Hard Bullet News

[h2]Simplified Launch System[/h2]
To address the launch issues faced by users with various streaming apps (Quest Link, Steam Link, Virtual Desktop) and reduce confusion from multiple startup options, we’ve streamlined the process to match the current VR headset market more effectively.

Now, you can simply use your preferred streaming app. The game will automatically launch based on your chosen app — no extra steps needed!

Here’s a quick reference table showing how different streaming apps integrate with your system and Hard Bullet:


[h2]Removed New Year decorations[/h2]
For anyone who wants to replay New Year event, you'll find it among others in the Betas.

Notice: we changed Steam Launch options today so if you are running the game with native Meta streaming, you'll need to add -oculus to game launch options in Steam app.


[h2]Old HB versions in Betas[/h2]
To correctly run older versions on Quest without SteamVR, add -oculus to game launch parameters.



[h2]Other Bugfixes[/h2]

• Fixed enemy spawning issues during RIDE sessions.
  

Current game version: EA 0.7.7.7

Please let us know on Discord if anything feels wrong and we'll look into it!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1294760/HARD_BULLET/

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[h2]Meta with SteamVR Streaming Fixes[/h2]

We've added tweaks to improve SteamVR streaming performance for a smoother experience.

If you still encounter FPS drops, jittering hands, or image stuttering while using Meta + SteamVR:

• Set Graphics presets to LOW.
  
• Adjust Render Resolution in the Settings (e.g., set it to 90% for a ~10% performance boost).
  

We strive to support all VR devices and launch options, continuously improving third-party solutions launch. However, we still recommend using native Oculus streaming, like AirLink, to minimize additional FPS loss — VR is already demanding on hardware!

Let us know how these updates work for you!

[h2]HBAO is still under development[/h2]
We've been working hard to integrate this graphics-enhancing technology into Hard Bullet, but we encountered some performance issues, particularly with Meta via SteamVR streaming.

While we aimed to have HBAO ready this year, we want to ensure a smooth experience for all our players. Therefore, we've decided to postpone its release until January.

Thanks and sorry for waiting!

[h2]Bugfixes and Improvements[/h2]

• Graphics: Added more precise render scaling, now adjustable in 1% increments.
  
• Graphics: Introduced an HDR on/off option for enhanced visuals.
  
• Head Bag: Fixed an issue where the active Head Bag outfit reverted to the default after restarting.
  
• Range: Updated target destruction sounds for better feedback.
  
• Range: Improved UI button usability for a smoother experience.
  
• Veteran 88 and some other rifles: Fixed reloading issues.
  

Current game version: EA 0.7.7.5

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1294760/HARD_BULLET/

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Hey everyone!

First of all, happy holidays to everyone who celebrates it! We hope that you'll have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones and well deserved holiday! 🎄☃️ (we can also use some rest)

Christmas Update will be our last update for 2024 but expect even more exciting stuff in 2025! Thank you all so much for an amazing year, we really appreciate your support and love!
[hr][/hr]
Let's get right into the update details! 📜

[h2]Real-Time Shadows Everywhere![/h2]
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce some significant visual improvements that elevate the realism and depth of Hard Bullet’s style.

[h3]Real-Time Shadows Update[/h3]

We’re excited to introduce real-time shadows for all objects across every arena in Hard Bullet!

• Optimized Performance: Shadows are designed to have minimal impact on performance.
  
• Customizable Settings: If you prefer, you can disable real-time shadows in the Graphics Settings menu.

As this technology is still new for us, you might encounter some visual glitches, particularly in larger arenas like City Roofs. Rest assured, we’re actively identifying and addressing these issues to ensure a smoother experience.

[h3]Horizon-Based Ambient Occlusion — Still in Work[/h3]
We planned to include Horizon-Based Ambient Occlusion (HBAO) in today's update, but due to some unexpected issues, we had to postpone its release.

This feature will now be added during the next few days, enhancing the realism of lighting and reflections across all physics and static objects in the game.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Stay tuned for this exciting visual upgrade coming very soon!

[h2]Updated System Requirements and Launch Options[/h2]
[h3]📈 Rising System Requirements[/h3]

To keep up with modern hardware and deliver a smoother gaming experience, we’re phasing out support for older systems:

• Minimum GPU: GTX 1070.
  
• Recommended GPU: RTX 2070S (or GTX 1080 Ti).
  
• Minimum CPU: Intel i5-10400.
  
• Recommended CPU: Intel i7-10700 or equivalent.
  

These changes reflect the hardware most players already use and prevent confusion for new users looking to match their setup with the game’s needs.
[h3]⚙️ Graphical Settings Presets[/h3]
We also Resolved issues with graphical presets that could prevent them from being applied. Now switching works correctly but restarting the game is still needed.


[h3]🚀 Updated Launch Options[/h3]

We’ve reordered our VR launch options for clarity and convenience:

• Meta Runtime is now the first launch option.
  
• SteamVR is the second option.
  

While we recommend using the runtime that corresponds to your headset, we remain fully committed to supporting all available options and HMD combinations.
[h3]🛠 Need Help?[/h3]

If you experience any launch issues or other technical problems, please reach out to us via Discord, Steam Forums or Email. Our team has a strong track record of troubleshooting issues and providing fixes, and we’d love to help resolve your case.

📝 Note: Posting detailed descriptions of your issues on forums is far more productive than leaving negative reviews without specifics. Your feedback helps us identify and fix problems more efficiently!

Thank you for your continued support — let’s keep making Hard Bullet better together! 💪
[hr][/hr]
[h2]🎄 Welcome to the Holiday Shooting Range! 🌟[/h2]
Complete shooting mini-games to unlock festive player outfits!

• 🎁 Holiday Head Bag — Earned after completing your first task.
  
• 🧤 Winter Gloves — Unlockable after finishing 4 tasks.
  
• 🧥 Holiday Jacket — Requires completing 8 tasks.
  
• ⛄ Snowman Head — Awarded for completing all 12 challenges.

Bonus: While completing these challenges, you'll also unlock unique weapon skins!

You can tackle the challenges in any order, but for the best experience, we recommend starting with the first gun and following the intended difficulty progression.

Don't worry if you run out of ammo — there's a special reloading timer, or you can simply grab another gun from the spawner.


🎄 Holiday Challenge starts today and will last till January 10th.
[h3]Bugfixes & Improvements[/h3]

• Fixed enemy spawn issues during RIDE sessions;
  
• Emeny Spawner: Fixed armor/special hats switching.
  
• Samuel1911: Fixed broken skin;
  

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Replay Halloween Event[/h2]
Thank You for the Amazing Response to Our Halloween Event! 🎃

For those who missed it, we’ve got a treat for you! The Halloween Event is now available to replay in the Betas tab — as many times as you’d like!

✨Your progress is safe! Saves will work both ways, so when you switch back to the main version, all your unlocked gun skins (new and old) will still be with you.

Don’t miss this chance to relive the spooky fun and keep collecting those looks!

[h2]Future Updates and Events[/h2]

[h3]Replay Other Events[/h3]
As the Winter Event comes to a close later in January, it will join other "classic" Hard Bullet versions in the Betas Tab. This way, you’ll always have access to those nostalgic experiences.
[hr][/hr]
But now, let’s talk about what’s ahead:

[h3]🚀 The Future of Hard Bullet[/h3]


2025 will be a pivotal year for Hard Bullet. The updates we’re working on are monumental, reshaping massive aspects of the game, including:

• Player body, movement, and hand systems.
  
• Revamped enemy AI systems.
  
• Quest 3/3s Standalone.
• A Story/Roguelite Mode.
  

This leap forward is so significant that we’re dedicating ourselves fully to bringing Hard Bullet to the next level. It’s time to prepare for a game that addresses the flaws of its predecessor while embracing the innovation we’ve always envisioned.

So let’s take a moment to appreciate the current version — imperfections and all — and prepare to welcome the next generation of Hard Bullet, free from the limitations of old code and legacy issues.
[hr][/hr]
[h2]🎉 Thank You & Happy New Year![/h2]


We’re deeply grateful for your support over the years. Your feedback and enthusiasm have made this journey possible.

While the dev team will take a well-deserved break from December 31st to January 10th, bugfix updates will roll out until the end of December. Meanwhile, our marketing team will keep you entertained with exciting content!

Here’s to an amazing 2025 and the future of Hard Bullet — built together with our incredible community! 🙌

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1294760/HARD_BULLET/

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[h2]❄️Steam Winter Sale is here - so are we!☃️[/h2]

We are excited to announce that during the Steam Winter Sale, HARD BULLET will be OFF for 20% until January 2nd!



Just before our Christmas update, it's the perfect time to join the madness and go guns blazing. 🔫

We hope to see you in the Arena!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1294760/HARD_BULLET/

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Hey everyone, it's time for some Devlog again! 📜

We are here today to share with you some progress on the Quest port and what's next on the horizon for HARD BULLET.



[h2]Better Graphics for Quest[/h2]
We’ve developed our own render pipeline to deliver realistic visuals on this platform. Here are some glimpses of the Stairways arena running on Quest 3:


[h3]You can check the full footage here:[/h3]
https://youtu.be/PY9gq638MUU?si=i7mGwwGUc0xXRDW1




[h2]More Variative Gameplay[/h2]

As mentioned in our previous post, we're excited to bring fresh and varied gameplay experiences to Hard Bullet. Let’s take a look at two new scenarios available in the second biome, “Skyscrapers.”


Exploring the abandoned skyscrapers introduces thrilling new elements, with the addition of real-time lighting elevating the realism to an entirely new level. Prepare for an atmosphere that will keep you on edge!


We’re working on new interactive objects, like doors! Some of them will be breakable, allowing you to burst through and unleash chaos on unsuspecting enemies. Stay tuned for more dynamic gameplay!






[h2]Shadows and Realtime lights on PC[/h2]
The significant performance improvements we've recently achieved now allow us to introduce real-time shadows and lighting to Hard Bullet.

These highly anticipated graphical upgrades bring a new level of realism to the game. Players will have the option to adjust the quality of these effects or turn them off entirely to suit their preferences and hardware capabilities.
[h3]Shadows ON (How it will be)[/h3]
[h3]Shadows OFF (How it is now)[/h3]

We’re planning to introduce real-time shadows to all open-sky locations, such as Rooftops and Backstreets.

[h2]Horizon-Based Ambient Occlusion[/h2]
We’re enhancing Hard Bullet's visuals with Horizon-Based Ambient Occlusion (HBAO) to deliver more realistic shadow effects on both physics-driven and static objects across all locations.

This technology significantly boosts overall realism and immersion without heavily impacting performance, as it operates independently of real-time shadows.
[h3]Occlusion ON (How it will be)[/h3]
[h3]Occlusion OFF (How it is now)[/h3]
We plan to enable Shadows and add HBAO on PC at the end of 2024.

[h2]AI and Animations: Better Run[/h2]
Here’s a sneak peek at our new animation system in action!

Enemies now move with improved realism, placing their feet accurately based on their actual speed, avoiding obstacles, and stopping naturally.



You’ll also notice they’ve adopted an "aware" behavior, meaning they no longer target the player immediately, adding a more immersive layer to encounters.

We can’t wait to share even more advanced behaviors, like patrolling, searching, and navigating complex environments. Stay tuned for updates!

We plan to launch new AI and Behaviours during Q1 2025.


If you have missed our previous Devlog Post, no problem, here is the link to catch up:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1294760/view/4702410905651014113?l=english

Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm, we really appreciate it! We can not wait to share even more soon!

See you in the Arena!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1294760/HARD_BULLET/

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