Survival mode just got a lot easier with this update as population levels will now auto-recharge when a species hits a critical minimum.
Performance benchmarking has also been added and players are graded into 3 groups with optimizations automatically enabled depending on your benchmark results.
Read on to learn more!
Auto Population Recharge
No more unpleasantries exchanged with a rival wasp or sibling as the last spider or food source on the map is air-lifted by a rival. Now there's plenty for everyone!
Only Survival mode uses this system, Lifecycles mode is unaffected by this change to ensure simulation integrity.
The motivation behind this change will become clear below as the new "performance grading" system is explained. In short, it became necessary to ensure that small maps with low population levels could still sustain gameplay for Survival Quests like Wasp nesting.
Performance Benchmarking & Grading
One-time performance bechmarking is now performed the first time you open the game (or this update). A performance grade is awarded based on which default values for various game settings are chosen.
There are 3 performance grades:
-
Grade - "Pass"
Players with this grade meet or exceed the recommended system requirements. The default graphics quality of High is retained and by default the performance intensive "Temperate Forest Flowers" population preset is used. -
Grade - "Below Recommended"
For systems that meet the minimum requirements but fall short of the recommended specs this grade is awarded. Video Resolution is automatically downscaled by 50% (this provides significant performance gains without adversely affecting visuals). View distance is also lowered to 0.5 (as opposed to the default 0.75) -
Grade - "Below Minimum"
Systems that do not meet the game's minimum requirements are now provided with relevant benchmark details when they open the game. Graphics quality is automatically lowered to minimum and more importantly, "Performance Friendly" map preset is automatically selected as the default map.
If you believe your PC has been incorrectly graded do share your benchmark scores and system details below! (you can also email the support mail mentioned here)
This auto-calibration will enable players who aren't familiar with graphics settings, population presets, etc to automatically enjoy the best possible format for the game relative to their specific system.
For Simpler Controls, Better Performance, Fair Gameplay
Recognizing player feedback around these three topics, a small but significant detour was taken from content development this month to focus on cleaning up bugs and improving ease of play.
Upcoming patches and updates will continue this trend of making the game easier for new players to get into.
~~~
A Nocturnal Wasp now awaits!
As twilight gives way to a velvety dark.
Soon to strike from shadows bright
A stinger that glistens with a spark.
(In mundane words, the nocturnal wasp release is coming soon, you Jumping Spiders beware! :))
With ❤,
Venugopalan Sreedharan