As we continue to work toward a closed beta for the Space Exploration update, I'd like to dive a little deeper into the exploration changes coming in this new version.
Updated Visuals
With the addition of piloting both your large ship and the new smaller vehicles, we saw a great opportunity to reimagine how the galaxy looks and feels as you explore, mine, build, and craft. We experimented with various art styles, but naturally gravitated toward a more stylized approach—and I think it looks fantastic.
New Caves
The new caves are significantly larger than those in the current update, requiring you to utilize your large ship, small ships, and jetpack to uncover all their secrets. In addition to the familiar flora and crystals, you'll now find ore veins, areas filled with poison and radiation that demand special equipment to explore, and even small exploration puzzles that unlock resource-rich zones or rare alien artifacts. And caves are just one type of area you’ll get to explore.
Finite, but Infinite
In the current update, the asteroid field stretches on forever, procedurally generated with islands and caves that may appear. In the Space Exploration update, you’ll explore a more handcrafted world, while giving you greater control over what you discover. By using navigational computers, you can set your next warp point and see the resources you might find there. These regions are finite in size, but there's no limit to the number of regions you can explore.
The Black Hole in the Room
Upon arrival, you'll want to ensure you gather everything you need because returning won't be an option. As you navigate warp space, the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy continues to expand, consuming everything in its path.
That's all for today—but we’ll be back soon to showcase the new crafting buildings, items, research, biomes, and more! Be sure to join our Discord to stay updated on closed betas and multiplayer tests.