Calling All Test Pilots
Calibrate your weapons, ignite your thrusters, and prepare for launch from Friday, October 3rd, to Friday, October 17th, for Starforged Legacy's third wave of open beta testing!
This is an Open Beta Test, meaning that all individuals who've previously requested access or participated in a beta will regain access to the game, and any new recruits who request access on the Starforged Legacy Steam page during this period will be granted access immediately.
We're seeking feedback on significant changes to the game's core gameplay loop and systems, thanks in no small part to your after-action reports from the last test. Speaking of, let's get to the briefing.
What To Look Out For
First off, the incoming asteroids, missiles, lasers, and pirates intent on scrapping your ship for parts. That aside, here's what's new in the latest build:
Overhauled Gameplay Loop and Mission System - All sectors now share the same Primary Mission: survive. This shifts focus to Secondary Missions, which now encompass what were previously 'Primary Missions', and Engagement Missions, which must be opted into.
Improved Enemy Scaling and Behavior - Enemy health now scales much more aggressively, and enemies spawn in greater numbers. Enemy movement speed and acceleration now scale with difficulty rating, and distant enemies will receive a speed boost to catch up to players.
Simplified Starmap - The Starmap has been condensed for faster, more intense runs. Sectors have been simplified into 'Normal' and 'Challenge' maps, where the latter feature increased difficulty and map modifiers in exchange for a greater reward.
Movement Ability Rework - Fuel has been abandoned in favor of a cooldown and duration system for movement abilities. Ship classifications (Frigate, Cruiser, and Battleship) have had their movement speeds and acceleration adjusted to differentiate each class further.
Rebel Faction Redesign - The rebel (pirate) faction has undergone a full visual overhaul that better reflects their... "resourceful" nature.
Interactables System - New world objects appear, offering both free and purchasable rewards such as XP, credits, augments, and upgrades.
Score Chase - Players now accumulate a run 'score' based on enemies destroyed. Higher-tier enemies are worth more points!
Our goal is to make every sector a rewarding experience for the bold and the explorative, while making the enemy feel like a true swarm. Seriously, use your Skill Tree. You'll need it.
For a complete list of changes and additions, refer to the patch notes;
Report To High Command
All pilots are required (highly encouraged) to report any anomalous activity (bugs), as well as their mission summary (feedback and suggestions), to their superior officers (us, the developers)!
You can file your report in-game using the 'Playtest Survey' button or by using the link below.
Starforged Legacy Playtest Survey
We also encourage you to share your experiences with us directly through the Starforged Legacy Discord server!
Starforged Legacy Discord Server
Wishlist Starforged Legacy
If you've yet to do so, wishlist Starforged Legacy on Steam and follow the game for future announcements and playtest opportunities!
Communication Systems Online
Receive incoming transmissions: news, announcements, devlogs, and deep-space disturbances, by following Second Shift Games on X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok, or by visiting our website: SecondShiftGames.com.
Join our community Discord to chat with the developers and fellow pilots, and give your feedback on the game!
Wishing you clear skies, Commander.
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