A lot of big updates have gone in since my last announcement. To list some of the more notable:
* A new mining mechanic.
* A means of refining raw ores.
* Base item upgrade capability.
* Farming.
* Enhanced graphical updates and performance stability.
* Medicinal plants can now be harvested and used to craft health/adrenaline kits.
* Many new items, countless bug fixes and general improvements.
Mining and refining (overview):
Various types of rock ore now spawn around the world. These nodes can be harvested using the new Pickaxe to acquire raw materials.
The Refinery can now be crafted from the Base Command Unit and used to process the raw ore. This device draws power when in use, and can be upgraded to increase its number of synchronous processing slots. It can also be upgraded to increase its power usage efficiency.
The refined ores are required for the higher level crafting and upgrade options, which greatly contributes to the pace of progression in the game.
Farming (overview):
Plant Beds can also now be crafted from the Base Command Unit. Seeds can be planted to grow various types of plants.
The Plant Beds require water and fertilizer to grow plants effectively. They also require light. The intensity of natural light changes throughout the hours of day, and indoor environments provide less natural light. The various stats of a Plant Bed can be viewed when accessing it.
Upgrades can be installed to add grow lights. Grow lights draw power, however provide reliable light throughout all hours of the day and allow for plants to be grown indoors.
Release..?
Lots of other new features and systems are in the works. Thanks again to those who have been helping test the game and giving feedback. Subsistence is now on the road to an early access release, so those who want to participate in it's continued development will be able to start playing soon.