I decided to split 0.6.7 into two updates to get this finished part out faster and have less to bugfix all at once.
This is a massive update that completely overhauls how you interact with the galaxy. We’ve ripped out the old text events and replaced them with a fully functional, Tabletop style RPG skill system that directly impacts your core gameplay loop, combat, and economy.
Please restart Steam or Verify your files to download the update
If you are having fun, please consider leaving a review ^^
If you have any questions, bugs or feedback, please join us in discord.
Without further ado, the patch notes:
Deep Space Signals 2.0
Massive Event Expansion: The signal pool has been massively expanded with 60 brand new, lore-rich encounters. You'll find abandoned casinos, rogue terraformers, time-locked stasis pods, void-worshipping cults, and unexploded planet-killer ordnance.
Tabletop RPG Mechanics: Encounters now function like classic tabletop RPG skill checks. You will be presented with choices tied to specific Pilot Skills. The game rolls a hidden d20, adds your stat modifier, and checks against the event's Difficulty Class (DC).
Branching Outcomes: Every choice now features dedicated Success and Failure states. Succeed, and you walk away with rare loot, credits, or massive XP. Fail, and you might take hull damage, lose fuel, or trigger an ambush.
The Pilot Skill System
Pilots don't just have have names now; they now have a 27-point buy stat array (ranging from 8 to 15 at character creation). Your stats generate modifiers (e.g., a 14 gives a +2 modifier, an 8 gives a -1 penalty) that actively change your ship's performance:
PILOTING [PIL]: +2% active Evasion chance and a 2% Cooldown Reduction on Evasive Maneuvers and Divert Power per modifier.
GUNNERY [GUN]: +2% Weapon Accuracy and +2% Critical Hit chance per modifier.
DIPLOMACY [DIP]: +2% bonus to Sell prices, -2% discount on Buy prices, and +2% chance to successfully Pacify hostile ships via hailing per modifier.
PROCUREMENT [PRO]: +2% chance per modifier to successfully extract double yield when mining or salvaging (Negative modifiers give a chance to fumble and destroy the item!).
LEADERSHIP [LEA]: -2% Wingman Hiring Cost per modifier (with more fleet management features coming soon).
HACKING [HAC]: Currently governs your success rate for slicing secure data, bypassing AI ICE, and opening lockboxes in Deep Space Signals.
Universal XP & Progression
Everything Grants XP: You now earn experience for engaging with all core game loops.
Combat: XP scales based on enemy tier (Fodder, Interceptors, Heavy Cruisers, and massive 2,500 XP payouts for Bosses).
Gathering: Extracting resources from asteroids and wrecks awards XP per item successfully pulled.
Contracts: Completing bounties and surveys now awards an XP chunk that scales with the credit payout.
Depth Scaling: XP gains now passively snowball the deeper you travel into the galaxy (+2% XP per depth level).
Level Cap: The maximum pilot rank is now officially capped at Level 20.
UI & Quality of Life
In-Game Skill Database: Added a "Skill Database" info panel to both the Vessel Registration screen and the in-game Pilot Profile so you never have to guess what your stats actually do.
Registration QoL: Added "Randomize" and "Reset" buttons to the stat allocation screen. The ship computer will now also actively block launch with a warning modal if you have unspent stat points.
Seamless Legacy Save Migration: Loading a save from a previous version will automatically pause the game and bring up a secure registration terminal. Returning players can name their pilot and allocate their 27 stat points before loading in, without losing a single credit, ship, or inventory item.
Code Optimization: The massive event and outcome databases have been migrated out of the main engine logic into external files (signals.js and outcomes.js) to improve performance and lay the groundwork for future modding/expansions. Thank you so much for your support. I hope you enjoy the update, and look forward to the next because there is much more in store! ||| HopefullyHeroic