Over the last weeks, we've been working hard on the Combat Update, and it's taking great shape! We did realize though, that there's a lot of content that we want to add, and it would take us a lot longer than anticipated to finish everything that we had in mind. Since we told you before that we want to do more frequent, but smaller updates, we're going to split this update into two parts:
Combat Update Part I
Along with the usual bugfixes and QoL changes, this part will be containing one big new feature: Torpedoes! Since the purpose of this update is mainly to make combat more interesting and engaging, you (and the AI as well!) will be able to equip your ships with this high range, high damage but also high price weaponry. Torpedoes can be shot down, if you react fast enough, but if you don't, prepare yourself for some serious damage.
Alongside torpedoes, we're adding the specialized ships that we already announced in the last update. There will be ships that are especially strong against shields, hull, fighters, and so on. In order to be successful in combat you'll have to make sure that your strategy includes getting rid of these specialists first, before they take advantage of your weak points.
The last big features with this update will be more specialized weapons, giving weapons more specific roles, as well as improved control over your ships that are far away. You'll be able to visit sectors where you have ships or stations, so that you can give orders more effectively and don't have to warp all the way back to just tell your miner to change sectors.
Combat Update Part II
In part II we're going to address more visual issues. You can, amongst other things, look forward to coaxial weaponry and player-created turret visuals!
Have fun!
[Screenshot: All of the reworked weapons firing. (Workshop ship by TESLA)]