The Drill Grinder has been relatively unchanged since the original launch of Vox Machinae. Today, we are making some important changes to its fuel and drilling mechanics that we believe further differentiates it from other options, and helps to carve out a unique role while discouraging unintended behaviour. Our biggest concern with the Drill was its ability to remain airborne at high altitude for long periods of time. This became a problem with the addition of modules, one of which can increase the rate of fuel refill. Since the Drill already had a much faster fuel refill than other Grinders, it was possible to refill faster than gravity could pull you back down to ground level. This problem was made even worse if a leg or two were lost, either during combat or broken off intentionally by the player. The only surefire way to resolve this was to reduce the base fuel refill rate of the Drill. This does go against one of Drill's design goals though, which is to have a class that can refuel fast so as to re-position quickly when spotted, engage in sneaky brawling, and dodge incoming fire. Our solution is to allow the Drill to rapidly refuel by drilling into things with its drill weapon. This forces the Drill to return to ground level in order to refill for the next big jump. We've also given the Drill a few minor stat buffs. By drilling things, the Drill now effectively has an unlimited fuel supply, but only if it returns to the ground to get it. [b]Plus, it looks wicked sick.[/b] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/32651247/aba308cdc0083bd9e984f2932450a1d97bf17c35.gif[/img] We hope you try out this new mechanic and let us know what you think. We are always working to make the game more enjoyable for all players in a match. Full Patch Notes: [list] [*] Drill can now refill its fuel extremely fast by drilling into the ground or enemies. [*] Drill regular fuel refill rate significantly reduced. [*] Increase impact force required for Drill legs to be damaged from falls. [*] Drill legs immediately flare out when using the drill weapon, to assist in good drill-to-enemy ettiquette. [*] Drill weapon now generates a small amount of heat. [*] Drill upward jet force increased by 10%. [*] Drill fuel capacity increased by 15%. [*] Drill downward jets now engage even if the fuel tank is empty (previously they would not activate unless a small amount of fuel had been refilled). [*] Fix enemies not spawning properly in Convoy (oops!). [*] Overhaul Hummingbird module no longer cuts out temporarily if you consume all your fuel. [*] Add support for VKB Gladiator NXT joystick. [/list]