Hey Everyone,
We’re back with your regular dev update! Work on the New Island is moving forward steadily, and we’ve got some fresh work-in-progress screenshots to share. Keep in mind that some of the textures and models below are still placeholders.
This region represents the middle third of the island, which is heavily affected by active lava flows.
Some parts are still holding up nicely despite the heat
We're also adding much more verticality to the terrain
Release Timeline
We know everyone is eager to know when the full update drops. While our original target was the end of Q3, we are shifting the full release to Q4. We know delays are tough to hear, and we appreciate your patience while we refine performance, balance, and map content. In the meantime, the New Island preview branch remains available.
FAQ
Development & Updates
Can players port endgame drillships to the New Island? Yes, once it leaves the preview branch. However, we advise against it - you’d end up skipping a lot of new and interesting gameplay!
Will point-and-click travel return? Yes, point-and-click travel is coming back.
Will drilling ever be fully 3D? Unlikely. We tested a few prototypes and weren't happy with how they felt. We plan to revisit the concept after the New Island is completed.
Is this update considered Update 2.0 or Volcanoids 2? It’s a major update and overhaul of the game's map and core loop within Early Access, so it's still very much Volcanoids 1.
Gameplay & Feature Questions
What are "The Hunt" and "Expeditions"? "The Hunt" was a military COG retaliation system triggered by high aggro, while "Expeditions" were location-based objective lists guiding progression. Both features are currently obsolete.
Is multiplayer available on the New Island preview? Yes, co-op multiplayer is functional on the preview branch.
Can singleplayer worlds be converted to multiplayer? Yes.
Can players build defensive COGs or minions? No, but maybe later down the line.
Will there be protective gear to explore dangerous areas? Yes, in the later stages of the New Island.
New Island Preview Progression
Where is the Manager Key / Armory Key? Located at Orchard Port inside the buildings where expedition members made their stand against the COGs.
How do you access the sewers? The entrance to the sewer network is located inside one of the surface buildings.
How do you craft the Manhole Key? You must find a Worktable, which can be found in places like the cave beneath the lighthouse or in the sewer-connected basement.
Where are the Drillship Core and repair parts located? The Drillship Core is in the Hydromechanicum. The Coupling Ring is detached from the Drillship and repaired at Rosegate Port.
How to Play the Preview
Launch Volcanoids as usual.
In the Main Menu, click "New Island preview".
The game will automatically switch your Steam branch to "preview".
Wait for the update to finish, then click "Play".
Let us know what you think in the comments below! Are there any questions missing from the FAQ that you'd like us to address?
– The Volcanoids Team