Commanders, our 4th major Early Access update, codename "Bootcamp", is about to drop! We spent the past weeks working on various systems to improve the gameplay for new and veteran Commanders alike. Learn the ropes in the new Bootcamp operation to train in capturing objectives, squad building, looting, extracting, and bot destroying, incl. a new boss to test your skills as a Commander before you take on the main M.E.G.A. Corp. goons! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43630847/eda45fd883d819a3553de0f18bf15b683e00c164.png[/img] Your new assistant and heli pilot, Conduit, will help you master the Standard Operations and start building your bunker. Once you're decked out and familiar with the new skill trees and specials of your individual Mercs and Gear, go on Elite Operations for a real challenge - and get the rare loot you need for the final bunker upgrades. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43630847/a96cc81bf90de22640733f7bf2b52034b71da0b4.jpg[/img] We recommend you start from scratch after this update to learn about your Mercs' unique strengths & weaknesses as they received a massive overhaul. Unlock new things gradually as you complete the 120+ achievements that are displayed as battle decorations in your new Awards room. Mercs and Gear have some new tricks up their sleeves, specifically new proc effects and other synergies with your squad and Commanders. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43630847/49b60c25b640b9aff054963f7b47810d0770fe47.jpg[/img] Apart from these highlights, the update comes with even more new content, a big list of bugfixes, QoL & UI improvements, better performance, and balancing adjustments. [b][color=orange]Update 0.9.10 "Bootcamp" is scheduled for Tuesday, Jun 4, 2024.[/color][/b] We initially wanted to ship this update in May. As we implemented all these new things and fixed various bugs, we went through more balancing iterations than expected. [quote]Example: we "lost" enemies on the map over time. Turns out one system ended up resetting only 100 enemies - in total - instead of queuing up to 100 that got somehow lost or stuck. After we fixed it, the maps became unbeatable with a ridiculous number of enemies on screen. Now some of you may actually like that challenge, but we always wondered why it felt like enemies were missing.[/quote] And with so many systems interlocking now, every nudge in one area propagates throughout the whole game. Why tell all this? We believe that the update is good to go. BUT it has some rough edges because we can only test so much with our small dev team while also developing the game. That's where you come in, Commanders. We need your input & feedback: tell us what you love and what you like less about the new update. How's the challenge? Does the progression feel rewarding? Do you notice any bugs or issues? What needs buffs & nerfs? [b]That's why with this update 0.9.10 we recommend you reset your savegame![/b] FEAR NOT! We DON'T nuke your savegame. Some of you spent dozens of hours in the game already, and we won't take that away from you. Once you start the game with a savegame from prior versions, we automatically create a local backup of your savegame. THEN you'll be asked to reset your savegame, optionally. You will keep your Steam Achievements and settings. You can opt for it, or don't. Whatever you choose, you can always restore your savegame from prior to this update. We hope this will be a convenient way to handle further Early Access updates. With the update, we'll post a detailed patch note as usual with many more details! Thanks a lot, Commanders, for all your support and patience while we try to make the game better with every update. We're super excited for June 4, and hope you are, too!