Major Update: combat, FPS boost, character appearance and improved lighting

Hello, Volunteers!

We bring you the big Desolate update! New combat system, new animations, improved enemy reactions, redesigned character appearances, and a lighting upgrade that will give you up to +20 FPS performance boost depending on your PC.

New Combat System

You've given us a lot of feedback on what could be improved in Desolate. In particular, you talked about how melee in the game could get better. You asked, and we delivered! Meet the new combat system in Desolate.

New Kicks

Now, in addition to the usual attacks in the game, kicking appeared. By pressing the F key, you can kick your opponent and push him away from you. This way you can get time to choose a new attack strategy or to run away.

Counterattacks

Previously, Desolate had the ability to block attacks. After your feedback, we decided to add the ability not only to block them, but also to parry! Clicking the left mouse button right after a successful block will now damage your opponent and briefly stun them.

Combo Attacks, Accuracy and Animations

As we promised, Desolate is getting new combo attacks! Thanks to them, melee became more dynamic and diverse, and you can deal more damage. There are two combo attacks:

• Combo attack #1: Normal attack (left mouse button) + normal attack + kick (F key). The opponent will receive increased damage and will be thrown away at a further distance than from the normal kick.
• Combo attack #2: Block (right mouse button) + kick + normal attack. The scope of the final attack will become larger, which you can understand by the special animation of the camera!

We've also added accuracy to your punches, so they don't go through enemy models. Plus, as you may have already noticed, there are new camera effects in close combat. This will add dynamic, cinematic effect to your battles.

Reaction of Opponents in Battle

In addition to the new mechanics, we have significantly improved the reactions of enemies to blows. Humanoid NPCs now have separate new animations in response to being hit. But that's not all! Blood effects on cutting weapons - are no longer an explosion of black liquid, but a directed spray of blood.

It is important to understand if your hit connected during combat. Everytime your attack hits, you'll know by the way camera reacts and slight weapon jamming.

Updated Lighting and FPS Boost

We redesigned the lighting in the open world and in some rooms. The light has become natural, and the performance of Desolate improved as well - on different configurations the FPS increase is from +1-5 to +20.

We will continue to improve lighting and FPS stability in Desolate throughout the year.

Appearance Options

Now you can play Desolate with a style. We have thoroughly improved the facial models available for selection, as well as redesigned the appearances of hairstyles and beards.

What's Next

Thank you for the feedback you give! It helps us make Desolate better. We will continue to improve the game further - now we plan to work on the game's balance, improve the open world and it's main questline and further the improvements of the NPC AI.

We hope you enjoy this big update and give us even more feedback and support. If it wasn't for you, it wouldn't be here!

Don't forget to subscribe to our Discord, where you can find company to play together, as well as chat with developers from Nearga: https://discord.gg/wYpBfgDD