Macabre News

[p]We are thrilled to finally release The Nest Update, which represents our biggest content drop yet, introducing new location and primary objective, character customisation and cosmetcis (Complete Subrifts to unlock), critical gameplay changes, and a comprehensive overhaul of our AI and audio systems.[/p][p]To celebrate the launch of The Nest Update, Macabre is now 20% OFF for a limited time! Now is the perfect opportunity for you and your friends to dive into the Rift and face the new challenges waiting inside the Crawler's Nest. Jump in today![/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h2]The Nest[/h2][p]The world of Macabre is shifting. Banjo has uncovered new organic structures spreading deep within the Rift, confirming the presence of a Crawler Nest. It appears the Crawler has begun building these structures to incubate and propagate corrupted life, twisting the remnants of those who came before into something new and disturbing.[/p][p]Banjo reckons the Crawler is attempting to slow our progress and shield the Altar by developing a new, sinister defence. This Nest is now the focal point of our new primary objective.[/p][p][/p][h3]Warning: Environmental Threat[/h3][p]Infiltrating the Nest is fraught with environmental danger. The area is protected by the newly discovered Listening Pits. These organic alarm systems are embedded throughout the Nest and detect subtle movements. If a Listening Pit is triggered, it will immediately alert Macabre and summon its aggressive attention to your location. Players must move with extreme stealth and awareness to avoid tripping these sensory organs.[/p][p][/p]

• [p]New Mission: Bio Sample You must now infiltrate the Crawler's Nest to extract the internal contents of the eggs found within. Banjo needs these contents so he can study the mechanism of this sinister corruption and better understand the mutation.[/p]

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• [p]High-Value Loot Zone The Nest also features a new puzzle location. This area contains high-tier loot but is heavily guarded by the Crawler and its twisted creations. Players attempting to solve this puzzle should expect extreme danger, though the rewards are substantial.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]Strategic Gameplay and Objective Updates[/h2][p]We have updated existing objectives to prioritise realism and strategic decision-making.[/p]

• [p]Physical Carry System: The Riftlink (fuses) and Reactor (coolant barrels) objectives now utilise a dedicated pickup and put-down system.[/p]
  • [p]When carrying these heavy items, player movement speed is significantly reduced and defensive capabilities are limited.[/p]
  • [p]Tactical Implications: Players must now strategically choose when to transport these items. Because you are vulnerable while holding fuses or coolant, you will need to place the items down to engage with threats or retreat. This change places a higher emphasis on teamwork and covering fire during transport phases.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]AI and Navigation Improvements[/h2][p]A significant portion of development time for this update was dedicated to improving the Crawler's navigation and pathfinding capabilities.[/p]

• [p]Navigation Fixes: We developed a new internal tool to simulate the Crawler navigating procedural maps for extended periods. This allowed us to identify and resolve specific geometry issues where the AI would previously become stuck or fail to path to the player.[/p]
• [p]Behavioral Changes: As a result of these fixes, the Crawler is now a much more consistent and persistent threat. It will navigate complex geometry more effectively, requiring players to rely on stealth and evasion rather than hoping the AI will encounter a navigational error.[/p]

[p]We will continue to monitor gameplay data to ensure these improvements function as intended.[/p][p][/p][h2]Audio Overhaul and Communication[/h2][p]To increase immersion and tension, we have completely remixed the sound design across the entire game.[/p]

• [p]Immersive Audio: All in-game sound effects have been updated and retuned. The new mix provides a more realistic soundscape, making environmental cues and spatial awareness more vital for survival.[/p]
• [p]VOIP and Radio Tuning: Proximity chat and radio communications have been adjusted for greater accuracy.[/p]
  • [p]The falloff for voice volume over distance is now more realistic.[/p]
  • [p]The radio effects have been refined for clarity and atmosphere.[/p]
• [p]Audio Settings: We have added granular controls to the audio settings menu. Players now have more nuanced control over VOIP volume and input settings to ensure communication is working exactly as expected.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Cosmetics and Supporter Packs[/h2][p]This update introduces a wide range of new cosmetic items for character customisation.[/p]

• [p]Earnable Cosmetics: We have added over 25 new cosmetic items, including unique Spaceshifters, outfits, hats, and charms. These are unlocked exclusively through gameplay by completing Sub-Rifts and other in-game challenges.[/p]

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• [p]Kickstarter Rewards: All pending Kickstarter cosmetic rewards have been implemented and distributed to eligible backers.[/p]

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• [p]The Whiteout Day ones Pack As a gesture of gratitude to our early adopters, players who purchased the game prior to the launch price reduction have been automatically granted the Whiteout Founder's Pack which will never be availible again. This includes:[/p]
  • [p]Whiteout Macabre Themed Atomic Spaceshifter[/p]
  • [p]White Skull Charm[/p]
  • [p]Whiteout Macabre Themed Outfit[/p]
  • [p]Whiteout Walking Trail[/p]

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• [p]New: Macabre Supporter Pack For those wishing to further support our studio, we have released a new Supporter Cosmetic Bundle DLC. This purchase immediately unlocks a unique set of cosmetic items.[/p]

[p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]If you are enjoying Macabre and excited for more updates please consider leaving us a review, it really helps new players discover us.[/p][p]The Rift is shifting, and the Crawler is stronger than ever. Gather your crew, prepare your loadouts, and descend into The Nest today![/p][p]Thank you for your continued support and feedback. We look forward to seeing how you handle the new challenges inside the Nest.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Macabre has just been nominated for Best Multiplayer at The Horror Game Awards 2025. It is a huge honour for our tiny Aussie team and a really nice moment for everyone who has been diving into the Rift with their mates since launch.[/p][p]Public voting is now open until 3 December, and every vote genuinely helps. If Macabre has given you a memorable run, a near miss, a good laugh or a proper scare with your squad, we would love your support.[/p][p][/p][p]Vote for Macabre here[/p][p][/p][p]Your reviews, your clips and your feedback have shaped the game more than you know. Thank you for being part of this strange little journey with us.[/p][p]See you in the Rift.[/p]

[p]Since launching into Early Access, you’ve been diving into the Rift, experimenting with tools, sharing close calls and discovering new ways to outsmart the creature together. Watching players team up, whisper their plans, panic, recover and somehow make it out alive has been one of the most rewarding parts of development.[/p][p]This year we have the chance to put Macabre forward for the 2025 Steam Awards in the Better With Friends category. It’s a perfect fit for what the game aims to be. A co-op horror experience where communication matters, where every run feels different and where mates can go from quiet stealth to absolute chaos in seconds.[/p][p][/p][p]If Macabre has given you a moment worth remembering. If you’ve had a laugh, a scare or a close escape with your squad. If you reckon our little Aussie project deserves a spot in the awards. You can support us by casting your vote.[/p][p]And if you haven’t left a Steam review yet, now is a great time. Reviews go a long way in helping new players discover the game and make a huge difference for small studios like ours.[/p][p]Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Every bit of support helps us keep building the game you want to play.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h2]The Nest [/h2][p]The world of Macabre is shifting. Banjo has uncovered new organic structures spreading deep within the Rift. It appears the Crawler has begun building nests to incubate strange lifeforms, twisting those who came before into something far more disturbing.[/p][p]Banjo reckons it is trying to slow our progress and shield the Altar. He is not sure what these eggs hold, but it is your job to find out.[/p][p]The Crawler Nest update goes live Monday 8 December at Dec 8, 10 AM PST. (For our players in Australia, this is 5:00 am AEDT on Tuesday, December 9.)[/p][p][/p][h2]Kickstarter and in game Cosmetics![/h2][p]Kickstarter and early supporter cosmetic rewards will begin to rollout this week on a test branch so we can make sure everything is working as intended. Once verified, they will be included in the public build with the update.[/p][p]We have also added a range of cosmetics that can be earned in game by completing objectives and tasks for Banjo. More details will be included in the patch notes.[/p][p]Stay sharp out there.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h3]New Build Live: 60b20526d1[/h3][p]Having reviewed a lot of player footage and feedback, we found that some players were losing interest early on. This came down to a few factors, but most notably a lack of early challenge and variety. Our original intention was to ease players into Macabre with simpler objectives and less aggressive monster behaviour. However, this often meant players were not being challenged enough in those first sessions to stay fully engaged.[/p][p]This patch aims to fix that. The goal is to let players spend more time immersed in the Rift and less time in the menus. We have increased the overall game time to allow for exploration, added higher tier loot including equipment like the Flash Frag, Sonic Plunger, and Proximity Sensor, expanded early objective variety through a revised Rift Map, and replaced the knockdown system with automatic revives at shrines so you spend less time spectating. [/p][p]These adjustments, alongside several balance and pacing tweaks, make the experience more dynamic and rewarding right from the first run. We are also making steady progress on the character customisation system but more on that later![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]A quick favour 👍[/h3][p]If you’ve been enjoying Macabre or noticed the improvements over the last few patches, leaving a short Steam review genuinely helps us more than you might think. Reviews directly influence how the game is discovered and show new players that we’re worth checking out.[/p][p]If you need help or have feedback, jump into our Discord or the Steam Discussion board. we’re active and always listening![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]🛠 Fixes[/h2]

• [p]Fixed client side issues with progress tracking on the Reactor Core objective.[/p]
• [p]Fixed VO timing bugs in the Reactor Core objective[/p]
• [p]Resolved collision and pathing issues on Riftlink towers, improving AI navigation.[/p]
• [p]Tweaked and fixed hiding locations near the Rift Link objective to improve player cover.[/p]
• [p]Fixed subtitle alignment for English & Simplified Chinese localisation.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Disco Stick spawn issue.[/p]
• [p]Cairns are no longer traversable, you can't jump on them to avoid the crawler (you cheeky devils)[/p]
• [p]Fixed game timer starting before match start[/p]
• [p]Fix of snow footstep SFX playing when it should be dirt, and vice versa for characters and crawler[/p]
• [p]Fixed Post processing FX persisting after death[/p]
• [p]Fixed Crawler getting stuck on Disco Stick[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue causing Riftmap to not rendomise between players[/p]
• [p]Fixed Music Queue at start of game[/p]
• [p]Fixed broken nav mesh found on some bridges so crawler can no cross[/p]
• [p]Added correct icon for Dart Gun[/p]
• [p]Plus many other less interesting fixes[/p]

[h2]🔧 Changes[/h2]

• [p]Audio[/p]
  • [p]Added a microphone setup step during new player onboarding.[/p]
  • [p]Players can now change microphone settings outside of the lobby.[/p]
  • [p]Improve Microphone visualisation to accurately reflect input volume[/p]
• [p]Gameplay and Balance[/p]
  • [p]Iterated on Crawler AI behaviour based on player feedback and stats.[/p]
  • [p]Rift Rippers now block Flash and Fire FX (more Seeker Tool utility to come!)[/p]
  • [p]Increased session length from 20 to 40 minutes, giving players more time to explore and complete objectives.[/p]
  • [p]Added additional incremental extract spawns to spawn at 5 minute increments over extended match duration[/p]
  • [p]Automatic Shrine revives now bring you back into the action, meaing less time spectating for teams and more chances for solo players. Keep in mind Lives are shared.[/p]
    • [p]Solo Respawns: Easy = 3 / Medium = 2 / Normal = 1 / Hard = 1 / Macabre = 0[/p]
    • [p]Co-Op Respawns: Easy = 8 / Medium = 6 / Normal = 4 / Hard = 2 / Macabre = 0[/p]
  • [p]Removed knockdown states, as players now automatically respawn at a shrine.[/p]
  • [p]Overhauled the Rift Map algorithm for greater variety and improved pacing of primary objectives.[/p]
  • [p]Added more equipment back into the loot pool, including flash frag, sonic plunger & Proximity Sensor supporting longer play sessions and mid run gear upgrades.[/p]
  • [p]increased loot spawn rates, improving pacing and reward flow.[/p]
  • [p]Increased pickup collision size on darts to make them easier to collect.[/p]
  • [p]Adjusted world shrine spawn points to appear closer to player start zones.[/p]
  • [p]Adjusted exposure values for interior to give more purpose to torch[/p]
• [p]UX/UI[/p]
  • [p]Updated Rift Map visuals and layout for clarity and exploration flow.[/p]
  • [p]Rearranged lobby button layout for cleaner navigation.[/p]
  • [p]Added Film Grain toggle in video settings.[/p]
  • [p]Added Life counter toast and notification to keep track of remaining lives [/p]

[h2]🚀 Features[/h2]

• [p]Added jump and landing animations for smoother traversal.[/p]
• [p]Integrated the tutorial video directly in game, replacing the previous external link.[/p]
• [p]Added a new narrative intro trailer that now plays at game start.[/p]
• [p]Added cinematic Banjo introduction sequence at game start..[/p]
• [p]Added microphone setup to onboarding and in settings [/p]

[p][/p][h3]Character Customisation[/h3][p]We have made steady progress on character customisation and are now moving into the testing phase. The next step is to add iconography, polishing systems, and Steam integration so that we can generate and distribute Kickstarter backer keys for digital rewards. We’ll be rolling this out in a test branch via Alpha Rift on Discord to ensure everything is working before we set it live.[/p][p]Once customisation is complete, it will also allow us to introduce in game cosmetic unlocks and progression systems for all players.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h3]Audio Updates[/h3][p]We have been reworking the mix across environments to improve spatial depth, reverb, and atmospheric layering. You’ll start hearing more defined audio zones, including the Crawler Nest, and smoother transitions between spaces as this rolls out in stages.[/p][p][/p][h3]New equipment[/h3][p]We’re developing multiple new equipment items to bring more variety and new ways to interact with the world of Macabre. These tools will expand player strategy and provide more options for surviving (or experimenting) inside the Rift.[/p][p][/p][p]Again, If you are enjoying Macabre, please take a moment to leave a Steam review. It helps us reach more players, improves our visibility, and gives us the momentum we need to keep building and expanding the Rift. Every review genuinely makes a huge difference 👍 [/p][p][/p][p]Thanks for supporting us, much love![/p][p][/p][p]— Weforge Studio[/p]