Edit: Alpha 7.1 is now available on the main branch. Alpha 7 release notes.
After almost a month working on alpha 7, it is now available on the beta branch. In this update we focused mainly on making combat more interesting with more tactical choices, including new mechanics, smarter enemy AI, balancing changes, and new combat-related content.
Reminder: To play on the beta branch, right click the game in the steam client, select properties, and then select "beta" from the betas tab.
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Main changes
- Melee weapons became a much more important part of the game. They receive bonuses when attacking ranged units, and ranged units receive penalties when attacking in melee distance.
- Enemy AI has been improved, and will now make better use of tactics such as flanking, cover, and the new melee vs ranged bonuses/penalties.
- Base attack difficulties have been tuned down to compensate. You can take a bit more time in advancing, and you will need it, choose your battles wisely since they are now more difficult.
- New combat consumables such as grenades and voodoo dolls have been added. These items provide new tactical possibilities in combat.
- New infrastructure for status effects - temporary bonuses or penalties, usually granted by using a consumable in combat.
- Release the hounds! Hellhounds will now roam the apocalypse. This new enemy unit has low health, but is very fast and vicious. Don't let them get near!
- Sometimes when rescuing a survivor, you will may find unique, stronger survivors that will be of great assistance.
- Performance improvement for large populations and large combat.
- New content - items, research, traits, etc.