Final Preparations for the Journey Ahead
As the 0.4.x Series comes to a close, we’re delivering yet another update packed with features, improvements, and fixes. With 0.5.0 on the horizon, this patch sets the stage for even greater adventures. Let’s dive in!
New Features
- Mining Overflow Mechanic: When your cargo is full, mined ores will drop into space with a corresponding sound effect. Don't forget to scoop them up!
- Mining Toggle Setting: You can now toggle mining instead of holding the button—perfect for long mining sessions.
- Asteroid Shielding: Asteroids now block incoming weapons fire. Use them as cover in tight situations!
- Manual Save Button: Added to the Esc Menu for quick saving when things get dicey.
- Ship Hacking Failures: Hacking a ship is no longer foolproof—better be ready to deal with a failed attempt.
- NPC Missile Usage: NPCs now use missiles, adding a new layer of danger to encounters.
- EMP Explosions: A new type of explosion that temporarily disables electronics.
- Ship Level Requirements: Certain ships now require specific levels to pilot—except for derelicts, which are free game.
- Ship Storage System: You can now own and store up to six ships. Build your fleet!
- Depleting Asteroids: Asteroids can now run out of resources, so plan your mining expeditions wisely.
- Dynamic Asteroid Spawns: Staying in one sector too long will spawn smaller asteroids over time.
Changes
- Mission Scaling: Mission rewards and difficulty now adjust based on system security levels for a more balanced experience.
- Pirate Hideout Optimization: Improved station performance by 10%. Pirates are efficient now, too!
- Missile Damage Boost: Missiles now deal 600% more damage to NPCs, making them a force to be reckoned with.
- Weapons and Price Rebalance: Higher-tier weapons now deal more damage, while lower-tier weapons have been adjusted accordingly.
- Bounty System Update: Bounty rewards now scale with system security levels, making dangerous areas more lucrative.
- Massive Asset Optimization: Over 53% improvement in performance, reducing strain on your system.
- Item and Ship Rebalance: Items and ships have been rebalanced for smoother progression.
- Reticule Update: The Target/Ship Reticule has been improved for clarity and visual appeal.
- East Gate Relocation: Moved the East Gate from Graveyard > Signal Two to Kenney’s Haven > Signal One for better navigation.
Fixes
- Fixed an issue where starting factions provided the wrong amount of money. (No more surprise riches—or poverty!)
- Updated the faction selection screen for better usability and aesthetics.
- Resolved a bug with Warfield Results that caused confusion during combat scenarios.
- Fixed an issue preventing NPCs from speaking. Turns out they just needed a nudge!
- Addressed renderer crashes in the Graveyard.
- Fixed a bug where equipment from previous games followed you into new ones. No more ghost gear!
- Resolved an issue where NPCs spammed [REDACTED]. Whatever it was, it’s been dealt with.
- Fixed a crash caused by overdrafted money. Fiscal responsibility is back in style.
- Missiles aimed at exploding enemies no longer crash the game. Explosions should be fun, not fatal (to your session).
- Patched an integer array overflow and subsequent crash when docking. Numbers can be tricky, but we’ve got it under control.
- Fixed a bug allowing repeated reloading to force anomalies to appear. Clever, but not anymore!
- UI elements that wandered off-screen have been reined in and behave now.
- Fixed issues with the Rumor and Mission systems for a smoother experience.
The Road Ahead
This marks the final patch in the 0.4.x Series. With 0.5.0 looming large, we’re preparing for the grand introduction of storylines like The Wanderers Veil and other major expansions.
Thank you all for your support, feedback, and enthusiasm—this journey wouldn’t be the same without you. See you in february! 🚀