Blind Descent News

[p]Welcome to the Blind Descent Playtest, Explorers![/p][p]Thanks for joining us on this early expedition into the depths of Mars. This page is your guide — here to help you get started, answer your most common questions, and support you if anything goes sideways during your journey. Let’s dive in![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Frequently Asked Questions  [/h2][p][/p][h3]⏳ How long is the playtest?[/h3][p]The playtest lasts approximately 2 to 5 hours, depending on your playstyle and how deeply you explore.[/p][p][/p][h3]👅 What languages are supported in the playtest?[/h3][p]Currently, Blind Descent is available in English, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Turkish. We're still working on localization, so you might encounter some errors or inaccuracies — but don’t worry, they’ll be fixed by release![/p][p]We're also open to adding more language options on full release based on community demand, so let us know what you'd like to see![/p][p][/p][h3]📹 Can I stream or create content about the playtest?[/h3][p]Definitely! We love watching your adventures unfold. Be sure to tag us with #BlindDecent or share your videos and screenshots in our Discord — we’d love to see and share your moments with the community![/p][p][/p][h3]🐞 I found a bug! How can I report it?[/h3][p]Since this is a playtest build, you might run into bugs, glitches, or other technical hiccups — that’s totally expected at this stage![/p][p]We’d love for you to dive in, test the limits, and try out everything the game has to offer so far. Your feedback is key to helping us improve your extraterrestrial experience.[/p][p]If you encounter an issue, please report it on Discord or in Steam Community including:[/p]

• [p]A short description of the problem[/p]
• [p]Your system specs[/p]
• [p]Steps to reproduce it (if you can)[/p]
• [p]A screenshot or video (if available)[/p]
• [p]A DXDIAG file of your PC (optional, but highly recommended)[/p]

[p]How to create a DXGIAG file?[/p]

1. [p]In your Windows Start menu type “dxdiag”[/p]
2. [p]Open the tool that shows up[/p]
3. [p]Wait until it finished gathering data about your PC (progress bar in the bottom left corner)[/p]
4. [p]Click “Save all information” and save the file[/p]

[p]Thanks for helping us make Blind Descent better![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]💻 What are system requirements for Blind Descent?[/h3][p]Blind Descent is built using Unreal Engine 5 technology, using modern tools and APIs. The game runs exclusively on DirectX 12, so you'll need a GPU that supports it. Below are the estimated minimum and recommended specs for the playtest. Please note that we haven’t tested every possible hardware setup, so your experience may vary.[/p][p][/p][p]If you’re running 16GB of RAM, we strongly recommend closing memory-heavy background apps (like web browsers) to help the game run more smoothly.[/p][p] Minimum system requirements (low graphics preset): i3-10100 (or similar AMD) 16GB of RAM (DDR4 or higher)[/p][p]GTX1080ti (or AMD equivalent) [/p][p]36GB of free space (SSD recommended)  [/p][p]DirectX 12 Windows 11 or latest version of Windows 10 Recommended system requirements (medium-high graphics preset): I5-12400 (AMD 3600) and higher 32GB of RAM RTX3060 12GB (or AMD equivalent) and higher 36GB of free space (SSD) DirectX 12 Windows 11 (latest version)[/p][p][/p][p]We're actively working on optimizing the playtest build, but please note that some performance drops may occur across different setups. To help us improve, it would be incredibly useful if you include your DXDIAG file when submitting performance feedback. Instructions on how to create one can be found in the Bug Report section above.[/p][p][/p][p]Keep in mind: performance is not final. We'll continue optimizing the game all the way up to Early Access to ensure it runs smoothly for as many players as possible. [/p][h3]💬 How can I share my feedback?[/h3][p]Join our Discord server for real-time updates, support, and discussions with the devs and fellow players. Whether you have a question, encounter a bug, or just want to chat about your Martian adventures — we're there for you! Feel free to tag our community manager @lutra_lutra if you need assistance.[/p][p]You can also head over to the Steam Community Hub, where we’re actively listening to your feedback. [/p][p]Once you've tried the game, we’ll ask you to fill out a short survey to rate your experience. Your feedback is essential to shaping the future of Blind Descent![/p][p][/p][p]You’ll find the survey link in the game menu, and we’ll also post reminders on Discord and Steam.[/p][p][/p][p]Thanks for being part of the expedition![/p][p][/p][h3]💾 Will my progress carry over to the full game?[/h3][p]Please note: playtest saves won’t carry over to the final release, as the game’s structure and balance are still evolving. Take this chance to experiment freely and explore everything![/p][p][/p][h2]What's New in this Playtest[/h2][p]This playtest includes all prior features of Blind Descent, not just the new ones added since the first playtest. Here’s what you’ll get to experience:[/p]

1. [p]Map System – Explore and uncover the terrain with a fog-of-war mechanic, now viewable through your Holowatch interface.[/p]
2. [p]First Major Dungeon – Dive into a vast alien structure and uncover secrets of the underground world.[/p]
3. [p]Organic Restoration System – Nature strikes back! Structures you place can trigger infection clusters.[/p]
4. [p]Adaptation System – No standard quests here. Every task reflects your survival journey and response to the Martian ecosystem.[/p]
5. [p]Full Controller Support – All mechanics are now fully playable with controllers.[/p]
6. [p]Complete UI Rework – We've redesigned the interface from the ground up for better clarity and immersion.[/p]
7. [p]Scanner System – Scan your surroundings to uncover lore, hidden recipes, and crucial info.[/p]
8. [p]Mutation System – Tap into mysterious abilities. (Note: Mutations are limited in this build, but give a glimpse of what's to come.)[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]This is just the start — even more updates and improvements are on the way as we keep building the game![/p][p]The Blind Descent Playtest offers a first look at the world we're shaping — but keep in mind, this is still early days. While the game is fully playable, many systems and features are still evolving. For example:[/p]

• [p]Multiplayer isn’t available just yet[/p]
• [p]Exploration is limited to selected areas[/p]
• [p]Some enemies haven't crawled out of the dark yet[/p]
• [p]The quest system is still growing and changing[/p]
• [p]Creatures are still getting their final touches (animations, audio, etc.)[/p]
• [p]…and a lot more is being refined as we speak [/p]

[p]This is just the beginning. We’re working hard to expand, polish, and deepen every part of the game — and your feedback helps shape that future. Thanks for being part of the expedition. We can’t wait to show you what’s next! [/p][p][/p][h2]Thanks for Playing! [/h2][p][/p][p]Your support and feedback during the playtest mean the world to us. Blind Descent is evolving thanks to players like you — your input is driving real change. And this is only the beginning. [/p][p][/p][p]Stay sharp,
– The Blind Descent Team[/p][p] [/p]

[p]The Blind Descent playtest is officially live! [/p][p][/p][p]Check your Steam libraries to see if you already have access and can start downloading the game right away. If you haven't registered yet, go to the game’s Steam page and click the “Request access” button to join: [/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Please share any feedback you have with us and enjoy exploring Mars! [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]Only 2 days left until the Blind Descent Playtest begins! [/p][p][/p][p]The countdown has started — soon you'll step into the depths of the Martian underground, face strange creatures, and uncover secrets buried in the red soil.[/p][p][/p][p]Get your Holowatch ready. Your descent begins soon.[/p]

[p]Greetings, travelers![/p][p][/p][p]Just a quick reminder that playtest sign-ups are already open! If you didn’t apply yet, now is the perfect moment.[/p][p][/p][p]To participate, register for the playtest on the game’s page here:[/p][p]
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Just click on the “Apply for playtest” button and that’s all you need to do!
[/p][p]Don’t forget to wishlist and follow the game and see you soon![/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p]Greetings, Explorers![/p][p][/p][p]We’re excited to bring you a quick update on the current state of Blind Descent. As development progresses, we wanted to share how the game is shaping up — what’s working well, what’s evolving, and what still lurks in the shadows (much like some of our nastier enemies).
[/p][p]This is just a real look at where we are — some wins, and some messes we’re still working through. Here’s what we’ve been up to lately.[/p][p]
[/p][h3]Looking Back: The First Playtest[/h3][p]
[/p][p]Our first public playtest two years ago was a big milestone — the first time players got to experience Blind Descent as a full gameplay loop: exploring, surviving, and diving into mini-dungeons. It marked the beginning of gathering real feedback on how the game feels in players’ hands.
[/p][p]Visually, not much has changed since then — the vibrant atmosphere and immersive environments were already strong. What has evolved is the gameplay. Back then, inventory and item management were immersive but overly complex. Every item took up real-world space, which was cool for decorating your shelter… but clunky for actual survival. And trying to navigate all that with a gamepad? A nightmare. It was already a handful with a mouse and keyboard.
[/p][p]Combat, movement, player camera — all of these got significant overhauls thanks to that first wave of feedback. It was rough around the edges, but it set the stage for where we are now.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Looking Forward: What Has Changed[/h3][p][/p][p]We’ve been deep in the guts of Blind Descent, tearing systems apart and stitching new ones in — and we’ve got some big changes to share.[/p][p][/p][p]🗺️ Map System + Full Rework[/p][p]The fog of war is finally lifting — literally. The new map system lets you track everywhere you’ve been via your Holowatch interface.
[/p][p]On top of that, we’ve completely reworked the layout of the map itself. It’s no longer just pretty — it’s purposeful. Every area is built to reward your curiosity, turning exploration into actual progression.
[/p][p]🕳️ First Major Dungeon[/p][p]Get ready to descend! The upcoming playtest features our first major dungeon — a massive, layered space full of danger, lore, and alien weirdness. It’s the most ambitious level we’ve built so far, and it marks a turning point in how you’ll interact with the world of Blind Descent.[/p][p][/p][p]🧬 Organic Restoration System[/p][p]The Organic Restoration System makes nature fight back. When you build, an infection cluster soon appears nearby. If left unchecked, it spreads, overtaking and destroying your structures. This system also affects felled trees and dropped items — they get covered in fungi and regenerate, showing how nature reclaims everything over time.[/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][p]🔁 Adaptation System[/p][p]Forget boring quests. Every task you receive now feeds into your personal adaptation process. The environment shapes you — not through checklists, but through challenge, exposure, and consequence.[/p][p]
[/p][p]🎮 Full Controller Support[/p][p]Plug in and play — everything in Blind Descent now supports full controller input, reworked from the ground up for smooth interaction.[/p][p]
[/p][p]🧩 Full UI Rework[/p][p]The entire UI has been redesigned to be cleaner, more responsive, and immersive. From inventory to navigation, expect a far smoother user experience that fits the tone of the game.[/p][p]
[/p][p]The next playtest will feature all of the above, and more. It’s a big leap forward, and we can’t wait to hear what you think when you get your hands on it.[/p][p]
[/p][p]We’re incredibly excited about where Blind Descent is heading — and even more eager to get these new systems into your hands. This world is strange, reactive, and alive, and every update brings us closer to the experience we’ve envisioned from the start.[/p][p]
As always, your feedback is what helps us evolve. Keep exploring, keep adapting — and we’ll see you on Mars![/p]