Hi Galactic Survivalists!
Today we are releasing update 1.15 - the first major update of the new year 2026.
As you may already know from the Experimental phase, this update focuses on a few new features, including refactoring and convenience on a larger scale.
As we already announced in the announcement for the experimental phase, this update does not contain any new missions or other content for the main scenario (default random). We have INSTEAD created a separate scenario for the future development of all content whose changes usually require a new save game (new or changed POIs, playing fields, missions, etc.), while all the FIXES and technical feature listed in the changelog below go to ANY scenario.
The reason for this split:
The addition of the DEFAULT RANDOM EXP scenario for content development will prevent your regular savegame from being changed, overwritten, or updated in such a way that you can no longer play missions or otherwise lose your progress - in case you decide you want to help us testing these content changes, of course. You also do not need to manually switch to the Experimental branch in your Steam settings to do so!
In case you want to help us test the new contents, like the updated Galaxy, Treasures, Jumpgates and more, please select it as follows: Main menu > Singleplayer > Start Game > Scenarios > Default Random EXP
When you start the DEFAULT RANDOM EXP scenario, you will also receive hints and tips for testing, as well as information about what exactly is new and what you should pay attention to.
Among other things, these are:
Short Range Warp (SRW)
The Short Range Warp (SRW) is a free addition to all warp drives. It enables SV and CV to warp short ranges inside an orbit or sector. This addition is ALSO available in the Default Random scenario of course!Jumpgates
The Jumpgate addition is both a technical and content addition to version 1.15. It is directed to creators and scenario builders to allow players to jump with their vessels to defined destinations without having to rely on build-in warp drives. The Jumpgates cannot be built by players in survival.Basic galaxy config and playfield refactor
Among other things, the update focuses on general spawning issues with POIs for various factions in certain areas (due to incorrect configuration, empty POI BP groups, etc.). However, it also addresses general improvements in this regard, including number, density, placement, optimization of surrounding activities (e.g., dronebases, drones, defense, etc.), and much more.Colorable Asteroid Fog
This feature adds the possibility for creators and scenario builders to manipulate the color of asteroid fog and the newly added fog-only element directly via EClassConfig settings.Personal Communication Console (PCC)
The Personal Communication Console is a craftable device that can be placed on bases and on capital vessels. It allows direct access to the current (and planned future) services of the Galactic Information Network (GIN).
In summary: To test all new features AND game content, please start a new savegame by using the SCENARIO button and then selecting the DEFAULT RANDOM EXP scenario and one of its start options.
(Note: Since this is a test scenario focused on NEW developments, the normal missions and events will NOT be available in the test scenario. Unfortunately, this may result in problems with dialogues of existing story NPCs and consoles, but these can be ignored).
The approach using the DEFAULT RANDOM EXP scenario and its first public rollout outside of the Experimental branch is, of course, also a test in itself. So please let us know if you would like to continue using such a separate scenario as a testing ground and playground for future new missions, game content, and features.
Please be sure to use the feedback threads in the Forum or on our Discord:
https://empyriononline.com/forums/faq-feedback.25/
and bugs in:
https://empyriononline.com/forums/bugs.24/
Looking forward to your feedback! ːsteamhappyː
Your Empyrion development
Changelog: v1.15 B4960 2026-02-11
Changes:
Feature updates/additions
Added Short Range Warp (SRW) functionality to all warp drives. No unlock required! The SRW allows you to jump to a bookmark, planet or radar contact in the same playfield by aligning the ship, accelerating to 30m/s and hit K (default key) to warp. There are certain rules and limitations.
Added Jumpgate prefab entries to blocksconfig for creators to use.
Added functionality to customize color of asteroid fogs directly in the playfield file
Added non-fog asteroid field variants of current asteroid fields
Added fog-only fields for orbital/space use (without asteroids)
Other Fixes & Additions
Added Default Random EXP scenario for public content testing.
Added missing loca for Gravity Generator checkbox
Shield Extenders now only drain power when shield is active (added to scenarios: Default Random, Default Random Experimental, Rise of the Dark Faction)
“Contact Point Alpha” game start / GS_ConflictArid: Added base attack (Epsilon faction)
Added new terrain stamp variants : Mtn_MonumentGroup_INV, Canyon_80m_Connect_HI, Canyon_80m_Diagonal_HI - info
Default Random EXP (Public Content Testing scenario)
Added Personal Communication Console (PCC). You can craft and place the console to gain access to the GIN services and a personal inbox
Added 14 Jumpgates distributed over the galaxy. Check your Personal Inbox in the Personal Communication Console
New activity: Added pirate treasure POIs (Beacons, Treasures) - At the moment, only on Snow playfield & secondary planets of ‘Frontline Alpha’ system
General rework of ground playfields (About two thirds of playfields done): Add missing Drones, Dronebases, POI
General rework of space playfields:SpaceOrbit, NitrogenIce_Orbit, Scorched_Orbit: Added in missing OPV; Non-militaristic / non-fanatic faction OPV self-destruct less often and leave more time for salvage
Snow playfield rework for terrain, decorations, creatures, resources, POI. Added more Dronebases, Patrol Vessels, drones. Talon POI set switched to snow. Talon might get harassed by other factions. Added Pirate treasures.
Tweaked secondary planets of the “Frontline Alpha” system / “Contact Point” starter: Planet “Sunrise” (Snow): Terrain and deco rework, higher density of POI, add more Patrol Vessels and drones. Planet “Mote” (NitrogenVolcanic): Added treasures, detector usage example and slightly more drones.
New WIP playfields: AncientQuarry and Story_AncientQuarry (Planet, Orbit) in the “Quarry” system
POI ( WIP / placeholders) for Story_AncientQuarryOrbit
Galaxyconfig: Tweak for much higher Talon spawn chances outside of faction territories. Added WIP star region “Unclaimed Space” to the north of the galaxy - No factions there for now.The rest of the non-territory galaxy is slightly more settled.
Default Multiplayer Scenario:
Fixed Yara (TheLegacy) sector coordinates
Added Short Range Warp Config
Invader vs Defender Scenario:
Added Short Range Warp Config
Fixes:
Turrets switching to next target with very short delay, Enemy AI turrets can not shoot or shoot with big delays when you fly close to structures
Player is not attacked while on hoverbike (check EClassConfig.ecf for new additions of PlayerBike)
Fixed Trading Hub (BAO) was not airtight
Fixed various exploits