Pilots! Our Chapter 1B update is live on Steam.
It was a major performance update to the game, and we had to touch a lot of systems to make it happen. This needed to happen before the game expanded much more, and I'm really glad we can build chapter 2 on this improved foundation.
Features
Performance Overhaul
This was our main focus. We greatly improved performance on all platforms, and especially on Steam Deck.
Steam Deck FPS increased by 30%, and hits 90 fps in low action areas.
Stutters are greatly reduced. The ones that remain are from spawning units and we will improve this over time.
More settings. You can set anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion, and render scale. This lets you get the performance / quality experience you want.
Arcade Mode
We've added a new section in the home base for arcade missions. Our goal for this was to add replayable content and have a place for experimental missions.
Survival Mode - Defend a building against waves of enemies
Skee Ball - Use your rope to roll the ball up the ramp and into the holes
Skeet Shooting - Shoot barrels mid-air
Cooping Mechanism - A timed chicken rescue
Mini Golf - Golf, but with missiles
Uno Reverse - Destroy turrets by redirecting their own missiles
Glass Cannon - Use walls for cover and destroy 3 challenging turrets
Steam Daily Deal
We are one of today's Steam daily deals! So everyone logging into Steam will get a popup showing the game. As someone who was around when Steam was first released... this feels pretty crazy :)
We will be raising the price before Chapter 2, so now's the best time to grab it. Tell your friends! If you've already purchased the game, you get this update, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 for free as part of our early access process.
This update was a foundational update to make sure the game runs smoothly before adding content. We are investing into the game's future- I hope that feels good to our early access supporters. Now, back to work on Chapter 2!
Thanks for all of your support, it means a lot.
- Colin "cfinger" and the Cleared Hot team