[h1]Patch Notes v0.32[/h1] Hello everyone. Hope everyone is doing well. This latest update introduces a number of updates to core systems to help balance out different approaches to winning the game along with dedicated servers and ranked play for our more competitive players! We’ve also been looking at some balancing issues to keep tech and trait picks healthy. As always, please let us know what you think! [h1]New Features[/h1] [h2]Ranked and Dedicated Servers[/h2] This update introduces new ways to play the game in multi-player. You can now select from 1 of 3 different server modes when hosting a Custom lobby. [list] [*] Local Server: As before the lobby host will host the game locally on their PC. Allows any game settings, save-games and late-joining players. [*] Dedicated Server: Host the game on an official dedicated server. Dedicated servers must feature a turn-timer. [*] Ranked Server: Compete against other players in a ranked game. [/list] [h2]Ranked Mode[/h2] Players can now compete against each other in official ranked games to improve their Ranked Elo and discover who is truly suited to rule the Galaxy! [list] [*] Ranked games will affect your personal Ranked Elo. [*] Ranked games begin with a pre-game leader ban and draft phase to ensure a healthy leader spread. [*] Ranked games feature default turn-timer and game length. [*] You need at least 4 players and no AI to start the game. [/list] [h1]Mechanics Updates[/h1] [h2]Diplomacy and Pacts[/h2] We’ve updated the way diplomacy and pacts work to encourage more careful consideration of pacts and deals with other empires and to balance out some very powerful non-aggression strategies. [list] [*] You are now limited to 2 pacts with each other Empire (modifiable by Traits and Tech). [*] All mutually beneficial deals now grant a flat reward of 1 Succession. [*] Breaking a pact always costs 2 Succession. [/list] [h2]Espionage Overhaul[/h2] In this build we’ve flipped around how espionage works to help make it more impactful without making it too oppressive for the victims. [list] [*] The Espionage edict now places a Spy on a planet instead of a plot. [*] Spies are discoverable and removable in the same way as plots and will tick up in strength every turn. [*] You can immediately use a Spy to activate a plot on a planet if the Spy is of sufficient strength. [*] Reworked some plots including the dreaded ‘Graviton Bomb’. [*] Coups are no longer possible on Nexus as it became too much of an automatic choice. [/list] [h1]Balance Updates[/h1] [h2]Advanced Fleets[/h2] [list] [*] Improved the Strength and reduced the Munitions cost of unlockable fleet types to make the techs more desirable. [/list] [h2]Advanced Megastructures[/h2] [list] [*] Reduced the Succession reward for all faction Megastructures to 3. [/list] [h2]Technologies[/h2] We’ve been focusing on some of the least picked techs to try to bring them up to scratch. [list] [*] Advanced Navigation Computer (Physics II): Changed effect to: ’ Your Raider Fleets gain +1 Speed and can move through nebulae without stopping.’ [*] Sentry Array (Physics VII): Changed effect to: ‘Grants Sensor Vision over the whole galaxy. You can Explore in any visible system, including hazardous systems.’ [*] Hyperdrive (Physics VIII): Changed effect to: ‘All of your fleets gain +2 Speed.’ [*] Mining Drones (Nano-Tech I): Moved to tech level 2. [*] Mineral Probes (Nano-Tech II): Moved to tech level 1. [*] Advanced Damage Control (Nano-Tech III): Changed effect to: ‘Gain +1 Munitions every time one of your ships is destroyed.’ [*] Nanite Bio Weapons (Nano-Tech VII): Added passive effect: ‘Your fleets can perform an additional activation after occupying a planet.’ [/list]