Pilots, this update is a big one with some major improvements in tow. Highlights include the introduction of Patrols, our new co-operative multiplayer experience! Accompanying this will be some exciting new changes to the Ranger Track rewards, our first set of new Gear, and a wealth of other bug fixes and quality of life improvements. This update is one worth waiting for - let’s dive into the details! [h3]Patrols V1[/h3] [list] [*]We are excited to release the first version of Patrols. This will be the foundation for an exhilarating new game mode that we are actively building and developing. [*]The first iteration will reward Credits, XP and Activity Points for completion. [*]Patrols can be run with a team of 2 to 4 players. [*]More details can be found in our supporting Medium articles! [/list] [h3]Gear Collection: Ranger I [/h3] [list] [*]The first expansion of Gear is here! Introducing the first set of manufacturer Gear, Ranger I; weapons made by Rangers, for Rangers. [*]6 items are being showcased in this first collection, with many more releasing over time. The Burst Rifle - PB4-C "Checkmate", Scout Rifle - P-H9 "Hangman", Shield Generator - S-241BN "Bastion" and Thruster - CHF/ Y 3 "Champion Ferry" have been added to the game. The Shotgun - HR-X “Hit ’n Run” and Chaingun - CHO-RF “Signalman” have been redesigned. [*]This also includes a huge refactor and rebalance to **all** weapons; including existing ones. Numbers are still being tweaked and initial values have been geared towards making closer combat encounters for Patrols, so you will find that shooting at a distance deals less damage. [*]Weapons are now grouped into types, with each type having multiple subtypes. Experiment with your arsenal to find your perfect loadout. [*]Types = Assault Rifles, Burst Rifles, Chainguns, Scout Rifles, Shotguns and more. [*]Perks are also updated, all weapons now featuring individualized perk pools allowing you to further customize your mayhem. [/list] [h3]Fixes & Improvements[/h3] [list] [*]New VO lines in the opening sequence and Captain Olson’s Tutorial dialogue. [/list] [h3]General Gameplay & Balancing:[/h3] [list] [*]HEAT generation has gone through a rebalance. Boosting now generates HEAT at a slower rate. However firing weapons now generates small amounts of HEAT, giving you greater control in getting in, and staying in, the optimal zone. [*]Increased level caps. Pilot Level has been increased from 10 to 11. This in turn increases your maximum Power Level from 50 to 55. Mecha Level has increased from 10 to 20 in preparation for future functionality. [*]With the above level increases, loot levels have also been increased, making sure you are always getting Gear matching your level. [/list] [h3]Player Experience:[/h3] [list] [*] Various bug and QoL fixes including new audio, inventory management, and updated UI. [*] Improved sensitivity settings. Lower minimums and more granular control of each setting allows you to get the feeling just right. We are still working on this, so if you still find yourself struggling, let us know where you are having difficulties. [/list] [h3]Known Issues:[/h3] [list] [*] A bug preventing PvP Bounty kills from saving is still in the game. To work around this: if you die in the PvP map, DO NOT exit the game via the “Game Over” menu; instead, respawn and exit via the Hyper Bridge. Only by exiting via the Hyper Bridge will your Bounty progress be saved! [*] There is an elusive crash that occurs when transitioning between areas. It seems to be isolated to our testing builds, but if you come across it, please let us know. [*] Some of the new perks don’t function as intended and will be tweaked in a future update. [*] There is a UI issue in which your charge appears full in PvP and Patrols, but actually isn’t. If your Ultimate isn’t firing, it likely is still charging. [*] During a Patrol, if there is only one player left, the patrol should automatically end and return you to the Halberd-001 as there are not enough players to continue. Sometimes however this may fail and you will be stuck until you quit and restart the game manually. [/list] We are excited to introduce Version 1 of Patrols. We have grand plans for this game mode, and these are the early foundations on which we are building a broad and deep range of new content. Patrols are a fundamental part of the Phantom Galaxies experience and we will continue to develop this game mode actively throughout the following months. If you have feedback you would like to share with the team, please submit it via our feedback form or contact our community team on Discord.