Devlog #4: Rusty, Quests, and Drones

Welcome to the fourth chapter of our devlog series! This month, we’ve focused on refining systems, expanding gameplay features, and adding exciting new tools to your future Martian colony. While AGRONOM is still in development, we’re thrilled to share a glimpse of the improvements we’ve been working on.

Your continued support through wishlisting and feedback means the world to us! 🧡

[h2]Visuals[/h2]
We’re continuing to push the boundaries of visual design and are thrilled to share this month’s updates with you! Our team has been refining models introduced earlier and creating exciting new concepts and 3D models.

[h3]Rusty’s Updated Concept[/h3]
Meet the robot farmer you’ll play as in AGRONOM! Rusty now has legs instead of wheels, plus more functional arms and body. Rusty's model is already in production, so we're excited to share a render of the main character soon too! What do you think of the new design?



[h3]Robot Models and Animations[/h3]
We’re excited to reveal the 3D renders of our assistant and loader robots, as well as their first animations. The assistant demonstrates its manipulator extension, while the loader showcases the folding and unfolding of its crane. These models are still in progress, with more details coming in future iterations.



[h3]Cargo Platform and Drone[/h3]
We teased its concept in the previous devlog, and now we’re ready to share the 3D model. The platform evolves through four stages, starting with a basic platform and expanding with up to three compartments for larger shipments. Check out the GIF and renders. You can see the texture map behind the model renders, more on that below.



[h3]Resource Packages[/h3]
These serve as the physical representations of all dense and liquid materials in the game. From water and ores to ready-made meals, they’re how resources are transported in AGRONOM. Below, you’ll see a concept that highlights the differences between containers for solid and liquid materials. The final reference has evolved, along with the 3D model. Take a look at both the concept and the final render!



[h3]New Garden Bed[/h3]
A new garden bed design is ready for its greenhouse! With enhanced dimensions and an updated look, it’s perfect for growing your Martian crops.



[h3]Dirty Details[/h3]
To create an authentic Martian sand dust mud, we studied a lot of photos and videos from the Curiosity rover, watching how dirty it gets. And then we worked out a pattern by which we add sand to all the buildings and robots. Look at the dirty robot and the comparison of a clean and dusty furnance!



[h3]Optimized Textures[/h3]
To ensure smooth performance, we use temporary color codes to simplify texturing processes before applying the final textures.



[h3]Solar Panel Concept[/h3]
While not drastically different from earlier designs, the updated concept fits better with AGRONOM’s overall style and setting.



[h3]Environment[/h3]
In addition to modeling detailed areas like the iconic archway, we’re optimizing the map for high-quality textures and smooth performance. So that as many of you as possible can play our game and with maximum high quality textures.



[h2]Gameplay[/h2]

[h3]Crafting and Automation[/h3]
Last month, we made significant updates to the mechanics of automation, and this month we focused on improving the player experience through thorough testing. While testing, we identified collisions between robot workflows and crafting machines. To address this, we updated the crafting machine logic to allow robots to seamlessly execute long-term plans. However, we also noticed that robots sometimes interfered with manual crafting. To resolve this, crafting machines now work more intuitively:

• Recipes are added to the plan only when required for automation.
  
• Machines in manual use temporarily ignore robot interactions, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay.
  

[h3]Quest System Enhancements[/h3]
The quest system, first introduced in our technical demo, is growing into a richer experience. We’ve added an introductory quest chain designed to guide you through the basics of Martian farming. New mechanics like quest markers make it easier to track objectives without getting lost.

Standard disclaimer about game screenshots: Screens are not a representation of the final result. The map, 3D models, quests, and interface may change during development 💅



[h3]New Resource: Concrete[/h3]
Say hello to Concrete, your new go-to resource for advanced construction and upgrades. Unlockable through the "Learning Electricity" quest, Concrete adds a fresh dimension to your colony-building strategies.

[h3]Energy Network Simplification[/h3]
Energy management has been streamlined — no more “charging mode”! Your power networks now operate continuously as long as a generator or battery is connected, ensuring smoother gameplay.



[h2]Story[/h2]
Our narrative design has reached new heights this month, expanding the world of AGRONOM with interconnected stories and engaging characters.

You’ll begin your journey by landing on Mars and constructing a Cargo Platform, your lifeline to Uncle Makar — your creator, who remains in Mars’ orbit — and a host of other characters, including your neighbors on the Martian homestead.

We’ve crafted quests that are not just side activities but integral to the game’s heart. Parallel quest lines let you interact with characters and get to know them better. Forming a Martian farming community allows you to get unique schemes that only certain characters can share. The story embodies the cooperative spirit of rural life, where neighbors help one another, solve problems together, and celebrate shared successes.

Take a look at our quest relationship map, which shows how quests interconnect, creating a dynamic and evolving narrative experience.



[h2]Coming Soon 😏[/h2]
Here’s what’s next for AGRONOM:

• Creating animations for robots, including actions, idle states, and interactions.
  
• Designing concepts for remaining structures, detailing robots, buildings, and greenhouses, and developing compartments and interior finishes for greenhouses.
  
• Integrating and fine-tuning most of the updated and new models on the new map.
  
• Starting work on sound effects and music with a professional studio, with plans to integrate the first part next month!

We’d love to hear from you! Tell us what you think about the new updates and features. Drop your thoughts in the comments or join us on Discord. Your feedback helps shape AGRONOM into the best game it can be! 😊

Stay resourceful, stay inventive, and keep dreaming of Mars! 🚜✨

Wishlist now!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2893250/AGRONOM/

With love,
The AGRONOM Team 🧡