Dagger Directive News

[p]Hi everyone!  [/p][p][/p][p]Sorry for the delays in getting this update out.  It took a lot longer than anticipated. Sorry for not keeping you all updated on the progress too.  I’ll work on keeping to the devblog schedule and responding to discussions.  The good news is you won’t have to wait this long for the next one.  Improving performance was our main goal but we’ve included a few new graphics options and some bug fixes too.[/p][p]

[/p][h2]Performance[/h2][p][/p][p]The best way to show off the performance improvements is with a video.  On the left is patch 0.6.02 and on the right is 0.6.03.  This is recorded on a Steam Deck.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]You’ll notice an overall performance increase on lower end PCs such as the Steam Deck.  Higher end PCs will see improvements with stuttering so the game should feel smoother. [/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
[/p][h2]Graphics settings[/h2][p][/p][p]A couple new graphics options have been added.  First are some presets; Low, Medium, High, and Steam Deck.  This will set up your graphics options to things that we have found work well on various devices.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ve added two new shadow rendering settings.  You can now set the distance shadows render and the number of shadow cascades. These can be used with the shadow resolution setting to help you find a good balance between distance and quality.  Using the presets is a good starting place if you don’t want to fiddle with the settings.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Lastly the graphics settings are now saved to a text file so if something gets messed up, you can delete the file and it will reset your settings.  The file is located in: [/p][p][c]“C:\\Users\\\\AppData\\LocalLow\\Arcane Alpacas\\Dagger Directive\\GraphicsSettings.config”[/c][/p][p]

[/p][h2]Feedback[/h2][p][/p][p]I saw some comments that we have not been responding or that we’ve abandoned the game, rest assured we have not abandoned the game.  We’re here and working on it!  I have not done a great job keeping up with Steam discussions and I did forget to put out the dev blog last month.  I will work on improving communication and sorry for creating concerns![/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][h2]Future Content[/h2][p][/p][p]While we’ve been focused on performance that doesn’t mean we aren’t working on other things.  Here’s a preview of the custom weapons system and one of the new guns.[/p][p][/p][p]You’ll be able to upload weapons to the Steam Workshop for others to use.  Magazines can be shared so a weapon you make can use a magazine that already exists in the game, or one someone else made.  We’re still working to improving the workflow, UI, and general polish.
[/p][p] * Yes the Thompson will be in the Workshop for everyone at launch![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Here’s a sneak peak at a new gun coming with the next update:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Below you can view the patch notes, thanks![/p][p]- Dan[/p][p]


[/p][h2]Patch Notes[/h2][p][/p][p]Nov 20, 2025 - V0.6.03 Performance improvements[/p][p]
[/p][p]Notes:[/p]

• [p] \[AI] Replaced the vision with a more accurate and performant system[/p]
• [p]\[Animations] IK has different quality levels at different ranges[/p]
• [p]\[General] Lots of small performance improvements, too many to list them all. This is where most of the time was spent.[/p]
• [p]\[General] Improved pooling performance.[/p]
• [p]\[General] Improved hitbox and collider performance.[/p]
• [p]\[General] Improved stats and achievements performance.[/p]
• [p]\[Graphics] Added graphics presets for; Low, Medium, High, and Steam Deck.[/p]
• [p]\[Graphics] Added new graphics settings for Shadow distance and Shadow cascade count.[/p]
• [p]\[Graphics] Improved the grass quality for lower grass detail settings[/p]
• [p]\[Graphics] Antialiasing settings are now named Off, FAA, MSAA x4, MSAA x8 and not just low-high.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]Bug Fixes:[/p]

• [p]\[AI] AI no longer becomes stuck when drones are active.[/p]
• [p]\[AI] Fixed AI getting stuck when failing to path in the idle state.[/p]
• [p]\[AI] Ai can target the Zodiac now, it was set to the wrong faction.[/p]
• [p]\[Bullets] Fixed an error in the projectiles that kept them from fully penetrating an object in some cases.[/p]
• [p]\[Graphics] Fixed lower detail grass looking stretched out.[/p]
• [p]\[Networking] Improved host time out to fix host migrations.[/p]
• [p]\[Networking] Fixed connection error handling, if you get an error connecting you’ll end up back in the main menu instead of stuck in a loading screen.[/p]
• [p]\[Networking] Improved spawning which should help reduce the number of errors when loading into some of the heavier scenes.[/p]
• [p]\[UI] Fixed scope sometimes rendering when iron sights are active.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]Known/existing issues:[/p]

• [p]\[Graphics] Turning shadows from on to off can sometimes not take full effect until you load into a new scene.[/p]
• [p]\[Networking] Leaving and rejoining a game as a host can cause the server to get into a broken state.  We’ll have a fix in the next update.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]
[/p]

Hi everyone,

A minor update today mainly to fix a security vulnerability with Unity.



October 7th, 2025 - V0.6.02 Unity Security Fix

Notes:

• Updated Unity to 6000.0.58f2 to fix a security vulnerability in the engine. This brings some additional changes and updates to the engine and may also improve Vulkan performance on Nvidia GPUs. More info: https://unity.com/security/sept-2025-01
  

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a black screen error when attempting to play the game on systems with Qualcomm CPUs.
  

Known/existing issues:

• Trouble with connections during a host migration can stop new players from spawning.
  

Thanks!
- Dan

Hi everyone!

Small update today to fix some things we broke with the last update and an attempt at improving network stability when loading into some of the more dense missions.

Bug Fixes:

• PSG-1 suppressor is back in the armory
  
• Tracer rounds are back in the armory. One magazine per rack has tracers.
  
• Fixed stuck AI breaking objectives. They may still get stuck and be killable but the objectives will be completed properly.
  
• Added [REDACTED]. When enabled equipment will no longer encumber the player.
  
• Improved player spawning during multiplayer games.
  

Thanks!
- Dan

[p][/p][p]
Hi Everyone![/p][p][/p][p]The first of our planned content updates is here!  The 90’s Pack, In it you’ll find a selection of weapons, attachments, and uniform options from real life, games, and movies from the 90’s.  See a full list of new additions, changes to gameplay and missions, and bug fixes below.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]New Weapons[/h2][p][/p][p]You can now choose from ten additional weapons, two new sights, and a new type of grenade! Here's the ones we haven't shown off yet. We added a slight zoom if aim with a weapon that does not have a scope equipped, or if you are wearing NVGs.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Colt 727 - a 5.56mm carbine[/p][p]Aimpoint 5000 - has a slight zoom to give it a slight advantage now that we've added zooming without scopes.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]AK74M - a semi or fully automatic 5,45mm rifle[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]M1911 - a semi automatic .45 caliber pistol[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]M950 Calico - a semi or fully automatic 9mm submachine gun, includes 50 and 100 round drums[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Hawk MM-1 - a semi automatic 40mm grenade launcher[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]M136 AT4 - a single use anti tank weapon[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]New Uniforms[/h2][p][/p][p]We've added a few new patterns for uniforms, helmets, and vests.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]
[/h2][h2]Updated Ship and Missions[/h2][p][/p][p]The ship and the first five missions have received layout, art, and pacing improvements. We'll be continuing to work on these and the other ten missions for future updates.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Thanks for taking a look and for all of the feedback! Below you'll see the full list of additions, improvements, and bug fixes.[/p][p]- Dan[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]September 15, 2025 - V0.6.00 The 90’s Update[/p][p][/p][h2]New Weapons[/h2]

• [p]Pancor Jackhammer - a semi or full automatic shotgun.  Uses 10 round drums of buckshot or slugs.[/p]
• [p]M950 Calico - a semi or full auto submachine gun.  Uses 50 or 100 round drum magazines.  Supports scopes.[/p]
• [p]MM1 - Hawk - a semi auto 40mm grenade launcher.  Holds 12 rounds at a time.  Does not support attachments.[/p]
• [p]M1911 - a semi automatic .45 cal hand gun.  Uses the same magazines as the M45a1[/p]
• [p]Colt 727 - a semi or full automatic 5.56mm rifle.[/p]
• [p]M16A2 - a semi or burst fire 5.56mm rifle.[/p]
• [p]Colt SMG - a semi or full automatic 9mm sub machine gun.[/p]
• [p]AKS-74U - a semi or full automatic compact assault rifle.[/p]
• [p]M136 AT4 - a single use anti tank weapon.[/p]
• [p]AK74M - a semi or full automatic assault rifle.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]New Attachments[/h2]

• [p]Aimpoint 5000 - a 1x red dot sight that includes weaver rail extension to allow it to attach to weapons with carry handles.[/p]
• [p]C79 - a 3.4x scope that allows adjustments from 200-800m.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]New Equipment[/h2]

• [p]M68 - an impact variant of the M67.  Has a 0.25-0.35 impact fuse and a 5-7 second post impact fuse in case it lands too early.  Has a red stripe around the base of the fuse to distinguish it from the M67.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]New Uniform Items[/h2]

• [p]Raid BDU – Tiger Stripe Desert[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – Tiger Stripe[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – Woodland Urban[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – M81 Woodland[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – MOUT Urban-T[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – Track Urban[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – Olive Drab[/p]
• [p]Raid DBDU – 6-color Desert[/p]
• [p]Raid DCU – 3-color Desert[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – All-Over Brush[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – Black[/p]
• [p]Raid BDU – Desert Night[/p]
• [p]TG Faust Vest – Spray Paint, Desert [/p]
• [p]TG Faust Vest – Spray Paint, Olive [/p]
• [p]TG Faust Vest – ERDL[/p]
• [p]TG Faust Vest – Black[/p]
• [p]Pro-Tec - Black[/p]
• [p]Pro-Tec - Spray Paint, Desert[/p]
• [p]Pro-Tec - Spray Paint, Olive[/p][p][/p]

[h2]Notes[/h2]

• [p]AI: Reduced AI vision at night to make it more difficult for them to spot players at night.[/p]
• [p]AI: AI can now spawn with flash light attachments.  They’ll turn them on when in combat.[/p]
• [p]AI: Flashlights now affect AI vision.  If you are illuminated by a flash light you will be easier to see.[/p]
• [p]AI: Time of day now affects AI accuracy.  The darker it is the less accurate they are when shooting.[/p]
• [p]AI: Added an animation for when they get stunned by a flashbang.[/p]
• [p]AI: Added AI callouts for when the player is near bushes, trees, and smoke.[/p]
• [p]Gameplay: You can see who killed you in multiplayer by looking at the chat window. [/p]
• [p]Gameplay: Added crosshair zooming.  Adds a slight zoom when you click the scope button without a scope active.  It still slows your movement but you can see a little farther without a scope. This works on mounted weapons and with night vision.[/p]
• [p]Gameplay: Added \[REDACTED]. The \[REDACTED] menu can be accessed in the Pause Menu by entering an input sequence found in Poseidon’s Bunk.[/p]
• [p]Gameplay: Added ammo information to the magazine interact message[/p]
• [p]Gameplay: Recon drone lasers now scale based on distance to improve visibility at far distances. [/p]
• [p]Gameplay: Added the option to choose between white phosphor or green night vision.  The option can be found in the settings menu.[/p]
• [p] Gameplay: Your player will now make a grunt and a screen effect will flash when hit.[/p]
• [p]Inventory: Backpack now fills out horizontally first instead of vertically when auto slotting items.[/p]
• [p]Inventory: Magazine slots on weapons now support multiple rows for individually loaded weapons such as shotguns and grenade launchers.[/p]
• [p]Inventory: Weapon icons are now centered in the weapon slots.[/p]
• [p]Inventory: Added items weights to the item info window.[/p]
• [p]Levels: Improved Missions 1-5.  Added additional enemies, clutter, trees, adjusted terrain, and buildings.[/p]
• [p]Levels: The ship’s visuals have been improved.[/p]
• [p]Levels: The armory has had a second floor added, weapons are now mounted on the wall, launchers can be found in the boxes along the wall. [/p]
• [p]Levels: Oh Crude: you now ride in on the raft. [/p]
• [p]Weapons: Reduced sway for M21, M24, MP5, MP5SD, and UMP[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Increased sway for M240, M249, PKM, and PSG1 [/p]
• [p]Weapons: Reduced weapon equip/unequip times for SMGs[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Increased weapon equip/unequip times for Sniper Rifles and LMGs[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Increased reload speed of the M1014 and masterkey.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Increased M203 round weight.  Was using an incorrect value before.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Updated the M67 with a new mesh and texture.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: AK style weapons now support flashlights and the PSO-1 scope.[/p]
• [p]Animations: Added new player animations for different movement directions.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: RPG now has a spotting rifle attached to enhance target acquisition.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: BACK BLAST AREA CLEAR! – RPG, Javelin, SMAW, and AT4 now have back blast that will kill.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Minigun audio replaced and it now visually spins down.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Magazines now say "Heavy" when mostly full.[/p]
• [p]UI: Compass now displays the degrees for more precision.[/p]
• [p]UI: Players can now disable the compass in settings.[/p]
• [p]UI: Players can now disable the crosshair in settings. [/p]
• [p]UI: Updated character customization menus[/p]
• [p]UI: Out of date save versioning can now be mission specific.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Bug Fixes[/h2]

• [p]AI: Fixed alert priority issue that caused the AI to sometimes run backwards.[/p]
• [p]AI: Fixed a movement target error that forced a constant re-pathing, causing them to appear to stand in place while sliding across the ground when close to a player.[/p]
• [p]AI: Fixed the friendly gun shot alert not passing along the correct target position in some cases.[/p]
• [p]AI: Fixed error with lighting during night missions.  Lights will now apply the correct vision effect on the player.[/p]
• [p]AI: Added missing Cartel callout for “By the barrels”[/p]
• [p]Drones: Fixed drone battery level not saving[/p]
• [p]Gameplay: Fixed items like grenades sometimes showing when the binoculars are active.[/p]
• [p]Gameplay: Fixed typo in “Boots on the Ground”[/p]
• [p]Gameplay: Fixed friendly fire warning not showing up properly when using scopes at longer ranges.[/p]
• [p]Gameplay: You can no longer jump while parachuting.[/p]
• [p]Inventory: Fixed icons getting stuck floating on the grid in some odd cases.[/p]
• [p]Levels: Fixed floating pole in C1M2[/p]
• [p]Levels: Added transparency to the helicopter windows[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Fixed scopes turning off when attaching a magazine to individually loaded weapons.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Fixed shotgun pellet distribution[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Fixed scale on the M21.  It was smaller than it should have been.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Fixed suppressor positions on multiple weapons.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Projectiles no longer kill the AI that fired them or the player if the player is using speed mult cheats.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Fixed scopes rendering with a lower than normal color accuracy causing banding and other visual artifacts.[/p]
• [p]Weapons: Fixed bipods “attached” message remaining on after a weapon is put away.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Hi Everyone![/p][p][/p][p]We’ll keep this month's update a bit shorter as we’re busy finishing up the first content update. 

[/p][h2]MicroProse Podcast[/h2][p][/p][p]First up, we’re on the first episode of the new MicroProse Podcast!  You can listen to it in a few different places and hear a bit more about the development and future of the game:[/p][p]
[/p][p]Spotify: [/p][p]https://open.spotify.com/episode/69HJD5dCzs3Lo2o8KYWPui?si=cKNk1mpkQRyAag2DFtujeQ[/p][p] [/p][p]YouTube: [/p][p]https://youtu.be/0Emdb3RrMbM[/p][p][/p][p]Facebook: [/p][p]https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827980851[/p][p]



[/p][h2]Upcoming Weapons and Equipment[/h2][p][/p][p]Next, here’s another preview of a few things you’ll see, we’ll have a much larger overview of all the content when it releases.[/p][p][/p][p]AKS-74U - a compact variant of the AK-74[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Colt M635 - a 9mm variant of the CAR-15[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]M68 - a fragmentation grenade with an impact fuse[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h2]Upcoming AI improvements[/h2][p]
[/p][p]Finally some AI updates.  We’ve been adding to their possible weapons, tuning sight distances, reaction times, and of course fixing bugs.  One of the bigger changes coming in the next update is that they will be able to use flashlights. The flashlights will affect their vision at night. We’ll go into more detail about all of the changes in the patch notes when it releases. [/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Check back soon for the content release![/p][p] [/p][p]Thanks![/p][p]- Dan[/p][p]
[/p]