Dev Diary // Recaps and Beyond
[p]Hello explorers![/p][p]Update 0.14 and its follow-up improvements have finally landed on both Steam and Meta Quest. So it’s time to look back on last year and share what’s coming in the first half of this year.[/p][h2]2025 Steam Recap[/h2][p]In 2025, the game received two of its biggest updates yet, pushing ITR2 to a new level. Their key features were loadout customization, weapon customization, and a new large urban-themed location: Pechorsk Outskirts. We’re continuing to fine-tune these systems, build new content on top of them, and improve optimization.[/p][p]Before each major update, we leaned heavily on beta versions to show what we’re working on earlier, run larger playtests with explorers, and react to your feedback more effectively. Thank you to everyone who took part. Many features were significantly improved thanks to your videos and comments.[/p][p]Also, to celebrate ITR2’s Early Access anniversary (and ITR1’s five-year anniversary on Steam), we added a set of commemorative items as a thank-you, available to everyone who supported us during Early Access.[/p][p]![]()
[/p][p]That said, the end of 2025 was extremely intense for us, both physically and emotionally. Releasing 0.14.0 and its patches turned into a struggle because of multiple unexpected issues, new problems, and even bugs that suddenly resurfaced. This led to several major delays. We’re genuinely frustrated it played out that way. But also very grateful for your patience, your trust in what we’re doing. It matters to us greatly.[/p][h2]The Next Update[/h2][p]We’re still aiming to release the next major update in Q2 2026. It will launch on Steam first (we’ll share MQ timing at a later date) and will introduce version 1.0 - the conclusion of ITR2’s Early Access and the foundation for all future updates and improvements.[/p][p]The main feature of this update will be the long-awaited story, but it won’t be the only one. This means you won’t just complete the game from start to finish by following a chain of missions. You’ll also get a focused, fully realized narrative on top of the familiar gameplay. The story will unfold over time, expand on the Committee and other key players, and be delivered through voiceover and other storytelling elements.[/p][p]To support the 1.0 story, we’re introducing a fully reworked mission system with a new set of unique missions. These will include many new mission items, most of which will be interactive. The side-mission pool will also be completely refreshed.[/p][p]Instead of the placeholder transition UI, we’ll introduce a new way to travel between locations. Several smaller locations with unique gameplay will appear. The tutorial will change its setting, and a small final location with its own unique features will be added as well.[/p][p]![]()
[/p][p]On top of that, the game will feature several characters (new and old) in one form or another. They won’t be full NPCs, but they should make the world feel more alive while preserving the tone and atmosphere we’re aiming for.[/p][h2]Beyond the Story in 1.0[/h2][p]Alongside narrative content, we’re continuing work on other features and additions for 1.0.[/p]
- [p]Several existing weapons will be adapted to the modular system so they can be customized like the rest.[/p]
- [p]A few new weapons will be added, modular from the start.[/p]
- [p]Grenades are coming: both hand grenades and grenades for an underbarrel launcher. The launcher will be usable both as a standalone weapon and mounted on certain guns.[/p]
- [p]A flare will also be added, along with a few other things it’s still too early to talk about.[/p]
- [p]This version will also introduce another major first for the series: a full weapon and gear painting system, expanding customization even further.[/p]
- [p]We also plan to add several new anomalies, as well as substantial changes to exploration (the map won’t be fully visible from the start) and looting.[/p]
- [p]No new large location[/p]
- [p]No Shooting Range[/p]
- [p]No 3 or 4 player co-op[/p]
- [p]No localization besides English[/p]
- [p]No new platform ports[/p]
- [p]No modding[/p]