Bootstrap Island News

[p][/p][h3]Dear Survivors 🌊,[/h3][p][/p][p]We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing response to last week`s Major Update 4: Riverlands! Thank you all for the kind words, playthroughs, and support! 🙏[/p][p]It’s been amazing to see so many of you diving into the Riverlands, uncovering secrets, dodging water beasts, and tackling the new survival challenges. [/p][p]Today, we’re releasing a quick Hotfix #1 to smooth out some issues from the update. Check the full list of Patch Notes below![/p][h3]Hotfix #1 – Patch Notes Summary:[/h3]

• [p]Ongoing improvements to Riverlands visuals, creature behavior, sounds, and resource spawning.[/p]
• [p]Fixes for key issues, including item interactions, collision bugs, weather inconsistencies, and visual glitches.[/p]

[p]Please note that the Riverlands will receive further polish and fixes in the future. We’re continuing to monitor your feedback and polish the experience, so please keep sharing your thoughts, bug reports, and survival stories here or on our Discord! [/p][p]🌞 As most of our team will enjoy some well-earned vacation, these changes will go live with the next major patch. Good luck in the Riverlands, and watch out for the crocodiles... 🐊[/p][p]See you soon! [/p][p]The Bootstrap Island Team! 🌴[/p][p][/p][h3]🚨HOTFIX #1 - PATCH NOTES - SPOILER ALERT 🚨[/h3][h3]Improvements[/h3]

• [p]Improved interacting with eels[/p]
• [p]Improved falling tree animation[/p]
• [p]Improved falling tree usability[/p]
• [p]Improved crocodile-like beast behaviour[/p]
• [p]Improved object spawning in Riverlands — more resources now available[/p]
• [p]Improved sounds in Riverlands[/p]
• [p]Improved water behaviour[/p]
• [p]Improved cloud coverage lighting[/p]
• [p]Improved visuals of some plants[/p]
• [p]Improved visuals of waterfalls[/p]
• [p]Improved animal traversal in Riverlands[/p]
• [p]Improved underwater sounds[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]Fixes[/h3]

• [p]Fixed roof leaves appearing too dark[/p]
• [p]Fixed issues with satchel and musket sling not getting along[/p]
• [p]Fixed visual glitches in Riverlands[/p]
• [p]Fixed collision issues with wood and rock objects[/p]
• [p]Fixed floating trees[/p]
• [p]Fixed player getting stuck on certain trees[/p]
• [p]Fixed rain not appearing in some situations[/p]
• [p]Fixed rocks not getting wet in rain[/p]
• [p]Fixed oceanwater drinking: hands no longer cup when in contact with oceanwater[/p]
• [p]Fixed hand dropping when holding fruit halves[/p]
• [p]Fixed animals giving the wrong type of meat[/p]
• [p]Fixed an unlock appearing multiple times on the Deathscreen[/p]
• [p]Fixed spoiling bug[/p]
• [p]Fixed Deathscreen icon placement[/p]
• [p]Fixed Jungle Overlord appearing twice[/p]
• [p]Fixed saltwater voiceover playing when drinking springwater[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]New Additions[/h3]

• [p]Added a new music track to the shipwreck area[/p]
• [p]Added more butterflies, insects, etc. to the Riverlands[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Major Update 4 – Riverlands Is Live! [/h2][h3]A massive new biome, game-changing mechanics, and fresh dangers. [/h3][p][/p][h3]Dear Survivors,[/h3][p]Major Update #4 – Riverlands is here, and it’s our biggest update yet! The island has expanded beyond anything you’ve seen before. To reach the Riverlands, you’ll first have to defeat the Jungle Overlord in his Dark Lair... but what lies beyond is a lush new world - with its own dangers, of course.[/p][p][/p][h2]Welcome to the Riverlands! [/h2][p]The Riverlands is a vast, untamed biome larger than all previous areas combined. It’s a living, breathing wilderness shaped by flowing water, steep terrain, and deadly new fauna. Survival here demands new strategies and sharper instincts.[/p][p][/p][h2]What’s New in Riverlands:[/h2][p][/p][h3]1- Unlimited Fresh Water [/h3][p]Rivers, waterfalls, and streams flow throughout the region. Thirst is no longer your main concern… but don’t let your guard down.

[/p][h3]2- Electric Eel[/h3][p]A deadly aquatic predator that stuns or kills with brutal electric shocks. Swim carefully! But good source for food! [/p][h3]3- Alligator-like Predator [/h3][p]A stealthy, crocodile-like beast that ambushes from the riverbanks. One wrong step could be your last.

[/p][h3]4- Musket Sling[/h3][p]You asked, we delivered. Carry your musket hands-free with this long-awaited upgrade. Unlocked after surviving several days, it marks your growth into a skilled survivor.

[/p][h3]5- New Tropical Fruits[/h3][p]Discover powerful, nourishing fruits found only in the Riverlands.

[/p][h3]6- More Enhancements:[/h3]

• [p]New features & effects – Shortcut to Riverlands, waterfalls, river debris, pollen, hand-triggered ripples, and fauna reactions.[/p]

• [p]Audio/visual upgrades – New music by Liina Sumera, voiceovers, sound effects, advanced graphics options, volcano overhaul.[/p]
• [p]Gameplay improvements – Fish can now be eaten alive; equipped items return smoothly; crates behave more reliably.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]👉 When continuing an existing save:[/h3][p]All new systems and content should still work as intended with existing saves, but some new items might not spawn. Enjoy your adventure![/p][p][/p][h3]Bootstrap Island is also 30% OFF during the Summer Sale! 🌞[/h3][h3]Thank you for surviving with us! 🌴[/h3][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]🚨Major Update 4: Patch Notes! SPOILER ALERT!🚨[/h2][p][/p][h3]New Content & Gameplay Updates[/h3]

• [p]New area – Riverlands - A vast new biome with hidden secrets.[/p]
• [p]New fruit – Found only in the Riverlands, with hidden uses.[/p]
• [p]New enemy – A crocodile-like beast.[/p]
• [p]New water animal – Electric eel.[/p]
• [p]New waterbodies – Rivers and lakes with currents.[/p]
• [p]New feature – All water is now drinkable, including ocean water.[/p]
• [p]New unlockable – Musket sling, unlocked after surviving several days.[/p]
• [p]New feature – Shortcut to Riverlands.[/p]
• [p]New environmental effects – Waterfalls, river debris, pollen.[/p]
• [p]New effect – Water ripples on contact with hands.[/p]
• [p]New fauna effects – Exclusive to Riverlands.[/p]
• [p]Fish can now be eaten alive[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]Audio & Visual[/h3]

• [p]New advanced graphics options – Ripple simulation, shadow distance, and more.[/p]
• [p]New voiceovers, sound effects, and music by Liina Sumera. Her music makes Riverlands a magical place to explore, in addition to some other new tracks.[/p]
• [p]Volcano has received an overhaul[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]Fixes & Improvements[/h3]

• [p]Fixed satchel emptying or disappearing.[/p]
• [p]Fixed foliage not swaying in the wind; general foliage/landscape fixes.[/p]
• [p]Crates more reliable for carrying items.[/p]
• [p]Crates less common to find.[/p]
• [p]Equipped items return to the shoulder smoothly.[/p]
• [p]Water splash effects on animal contact.[/p]
• [p]Timing fix for the opening voiceover.[/p]
• [p]Spawner compatibility fixes when playing with older saves.[/p]
• [p]Warthog night audio changes.[/p]
• [p]Fixed sprinting stopping on game stutters.[/p]
• [p]Adjusted small finger to a more natural position.[/p]

[p] We welcome you on our Discord! Come and tell us about your survival adventure! 🌴🔥[/p]

[h2]Major Update 4 – Riverlands Is Live! 🌊🐊[/h2][p]Celebrate with 30% Off During the Steam Summer Sale![/p][p][/p][p]Bootstrap Island’s biggest update yet has arrived, and we’re celebrating with a 30% discount as part of the Steam Summer Sale![/p][p]Explore the Riverlands: a vast, untamed biome larger than all previous areas combined. This lush, dangerous wilderness is shaped by flowing rivers, steep cliffs, and deadly new creatures lurking beneath the surface.[/p][p]From electric eels and gharial-like predators to powerful new fruits, unlockable gear like the musket sling, and entirely new survival systems — Update 4 brings game-changing mechanics and fresh dangers.[/p][p]🌴 Survival here will push your instincts further than ever before. Share your adventures on our Discord![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]


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The first three major updates have laid a strong foundation - introducing the inventory and building systems, allowing players to craft shelter and manage scarce resources. The terrifying Jungle Overlord boss fight added a major combat challenge, while the dynamic weather system brought unpredictability to every step.


[h2]Major Update 4: Riverlands (Summer 2025)[/h2]

This summer, the island expands. Major Update 4: Riverlands will introduce a vast new region shaped by rivers. But beware- these waters are dangerous. Expect new threats like gharial attacks, electric eels, and strong river currents that demand caution and new strategies.

You'll also find new resources like a tropical fruit, and wield the musket sling- a new tool for survival.

[h2]Major Update 5: Visions[/h2]

Next up, Major Update 5: Visions explores the psychological effects of survival. After a violent storm, you'll face sickness-induced hallucinations and flashback visions. Survival will no longer be just physical - it becomes mental.

Manage your condition with new medicinals, but tread carefully: quicksand adds a new environmental hazard. This update also introduces a tutorial to help newcomers adapt.


All roads lead to the full release, where the island’s deepest mysteries will come to light.

The arrival of tribal inhabitants - including a Shaman - will unlock rich social dynamics and narrative depth. Communication won’t rely on words. Players will use body language to build trust... or trigger aggression.

New tribal items and artifacts will deepen survival, story, and culture in a way that makes every encounter meaningful.

Full release planned for Q1 2026

[p]Wishlist, follow, and stay updated as the island continues to evolve.[/p]

[h2]🌴Bootstrap Island is 30% OFF! 🏝️[/h2]

[h3]With the roadmap revealed and a discount live, there’s never been a better time to join the island. [/h3]

Our newly released roadmap charts the path ahead - from dangerous new biomes and psychological twists to tribal encounters. Pair that with a fresh sale, and it's the perfect moment to jump in.

Want to share some survival stories? Join the Bootstrap Island Discord - our community of survivors is always ready to help.

And if you want to sharpen your skills, The Survival Journal on YouTube has tips to keep you alive.