GAME UPDATE – PATCH NOTES

# 🔥 GAME UPDATE – PATCH NOTES
## Major Improvements, New Features & Bug Fixes

This update brings a range of improvements, gameplay fixes, new features and technical upgrades. We've been working behind the scenes to improve stability, refine existing game modes and introduce new content.

Here's what's changed.

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## ✅ FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS

**Steam Statistics & Achievements**
- Checked and verified that all player statistics are correctly connected and functioning.
- Reviewed Steam achievement integration to ensure achievements are correctly wired and tracked.

**Search & Destroy – Bomb Visibility**
- Fixed an issue where the bomb would disappear for both teams after being dropped.
- Both teams can now see the bomb whenever it is dropped.
- The bomb remains visible to both teams throughout the round, while only the designated team can pick it up at the start.

**Bomb Planted HUD**
- Added a visible countdown timer to the HUD when the bomb is planted.

**Host Migration**
- Reviewed and improved host migration safeguards.
- Made targeted adjustments to improve reliability and reduce potential issues during migration.
- Investigated animation problems occurring after host migration.
- Further real-player testing is still required.

**Dropped Equipment & Pickups**
- Fixed issues where dropped ammunition, health packs and explosives could fall through the ground.

**Capture the Flag**
- Addressed issues with flags falling through the map and becoming inaccessible.
- Added additional safeguards to prevent flags from becoming permanently lost.
- Implemented a return system to send flags back to their original capture points if they remain on the ground too long.

**Kill Confirmed**
- Fixed an issue where collecting friendly dog tags could incorrectly contribute towards winning the match.
- Addressed an issue where dog tags from previous rounds could remain on the ground when a new round started.
- Improved round-to-round cleanup.

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## 🆕 NEW FEATURES & CONTENT

**New Extraction Game Mode – BETA**
- Introducing a new VIP Extraction game mode.
- One player is selected as the VIP before the match begins.
- The VIP team must escort and protect the VIP until they reach the extraction zone.
- The VIP must remain inside the extraction zone for the required time to complete the extraction.
- The VIP is restricted to a dedicated loadout:
- Shotgun
- Handgun
- Smoke Grenades
- Medkit
- Currently available on 3 maps while we continue testing and collecting bug reports.

**New Weapon**
- Added a new weapon with a unique firing mechanic.
- No aiming down sights or zoom.
- Hip-fire only.
- Balanced accuracy designed around its intended firing style.

**New Lobby System**
- Added a new pre-match lobby where players can get ready before the game begins.
- Introduced a new matchmaking presentation.
- Updated the overall look and feel of the match-finding experience.

**Custom Keybinds**
- Added custom control binding options.
- Players can customise their keyboard and controller controls.

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## 🎨 VISUAL & AUDIO IMPROVEMENTS

**Loading Screen System**
- Added 8 different loading screen images.
- Loading screens are selected randomly whenever a new loading screen is activated.
- Improved loading screen presentation and level transition handling.
- Introduced a 38-second initial loading window to give players with slower connections additional time to load.
- The loading screen remains active until the match start point, with the intention of reducing perceived waiting time while other players finish loading.

**Animation Improvements**
- Introduced a large collection of new character animations.
- Improved overall character movement and animation presentation.
- Some animation issues remain and will continue to be refined in future updates.

**Artwork**
- Small visual upgrades and refinements across the game.

**Music & Sound**
- Added new menu music.
- Introduced additional sound cues.
- Improved the overall audio presentation.

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## ⚙️ ENGINE UPGRADE & TECHNICAL NOTES

**Unreal Engine 5.2 → 5.5**

The project has undergone a major engine upgrade from Unreal Engine 5.2 to Unreal Engine 5.5.

This is a significant technical step forward, but it has also introduced some additional work.

- Two maps were affected during the upgrade and are currently being recovered.
- Some systems and features may still require additional fixes following the engine migration.
- Further optimisation and compatibility checks are ongoing.

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## ⚠️ KNOWN ISSUES & TESTING STATUS

Please be aware that this update is still undergoing testing.

- The two missing maps are currently being recovered.
- Some character animations still require refinement.
- Host migration requires further testing with real players.
- Full online multiplayer testing has not yet taken place.
- Additional bugs may be discovered as more players test the update.

We are focusing on fixing genuine issues, improving stability and preserving existing gameplay systems rather than making unnecessary changes.

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## ❤️ THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone following the development and supporting the project.

This update represents a significant amount of work behind the scenes, particularly with the move to Unreal Engine 5.5.

We'll continue improving the experience, fixing reported issues and bringing new content to the game.

**More updates coming soon!**