Hard Bullet News

[h3]Hey everyone![/h3]

Are we late to the recap party yet? No? Can we still share some insight? COOL!



2024 was a wild one for us, with lots of updates and learnings along the way! We couldn't be any prouder than we are right now, with all the love from you all! HARD BULLET came a long way as well, now that we are going into the fifth year! 5 YEARS, isn't that great?! Sometimes, we can't even believe it ourselves. 👀

So what have we worked on during 2024? Here is a quick recap:

• New Mode: Wave, New enemy classes, updated Market and Dead End Arenas
  
• Different spawnable enemies in Sand Box, optimization, updated melee weapon models, quality of life settings
  
• Many bug fixes and improvements during February
  
• New physics for firearms and melee weapons
  
• RIDE Game Mode, Player Progression, Gun Skins, New Backstreet Arena
• A huge performance update, many bug fixes, and optimizations, reworked firearms with gun weight, inertia, recoil & spread, impact effects, and mirror in the lobby!
  
• Another performance update, new explosives, player customization, endless RIDE mode, new gun skins, updated UI for challenges & unlocks, and a new lighting system!
  
• More bug fixes, performance updates, and optimizations.
  
• Announcement of brand new Story Mode and Meta Quest release.
• Gore and blood effects rework, more firearms for enemies, performance improvements.
  
• Haunted Harvest Halloween Event, new event skins.
  
• Holiday Gun Range Winter Event, Graphics and Real-time Shadows
  

Whoa, that was a wild RIDE indeed! 🎢 And it's all because of you - our passionate community. Even more exciting stuff is coming in 2025 - hold tight in there!

[h2]🆕What's next for HARD BULLET in 2025?[/h2]

The biggest milestone for us right now is the Quest 3/3s release, and we’re making great progress every day. Our goal is to bring the full functionality of the PC version to Quest while polishing the mechanics to deliver the best possible experience.

Since 2020, Hard Bullet has grown and evolved tremendously, thanks to the incredible support and creativity of our community. Together, we’ve built a game with a solid concept, unique features, and a clear path toward version 1.0, including the highly anticipated Story/Roguelite mode.

With that in mind, we’re committed to making the Quest version feel like a complete, high-quality release — not an early-access title. While some elements like certain physics objects or the extensive variety of firearms might not make it in on day one, we’re ensuring that the core brutality, physics, and fun are all there.

Our strategy is to deliver a polished, visually stunning, and brutal experience to Quest players, gradually bringing it closer to the PC version with updates. Major features like improved AI and the Story/Roguelite mode will roll out later this year, making the game even better across all platforms.

We’re excited to bring Hard Bullet to Quest and make it the best it can be — thank you for being part of this journey!

📸Let's take a glimpse of fresh Hard Bullet Quest 3 footage of a world we are building for you:







Once again;



We appreciate your love and passion for HARD BULLET, and we are aware that some of you have been seeing some annoying issues lately. We have been prioritizing those issues with our team and after our latest update - your gameplay experience should be much smoother! Although we are keeping an eye on this. 👀

We hear you and see your feedback at all times. Here is to a more action-filled 2025 with HARD BULLET! 🍻

Going into 2025 like:



Also, HARD BULLET will be OFF 20% starting today until February 5th!

Thank you!

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

Check out our Socials and keep yourself in the loop! Twitter Discord Mods Patreon

[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/

Check out our Socials and keep yourself in the loop! Twitter Discord Mods Patreon

[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/

Check out our Socials and keep yourself in the loop! Twitter Discord Mods Patreon

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/

Check out our Socials and keep yourself in the loop! Twitter Discord Mods Patreon

[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/

Check out our Socials and have a chat with us! Twitter Discord Mods Patreon