fear of being tied down or pinned down.
These are of course early versions and we have a few ideas of how we might evolve them so as always we want to hear your feedback!