This patch focuses on the bugs and progression problems reported in the discussions. Thank you for the reports and screenshots, especially those about zero Essence and boss health bars.
FIXED
- Early runs could award zero Essence even after eating several prey. The conversion now starts rewarding biomass from the first prey, and small Essence gains display their decimals instead of appearing as zero.
- Boss health bars could stop tracking the damage from small bites and still show health when the boss died. The health total now follows the actual health of the remaining cells.
- Carapace now protects against toxic bites and drones. A blocked drone attack also uses its cooldown instead of immediately trying again.
- The Hive now respects its intended limit on swarm losses after every drone attack.
- The Maw no longer rolls a lethal swallow every frame. Swallowing now uses a rate over time, so Carapace gives you a chance to escape.
CHANGED
- Permanent upgrades cost less, especially the opening upgrades and defenses. Prices also rise more gently at later levels. Completing the full tree costs about 40% less. Your purchased upgrade levels are kept; past purchases are not refunded.
- Toxic prey is less punishing. War Pheromones slows drones more and makes them wear down faster on contact. Upstream Swimming now reduces the Maw's swallowing radius as well as its suction.
- A live panel shows how much Essence your run will pay, your total biomass earned, and the depth limit. Spending biomass on upgrades does not reduce your Essence reward.
- Removed the 10% bonus for condensing. Condensing and running out of Hunger now pay exactly the same Essence for the same biomass. You no longer need to quit just before the timer ends to get the better payout.
- Updated explanations in all 12 languages.
STILL OPEN
This patch does not add new powers or redesign the skill tree. Broader progression and gameplay changes remain separate work. Steam Deck readability also remains open.
Thanks again for helping me find what needs fixing.