Welcome to another update for Stellar Insurgency!
In this post, I’ll discuss the new additions to the three-stage exploration system introduced in the previous dev diary.
Stage One: Scanning
Stage Two: Probing
Stage Three: Away Team Exploration
To proceed to the second or third stages, players must first complete a scan of the target.
The three-stage exploration process has now been expanded to include not only planets but also spaceships and other objects within each solar system, adding new layers of depth and discovery.
Similarly, in the third exploration stage, players now have the option to board an enemy ship using a boarding probe or transporter—provided their fleet is equipped with one of these components and the enemy ship’s shields are lowered or inactive. Additionally, players can assign ranked crew members (such as a captain or commander) to the exploration team. These high-ranking crew members bring unique benefits, adding strategic depth and enhancing the team’s capabilities during missions.
Additionally, through the Interact button on a spaceship, players can now request available intel on an NPC spacecraft. The information displayed on the intel panel is dynamic, updating based on the player’s actions or changes in the NPC ship’s status, providing a more immersive and responsive experience.
Finally, I’ve expanded the variety of planets, with each one presenting unique dangers for the exploration team. These distinct planetary hazards add depth and challenge to each mission, making every exploration a unique experience.
Before scanning, the contents of the enemy ship's cargo bays are hidden.
In this image, an NPC ship is being scanned using available sensors.
After scanning, the contents of the ship's cargo bays are revealed.
After scanning, the crew composition of an NPC ship is now revealed. Furthermore, players can now assign one or more ranked crew members to the Away Team during the third exploration stage (using the toggle next to the crew image), providing unique benefits or exposing the team to potential penalties based on their choices.
Through the Interact button on a spaceship, players can now request available intel on an NPC spacecraft.
The information displayed on the intel panel is dynamic, updating based on the player's actions or changes in the NPC ship's status, providing a more immersive and responsive experience.
Expanded the diversity of planets, each featuring its own unique dangers for the exploration team. These distinct hazards introduce depth and challenge to every mission, ensuring that no two explorations feel the same.
Thank you,
Tensorial