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Update #236: Secrets Unbound


Update #236 takes the new features of CATALYST and injects them straight into the mission system with uncompromisingly awesome results. We've added an entirely new class of mission -- freeform gathering of Scientific or espionage Intel -- along with a new mission giver type to help Contacts like Court Scientist focus on an even more sciencey agenda than before. On top of the major burst of mission activity, Update #236 rounds out Scientific Intel missions with a new Doctor rank 8 and 11 Talent and a new Engineering rank 8 Talent as well.

With CATALYST full released and through its early patch cycle, we are now turning our attention back to the dev roadmap. First to fall will be -- as indicated by this update -- the +100% Missions. Now that Intel and Scientific Intel missions are in, next up will be Salvage Missions to strike the item from the list. Then, onwards to Weapons, Armor and Gear!


If word hasn't trickled down from the tippity top of the dome, seeped through the cracked concrete down to your safehouse, we've got news for you about our upcoming turn-based cyberpunk RPG. Cyber Knights: Flashpoint will be coming to Steam in 2021 and mixes elements of stealth, hacking and tactical combat with deep RPG elements and base building. You'll want to Wishlist this puppy today because -- that's right, you can get cyberdog and cybercat companions. If you didn't know, now you know.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1021210/Cyber_Knights_Flashpoint/


[h2]New Mission Frontier[/h2]
Update #236 opens up an entirely new frontier for self-directed Missions in Spying, Exploring and Salvaging. The addition of Missions that require you gather Intel and Scientific Intel from specific sources bring a new type of challenge to these operations. A captain who excels at direct Spying missions will want a certain set of Talents to seek out and obtain the golden Mission card, while a captain who excels at Intel gathering missions will need a different set of Talents -- to flip for Intel or Scientific Intel -- along with reward Talents that increase Intel gather and a ship that can further boost those rewards.

Intel gathering missions come in a few forms including -- gathering Scientific Intel, gathering generic Intel (any faction or conflict), gathering faction specific Intel (single faction, any conflict) or the most expensive and difficult to obtain, Conflict Intel (one specific Conflict). Often these missions have a follow up set of steps that draw you deeper into your Contact's purpose and scheme.

These new missions also open up a new way to use Intel. Where before Intel was always a lower credit reward for higher Reputation and Influence, if you chose to sell your Intel into these Missions you now make Mission money (much higher!) and Mission Rep and Influence changes (when compared to selling Intel directly much lower).

We can't wait to see these play out in the game and hear your new stories, captains. As mentioned above, more Mission types are coming!


[h2]Science Mission Giver[/h2]
We've also added a 16th mission giver type, that of Science Missions. Previously, these Contacts gave Explorer Missions. Science Missions is a derivative of Explorer Missions with a higher weighting on Scientific Intel missions and these Contacts are less likely to engage in Smuggling and other underhanded acts.

[h2]Doctor and Engineer[/h2]
Both Doctor and Engineer gained new Talents with Update #236, two of which help round out the availability of Scientific Intel Talents. The Doctor can now replace a risk card in Exploring with a Scientific Intel reward card at rank 11 and the Engineer can help boost the price of all Scientific Intel sold to Contacts.

Finally, to ensure the Doctor's position commands the proper respect aboard a starship, they have gained a rank 8 Talent to save Command Skill rolls.

[h2]v3.0.119 - 10/21/2020[/h2]
- Added new type of self-directed Missions -- gather Scientific, generic, Faction or Conflict-specific Intel
- New way to convert your Intel gathering abilities into high credit rewards with lower Rep and Influence gains (mission money, mission rep)
- Added 4 new types of Scientific Intel focused missions with unique follow-ups and conditions
- Added 6 new types of Intel focused missions with unique follow-ups and conditions
- Created new Mission Giver type for Contacts who "Offer Scientific Missions" to find Scientific Intel, Explore and Salvage
- Improved Intel creation details for Intel created by Boarding Talents, properly linking to origin system
- Added 2 new Talents for Doctors -- "Professional Respect" Command saving Talent at rank 8, and "Sawbones Seeker" replaces Exploring risk card with Scientific Intel
- Added new rank 8 Engineer Talent "Contemplative View" increases the price of all Scientific Intel sold to Contacts by 30% + Electronics
- Fixed issues with Field Distortion Log Entries during Radiation Storms
- Fixed issues with Talents not triggering during planetary Ion Storms

Update #235: Catalyst Unbound and 45% off sale to celebrate


Update #235 is the third update this week of the 45% off sale to continue to drive features and improvements for the new Scientist profession and Job released in the Major Milestone CATALYST. There has rarely been a better time to step on to the bridge of a ship and explore the void with this new systems, playstyle and job now available. If you haven't seen CATALYST and the addition of Scientific Intel to the game as a new play style, be sure to check it out below. With Update #235, we've added a new Javat-only flagship carrier, improved the Talent Manifest for all Science Talents and completed some important rebalancing and expansion of the prisoner and passenger component types.


And if you haven't seen it, we're excited to be sharing our upcoming turn-based tactical RPG, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint which will be coming to Steam in 2021. Mixing elements of stealth, hacking and tactical combat with deep RPG elements and base building, you'll want to Wishlist today if you haven't already. If you didn't know, now you know.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1021210


[h2]Javat Launches the Mortifor Carrier[/h2]
The Mortifor Carrier embodies exactly what you'd expect from a Javat flagship. Weighing in at 8000 Mass, the Mortifor boasts best-in-class starting Armor and very strong starting Shielding. Packing 42 crew and 7 officers it also allows for 5 max craft, running neck and neck with the Skylift and Harbinger Carriers. Where the Mortifor shines like no other 8000 Mass ship is in its 15 small slots (!!!), 8 medium and 6 large slot component layout. Coming off the starport line with a Traveler Engine and 3 hangars for craft, the Mortifor is ready to engage at a starting price of $2.4m.


[h2]Scavenger Returns![/h2]
The last update, Update #234, accidentally bopped Scavenger off the profession list. Scavenger is back with Update #235 and Scientist has stayed so all is now right in the void. For just a minute. Before the next xeno attack. Enjoy it :D


[h2]Talent Manifest[/h2]
We've caught up with the Talent Manifest after the round of new Talents being released by adding the Scientist's selling of Scientific Intel as well as the Explorer and Salvage Talents that add Scientific Intel cards.


[h2]Passenger Cabins, Prison Cells and Wards[/h2]
With Update #235, we've expanded into a progression for passenger cabins, prison cells and wards. we've added 4 new component options for higher price tag that allow you to upgrade your standard small slot cells and cabins. You can bulk up to include either Armor with the Reinforced Passenger Cabin or Shields with the Shielded Passenger Cabin and the same options are available for small slot Prison Cells.

In addition, we've pushed the Interrogation Ward to be a second tier component by creating a lesser large slot Prison Ward which holds 4 prisoners and offers +5% Shielding. Interrogation Ward -- which creates valuable Intel -- is now a second level large slot component that holds 4 prisoners and costs a bit more to install.

Finally, to ensure the balance stays correct across these critical mission components, we've pushed the jump cost for all of the large slot components higher.

[h2]v3.0.117 - 10/17/2020[/h2]
- New Javat-only Ship: Mortifor Carrier (8000M Heavy Carrier)
- Fixes issues with Scavenger profession
- Improved Talent Manifest: Added Science Intel Cards, Scientific Record Sales
- New Components: Reinforced Passenger Cabin, Reinforced Prison Cell, Shielded Passenger Cabin, Shielded Prison Cell
- New Component: Prison Ward is the starter large slot prison component, holds 4 prisoners and does not create intel
- Improved large slot Interrogation Ward to hold 4 Prisoners and doubled price to install
- Large slot prisons and passenger suites increase jump fuel cost
- Fixed formatting on some Explorer & Salvage Cards

Update #234: Scientist Profession and 45% off sale to celebrate


Update #234 is a follow on update to the Major Milestone CATALYST that further expands the new systems, playstyle and jobs available there. If you haven't seen CATALYST and the addition of Scientific Intel to the game as a new play style, be sure to check it out below. With Update #234, we've added a new captain profession (SCIENCE!), a new rank 15 Exo-Scout Talent and 2 new Contact types.

And if you haven't seen it, we're excited to be sharing our upcoming turn-based tactical RPG, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint which will be coming to Steam in 2021. Mixing elements of stealth, hacking and tactical combat with deep RPG elements and base building, you'll want to Wishlist today if you haven't already. If you didn't know, now you know.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1021210/Cyber_Knights_Flashpoint/


[h2]Scientist Profession[/h2]
Update #234 adds the Scientist as a full blown starting profession you can add to your new captain templates. With two powerful unique traits -- Theoretical and Cerebral Seeker -- the Scientist captain excels at a strategic mix of Exploring, Salvaging and xeno hunting to reap Scientific Intel at every turn. Great for multi-Jobbing with Explorer, Doctor, Scavenger and more, the Scientist captain rounds out the new and exciting angles of play here.


[h2]New Contacts[/h2]
A new starting Contact -- the Court Scientist -- and a Contact created only by the simulation -- the Academy Consul -- are both interested in buying Scientific Intel and recruiting Scientists along with offering a mix of other exciting services like Trait-driven Black Market access, a mix of Permit, Rank and Edict as well as Introductions, gear and more. Keep an eye out for these new players and consider the Court Scientist when setting up your new Scientist captain templates.

[h2]Exo-Scout Rank 15[/h2]
Exo-Scouts gain new rank 15 Talent, Earned Revelations that replace risk card with Scientific Intel reward cards. Only the most veteran and highly capable exo-scouts have the chops to record valuable Intel from their exploration missions but those who can stand to make a killing among their network of contacts.

[h2]v3.0.115 - 10/14/2020[/h2]
- Scientist is now available as a Captain profession with 2 unique captain traits, Theoretician and Cerebral Seeker
- Added new starting Contact type, Court Scientist who purchase Scientific Intel and recruts Scientist
- Added new proc-gen Contact type, Academy Consul who purchase Scientific Intel and recruts Scientist
- Exo-Scouts gain new rank 15 Talent, Earned Revelations that replace risk card with Scientific Intel reward cards
- Fixed issue with Repair/Explorer skill in new game templates
- Fixed reported crashes

Major Milestone "CATALYST" and 45% off sale to celebrate

Last edited 10/13/2020 @ 2 PM EST - we've released patch 3.0.113, see release notes at the bottom

With Update #232 we're hitting another major milestone, dubbed SCIENCE with huge raft of new content, a new playstyle to chase and a 12% raise to the maximum level cap.

Major Milestone CATALYST introduces the Scientist who can fill the iconic position aboard your starship as your Science Officer or perhaps your xenobiologist or part time xeno hunter. Your Scientist eagerly seeks the unknown -- and in the void the unknown is inexorably intertwined with the dangerous. Along with the Scientist comes an entirely new type of Scientific Intel that can be gathered when encounter xeno, exploring, salvaging or traveling space under terribly conditions such as Radiation Storms.

This Milestone also raises the level cap from 40 to 45 and all jobs have had their max level expanded from 32 to 36. This is a major new infusion of Skill points for everyone and up to 2 new Talents for both Captain and Officers.

And if you haven't seen it, we're excited to be sharing our upcoming turn-based tactical RPG, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint which will be coming to Steam in 2021. Mixing elements of stealth, hacking and tactical combat with deep RPG elements and base building, you'll want to Wishlist today if you haven't already. If you didn't know, now you know.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1021210/Cyber_Knights_Flashpoint/

To keep up with all the latest news, sales, gameplay vids, guides & tips from the forums & discord, streams, memes, and more, follow us on the Star Traders' twitter account: https://twitter.com/StarTradersGame


[h2]Scientist Job and Scientific Intel[/h2]
Major Milestone CATALYST comes with a new Job, but not just any new Job -- the highest community requested, the venerable and respected Scientist or Science Officer, if you chose to promote. The Scientist is a powerful supporting character bringing Doctor, Explorer and Command Skills to the ship. From a Talent perspective, the Scientist can play in both Orbital Salvage and Explorer, knocking out and replacing risk cards or boosting results.

But where the Scientist truly shines is in the discovery and capture of a new type of data -- Scientific Intel. Startling observations, dangerous new concepts, recorded anomalies, encounters with the other can all produce Scientific Intel when cast through the lens of a trained eyed -- the eye of the Scientist. The Scientists Talents and 5 new cards added across Salvage and Explorer can impart this valuable and dangerous knowledge in the form of Scientific Intel.

Like espionage-based Intel, this Scientific Intel is highly prized by Contacts and 14 Contacts will now buy Scientific Intel, including 5 of the Starting Contacts. Mostly, these are a Contacts who did not previously buy Intel and now have a new angle through which you can increase their Influence and Rep, but a few are swap overs from Intel to Scientific Intel. The new rules and system have also touched on a huge number of Contact Traits that will recruit Scientists or prefer to purchase Scientific Intel if possible or will pay heavily (Cult Leaders!) for the secrets, often farmed directly from xeno encounters.

Scientists can be promoted or recruited during Academy Graduations or from Sage of Records, Medical Provost and Xenologist Contact Types.


[h2]New Level Cap 45[/h2]
For those veteran captains still sailing the void after 70 years and reaching the level cap of 40, we've made a major lift with CATALYST to open the gates all the way to 45. This also includes a big uptick in maximum job level from 32 to 36. The job levels are especially exciting as they come with a solid chunk of Skill points which we've used creatively to fill gaps, catch up certain off skills, or double down on the primary skill. On top of the extra Skill points, the Captain and Officers both net a total of 2 Talents, giving you even more powerful build options.


[h2]Zenrin-only Vark Carrier[/h2]
The Vark Carrier is a technical marvel and the heaviest 6000-class hull architecture ever devised. While the exact details of the design are a tightly-held Zenrin secret, the build borrows heavily from the expertise of Zenrin's friends among the Star Trader Houses and Clans. While the Vark is heavily shielded and armored, the massive hull is built around the Traveler Void Engine, rather than the Dual-Field popular on large warships, strictly for speed. Zenrin Captains, and the fearless aces of small craft combat stand ready to face any Xeno threat, no matter how distant. Among the 6000-class ships, the Vark Carrier is the only one capable of docking 5 craft.


[h2]And More[/h2]
We've also updated the rules for the Spice Festival Rumor to further reduce Trade Law, now applying a massive -4 over the previously -2.

And, for those Spies selling traditional Intel, we've bumped up the price of Conflict Intel to which the Contact is directly related by more than 50%.

We've also fixed the Armor/Shield stats on Performance Hyperwarp Drives and rebalanced the prices of both Neutiquam Cruiser and resolved its issue of having 8/7 Officer Cabins.

[h2]v3.0.111 - 10/12/2020[/h2]
- Increased max level cap to 45 for all Captain, Officer and Crew -- new Job and Talents points!
- Increased max level of all Jobs from 32 to 36 -- more Skill points!
- Added new Zenrin-only ship, the mighty Vark Carrier (6000M Zenrin, heavy attack Carrier)
- All new Scientist Job seeks the unknown in the void to gain Scientific Intel and bonus Experience
- All new type of Scientific Intel can be gathered through ops and Talents and sold to interested Contacts
- 14 Contacts including 5 starting Contacts now buy Scientific Intel
- Added 3 new Orbital Salvage cards and 2 new Explorer cards with Scientific Intel rewards
- Scientists can be recruited from Sage of Records, Medical Provost and Xenologist
- Added new Contact Trait Technologist, increases price for Scientific Data and recruits Scientists
- Contacts with Tinkerer, Techno Addict, Heritage Hunter, Xeno Obsessed, Cult Leader, Collector and Researcher all buy Scientific Intel at better prices
- Contact Trait Researcher will enable buying Scientific Intel if the Contact doesn't already buy Intel
- Scientist is recruitable during Academy Graduation Rumors and in any Spice Hall in the Jyeeta Brood quadrant
- Spice Festival Rumor now reduces Trade Law by -4 instead of -2
- Increased the sale price of Conflict Intel when the Contact's faction is involved in the Conflict
- Fixed issue with Neutiquam Cruiser having 8 officer cabins
- Fixed issue with Performance Hyperwarp Drives having too much armor/shield
- Increased price of Neutiquam Cruiser by $500K
- Increased price of Extremis Carrier by $425K

[h2]v3.0.113 - 10/13/2020[/h2]
- Increased chances of Scientific Intel Cards appearing during Explorer & Salvage
- Scientific Intel now appears more often during Xeno Fleets, Jyeeta Incursions and Radiation Storms
- Reputation gains from selling Scientific Intel buffed by 12%
- Fixed issue with all Diplomat Talents requiring incorrect Job Rank

Update #231: Precision Unleashed


Update #231 continues to deliver on exciting new ship and component expansions, bringing new options and new meta to the table. With this update, we've included 2 new end-game faction ships and 12 new components that all make use of the completely new ship effect types (Engine Safety, Jump Time reduction, Craft Boost) released in Update #230. We're excited to announce as well that this update completes two of our content milestones on the publicly posted dev roadmap -- moving us closer and closer to completing it entirely!

We've also made a big rule change for Scavenger captains (Repair in new game templates!), improved the Defense Pattern Matrix 4 and fixed some issues with how the AI was trying to build out a set of big end-game ships.

If you enjoy the stream of updates, free content and general game support please remember to leave a review and tell a friend!


[h2]Roadmap Content Milestones[/h2]
With Update #231 we have closed two of the major content milestones we have been tracking to since the game's release in August 2018. With the addition of the Neutiquam Cruiser and Tempus Freighter we have completed a long march to triple the size of the ship catalog across Mass spectrum. And with the blast of 5 new components in the last update and 12 new components in this update, we have hit our goal to double the size of the ship component catalog, massively expanding the ways in which different captain professions can specialize their individual ship and hit the metrics they feel are necessary to safely sail the void.

Of course, hitting the milestone goal doesn't mean we won't be adding more :D
https://steamcommunity.com/games/335620/announcements/detail/1696055855739611821

[h2]Faction Flagships[/h2]
The Tempus Freighter is a contender for the crown of most advanced large-capacity and long-haul cargo ship. Produced exclusively by the De Valtos syndicate, the Tempus Freighter carries an exceptional fuel and cargo load while still maintaining heavy armor and shield. The merchants of De Valtos value their sprawling cargo holds but know that the best cargo delivery is one that is made safely. While formidable without any upgrades, a fully built Tempus Freighter delivers top-tier cargo storage and unparalleled combat survivability. Boasting 11 medium and 8 large slots and a trailing 9 small slots, the Tempus has the capacity for another $5M-$6M in upgrades to create the ultimate merchant-warriors freighter or anything in between.

The Neutiquam Cruiser is a compact, heavily armored ship that soaks damage like a much larger hull. Built for boarding combat, attack shuttles and anti-carrier duty the Neutiquam Cruiser is difficult to hit and harder to kill. Sold for under $2.5M at Steel Song starports, this military vessel can be reasonably effective without upgrades, it truly shines after an overhaul and new weapons package. Boasting 11 small, 9 medium and 5 large slots, this Cruiser could soak up additional millions to be fully upgraded as a legendary Bounty Hunter's personal flagship or the death barge of a roaming Steel Song assassin.


[h2]Scavenger Retrofit[/h2]
A big thanks to the community from bringing this up and discussing it -- how to best build a Scavenger captain. To assist with this, we've made one of the recommended changes which is to add Repair to the list of Skills that a captain can increase in their character creation template. Enjoy those extra bonuses in Talents and Orbital Salvage!

The second change will come with the addition of Orbital Salvage missions, which require mission cards which will adjust their starting Traits. But that is for another day, another update!


[h2]12 New Components[/h2]
Update #230 was not shy about adding new components and #231 cranks it up another level with a full set of 12.

First, we've added a fourth tier of the Water-Fuel Reclamation systems, once again Javat-only. This component adds less fuel than the WFR 3 but trades that for a +1 Engine Safety bonus. For those ships looking to travel safer, farther, this is a worth consideration.

Carriers have long had a gap in their ability to build out a heavily focused set of components to empower their activities. You needed to install launch bays and hangars, but the rest of the build was in your crew and Talents. With Update #230, we began addressing that with a carrier-focused bridge and two new powerful launch bays but Update #231 kicks open the door to ultra carrier builds with the addition of Joint Precision Launch Systems 1-3 which each add craft boost bonuses to any and all launched craft. These bonuses stack, adding to Craft Damage, Hit % and Boarding rolls and so now a carrier has a whole new option for how to invest their small slots. Every carrier build needs some, how many will you install?

Some Star Traders aim to travel far but others aim to travel *fast*. For those speed demons of the void, we've released a series of new Performance Hyperwarp Drives that all reduce the time taken in making hyperwarp jumps from 25% for the lowest mass drives to 12% for the highest mass drives. These drives trade higher fuel burn for their speed but over the longhaul, they'll help you scoot across the galaxy -- and especially large maps -- much more efficiently.


[h2]Cyber Knights: Flashpoint[/h2]
While we are hard at work supporting the Star Traders: Frontiers roadmap, we've been developing our next game for going on 2 years now! If you like our style of endless updates, new features and content, wishlist it today! Cyber Knights is a tactical RPG that plunges you and your team of hackers, mercs and thieves into the neon-soaked future of 2231. Hire the right team under the crumbling New Boston Zone and mix stealth, hacking and combat skills to claw your way to the top of the criminal heap.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1021210/Cyber_Knights_Flashpoint/

[h2]v3.0.109 - 10/7/2020[/h2]
- New captain templates can now include Repair Skill bonuses for jobs like Scavenger
- New Ship: Neutiquam Cruiser (Steel Song, 6000M Attack Cruiser)
- New Ship: Tempus Freighter (De Valtos, 8000M Long Range Hauler)
- Added 8 new Performance Hyperwarp Drives that reduce jump time by 12% to 25% based on ship mass in trade for higher fuel costs
- Added 3 new Joint Precision Launch System components to provide craft boost for carriers in small slot - stack for ultra carrier
- Added new Javat-only Water-Fuel Reclamation 4 component in medium slot with +1 Engine Safety but lower fuel bonus
- Defense Pattern Matrix 4 rebalanced to grant 6% defense instead of 5%
- Fixed AI issues with: Reach Carrier, Azurite Cruiser, Larimar Battlecruiser