We’re nearing the final stretch of Phase 1 of the rebuild — just 1–2 weeks to go — and to celebrate the milestone, we're opening up access to the Experimental Horde Co-op Mode for all players during the Steam Summer Sale!
This is the biggest gameplay update yet for Cepheus Protocol, and it's fully playable today.
🔥 What’s Included
A brand-new Horde Mode Co-op experience to serve as the "base" of our Rebuild
Supports up to 16 players in seamless RTS/TPS hybrid combat
Experimental rebuild under the new "cerc-hq-public" branch
Buggy but playable - we're working on it every day, and we need your feedback!
🛠️ How to Opt In
Right-click Cepheus Protocol Experimental Branch (Granted when you buy the base game) in your Steam Library
Click Properties > Betas
Choose cerc-hq-public from the dropdown
Let Steam update the build and launch the game
🎮 New: Try Out Operator Control (RTS/TPS Hero Units)
Want to test our new Operator system?
Select a unit flagged as an Operator
Open the console (typically with ~ or Tab)
Type:
PossessFirstOperatorThis will instantly take control of the first free Operator in your selection.
This system is in early testing — expect jank! UI support for this feature will be added in the coming weeks as we wrap up Phase 1.
FAQ:
Squad System - A way for RTS/TPS players to coordinate in real time. RTS players can task units into any squad during play allows TPS units to coordinate and issue them orders. On top of that Servers can deem to only allow Operators in certain squads so "players" can squad up and coordinate.
Q - Order units to move to location you are looking at (Double tapping it issues a run order) for current Squad
E - Order units to execute an Attack Order for current Squad
V - Cancel any current squad orders
Operator Preview for Gunsmith/Customization
More Operator customization will come online going into next week for Weapons. We will be adding more weapons on a per week basis as we finish phase 1.
🌁 Half Moon Bay Map & Test Recommendation
The Half Moon Bay Horde map is available in this build for early testing, but we recommend using the "Co-op Horde" test map for the smoothest experience. Half Moon Bay is in active iteration and may contain incomplete elements.
📅 What’s Next?
Final Phase 1 polish and UI push
Polishing Operator Customization & Leveling System
Half Moon Bay iteration + Horde mode balancing
Expanded Doctrines & DNA Research (Phase 2)
For further ahead, read here:
📘 Read about our Development Phases & Current Goals
💬 Feedback? Questions?
Join the discussion and share your thoughts:
💬 Drop in on our Discord for a faster feedback loop!
🗺️ Post on our steam forums we'll do our best to keep up to date!
We’re excited to open the doors on this massive new chapter. Thanks for testing, reporting, and helping us shape Cepheus Protocol’s future.
🎙️ Next CERC HQ (Podcast) Details
🕔 When: June 28, 2025 – 3 PM EST (New Time!)
📺 Where to Watch:
💬 Topics We'll Cover:
Co-op Progress
Total Revamp based on Community Feedback
Level Design Updates
🎤 Don’t miss our Live Q&A! We’ll be answering questions from the community during the stream.
📺 Missed a Stream? No Worries!
Spotify Podcast Archive (VODs may take 24 hours to appear)
— The Halcyon Winds Team