It has been a while since last update, so I apologize for the delay, as well as for the taking so long to fix the "unarmed ships bug". I only discovered it long after committing to some changes in the game, and for technical reasons I could not just go back and release a quick fix patch. In any case, I hope you will enjoy the new content :)
Reactor Overload:
I always wanted energy levels to mean something more than just “Set everything to 200% and forget about it”. So… it’s finally here. Basically… You can get more out of energy levels (up to 300% instead of 200%) and even gain bonuses from your reactor heat, however, you have to be careful not to melt your ship’s reactor. Of course, the new ship role (Firebrand) was especially designed to make the best use of this mechanic.
OBS: After loading your save files, check your heat levels on the buff icon and, if needed, reduce energy levels to avoid issues. Basically... Don't install too many generators if you plan on using high energy levels, unless of course, you have a plan ;) Edit: Since Patch 2.2.4c Reactor overload is much more forgiving, and it's also based on game difficulty.
Faction Headquarters:
These are faction main sectors, intended as a new end game challenge. Although they are not finished (I have to add more things to it, like special bases, perks, etc), they already serve as a new source of faction unique items.
Patreon:
Once again I want to thank all my patrons and supporters for keeping their trust in me <3
So... enjoy!
Increased energy control values at level 4 from 150% to 200% and level 5 from 200% to 300%. Bonuses were increased accordingly.
Added new mechanic [Reactor Overload]:
Ships operating with excessive reactor mass or sustained high energy output accumulate Reactor Heat. While overloaded, reactors boost speed and acceleration, but also increase weapon heat. If left unchecked, severe overload can eventually damage the ship's hull. A tutorial message was added (even if loading old saves) to explain the mechanic, and you can also mouse over the buff icon to know more information.
Fleet ships can be affected by Reactor Overload and will reset reactor heat after using emergency warp to avoid death. In that case, they automatically reduce energy settings to avoid getting damage when recalled.
Added 2 new equipment for more control on Reactor Overload: Reactor Optimizer and Reactor Overclocker. More will be added later on.
Added ship role: Firebrand, specialized in high-heat weapons.
Added ship: Shrike, tier 4 independent Firebrand, size 2 (yacht). Requires a special unlock.
Added ship: Akuma, tier 3 independent Firebrand, size 6 (dreadnought).
Added Faction Headquarters: Level 60 sectors which are always visible (except for CoT) and highlighted on the galaxy map. They contain mostly gold star ships, several bases and turrets for defense. If hostile, the faction always spawns a Hunter Fleet to attack the player after a few seconds. For now, there is no perk or achievement for destroying all bases on these sectors. This will be added later.
Gold star ships in faction headquarters may drop an extra item, which is always a faction unique. The drop chance is higher in bigger ships.
Added minimum reputation value (negative limit) based on game difficulty: -9999 (Relaxed), -25000 (Normal) and -999999 (Hardcore).
Hunter Fleets on faction Headquarters always use the negative limit for fleet power calculations.
AI ships over level 30 may now use Energy Barriers and Auto-Repair. The % chance to have each equipment is equal to the NPC level.
AI ships over level 40 may now have ship enhancements, starting with 1 at level 40 then up to 5 at 60.
Silver star ships HP modifier reduced from 1.6 to 1.4. Gold stars from 3 to 2.5.
Added current knowledge to level up message (example: Space Pilot +1 (25)!).
Industry stations (Factories, Mining bases, Labs and Agristations) now sell specific equipment types, including faction specials, up to 'elite' drop quality.
Calling 'Refit' on fleet ships now automatically docks it when it's up to 160 units away from it.
You can now scrap containers to gain Tech Level and scrap metal.
Slightly reduced bloom intensity.
Fleet ships energy and shield status are now properly saved after refitting.
Fixed BUG that caused Outis quest to duplicate objectives.
Fixed BUG when civilians would not hit Ravagers.
Fixed BUG when swapping to unarmed ships, which would delete your other ships.
Fixed BUG that caused fleet ships to not fire, especially with beam weapons.
Fixed BUG that caused drones to *fall off*, losing target lock.
Fixed BUG that caused fleet ships to stand still instead of following the player, when in repair mode without actual repair tools.
Patch 2.2.4a
Increased Optimal reactor size to 20% + shipClass x 2% + 1 (from 19% + shipClass x 2%).
Updated Chinese language (thanks to Hexiafox)
Patch 2.2.4b
Optimal reactor size in Reactor Overload is now based on game difficulty, making it much less likely to happen in Normal and Relaxed mode.
Selecting an item on station markets now show its name above 'unit price'.
Patch 2.2.4c
Further increased Optimal reactor size in Reactor Overload, especially in smaller ship sizes. Dreadnoughts remain roughly the same.
Increased cooling/heating effects in Reactor Optimizer and Reactor Overclocker equipment, respectively.
Patch 2.2.4d
Updated German translation.
Updated Russian translation.