Introduction
Welcome, pilots, to the latest update of beyond.frontiers! In version 0.3.9a1, we’ve brought a wealth of enhancements, new content, and crucial fixes to elevate your spacefaring adventures. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that each journey through the stars is more immersive, engaging, and rewarding than ever before. From dynamic new ships and intricate station systems to a freshly updated engine and the addition of atmospheric planets, this patch is packed with exciting changes. Dive in to discover all that’s new in the universe!
Patch Notes
System
- New Engine Update
- Update to Most Recent FMOD
In this update, we’ve overhauled the game's engine and integrated the most recent FMOD, paving the way for improved performance and a more immersive audio experience. These system upgrades lay the foundation for all the exciting new content and gameplay improvements detailed below.
Gameplay
- Station Equipment Sales
- Multiple Stations per System
- Hidden Jump Holes
- Minimap for Local System
- Galaxy Map, Discoverable
- Differing Inventories per Station
- Equipment Rarity
- Savegames
- Foggy Sectors
- Nebulae in Foggy Sectors
- System Lighting
- Spaceship Trails
- XP and Money for Discovering New Systems
- XP for Trading
- 160 Gear Items to Equip
- Shooting
- Levelling System
- UI for New Level
- Effects for Level-Up
- Restrictions on Ships by Player Level
- Battlefield Sectors
- New, Improved UI Experience
- Equipment Recalculation
- Individual Station Equipment Stocks
- Rare Derelict Ships
- Voiced Board Computer by ScoopShooter and CrayChicken
- Voiced Tutorial by Yours Truly
- New TOASt Profiles: Courier/Defender/Pirate
- TOASt Can Now Shoot
- Update to WOOF to Better Balance NPC Spawning
- Pilot Profile Window (Moved to XP Bar)
- Scanning System / Exploration
This update vastly expands the universe of beyond.frontiers with new gameplay mechanics and content. Stations now feature varied equipment sales, multiple stations per system, and hidden jump holes to discover. The addition of a minimap and discoverable galaxy map aids navigation, while equipment rarity introduces a new layer of strategy. We’ve also added savegame functionality, a diverse array of new ships and ship classes, and new sectors filled with fog and nebulae. With a host of other improvements, including spaceship trails, XP for exploration and trading, and a comprehensive leveling system, this patch promises a richer and more dynamic gameplay experience.
New Ships:
- Pyxis
- Atlas
- Tantalus
- Bolt
- Nereide
- Aegis
- Buccaneer
- Evoke
- Khyber
- Hammerhead
- Eclipse
New Ship Classes:
- Pirate
- Courier
- Defender
In 0.3.9, beyond.frontiers introduces a fleet of new ships and classes designed to enrich your spacefaring experience. Among the new ships are the Pyxis, a large mining ship equipped for extensive resource extraction, and the Atlas, a superheavy freighter built for massive cargo hauls. The Tantalus adds versatility, while the Bolt excels in rapid deliveries. The Nereide and Aegis provide excellent balance for various missions, while the Buccaneer offers unique capabilities tailored for piracy. The Evoke and Khyber are new additions to the Defender class, with the Evoke being a heavy defender and the Khyber a superheavy defender, both designed for exceptional protection and tactical superiority. The Hammerhead and Eclipse round out the roster with specialized roles in exploration and combat. Accompanying these new vessels are three distinct ship classes: the Freelancer/Courier class for those who prefer independence and speed, the Pirate class designed for those who thrive on risk and plunder, and the Defender class for pilots focused on protection and tactical superiority. These additions offer expanded gameplay possibilities and deeper strategic choices as you navigate the vast expanse of the galaxy.
Worldbuilding
- Planets now have Atmospheres
- Modular Stations Have Been Added
- Extended Sectors by a Factor of 2.5 (20/128)
- Added Secrets
- All Sectors Have Content Now
- Added New Ships to World Editor
- Added New Stations to World Editor
We’ve significantly enhanced the game’s worldbuilding, creating a more immersive and detailed universe. Planets now have atmospheres, and sectors have been extended, offering more space for exploration. Modular stations add variety to the environments you’ll encounter, and all sectors are now populated with engaging content. Secrets have been hidden throughout the galaxy, encouraging thorough exploration, and new ships and stations have been added to the world editor, enabling more diverse custom scenarios.
Fixes
- Temporary Fix: On Blackscreen After Jumping, Press C
- Chat is Now Working Again
- Mining Station Now Features Correct Asteroid
This patch also includes critical fixes to improve your gameplay experience. We’ve addressed the blackscreen issue after jumping, resolved chat functionality, and corrected the asteroid model at the mining station.
Changes
- Mining Station Optimized to Use 18% Less Resources
- Station Code Optimized by 63%
- Crusader Has Been Moved to Defender Ship Class
- Removed Texture Mipmapping
- Optimized Texture Sizing on Ships
- Better Compression Method on Textures
In addition to new content and fixes, we’ve made several changes to optimize performance and gameplay balance. These include resource optimization for the mining station, significant code optimizations, reclassification of the Crusader ship, and various texture improvements for better performance and visual quality.
Balancing
- Balance Pass on the Speed of All Ships
To ensure a fair and enjoyable experience, we’ve conducted a balance pass on the speed of all ships, making adjustments to enhance gameplay balance.
Embark on an unparalleled journey through the stars in beyond.frontiers, the ultimate open-world space adventure. Discover new ships, explore uncharted territories, and forge your legacy among the galaxies. Don't miss out on the excitement – wishlist beyond.frontiers now and be the first to experience the vast universe awaiting your command!
For Press and Reviewers: We are offering a very limited number of review keys for those eager to dive into the cosmos and share their experiences. If you're interested in getting an exclusive first look, please reach out to us. Secure your review key now and join us on this extraordinary adventure!