[p]A brand-new playable quarter is available, inviting you back into Species: Unknown to explore, survive, and face new challenges. This update marks a step in the evolution of the game, with a fresh environment designed to renew the experience for both returning players and first-time explorers.[/p][h2]
The Lab is the main focus of this update[/h2][p]This new area brings together elements that players have appreciated in previous zones (environmental hazards, various atmospheres…), while introducing a different area to explore. It represents the largest part of the Lab Update and is the result of several weeks (or months) of focused work by the team. As with the rest of the game, we’ve chosen to keep some aspects intentionally undisclosed, to let players discover the area at their own pace.[/p][p]This release represents another step in the evolution of Species: Unknown. We’re continuing to iterate on the experience based on what we learn from players, while gradually expanding the game over time.[/p][p][/p][p]
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[/p][p]We’ll be back next week with a dedicated article covering the work already underway and what’s planned for the next steps.[/p][h2]
The Lab is intended as a space for exploration[/h2][p]The new area is designed to be approached progressively, with situations that may vary depending on players’ choices and group dynamics. As with other zones, discovery plays an important role, and we’ve aimed to leave room for players to form their own impressions during their first sessions.[/p][p]For content creators, this phase of live discovery can naturally lead to strong moments and engaging sequences to share. We’ll be joining your streams tonight with a lot of excitement to see how you react.[/p][p]If some of you would like to share your best moments on the studio’s Discord server, we’d be happy to share them as well![/p][h2]
This update also includes a set of optimizations and bug fixes.[/h2][p]Several improvements have been made to overall stability and performance, along with fixes addressing issues identified by the community. As always, this work is ongoing and guided by player feedback, with the goal of improving the experience over time.[/p][h3]Changed[/h3]
- [p]Eaten face or hole in forehead now visible on skeletons[/p]
- [p]Discovery mission now always directed to crew quarters[/p]
- [p]Panic room now opens if power is cut off[/p]
[h3]Removed[/h3]
- [p]Removed winter party decorations in lobby[/p]
- [p]\[Supporter DLC] Removed winter party hat on plushie[/p]
[h3]Balancing[/h3]
- [p]General economy balancing[/p]
[h3]Fixed[/h3]
- [p]Fixed ID_008 shouldn’t enter berserk mode in easy and normal difficulty[/p]
- [p]Fixed fleeing specimens should not be attracted by canister explosion[/p]
- [p]Category 3 weapons are less likely to get stuck in the ground[/p]
[h2]
A note on proximity chat and ongoing technical work[/h2][p]We know that proximity chat is a feature many players are looking forward to. It’s something we actively want to bring to the game, but we weren’t able to finalize it alongside the Lab Update. The feature is technically complex and has a direct impact on game design, which means it needs time to be done properly.[/p][p]In parallel, a significant part of our recent work has focused on less visible improvements, such as migrating the project to Unreal Engine 5.7 to better support the quality of upcoming updates, and strengthening protections against multiplayer issues related to EOS that many games currently face. These foundations are important to ensure a more stable and scalable experience moving forward.[/p][h2]
We invite you to explore the Lab and share your impressions[/h2][p]Whether you’re returning to the game or discovering it for the first time, your feedback is valuable to us. Feel free to share your thoughts on the new area and your first experiences in the comments below.[/p][h2]
If you’re enjoying the experience, leaving a review helps a lot[/h2][p]Player reviews are an important way to support the project and help others better understand the game. If the Lab Update left you with a positive impression, we appreciate you taking the time to share it on the Steam page.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]
A small humorous anecdote[/h3][p]while some teams celebrate birthdays or new arrivals during game development, we had the chance to celebrate our very first break-in. Our studio was broken into overnight and some equipment was stolen (including some laptops, a VR headset, and, somewhat unexpectedly, a bag of Skittles candy). While this didn’t impact the delivery of the update, it was one of those very real, everyday moments that remind us that game development is also about a team navigating unforeseen situations together.[/p][p]We wanted to share this simply as a small behind-the-scenes anecdote, and to thank everyone on the team for staying focused and committed throughout the process. Unfortunately, the burglar didn’t leave a positive review on Steam, but we’re still hopeful.[/p][h2]
Thank you for your continued support[/h2][p]We hope you enjoy exploring the Lab, and we’ll continue working on improving and expanding Species: Unknown over time.[/p][p]We would especially like to thank the players who actively contribute to improving the game. On Discord, the studio’s Ambassadors and Specialists who warmly welcome new players, as well as everyone who leaves encouraging reviews on Steam, shares feedback on Discord or Reddit, or creates
hilarious videos to watch on YouTube.[/p][p]
You are now more than 200,000 players to have explored the HSS Hawking in just three months of Early Access, and your 94% positive reviews are a very important source of motivation for the months of development ahead.[/p][p]
The small team working on this project is truly grateful and continues pushing forward. See you soon.[/p]