Before we jump into the patch notes, we wanted to take a moment to share what we're trying to accomplish with Exclusive Test #2 and why we're running these smaller tests in the first place.
One of our biggest goals right now is finding the right balance between preserving what makes Time Takers unique and making the game easier to understand and learn.
After CBT1, we spent a lot of time reviewing feedback from every place we could find it; Steam reviews, Discord discussions, social media, community posts, media coverage, livestreams, videos, comments, and more. We looked at both the positive and negative reactions to better understand what resonated with players and what didn't.
Several topics came up repeatedly:
The App System and the different opinions surrounding it
Friction and confusion during the onboarding and tutorial experience
Feedback regarding character visuals
Beyond those, we also saw discussions around custom key bindings, balance, progression systems, and many other aspects of the game that we specifically wanted to evaluate through large-scale testing.
One thing every developer learns is that it's impossible to build a game that satisfies everyone equally. That doesn't mean feedback isn't valuable. Quite the opposite.
Our job is to listen carefully, understand what players are telling us, and identify the ideas that can improve the experience while still supporting the vision of the game we're trying to create.
Everyone on this team is here because we genuinely love games and enjoy making them. We don't expect players to agree with every decision we make, and we know criticism is part of the process. What matters to us is continuing to learn, improve, and build on the strengths that make Time Takers special.
That's one of the main reasons these Exclusive Tests exist.
Many of you in this Discord have connected with the core idea behind Time Takers from the beginning, and these smaller tests give us a chance to explore improvements without losing the identity that makes the game different.
What We're Testing This Time
For Exclusive Test #2, we're taking another step in our exploration of the App progression system.
Following feedback from Exclusive Test #1, we've reworked the system to significantly reduce the feeling of randomness and give players more control over how they build their characters throughout a match.
As you level up, you'll now see enhancement options that are more closely tied to your chosen Traveler and weapon combination. Rather than offering highly situational stat upgrades, we've focused on presenting choices that more clearly support different playstyles and build directions.
One of the key questions we're trying to answer through this test is whether the concerns around the previous App changes were primarily caused by the system itself, or by a lack of meaningful strategic choices within it.
The results of this test will play an important role in determining the future direction of Time Takers' progression system.
We're also testing a progression-based skill unlock system, where character abilities become available after reaching certain milestones during a match.
Some skill-related controls have also been adjusted for this test, so please take a moment to review the updated key bindings before jumping in.
Your Feedback Matters
As always, it's important to remember that features appearing in an Exclusive Test are not automatically final decisions.
These tests exist so we can validate ideas before committing to them. That only works if we hear from the people playing them.
We also clearly recognize the onboarding issues raised during CBT1. Many new players felt the tutorial experience wasn't doing enough to prepare them for the game, and improving that experience remains one of our highest priorities. We'll be closely reviewing both gameplay data and player feedback from this test as we continue refining it.
Character visuals have been another major topic of discussion. We've been actively working on improvements in that area and taking community feedback seriously. Some of those updates should already be noticeable in this test, and visual improvements will continue to be a major focus moving forward.
Balance across Travelers, weapons, and perks will continue to evolve through ongoing testing, so we encourage everyone to experiment with different combinations and playstyles.
We're also happy to share that custom key binding support, introduced during the previous Exclusive Test, remains in place. In addition, one of the most requested community features(=a minimap) will be available in this test.
We may not be able to act on every suggestion, but we want you to know that your feedback is being read, discussed, and considered far more often than you might realize.
Thank you again for helping us shape Time Takers.
We hope this test gives you a clearer picture of the direction we're exploring for Time Takers.
We know some of the surveys can be quite detailed, but every response helps us make better decisions. We're looking forward to hearing your honest thoughts and feedback.
Hope to see you in game!
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Patch Notes
Character Skill & Weapon Balance Adjustments
Adjusted skill cooldowns and various skill values for all characters.
Adjusted weapon balance, including damage, heat generation, and other related values.
App Upgrade System Rework
The App Install system has been redesigned.
As you level up, you will progressively unlock new upgrades such as skills, Character/Weapon App selections, and skill cooldown reductions.
App selection has been changed from choosing 1 of 2 random Apps to choosing 1 App from a fixed Character or Weapon-specific App pool.
Skill key changed from [F] to [Z].
Detailed information on level-based App progression and Character/Weapon-specific App lists will be provided in a separate guide. (Check out Discord for detailed guides.)
Tutorial Rework
The previous Practice and Combat Tutorials have been merged into a single tutorial experience.
The tutorial now guides players through the game’s core progression in order, from collecting Time Energy and leveling up to using skills, team play and participating in Time Races.
Control Changes
Some key bindings and controls have been updated. (Check out Discord for detailed guides.)
QoL Improvements
Time Energy Request Prompt Added
When your lifespan is low and a teammate has sufficient lifespan available, a Time Energy request prompt will appear to the right of the crosshair.
Experience Purchase Prompt Added
When you have sufficient Time Energy, are under leveled, and are not currently in combat, an experience purchase prompt will appear to the right of the crosshair.
Minimap has been added.
Detailed guides covering new features and major changes will be provided separately at a later date. Please stay tuned for more information.