Outbreak: The New Nightmare v1.6.0 has been released. This patch introduces the Character Progression System.

What is the Character Progression System

The Character Progression System is a new feature in Outbreak: The New Nightmare that allows you to invest and evolve your character. Characters gain experience by simply playing the game: killing undead, solving puzzles, beating scenarios and surviving Onslaught waves. As they gain experience, they will level up. Leveling up award improvements to base character traits, ability slots and ability points to create a perk loadout.

Character Traits and Abilities

Each character is now separated out more distinctly into a role. Lydia is a gunfighter. Kane is a brawler. Ivy is a tank. And our good friend Harry, well, he's a jack of all trades. Each character has unique traits and abilities that play into their role and make them a valuable member of the team. For example, Lydia will gain improved damage with firearms (and specializes in handguns). Ivy on the other hand will gain health and damage resistance bonuses.

Character abilities also tie into this narrative... but they do have a few that lead off the beaten path. At higher levels, you'll be able to unlock powerful perks like expanding your inventory size, starting with a lockpick, starting with weapons or equipment and more. You're free to spend your points and reallocate your loadout anytime you wish.

Ability Loadouts

As you gain experience and level up, you'll find more abilities are available. You have a fixed number of skill points that are used to build a deck of abilities. You can mix and match, as well as remove and add abilities at any time. Your purchases aren't permanent and you're free to keep trying new combos to see what works best.

Gearing up for Biohazard Difficulty

At higher levels, you'll find you're a bit more prepared for Biohazard difficulty. But even at level 25, it won't be a walk in the park. Your character's evolution is subtle and your perk choices mean a lot. Bringing a Magnum along? Well, now you can't bring a health or damage boost. Your traits and abilities will never make victory assured, and Biohazard is very completable at level 1 if you're really on your game. This system simply gives you a slightly better chance to survive.

What's going to change over Early Access?

We're interested to hear feedback about this system, as well as suggestions on perks and traits. You'll find that abilities and traits will shift over early access, but your progress will remain in-tact. Your XP is stored in Steam, so your characters will be available from any computer.

We have more exciting features and locations in the works. We're excited to keep evolving the game. The best is yet to come! Sound off in the forums or on the official Discord server and let us know what you think! :)