Hello everyone,
Phase 6 content is now available in game.
Full patch notes are available below and you can watch either our Phase 6 Summary Video or our 70-minute-long Twitch preview, complete with Q&A Session to know everything you need to know about Phase 6.
You'll find the central feedback thread HERE
Enjoy,
The DTG Team
EARLY ACCESS PHASE 6 – FULL PATCH NOTES (388.9MB PATCH)
New Game Mode - Freedom Fishing Synchronized Multiplayer.
Phase 6 features the alpha version of our synchronised 5-player multiplayer fishing experience. The mode has been released to the public purely to assist with highlighting any connection and backend server problems and it does not represent a final gameplay experience.
Use the multiplayer lobby screens to host or join a match or invite your friends to a private session. Players should be able to fish just like in single player, but if any gameplay issues or bugs arise please log those with us via our Steam forum.
New Gameplay - Netting A Fish.
Players are now required to use a landing net to catch fish: they will not automatically become caught when they’re close to the bank.
When a battle with a fish is coming to an end the fish will exhibit submissive behaviour. If the fish is close enough to the player to be netted, players can pick up their landing net by pressing ‘E’ on the keyboard or X on their gamepad and then use either the WASD keys or left stick to control the landing net. Players will need to be careful when landing as additional tension can be applied to the fish which may result in the fish escaping. Once the fish is in the net it will automatically become caught.
New Content - Female Character.
Our second playable character is now available in game. The female angler can be chosen in our new character select screen after booting the game. Use the arrow keys to toggle between male and female and then click the highlighted option to name your character.
Note: Currently the only way to switch characters is to exit the game and re-load.
New Content - Linear Complex (St John’s Lake).
St John’s lake on the Linear Complex in Oxford, UK is now playable in game. To fish at St Johns simply use the arrows on the Lake Selection screen to toggle between the training lake and St Johns.
Note: St Johns is still a work in progress and is only in around a 70% state of completion. Players may experience some collision issues when stalking or camera issues when fishing or when at the fish presentation screen post catch.
New Content - Boss (or Target) Fish.
Players can now catch a single boss, or target, fish in both of our lakes. Boss fish are pre-made, hand authored carp or bream that have a unique appearance and fixed weight that live their lives second to second, just as all our individual fish do, in our lakes.
When a player catches a boss fish they will see the name of the fish (if it’s based on a real fish living or dead) in our presentation menu.
If the Boss fish is one of our creations then it will just be called Boss Fish #. If you’re the first to catch one of our Boss Fish and to post a picture of your catch on our , we’ll give you the opportunity to permanently name it.
Phase 6 features seven digital recreations of the actual target fish that live in Linear St Johns including The Big Plated and Box Common. Again, these are not final quality.
New Gameplay - Tackle Points.
In Phase 6 players will now be able to earn Tackle Points (TP).
Tackle Points, or TP, reward player actions and exploits in game. The amount of TP awarded for completing a certain action varies based on the action itself and any additional factors, such as fish size.
Tackle Points can be used to permanently unlock fishing gear or bait in the Tackle Shop.
New Content - Tackle Shop.
In Phase 6, players will be allowed to spend their hard earned Tackle Points in our Tackle Shop. The equipment grid within the Shop is a system that unlocks access to the equipment. Equipment is grouped by type so use the options menu on the right to switch between types. The central information box will show details about the equipment currently highlighted on the grid with its associated cost in Tackle Points. To buy an item simply click the ‘Purchase’ button.
New Content - Tackle Box
Players can now use the Tackle Box to pre-select their Tackle loadout before entry to their chosen lake. On entry to the Tackle Box menu you will see a preset Tackle Box containing a rod, reel, hook and bait. To create a new Tackle Box simply click ‘Add’. To add or change equipment simply click on the item you wish to change or add and you’ll automatically be taken to your inventory. Here you can chose the item you wish to add to the Tackle Box slot you’ve selected.
As you unlock Tackle using your Tackle Points it will automatically appear in your inventory.
When the player selects the Freedom Fishing game mode the menu screen will allow you to select one of your pre-set tackle boxes to take onto the lake with you.
New Graphics - Updated splash effects
The splash effects on the water have been updated. Ripples and splashes will look more realistic.
Known Issues
- Changing characters can currently only be done at the start of the game. If you wish to change characters then you’ll need to quit and re-start the game.
- A player leaving a multiplayer session can sometimes cause the game to crash.
Important Bug Fixes
- Fix fish being reeled over land.