Hello! It's the Steam Summer Sale and we're here to give you an update on development and release some parts that are ready to go!
We're calling this one the Navigational Update as we've made some very cool changes to how you navigate around your Mining Claim.
New Perspective
First off the Navigational Map has a new look to give it some more depth and make navigation a little more exciting.
New Scanning Mechanic
You can now manually trigger a scan (Default: spacebar) which will reveal points of interest in your mining claim. Placing your cursor over them will reveal what they are. This makes exploration a little more interesting and the Mining Claim itself a little less cluttered.
Fixed Pirate Bases
The Pirate Outposts previously loaded into the Mining Claim at random shifting positions each run. As of this update they are fixed locations in the claim and once uncovered they will remain revealed even after you take a nap or reload the game. Pirate Outposts now also display a line connecting them to the selected asteroid if it is in range of the base.
New Nebulas
We have a new type of fixed location on the map in the form of Gas Nebulas which you can enter by visiting asteroids passing through them. These will become more significant when we unlock the Noblecore region which will provide the tools for Gas collection. (If you are interested in visiting that region sooner you can join the playtesting via our Discord)
More Lore
Each station now has a detailed description that we hope you'll enjoy! You can find some other info sprinkled around the Mining Claim as well.
Additional Data
We now have clear labels for each region so you know where you are as you explore and we also have the option to view the overworld map directly from the Asteroid's Minimap so that you can get a sense of where you are and what's around you even when you are busy mining on the asteroid.
Metric System Correction
We are done with the KKM and we have switched to Mm (megameters) for our distance calculations. Megameters are just the correct measure for 1000 kilometers and our fictional KiloKiloMeters was just causing confusion and spreading metric system disinformation so it is now gone. Thanks to those who reached out to us to advocate for this change.
Noblecore Region Coming August 28th, 2026
The next region has now entered Playtesting and is scheduled for launch at the end of August. If you would like to join the playtesters vacuuming up the precious Nebula clouds please join our Discord and let us know. This will be a major update that will also feature many UI improvements alongside a full refactor of the Manufacturing Bay. We've been working on it for a few months now and it needs a little more time as we polish everything up. Here's a sneak peak at what awaits inside the clouds.
In IRL News
Some Astronomics concept art was recently featured in a showcase titled Art of The Concept which was a part of Toronto Games Week. The posters will remain on display through the rest of the summer. If you are in the city you can check that out, but if you aren't anywhere nearby you can see our poster here: https://astronomicsgame.com/poster/
In Bundle News
We are always on the lookout for games that have some nice parallels to bundle with and cruising through the Next Fest last week we spotted Cosmodrill - a very cool looking asteroid miner! They've got a demo you can check out right now. If it peaks your interest keep an eye out for the bundle with Astronomics that will grant an extra discount when they launch on July 6th (in 11 days). That is all for now. Cube Corp wishes you a nebulous day!
-hube