Hello everyone! Are you ready for a sneak peek of the December update? The answer might surprise you! Check it out!
As you are reading this, the December update is available for all of you to try out! We have launched a new branch called Public Alpha on Steam! What is the purpose of this? Lemme tell you.
We have tested this update to the best of our capabilities, yet the biggest stress test that is needed, and that is when there are more than 60 of you maniacs out there on the server, and when things break the most, is yet to be done. So we are giving it all to you early so you can break it in an isolated environment and not brick every server with forced implementation! How to access this new build? Same way you would access other branches through Steam!
In your library, right-click:
And in the Betas tab, choose Public Alpha branch:
There are important notes however:
- For SP players, make sure you back up your SP save files before switching! The DB upgrade has not yet been executed, so you could corrupt your save files.
- Private server owners, before you ask, no, there are no server files for public alpha. Reason being we need access to every single log and possible crash dump to ensure a smooth release. However, you can expect new server settings and changes in a separate post before the update, so you can prepare your servers.
Server list:
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #1 - Europe 185.59.220.39:7082
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #2 - Europe 185.59.220.39:7102
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #3 - Europe 185.59.220.40:7082
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #1 - Singapore 15.235.181.208:7102
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #2 - Singapore 15.235.181.208:7122
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #1 - Canada 51.222.255.64:7062
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #1 - Australia 51.161.198.166:7102
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #1 - US East 79.127.223.71:7062
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #1 - US Wast 169.150.231.117:7042
- SCUM Server Official Public Alpha #2 - US West 169.150.231.117:7062
As for the content of the new update, here is the overview of the most important stuff. For the full list of bugfixes and QoL changes, you will have to wait for the full Patch notes:
This is a big one, and it will only get bigger. The inventory rework is here, with those long-awaited QoL changes you've been waiting for. It is a chonker, and that is why it took so long, and some issues could arise in this testing. So let's get into it:
First thing you will notice is the new refreshed UI, needed for all the changes we made in the inventory. So take your time and familiarize yourself with it.
It is important to note that the biggest thing for Inventory rework is all the backend work that went into it. As you can imagine, due to Inventory being a key feature that connects to all others, everything needed to be changed and upgraded on the backend in order for the changes you are about to see.
With that said, here is the list of all the things added to the inventory rework you can now do, with the list being expanded in the future, as the biggest part of it is done now.
- You can now join/split items directly in chests; if there is no available inventory space, a new stack will be dropped on the ground.
- Search option in inventory spaces like chests/wardrobes (everything except clothing inventory).
- You can now choose exactly how many items you want to take out of their boxes, like bobby pins or ammo. Items pulled that way will not pull, e.g., 4 separate bobby pins, but a stack of 4 bobby pins.
- Speaking of which, smaller items like pens and bobby pins are now stackable.
- You can now put items like nails and ammo back in their respective boxes.
- Picked up items now auto-join a stack when picked up.
- You can now carry items such as logs directly from inventory.
- Auto-rotate items to fit in inventory.
- Put attachments directly from chests on weapons.
- You can now manipulate items in chests the same way you can in your own inventory.
- Vehicle inventory and storage expansions behave as all other inventory. Meaning you can now put items directly in, no need for chests. Expansion kits now also work as expansion kits in UI, not separate storage.
These are the capabilities that are added for now, with more coming in the next couple of days and even more in the near future. There are some issues we need to resolve first before we give them into your hands.
Next up, we have some massive improvements on the NPC front. Starting with the armed NPCs.
Armed NPCs received new upgrades in their behavior and how they spawn as well. Starting with the spawning, we decided to rebalance how and where you encounter armed NPCs. This means that according to the POI difficulty, the level of the armed NPC you will encounter. So do not worry about spawning fresh in a simple village only to get swarmed by an NPC with an SMG.
Speaking of NPC weapons, we have increased the drop chance on NPC to 100%. That means when you take down one of them, you will be guaranteed their weapon and maybe some ammo too.
With that, we come to new AI behavior for armed NPCs.
When engaged, you can expect NPCs to utilize new tactics such as retreating, moving to the sides, trying to break the line of sight before they start to engage you again. They can also recognize if they have an ally in the line of fire and will hold fire and either wait for the ally to move or move themselves so they can start engaging again.
While out of combat, they received a bunch of new idle animations, making them feel much more alive on the island.
Speaking of NPC upgrades, we have some news around puppets. First up a new mechanic to puppets and their behaviour when taking damage.
When taking damage in the legs, puppets will now be hindered in their movement, making them limp instead of running towards the player. Making combat, especially when there are more of them, much more manageable.
And finally, we have a whole new type of puppet you will encounter, the loot puppet. This one is an abnormal type, as they will not charge you to tear you from limb to limb, yet they will attempt to run away when they spot you.
They are extremely rare, though, and for a good reason. If you manage to catch one, you will be rewarded with some awesome loot, including the backpack.
Get ready to make a statement on the island. Starting with something you also requested, which is to show off your squad colors on your base. We are adding some new possibilities to showcase your squad emblem. Starting with new BB elements.
You can mount your squad emblem on your wall, giving it more decor and flavor.
Plant T banners around your base as a warning to not mess with your squad.
Or put it on a signpost anywhere to show others who was there and to proceed with caution.
Also introduced are clothing patches. On some clothing, you can now set your squad emblem patch, giving you even more customization options!
Let's see the new vehicles. First up, the Sidecar bike.
This new vehicle can carry 3 people, and of course, on the sidecar can be mounted with a machine gun. Not only that, but you can put more storage space on it, making you an efficient mobile firepower unit.
So get your team and start patrolling.
There he is, the return of the Dinghy. With upgraded capabilities.
Get ready to have a true water travel capability. The Dinghy is not only a fast boat but can also be carried from one body of water to another. You will need an air pump to inflate/deflate it, and then you can carry it wherever.
Important note:
This is a big change with all boats; we changed the controls on them, so do not be alarmed. You now control the throttle on the boat with the scroll wheel, so do not worry, it is a feature!
Let's get to the new items available: Starting with the new boom stick.
The Tommy gun! This iconic .45 caliber beast is going to be your new best friend. Fitted with a drum mag that can fit 50 rounds of lead in it, it will make you feel like the greatest gangster from the 30s, or going around bushes yelling Thunder and Flash.
Next up, we have the new survival knife. This handy tool is not only a sharp blade for crafting and slicing, but also serves as a compass and has a flint and steel tucked in the handle so you can light fires or other things as well.
And finally, we have a whole new set of female clothing, hats, tops, skirts, etc., giving you more choices for when fashion is more important than anything.
So have at it, make sure you check it all out, and if you find any issues or feedback, make sure you leave it on our Steam forums, just make sure you let us know it is the Alpha build!
Enjoy!
-Beda