Lightyear Frontier News

[h3]Howdy Exofarmers! [/h3]
We’re now deep into October which means it’s time to find an outfit for Halloween. Today, you can put on the Mech-o-lantern skin on your mech, download the latest update and it will be available in your Mailbox construct right away!

Scare your fellow exofarmers with this spooky new fit!

[h2]Thank you![/h2]
Thank y’all so much for playing our latest Neighbors & Animals update, it’s been a real joy watching your videos and screenshots. The feedback and bug reports are out of this world, keep up the good work!

We noticed that this update brought with it some questions, find an FAQ at the bottom of this post. Let’s start it all off by showing off one of y’alls lovely screenshots, then patch notes, and finally an FAQ:

The Rodeo - by _barkow_ on Discord.



[h2]🚀 New Content[/h2]

• The Mech-o-lantern skin has been added!
  

[h2]🔁 Changes[/h2]

• Changed the default colors of the Lagom mech set to dark blue and bronze
  

[h2]🪲 Bug Fixes[/h2]

• Fixed several mech engines being misaligned with the mech when attached
  
• Fixed PIP-3R morning reports sometimes providing wrong information
  
• "Fixed some neighbor construct holograms sometimes duplicating upon loading a save file
  
• Existing duplicates should be automatically removed in save files where this has already happened
• Fixed mech parts not having an outline when aimed at until they have been installed on a mech at least once
  

[h2]FAQ[/h2]

Q: Where can I find the new mech skin?
A: The new Mech-o-lantern skin is available to all players, new and old. You'll find it in the mailbox construct. If you haven't already gotten one you can build one in the building menu. To upgrade your mech to this skin you also need to build an upgrade dock, and it is also found in your building menu.

Q: Can I continue on my previous save file?
A: Save files are not affected by this update so you’ll be able to jump right in where you left off!

Q: How can I complete the Color Me Impressed achievement?
A: In order to complete this you need to start a new savefile.

Q: I cannot find the new neighbors or animals. How do I access the new content?
A: If you want to continue from a previous file, one of the neighbors is accessed by gathering copper and waiting until the next day (Ulf), and the other one is by gathering an abandoned egg in any restored region except for Meadows, Pine Heights & Edge Cliffs. You must restore at least 3 regions prior and wait a day (Diane)

Q: Will there be more neighbors added to the game?
A: Perhaps! Our current focus is still on this latest update, namely squashing bugs and gathering feedback.

Q: How can I get a rare animal?
A: You need to have the yellow lens in the incubator while hatching and even then it's a very rare chance you'll get one of the rare animals. The rare animals have a different color and sometimes different patterns.

Once again, thank y’alls for playing and we’ll see you on the frontier, exofarmers!

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Got questions? Join our Discord!
Got some feedback to share? Put ‘em in here!
Encountered a bug? Report it here!

➡️ Join our communities:

• Discord
• X/Twitter
• TikTok
• Instagram
• Facebook

[h3]Howdy Exofarmers! [/h3]
New patch just landed, squashing some bugs and applying some changes. Thank y'all for helpin' out to report bugs but also sharing your thoughts and feedback with us. We really appreciate your thoughts and ideas, please keep up the great work in our Community Hub:



[h2]🔁 Changes[/h2]

• Made "Recycling Mode" input rebindable
  
• Rotated Diane's Egg Incubator so animals hatched from it won't get trapped in a small corner
  (Save files with the Egg Incubator built will have to relocate or rebuild Diane's home to see this change)

[h2]🪲 Bug Fixes[/h2]

• Fixed certain mech parts being misaligned when attached to the mech
  
• Fixed a rare crash that could occur when loading a save file where the player was located inside a certain structure
  
• Fixed half-size Hedge piece not having any collision
  
• Fixed the Honeybottle Trophy construct using the cost of the Lumbloom Trophy construct
  
• Fixed several issues with neighbor fences not being placed correctly
  
• Fixed some voice lines not playing and their subtitles remaining on screen indefinitely in certain situations
  
• Fixed neigbor fence building objectives sometimes not completing properly
  (Save files where this has already occurred will be fixed after a few seconds, as long as there's an outpost assigned to the neighbor)

Happy Farmin'!

‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾
Got questions? Join our Discord!
Got some feedback to share? Put ‘em in here!
Encountered a bug? Report it here!

➡️ Join our communities:

• Discord
• X/Twitter
• TikTok
• Instagram
• Facebook

We’re beyond thrilled to finally release this long-awaited update for you folks to enjoy! This is our biggest content update since launch and our team has been working super hard to make sure it’s packed with fun new features, improvements, and surprises that we hope you'll love!



A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the summer playtest—your feedback was invaluable and played a huge role in shaping this update. We’re definitely planning more playtests in the future, so stay tuned for more chances to be part of the process!

Now, go explore and have fun with all the new features we’ve added. We can't wait to hear what you think!

[h2]New features[/h2]

[h3]New Neighbor System[/h3]

• You can now invite your intergalactic neighbors, Ulf and Diane, to your planet by building the Lunar Lander Construct!
  
• Each neighbor has their own story and quests to complete and unique mechanics you’ll discover by interacting with them.
  
• Grow rare and valuable crops by splicing together multiple seeds into mutated super seeds. Harvest these mutated crops to unlock new decorations or sell them for a hefty penny.
  
  
  
  
• Diane will teach you everything you need to know about taking care of animals on your farm. Build them a cozy pen, keep them well-fed and hydrated, and don’t forget to give them plenty of pets!
  
• Help your neighbors get settled in by completing tasks, and even build them a cozy homestead to continue their research on your beautiful planet.
  

[h3]New Animals and Animal Care System[/h3]

• Two new animals now roam the frontier - the mystical Crystalhoof, and the playful Mox.
  
• You can now find Abandoned Eggs scattered around the restored biomes. Bring them back to your farm and hatch them in the Egg Incubator!
  
• Change the lenses in the Incubator to boost your chances of hatching twin animals or rare versions.
  
  
  
  
• Keep an eye on your animals’ needs using the Animals Overview.
  
• Happy, well-cared-for animals will drop special resources that unlock new crafting recipes.
  
• Plus, you can dress up your animals with fun accessories like hats and sunglasses using the new Animal Accessory Studio!
  
  
  
  [h3] New Features and Enhancements:[/h3]
  
• 19 new achievements have been added
  
• Lawnmower upgrade can be found in the Mech upgrade depot
  
• New crafting recipes, constructs and decorations for you to personalize your farm even further!
  
• New and improved grass render for a more smoother and vibrant frontier farming experience
  

[h2]F.A.Q.[/h2]
Q: Can I continue on my previous save file?
A: Save files are not affected by this update so you’ll be able to jump right in where you left off!

Q: How do I access this content?
A: Contents of the Neighbors and Animals Update can be accessed a few hours into the game if you start with a fresh save file or if you are a new exofarmer playing for the first time. If you want to continue from a previous file, one of the neighbors are accessed by gathering copper and waiting until the next day (Ulf) and the other one by gathering an abandoned egg in any restored region except for Meadows, Pine Heights & Edge Cliffs. You must restore at least 3 regions prior and wait a day (Diane) .

‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾
Ver. 0.3.913

[h2]Changes[/h2]

• The capacity of the fertiliser tank now matches the water tank, including when upgraded
  
• Temporarily removed requests from the radio tower and the quest board construct
  
  • We’re reworking the radio tower and request system. In the meantime the tower will be offline
    
• May and June monthly login rewards from discontinued monthly reward program will now be granted even if you’re offline!
  
• Added "Show Player Names" setting to Photo Mode
  
• Updated the model for Iron to make it easier to see in the world
  
• The Compost Box can now reach nearby storage
  
• Improved Small Sign's interaction box to more match the size of the sign
  
• Improved error messages when failing to join a multiplayer session
  
• Slightly reduced the screen-size threshold below which objects no longer cast shadows, making shadows popping in and out of existence less apparent
  
• Made several settings be set on a per-system basis instead of per-user and be excluded from cloud saves
  
• Covers things like display settings, graphical settings and text scaling which you probably don't want carried over between different devices
  
• Auto-move is now disabled upon triggering an Emergency Protocol
  
• Updated some outdated loading screen images
  
• Added functionality to cancel out of an attempted key/button rebind action by holding the exit input
  
• Removed the Exofarmer Trophy decoration from discovery
  
• Subtitles are now hidden while Photo Mode is active
  
• Removed the "Arches" building category and moved its contents to "Fences" category
  
• Made Campfire only remove grass underneath itself instead of also drawing a dirt texture
  
• Moved some Copper Nodes in Edge Cliffs
  
• Moved some Iron and Yellow Crystal Nodes in Mountainside Coast
  
• Moved some Iron nodes in Stepstone Peak
  
• Improved controller selection when connecting and disconnecting controllers, ensuring there is always a controller active if one is connected
  
• FSR 2 now biases mipmaps for each quality mode, reducing the drop in texture quality when FSR 2 is used
  
  [h2]Bug fixes[/h2]
  
• Fixed certain users not being able to create or join online sessions
  • Would love to hear player feedback on if this has solved your previous issues or if they still persist
• Fixed instances of destructible objects like trees, rocks and minerals sometimes becoming desynchronized between host and clients
  • This issue was responsible for things sometimes not being breakable for clients
• Fixed issue where PC buttons would be visible while playing on console
  
• Fixed various crashes
  
• Added missing Chopping Block blueprint to discovery
  
• Fixed the first-person camera not being centered inside the mech cockpit
  
• Fixed issue where planted Trees and Large Plants would sometimes not grow for Clients if they were far away when it grew
  
• Fixed other players' mechs sometimes gliding along the ground after exiting an Upgrade Depot
  
• Removed duplicated foliage in various areas
  
• Removed a weed that was clipping into the landscape in Edge Cliffs
  
• Fixed Irrigation Hose's particle effect incorrectly continuing to play if switching tank while spraying
  
• Fixed the shadows of some rocks and bushes being distance-culled too aggressively
  
• Fixed collision issue that prevented posters from being built on the mansion
  
• Adjusted the pivot point for glofruits so that they don't float in the air as they grow
  
• Added missing glow effect on the Boombox mech skin
  
• Fixed "Swap Sticks" and "Single Stick Camera Mode" settings being set on a per-system basis instead of per-user and not being included in cloud saves
  
• Fixed Seed Shooter consuming two seeds but only refunding one when shooting at a mound that was already seeded
  
• Fixed construct hologram contribution being triggered by every interact action instead of just the primary one when using a controller
  
• Fixed Seed Shooter repeatedly locking on and immediately releasing targets near max range
  
• Fixed issue where clients would see mechs disconnected from their treads if joining while a mech was using an alternative Mech Mode
  
• Fixed the animation for transforming into alternative Mech Modes sometimes not playing out correctly on other mechs, causing physics issues
  
• Fixed Spike Saw input sometimes being dropped for clients
  
• Fixed Rabbage that was clipping into the landscape in Pine Heights
  
• Fixed artifact that was clipping in the ground in a ruin
  
• Fixed the mech turret turning sound not playing
  
• Fixed issue where controller would rumble when opening the Vault, even when playing with Mouse & Keyboard
  
• Fixed issue where opening the build menu would stop movement if using Mouse & Keyboard
  
• Added missing SFX when you try recycling non-empty storages or crafting buildings
  
• Fixed issue where Quick Deposit action SFX would play even though action was not available
  
• Added missing SFX when you begin relocating a construct
  
• Added missing SFX when navigating between options in the settings menu
  
• Fixed issue where Mech Mode selection wheel would stay on screen if opened while exiting the mech
  
• Fixed issue where Large Plants did not have tool-related UI prompts
  
• Fixed issue where player would not get "Busy" prompt when looking at a structure occupied by other player
  
• Fixed issue where the Compost Box menu would load for an unusually long time
  
• Added missing "Grab" prompt for vault cable spheres
  
• Added missing SFX to "Can't Destroy Noxious Weeds" prompt
  
• Added missing SFX when attempting to recycle occupied structures
  
• Fixed issue regarding missing Mission icon in Journal menu for Side Missions
  
• Fixed issue regarding double "Busy" UI prompts for storage constructs
  
• Fixed typo for "FM-04 Topography Arm (R)"
  
• Fixed Plant Ladder always reporting that it's blocked when trying to place it on a foundation construct
  
• Fixed issue where Dartboards would get stuck on their preview-color when pointing the Paint Gun at them
  
• Fixed issue where Artifact lore popups would sometimes misbehave in Multiplayer
  
• Fixed issue where Quick Deposit popup wouldn't show for Clients
  
• Fixed minor animation issues when changing Mech Mode
  
• Corrected the position of the Wall-mounted Sign's interaction box
  
• Fixed issue where animals would often repeat the same idle animations incorrectly
  
• Fixed issue where a Compost Box could use resources that had been removed from nearby storage
• container
  
• Fixed issue where the Day Transition would fade to gray instead of black
  
• Fixed Upgrade Depot having misaligned models when recycled
  
• Fixed Sprouts sometimes not being planted for clients when aiming near an object, even with the indicator showing that it has space
  
• Fixed game soft-locking if intro cutscene video fails to play
  
• Fixed the collision on Rivers so it shouldn't trigger Emergency Protocol as frequently.
  
• Fixed issue where attempting to recycle a construct would only also recycle some of the constructs resting on it
  
• Fixed construction Snap Mode not working on Tornado Rock Island
  

Happy farming, folks!

[h2]Hey Exofarmers! [/h2]

We’re suuuuuper excited because the Neighbors and Animals update is just around the corner, dropping on September 30th . We've already seen many of you folks prepping your farms and planning where your animals friends will go. Some of you are even stocking up on fodder—love seeing that y’all are just as hyped as we are!

Q: Will my save file still work with the new update?
A: Yep, no worries! If you’re a returning Exofarmer, you can pick up right where you left off and dive into the new content. If you’re a new player, or if you just want to start fresh, you’ll unlock the new stuff a little later in the game. More on unlock conditions in a post later on!

If you haven't checked out the post with the update trailer and all the details yet - go ahead and read more about it here!

[h3]Demo going offline[/h3]
With this update, we wanted to give you a quick heads-up that we’ll be taking down the Lightyear Frontier demo. It was launched during Next Fest back in February, and we feel like the demo has done its job for now and doesn’t really reflect the current state of the game anymore. Big thanks to our awesome community for all the feedback and suggestions that have helped shape Lightyear Frontier into what it is today – we couldn’t have done it without y'all!

[h3]The demo will be removed from Steam on October 8th, 10 AM PT / 7 PM CET [/h3]

Q: Why not just update the demo?
A: Creating a demo takes up a lot of resources, and we have to put all our effort into making the full game as great as possible. So, it made more sense to take it down for now, but we may consider creating a new one in the future!

Q: Will there be another demo?
A: Right now, our plan is to release a new demo closer to the 1.0 launch. But that could change depending on how things go!

Happy farming!

Wow, what an incredible few months it's been since launch, Exofarmers! Your achievements on the Frontier have made galactic headlines, and we are completely blown away by the incredible homesteads you’ve built and stories you’ve shared! We’ve got some exciting stuff to show you, so let’s dive right in!

[h2]Neighbors and Animals Update Trailer is OUT[/h2]
We’re super excited to finally share the trailer for our biggest content update yet – The Neighbors and Animals Update! You can check out the trailer below!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]The update drops on September 30th, so let the countdown begin! [/h3]

[h2]What's New?
[/h2]
[h3]Making the Frontier more Alive![/h3]
Now, adventurous pioneers are eager to join you and help grow the community. But before they can arrive, they’ll need the Lunar Lander construct to make their arrival possible!

• Extend a warm welcome to your neighbors, Ulf and Diane, by inviting them to your planet with the new Lunar Lander construct and give them a special spot on your homestead!
  
• Of course, you'd want your newfound guests to feel comfortable, so why not make them feel right at home with a cozy home base where they can fully enjoy discovering your planet's fascinating flora and fauna.
  
  
  
  
• You’ll learn more about the unique nature of your planet (what’s the deal with the giant tree anyways?) as you discover interesting findings together with your new field-research experts.
  
• Splice up your farming with Ulf’s seed splicer to create never-before-seen mutated crops that can be sold for a nice penny or be used in some cool new decorations.
  
• Share your cozy homesteading expertise to help decorate your Frontier Friend’s houses, and they might just fall in love with your planet enough to consider it their second home.

[h3]Keeping Animals on Your Farm[/h3]
What's a farmstead without its animals? We've heard your excitement for more ways to connect
with your furry friends and more activities around the farm. With the Neighbors and Animals Update, you'll get just that—and this update is the beginning of a whole new chapter in Frontier life.

• Discover abandoned eggs scattered across the Outset Grasslands and bring them back to your homestead to hatch. Soon, your farm will be bustling with the delightful sounds of baby animals running around!
  
  
  
  
• Give your biggest "Howdy" to our two charming new creatures to the Frontier — the Mox and the Crystalhoof! These gentle additions will bring a warm touch of variety to the wilderness and making the world feel even richer and that much more alive!
  
• With the expert guidance of Rancher Diane by your side, you'll master the art of animal care and learn how to tend to their needs!
  
• We've heard your requests for more ways to bond with your animals! Now, get ready to show them the affection they deserve —you can pet them, give them names (yes, you can name a Ratscallion Pawpaw McGnaw!), and even carry them around using your mech or the P.I.C.K. Axe. The bond with animals on the Frontier just got even stronger!
  
• Your dedication and care for the animals on your farm will not only keep them happy but also reward you with unique resources that can be used in crafting and whole bunch of new decorations.

We've got even more exciting content and details to reveal, and we’ll be sharing all of that in upcoming posts. In the meantime, let us know what you’re most excited about in the Neighbors and Animals update!

Happy farming, folks!