Windblown News

[p][/p][p]Our latest Open Beta build just went live, delivering an update which completely overhauls the Gift system![/p][p][/p][p]Gifts are a major part of Windblown, and are paramount to how your builds come together. However, some of them have felt lacking, and some weren't scaling properly with new features, like Endless Mode. So, we've taken the time to dive back into the ocean of Gifts in the game, and give them all an update![/p][p][/p][h3]Let's take a top line look at what's coming with this Gift focused update![/h3][p][/p]

• [p]New Gifts - You'll find 17 new Gifts in the game, adding more flexibility and options to builds.[/p]
• [p]Gift Rework - A HUGE amount of gifts have been reworked, including some gifts/effects being deleted and replaced altogether.[/p]
• [p]New Inventory Items - All the important objects collected during your adventure are now visible in your Inventory.[/p]
• [p]New Weapons - \Impactone and Jar.\[/p]
• [p]Hexes - Now have dedicated slots.[/p]

[p][/p][p]You'll also find a bunch of QoL and balance changes coming in this new patch, all aimed at improving player experience with the game. [/p][p][/p][p]We hope you enjoy taking these new Gifts for a spin, and seeing how the reworked existing ones feel after this update![/p][p][/p][h3]How to access the beta[/h3]

• [p] Go to your Steam game library. [/p]
• [p] Right click on Windblown and click "properties". [/p]
• [p] Select the tab "Betas". [/p]
• [p] In the first dropdown box select "public_beta" [/p]
• [p] Click close and wait for the upload to finish downloading. [/p]

[p] [/p][h2]🚨Remember - Make sure to duplicate your save before jumping in. That way you can revert back to the Default Branch whenever you'd like without locking yourself to the new version before its release🚨[/h2]

⭐️ = community inspired!
[h2]Co-op: Revenge Mode Update[/h2]

• ⭐️ The bar does not deplete anymore (thus you cannot die because of it getting empty)
• ⭐️ You can use your Heal Flasks
  
• ⭐️ The enemies now deal less damage to the players
  
• ⭐️ The difficulty does not increase at each attempts anymore
  
• ⭐️ You can interact with / use any item (those are thus not teleported anymore when you win)

[h2]QoL[/h2]

• ⭐️ Player Remains: can now be retrieved while in combat and do not require to hold the button anymore (from 0.5.2.1)
• ⭐️ Co-op / Chests: when you find rewards inside chests, they will never be locked inside a loot box (from 0.5.2.2)
• ⭐️ Co-op / Loots: when your teammates are fighting, but you don't, you can now interact with equipment pickups (from 0.5.2.2)

[h2]Bugfixes[/h2]

• ⭐️ Crystalize: fixed not being able to crystalize if you don't have any weapon equipped (from 0.5.2.1)
• ⭐️ Weapons: Fishing Rod: the spawned fish can no longer be stunned to ensure it completes its attack (from 0.5.2.2)
• ⭐️ Timed Chests: fixed not being able to unlock it if you arrived right on time (from 0.5.2.1)
• ⭐️ UI: Eperin's & Fr3nd's menus: fixed buttons not clickable when changing tabs (from 0.5.2.1)
• ⭐️ UI: fixed multiple pop ups showing when clicking on a locked or unaffordable option when talking to Eperin (from 0.5.2.2)
• ⭐️ UI: fixed biome title possibly not showing up correctly (from 0.5.2.2)
• ⭐️ Crystallize: fixed not being able to Crystallize enemies which are falling because of the Elder Sword's Alterattack
  
• ⭐️ Co-op / Softlock: several situations where you could be softlocked by having an ally down or AFK are now fixed
  
• ⭐️ Co-op: UI: Tutorial popups: Will now be closed if you teleport to a teammate to avoid issues where the popup stays shown indefinitely (from 0.5.2.1)
• Other minor visual fixes on pickups
  

[h2]Optimization[/h2]

• Updated game, rendering and text/audio chat engines to the latest versions to enhance stability (from 0.5.2.2)
• ⭐️ More dynamic bones are deactivated on lower graphics profiles
  

[h2]Misc[/h2]

• Player Remains now visually emits the Cogs they contain when retrieved (from 0.5.2.1)
• Player Remains' position marker display distance is shorter, it is also hidden when you are close to it to prevent readability issues in combat (from 0.5.2.1)
• Changed the Banking Fish setup
  

⭐️ = community inspired!
[h2]Balancing[/h2]

• ⭐️ Co-op: Revenge Mode: during a Boss fight the bar does not automatically deplete anymore
  

[h2]QoL[/h2]

• ⭐️ Co-op: Gamepad: pressing B (Circle) now allows you to cancel a vote (e.g. for Challenges, Givers etc.)

[h2]Bugfixes[/h2]

• ⭐️ Crash: fixed crash caused by a wrong rotation (rare)
• ⭐️ Loot: fixed loot not spawning if an arena is started but not finished
  
• ⭐️ Co-op: Interactives: fixed dropping flasks by mistake when trying to cancel a team vote
  
• Single Player: Chests: fixed having some loot boxes shown when opening a chest while not in combat
  

[h2]Optimization[/h2]

• Fixed some unecessary memory allocations
  

⭐️ = community inspired!
[h2]New[/h2]

• ⭐️ Options / Graphics: you can now change the quality of the textures
  
• ⭐️ Options / Graphics: the Low graphics preset now automatically sets the textures quality to low (should heavily reduce V-RAM usage)

[h2]Balancing (from 0.5.0.9)[/h2]

• ⭐️ Co-op: Timed Chest: timer is now the same for all team members
  

[h2]QoL[/h2]

• Chest: fixed loot dropped by chest not being shown if teammates are fighting. Now showing the loot box awaiting combat end like in fights
  

[h2]Bugfixes[/h2]

• ⭐️ Transition: fixed weapon order not being preserved when starting a run
  
• ⭐️ Interaction: fixed an issue where it was possible to interact with something while a combat action was ongoing
  
• ⭐️ Crystallize: fixed the Curse Stun boon opportunity taking precedence on the Crystalize input since they share the same button
  
• ⭐️ LD: tweaked some colliders in Incubator to avoid enemies getting stuck
  
• Player Remains: fixed player remains spawning on secret chunks
  
• ⭐️ Co-op: Ark: fixed players not being able to choose Fungal Swamp even if a teammate had unlocked it
  
• ⭐️ Co-op: fixed under the hood error when a player would leave a group while in an ongoing RTC
  
• ⭐️ Various fixes under the hood
  

[h2]Our "From the Leapers" update is out now![/h2]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Although this update is smaller than the Endless Mode and Sanctuary patches, it was born from the passion of our players! Your feedback on Windblown has been paramount to it's development so far, so we thought a patch dedicated to that feedback would be cool!

Let's take a look at what's coming in our 4th update!



[h3]Memory Deck[/h3]

This HIGHLY requested feature has finally landed! A lot of players have asked for the ability to remove certain memories from their runs, to better tailor their experience when heading into the Vortex. This means you can now choose what weapons show up, along with trinkets and gifts. Want to go for a Burning & Bleed BeatBolt Build, this'll help!



[h3]Timed Chests[/h3]

These new chests can be found at the end of each Biome, but will only open if you make it to them in time. This is an extra reward for those of you used to the Vortex and its challenges, but will also help to incentivise newer Leapers to push ahead!



[h3]New Skins[/h3]

You'll now find that Rabbit, Tiger, and Jay skins have been added to the game! Some of the most requested additions since we began Early Access. You'll need to push through Endless Mode on varying difficulties to unlock each one though.



[h3]Improved Performance through Upscaling[/h3]

A big talking point from the Community has been Windblown's performance, especially on lower end GPUs and Steam Deck. We want the game to be enjoyable and playable for as many people as possible, so we've dedicated some time to enhancing the performance across the board. You'll now find Upscaling will be enabled as default on Steam Deck and lower performance GPUs, but can be toggled in the settings either way.





There are of course a bunch of other additions coming to the game!

Incentivised Biomes - We know that everyone has their favourite route to take when you set off from the Ark. But this means some biomes aren't as popular as others - to help keep things fresh and to encourage players to try the path less travelled, you'll now find that when picking a biome (Rat Village & Sanctuary for example) there'll be extra rewards in one of them. C'mon, mix it up a little!

Mouse Aiming Enhancements - We've made improvements to our mouse aiming algorithm to help with accuracy and handling of attacks. You may know we've done several updates on this, and will continue to refine and work with the community to get it just right!

QoL and Bugfixes - Visual and VFX changes, along with the requested feature for the game to pause in single-player if your controller disconnects!




[h3]Plus much more! Check out the patch notes below for the full breakdown[/h3]


We want to thank you all again for your help on Windblown! This update is a thankyou to all of the players that have helped shaped Windblown into what it is today. There is still A LOT of work to do, and we hope you're along for the journey with us!

Until next time!

-MT



You may have heard of a little game called Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but did you know you can grab both that and Windblown in a bundle right now?!

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/53651/Clair_Obscur_Expedition_33__Windblown/

We'll be adding the final version of our latest Sanctuary track to the games OST, which lines up perfectly for a little Discount!

Windblown and it's soundtrack are currently 20% off from now until the 22nd May!

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/46045/Windblown__OST/

But that's not all... 👀

We know that the Windblown soundtrack has become beloved amongst our fans, and the living legend that is DANGER has created something truly amazing!

[h3]Introducing the Windblown Original Soundtrack - Limited Edition Cassette[/h3]




[h3]You can pre-order this incredibly awesome, incredibly limited edition cassette here! (Shipping will begin in July 2025)[/h3]



[h3]Gogozi[/h3]


Want to stay up to date on all things Windblown? We've got you covered!

Discord Twitter BlueSky TikTok YouTube

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1911610/Windblown/





[h2]New[/h2]

• ⭐️ Bodies: new ancestors' Jay, Rabbit and Tiger bodies to be unlocked at the 3rd Endless loop of Cloudy, Stormy and Tempestuous respectively
  
• ⭐️ Memory Deck: Frend now has a new loyalty program! After decrypting enough Memories, you will be able to create a Deck in the Ark. Only Memories in the Deck will appear in your loot during expeditions. In multiplayer, shared loot will now depend on everyone's Deck.
  
• ⭐️ Timed Chest: Eperin now has a new upgrade that adds a Timed Chest in each regular Shop. It can be only opened if you were quick enough to reach it. You'll need to reach the chest in the 1st biome under 5mn, under 10mn for the 2nd biome and so on. A small timer will be shown in your HUD.
• ⭐️ Mouse aiming: important update of the mouse aiming algorithm to enhance your accuracy (see dedicated section for details)
• ⭐️ Performances / Options: Upscaling support added (using FSR 1.0). Now activated by default on Steam Deck & compatible devices with limited V-RAM.
  
• Sanctuary Biome: new music final version implemented
  

[h2]Mouse Aiming Enhancements[/h2]

• ⭐️ When targets are behind you, your character will automatically flip to face them
  
• ⭐️ Better target selection when your mouse click is performed while the cursor is not in front of any island
  
• ⭐️ Better target selection when multiple ones are close to each other on the screen because of the perspective but are actually far away in the 3d world
  
• ⭐️ Better distant targets selection when using the right click
  
• ⭐️ If you fire at a distant foe just after hitting another one who is still alive: you won't be firing at the previous one anymore, the targetting change will be instant (before it could have required a few clicks)

[h2]Balancing[/h2]

• ⭐️ Incentivized biomes: when you have the choice between several biomes, one of them will be incentivized randomly but with a preference for the least played, giving more rewards
  
• Bodies: Cogs costs updated
  
• ⭐️ Co-op: Gifts: dropped Gifts will no longer have a lesser chance of re-appearing in multiplayer.
  

[h2]QoL[/h2]

• ⭐️ Gifts: new VFX feedback for Golden Health
  
• ⭐️ Interactives: changed when to show interactive's pop up so it's easier to pick out the one you want when they're clumped together
  
• ⭐️ Single Player / Controller Disconnection: the game is now paused when the controller disconnected popup is shown
  
• UI: Unlocked Memories can now be better seen in the Deck menu rather than in Frend's menu.
  
• ⭐️ UI: Eperin's Upgrades: the unavailable popup now shows the amount of remaining required unlocks.
  
• UI: FR3ND's Memories Unlock menu: the "unlocked" tab only shows content you actually bought and not the ones you saw/used (for those you can now check the D3CK Tower)
• ⭐️ UI: Ark NPCs' menus: will always open the "locked" tab by default
  

[h2]Bugfixes[/h2]

• ⭐️ Magifish: fixed enemies' visual effects being visible after being eaten by the Gobbling Fish
• ⭐️ Graphics: fixed Vortex appearing/disappearing in plain sight
  
• Gameplay: fixed being able to move while in a loading screen
  
• Steam Deck: Co-op: Text Chat: fix candidate to keep the virtual keyboard open when you submit
  
• ⭐️ Graphics / VFXs: fixes weird lines showing up when using the Fiery Claws or when fighting the red Naveless Brother
• ⭐️ Co-op: fixed having the camera sometimes following the wrong player (after a loading, after the Revenge etc.)
• ⭐️ Healing interactive in Onsens: fixed wrong label and SFX
  
• UI: Ark NPCs' menus: fixed menus glitching for 1 frame upon opening
  
• ⭐️ Loots: fixed issue with Leafade trinket where loot could drop while using it in combat even though some enemies were still alive
  
• ⭐️ Loots: fixed issues where enemies spawned during a fight didn't have to be killed to unlock a reward like a chest
  
• ⭐️ UI / Trinkets: fixed an issue where trinket cooldown could visually go into negatives
  
• ⭐️ Teleporters: fixed issue where a cooldown would prevent chaining teleporters
  
• ⭐️ Graphics / Hidden Shop: fixed having the Vortex in the middle of that area
  
• ⭐️ Co-op: Loots: prevented loot that got delayed by a teammate's death from spawning during an arena fight or a challenge