Star Trucker News

What’s this? A 3rd blog post in as many days? A hat-trick of hollers? Another mini ramble from a Monster?

Well yes, yes it is, and this time I wanted to take a moment to discuss the Star Trucker game modes that will be available at launch…



While developing Star Trucker we wanted to avoid basic difficulty modes but we understood that different players like to engage with games in different ways.

So we set about making a system flexible enough for players to customize their play styles. This meant exposing a LOT of data that could be adjusted for a custom playthrough.

There’s lots of potential for expanding this system but for launch we have some initial modes to help players jump into a galaxy that’s set up in a way that suits some core play styles.



[h2]Recommended[/h2]

This is our base mode. Here we’ve tried to make sure there’s an equal balance of haulage and maintenance. It’s a good place to start with Star Trucker but if you feel it’s not quite for you we have some others.

[h2]Driver[/h2]

For players who prefer the haulage aspect of truck sims this mode reduces maintenance gameplay and puts more focus on procedural jobs and fuel management.

[h2]Mechanic[/h2]

For players who prefer getting their hands dirty this mode increases the wear and tear on truck systems with a little more focus on trade and stockpiling spare parts.

[h2]Hardcore[/h2]

To be honest we’re not entirely sure why anyone would want to torture themselves with such a brutal mode but it’s there for those who enjoy a challenge.



If you want a more bespoke play session we’ve also exposed a range of options we use to setup the previously discussed modes.





It’s worth noting that we also have a range of general game options that can be adjusted. These can be adjusted at any time from the main or pause menus.

Here you can toggle a variety of UI elements, adjust the FOV and even flip the side of the truck you want the maglock lever and joystick.

We’ll continue to monitor the forums for new suggestions that might be viable in the future but we hope this is a good starting point.





Lastly we want the Star Trucker community to know that we’ve already begun collating a lot of information around game balance and we’ll be monitoring further player feedback during launch week and beyond.

Although we’re a tiny team we’re keen to work with the community on improving the game and making the numbers work even better. So please consider stopping by the Steam Forums and joining us as we celebrate launch and prepare for the future!

- Monster Dave

Following on from yesterday's light spoilers, it seemed like a good time to share the full list of certification skills available in Star Trucker.

Some of you may have noticed these in the demo, but for those who have only recently discovered our game, here’s a quick primer…



To unlock certification skills you'll first need to rank up by completing haulage jobs and earning XP.



Every time you rank up you'll receive a skill point that can be exchanged for a new certification. These certifications give you access to new job types, trailer loads and other perks.





Here's the full list of loads and job types you can unlock...

• Fragile Loads
  
• Hazardous Loads
  
• Heavy Loads
  
• Oversized Loads
  
• Perishable Loads
  
• Valuable Loads
  
• Just-In-Time Jobs
  
• Long Distance Jobs
  

You’ll be able to find more detailed information on these certifications in-game, but each skill comes with its own type of bonuses, deductions and requirements to be acknowledged for a job well done.
It’s also worth noting that these certifications have multiple tiers to unlock. These allow you to stack cash and xp bonuses while adding new trailer types and items for you to haul.



We also have some certifications that work a little differently to those listed above....

[h2]Trailer Permissions[/h2]

As the name suggests these certifications allow you to take jobs with multiple linked trailers. Multi-trailer jobs are a little trickier but can provide extra bonuses when hauling a mix of trailers with different certification requirements.



[h2]EVA Training[/h2]

With a little extra tuition you will learn how to prolong oxygen supplies and extend your energy supplies. This allows you to space walk for longer and fix more hull breaches before recharging your suit.



[h2]Cargo Clearance[/h2]

This certification proves you are competent enough to carry extra weight in your cab. This translates into being able to stock up on more tradeable items at shops without the worry of incurring hefty fines from being overweight when called in for a weight check by the authorities.



https://store.steampowered.com/app/2380050/

Hello!

We've had our heads down working hard but as we near release it's time to ramp up the hype with some new news and game knowledge!

As the title implies there's going to be some light spoilers in this blog post but if that doesn't phase you then read ahead!

[h3]- Monster Dave[/h3]



The Star Trucker galaxy is split into four major zones. You'll begin with access to the Core Systems and as you help other truckers with side jobs you'll be granted clearance to the others.

Each of these zones unlocks new sectors, corporations and haulage routes while providing unique environmental challenges.

For a little more context check out our mini-summaries below…

[h2]01. Core Systems[/h2]



A varied collection of bustling sectors providing a hive of activity and trade. The Core Systems have many established trade routes providing a wealth of resources to nearby zones.

The downside to the hustle and bustle of these long established sectors is that space junk has become a common problem with debris proving the downfall of many a driver who strays from the road.

[h2]02. Solar Provinces[/h2]



The Solar Provinces are prone to flares and temperature fluctuations making them an ideal location for energy farms and waste disposal.

Despite the temperamental climate many businesses thrive here from the steady stream of tourism opportunities provided by the numerous leisure outposts and viewing platforms.

[h2]03. Mineral Colonies[/h2]



As humanity expanded into space the need for readily available resources quickly became apparent.
The Mineral Colonies form an area of the galaxy where essential raw resources can be extracted from a variety of asteroids.

This life isn’t for everyone though as work is tough and electrical storms are common-place, wreaking havoc on unshielded electrical equipment.

[h2]04. Enigma Territories [/h2]



Found at the far side of the galaxy these fringe sectors encourage business by having a more relaxed outlook on trade laws and tax while shipping highly sought after materials.

Being so far out they are in constant need of resupply which is made all the more hazardous due to shimmer stones. These are mostly invisible to the naked eye but with a properly calibrated scanner can be avoided (for the most part!).



Zones are made up of a varied collection of sectors. Each sector has its own theme and amenities and there’s quite a few of them!

Click on the image below to view the fully unlocked map to get a sense of the vast variety of routes around the galaxy and some hints as to the types of locations you’ll be visiting on your travels…



For those curious about the different types of routes visible on the map…

[h2]Star Routes - Standard Jumps[/h2]



Your basic jump between sectors. Free to use ( as long as you have clearance ) and essential for galactic travel.

[h2]Hyper Highways - Toll Jumps[/h2]



Represented by the double lines, toll routes are great for covering large areas of the galaxy quickly but require a fee that increases based on the number of trailers you’re towing.

[h2]Business Loops - One Way Jumps[/h2]



Due to the enormous costs of maintaining multiple jump gates in a sector, some routes are limited to travel in one direction. Despite this, Business Loops can still be advantageous to truckers looking to optimize their journey.

Gamescom Opening Night Live was yesterday, and there was a bunch of news for those who've got an Xbox Game Pass subsciption they use to hop into the still decent array of titles the service boasts. So, here's a quick roundup of all the Game Pass titles shown, as well as the fresh additions coming in August that Xbox announced not long before ONL kicked off.

Starting with the ones you almost defintely heard about, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 offered a big look at gameplay from its campaign and an open beta date, Starfield's Shattered Space DLC got a release date alongside the free arrival of a moon buggy, and Indiana Jones had its release date and planned arrival on PlayStation revealed.

Then, there were the games that got announced at the show which you'll be able to play on Game Pass day one. Sniper Elite: Resistance was revealed during the pre-show, and will "[turn] the attention of the award-winning series towards a hidden war, far from the front lines, deep within the heart of occupied France" when it arrives in 2025. Here's the reveal trailer.

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Yes, you read it right: Our demo is back!

We are happy to be part of this year's Steam SimFest, along with many other great titles. Our demo will be available again for the event, until July 29th. Don't miss this new opportunity to drive your truck among the stars!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2380050