This update marks a major transition from v1.3.2 to v2.2.2.
Here’s a brief overview of how Turtle Game’s versioning works and why this update is categorized as a major version.
📌 Versioning Rules
1) Major Version (First Number)
→ Increased when core gameplay mechanics or fundamental systems change.
With the introduction of the new Slot & Merge System, the overall structure of the game has evolved, so the version has progressed from 1.x.x to 2.x.x.
2) Minor Version (Second Number)
→ Increased when updates include new features, graphic/UI changes, system expansions, or anything that affects the moment-to-moment gameplay experience.
3) Patch Version (Third Number)
→ Increased for small bug fixes, number adjustments, and minor improvements that do not affect core mechanics.
📌 Why a Major Version During Early Access?
Although Turtle Game is still in Early Access,
this update fundamentally changes how the game plays.
Because of this, a major version number was appropriate.
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🐢 Patch Notes – v2.2.2
1. Slot & Merge System Added
When you collect a marine creature item, the corresponding creature is added to one of the six slots displayed at the top center of the screen. If all slots are full, collecting a new item will push out the oldest slot.
Creatures placed in slots will automatically appear in the ocean after a short while, giving players strategic control over how the sea evolves.
Identical creatures will automatically merge.
The merged creature becomes larger.
Its score value becomes triple.
There is no limit to how many times it can be merged.
Creature-spawn items and trash-spawn items will cancel each other out when they merge.
2. Creature Behavior & Effects Updated
🐟 Fish
Restores a large amount of Hunger (HP) when eaten.
However, it will consume fish eggs.
🐙 Squid
Restores Wind (Mana) Gauge when eaten.
No longer sprays ink that blocks the player’s view.
3. Highest Score UI Removed
The in-game highest score display has been removed.
That space is now used for the Slot & Merge UI.
Your personal best score can now be viewed in the lobby.
4. Other Improvements & Bug Fixes
Trash consumption VFX has been improved for clearer readability.
When the turtle levels up:
Hunger (HP)
Wind Gauge both are automatically fully restored.
Fixed an issue where the turtle would not die even at 0 Hunger.
Turtle level 10 has been expanded to level 5000, aligning with the new merge-based growth system.
Marine creatures and trash items now spawn with random timing and random quantities (1–3) instead of fixed intervals.
Future Development Direction
We plan to improve the game’s graphics to make mechanics easier to understand at a glance,
and enhance the behavioral AI of the turtle and marine creatures to create a livelier, more natural ecosystem.
At the same time, we’ll make sure the game retains the
mechanical water-ring-toy charm that inspired it, keeping a balance between nostalgia and modern systems.
As the game evolves, we will also renew all in-game explanations,
add image-based guides, and create a small Marine Encyclopedia that introduces each creature as their AI becomes more detailed.
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The playerbase is still small, but we’re committed to making Turtle Game a better experience so that more players can enjoy it over time.
We will continue writing patch notes sincerely—
for the future players who may one day discover this game and read these updates.
Development is currently a one-person project, so progress may be slow,
but every update will be made with care in the right direction.
Thank you.