Hello again everyone!
We've been hard at work on the next major SHALTER-03 update, focusing on making every puzzle feel more dynamic while continuing to improve multiplayer, accessibility and overall game polish.
This update introduces several entirely new gameplay systems, major lobby improvements, visual upgrades, new environmental effects, and a significant overhaul to our voice communication system.
As always, thank you for all your feedback - it continues to shape the direction of SHALTER-03.
NEW FEATURES
Choose Your Own Disability: One of the most requested changes is finally here. Players can now freely choose their disability role in the lobby. Before the match begins, they can leave their seat to explore the lobby using Discover Mode, then simply sit back down to change their selected character. This gives groups much more freedom when planning strategies and solving puzzles together.
Dynamic Puzzle Systems: We're currently developing 7 brand-new interactive puzzle mechanics that will appear throughout upcoming maps. Without revealing too much, these systems introduce new ways to interact with the environment using sound, resonance, pressure, wind, lasers and much more. Every map will combine these mechanics differently, making puzzle solving feel far less predictable.
Dynamic Maps: Future maps are becoming much more interactive. Players will be able to influence puzzle progression using the equipment they carry, allowing different teams to approach the same puzzle in different ways depending on what they've brought with them.
New Arc Weapon: We've also started working on a brand-new experimental weapon featuring powerful electrical energy effects. We'll reveal more about its gameplay in a future update.
Liquid Physics: Potion bottles now contain real moving liquid. As you move, rotate or throw them, the liquid reacts naturally inside the bottle, making them feel far more believable.
Loading Screens: No more staring at a black screen while waiting for levels to load. Proper loading screens have now been added to improve the overall experience.
IMPROVEMENTS
Voice Chat Overhaul: Voice communication has received one of its biggest updates yet. Players can now either adjust microphone sensitivity manually or use the new automatic calibration tool. Simply start calibration and speak normally for five seconds - the game will automatically configure your microphone. We've also continued improving existing voice potions and their related effects.
HUD Expansion: The HUD has been redesigned to better support future equipment and weapons that will arrive during Early Access.
Better Puzzle Guidance: Many puzzles now contain additional environmental clues. Instead of relying on trial and error, observant players will discover hints hidden throughout each level.
New Sonic Signal: The Mute character now has a brand-new Sonic Signal ability. Using the default G key, they can send a visual sonic pulse that is only visible to the Blind character, allowing silent communication between teammates.
Inventory Improvements: Several held items now feature proper holding animations. New inventory icons have also been added for multiple interactable items. Potions that don't yet have unique visuals will temporarily use the default bottle appearance until their final models are completed.
New Environment Assets: We've prepared new visual and audio effects for upcoming maps, including wind zones, laser systems and sonic interactions. New door assets have also been created for future puzzle environments, requiring players to discover specific objects throughout the level before progressing.
Visual Polish: Updated multiple materials throughout the game, improved several potion visuals, and continued polishing overlay effects after drinking potions.
FIXES
Fixed multiple issues with Pushable Boxes.
Fixed several animation problems while pushing and placing boxes.
Fixed an issue preventing boxes from being placed correctly onto Charge Pads.
Updated the demo level to reflect these fixes.
Fixed the Mouse Sensitivity settings bug.
Improved existing voice potion behavior.
Various gameplay and multiplayer stability improvements.
PERFORMANCE
Continued improving DLSS and FSR support.
Frame Generation continues to improve, although further work is still underway.
General optimization and stability improvements.
LEVEL DESIGN
Added new environmental VFX and SFX across upcoming maps.
Improved puzzle readability.
Expanded interaction possibilities.
Added new puzzle doors and progression systems.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Development continues toward Early Access.
Current priorities include:
Completing the remaining puzzle mechanics.
Expanding dynamic maps.
Additional interaction animations.
More potion abilities.
More environmental storytelling.
Continued optimization.
More multiplayer improvements.
We can't wait to show you everything that's coming next.
See you in the next Devlog!