Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends · published
Hello Universe Architects,
It’s been some time since our last update. As a refresher, we shared a dev diary in March that Cell to Singularity would be going through a major overhaul with our latest expansion, Reality Reboot. Since then, we’ve been heads-down in development. With this as our primary focus, the entire team has temporarily paused work on other projects, including the Beyond and Explore Events. We plan to pick them back up after Reality Reboot’s release.
As mentioned in our previous dev diary, we separated the Reality Reboot expansion from the main game and Beta due to the significant rework involved. Behind the scenes, we’ve been releasing weekly updates to the Cells Alpha version while overhauling the Primary Simulation and Reality Engine. Alpha access has been available to those who signed up through the form in the Open Call. If you still want to participate in the Alpha, sign up and look out for more information about Worldwide Alpha at a later date.
For Reality Reboot, we’ve introduced new content to the Primary Simulation Tree and changed the tuning progression to keep the expansion fun and engaging. Players will have new ways to play strategically, adding more depth and complexity. Casual players can still enjoy the game at their own pace, with improved tutorials that explain new features and mechanics. Please note that many of the updates discussed here are still undergoing development, and specific details may be revised before the final release. Let’s dive into what we’ve been working on. Spoilers Ahead.
Players will now have a global Research Level as they progress through the Primary Simulation. This will replace the global leaderboard score shown in player profiles. Earning Entropy and Idea* generates Research XP, which increases the player’s Research Level. Each new level requires more Research XP than the last. Old and new content in the Primary Simulation Tree is now gated behind glitch nodes, which unlock based on the player’s Research Level. For players with existing progress, any content you’ve already unlocked will remain unchanged.
*Fun Fact: Did you know that the Idea currency in the game is not meant to be plural? Idea is always singular even when you have a lot of it (This fact blew some of our team members’ minds too).
The Reality Engine's updated Simulation Panel is now a hub for checking accumulated Research XP as well as the estimated time to reach the next Research Level. The panel also displays overall simulation progress, stats, and other key features.
Additionally, players will also get one Research Chip each time they gain a Research Level. Research Chips can be spent in the Simulation Panel to boost a player’s Metabits (formerly Entrobits) and Knowledge (formerly Ideabits) generation. For every ten Research Chips spent, players are granted an additional bonus that doubles the overall production boost. Please note that the current values in the image below are under review and subject to change.
The Reality Engine is getting a full makeover in both form and function, featuring new visuals and node upgrades. When players choose to upgrade their Simulation, they will gain the Metabits and Knowledge they have accumulated from their last playthrough, which can then be spent to upgrade their Reality Engine.
We’ve also made a change where players can now upgrade the Reality Engine while actively progressing through the Primary Simulation, so long as they have Metabits and Knowledge to spend. The number of Reality Engine node upgrades has more than doubled, so players can discover new pathways to customize their game experience. For any long-time players who wish to reset their Reality Engine, a reset option is available in the Simulation Panel, allowing for greater experimentation and strategy.
Any player who has reached Research Level 50 can now unlock a new feature: Legacy Protocol. Activating the Legacy Protocol will completely reset a player’s Primary Simulation and Reality Engine progress. This feature can only be activated once and is designed for those who want a fresh start following the Reality Reboot release. In return, players will receive a permanent 2x Simulation Speed boost and unlock the Legacy Crystal cosmetic in their Primary Simulation Tree. The Legacy Protocol does not affect Logit and Darwinium purchases, or progress in the Beyond, Mesozoic Valley, or Explore Events.
For any current players who wish to take advantage of this feature when Reality Reboot releases, they must have all of the Martian City nodes in the Primary Simulation unlocked.
New late-game content is coming to the Primary Simulation. Get ready to discover a new branch of life in the form of Amphibians, as well as new Scientific Revolution Nodes in the Technology Tree.
Players will be able to access this content after reaching a specific Research Level, which is still being finalized. Amphibians will have all-new unlockable Trait Nodes and a bumpy-skinned generator. The Scientific Revolution will have new Technology Nodes in addition to the current ones. Both will also feature exclusive Trophy Nodes that can be unlocked with Logits or Darwinium, complete with unique 3D models and animations.
Amphibians and Scientific Revolution are planned to be a part of the initial Reality Reboot launch. New in-game content will not end there, though. More critters and technological advancements will be released in chapters in the months to follow. We hope players are excited!
New achievements will also be added to reflect the game’s growing complexity and will require strategy to earn. Existing achievements will remain unchanged.
Reality Reboot is officially scheduled for release in Fall 2025. Similar to previous major updates, we will implement a phased rollout to ensure the game is stable before it is available to everyone. We will provide more details about Worldwide Alpha and Beta soon.
We cannot thank you all enough for your continued support and patience during the development of Reality Reboot. After its official release, we will resume our regular content updates and development cadence. While it is on the quiet side right now, our team is working hard to deliver an amazing experience for everyone. We’re focused on making sure Reality Reboot launches in the best possible state. Stay tuned as the release date gets closer.
Stay Cellular, Architects!
- The Cells Team