ASTRONEER News

Welcome to the Automation Update! This content update contains a full array of tools that work seamlessly with the existing game to give you an incredible amount of options to use custom logic to automate every part of your space bases and technology! This update also contains a ton of quality of life changes to modules, a balance and organization pass in the catalog, a new in-game event with rewards, and the rollout of Exo Outfitters!



Automation Items are now live in game. Automate every step of the crafting system, from the collection of mined resources to the production of the most advanced composites.

[h2]Auto Extractor:[/h2]

Auto Extractors can be used to gather resources automatically without deforming terrain and at a much higher efficiency. Place one on a resource node and it will gather 15x the resources from the same amount of raw resources when compared to gathering them manually with the terrain tool.

• Printed on: Large Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 2 Steel, 1 Tungsten Carbide, 1 Rubber
  
• Byte Cost: 7,500 Bytes
  

[h2]Auto Arms[/h2]

Auto Arms automatically transfer small items into open slots. These items are at the core of Automation, and can be used in a variety of ways to automate tasks that would previously require manual intervention. You can also set a filter to Auto Arms to make sure they look for a specific resource to make smarter automation pipelines and/or to sort resources!

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Aluminum, 1 Graphite
  
• Byte Cost: 1,500 Bytes
  

[h2]Medium and Large Resource Canisters[/h2]
Hold a large amount of a single resource. Medium and Large Storage containers act like a silo that can be used to consolidate one resource into it's reservoir. You can then grab resources from them for crafting or Automation tasks.
Medium Resource Canister

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Plastic, 1 Glass
  
• Byte Cost: 2,000 Bytes
  

Large Resource Canister

• Printed on: Medium Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Titanium, 1 Glass, 1 Nanocarbon Alloy
  
• Byte Cost: 5,000 Bytes.
  

[h2]Sensors and Repeaters:[/h2]

These items allow for the remote activation of items based on various conditions. You can then create logic that can be used to automate a variety of tasks. Use the Power Sensor to trigger a backup generator when wind power dies down. Use a storage sensor to activate crafting modules based on a specific Resource Container. Trigger a battery sensor to make sure you are being as efficient as possible with generators and renewable energy.

Power Sensor: Activates targeted items based on changes in available power

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc, 1 Copper
  
• Byte Cost: 500 Bytes
  

Storage Sensor: Activates targeted items based on changes in available storage

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc, 1 Quartz
  
• Byte Cost: 750 Bytes
  

Battery Sensor: Activates targeted items based on changes in battery charge

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc, 1 Graphite
  
• Byte Cost: 750 Bytes
  

Button Repeater: When activated, also activates any targeted items

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc
  
• Byte Cost: 300 Bytes
  

[h2]Exo Outfitters Store[/h2]


You can now purchase new suits and additional cosmetic items like hats, masks, visors, and palettes in the in-game store! The first bundle in store contains the new Frame Suit, as well as the Robot Dance and animated Happy Blue Visor!



[h3]Module Automation: Several modules have been revised to support continuous operation alongside the new automation items[/h3]

Chemistry Lab

• Can now be toggled on and will stay on until turned off.
  
• Sensors/Repeaters can toggle this module on and off.
  
• Will craft continuously while on and recipe is fulfilled.
  
• Changing recipes while on will turn the module off.
  
• Changed to only pull resources from a backpack when the module is turned on by a player, not when the control panel is opened.
  

Research Chamber

• Can now be toggled on and will stay on until turned off.
  
• Sensors/Repeaters can toggle this module on and off.
  
• This module will now research continuously when turned on and researchable items placed in the chamber.
  
• Losing power will not turn the module off; like the smelter, when power is restored it will continue to produce.
  
• Cancelling a research job will no longer destroy the item being researched. Its research progress will be saved and it can be removed and another item placed into the research chamber.
  

Atmospheric Condenser

• Can now be toggled on and will stay on until turned off.
  
• Sensors/Repeaters can toggle this module on and off.
  
• While on, It will pause until a current resource is pulled off (either by the player, auto arm, or connected storage), but then will continue without player intervention.
  

Smelting Furnace

• Will no longer eject completed nuggets to the ground, but will continue moving nuggets to connected storage.
  
• Will pause until its output slot is cleared.
  
• Sensors/Repeaters can toggle this module on and off.
  

Soil Centrifuge

• Sensors/Repeaters can trigger this module to start.
  

EXO Request Platform and Trade Platform

• Sensors/Repeaters can trigger this module to start.
  

Printers

• Sensors/Repeaters can trigger all printers to start.
  

Shredders

• Will no longer eject completed nuggets to the ground.
  
• Will pause until its output slot is cleared.
  

[h2]EXO Automated Mass Production Protocol LTE [/h2]
The Automatic Mass Production Protocol has been initiated! EXO Dynamics is proud to provide new and improved automation modules that will revolutionize your resource management.
Astroneers are asked to provide large amounts of resource nuggets in stages, with unique cosmetics and helpful items provided for their efforts. Points are only given for the stage you're currently on – cooperation is encouraged for efficiency!
Event Rewards

• “VR Vision” Mask - Rewarded for completing the Compound Stage
  
• “Gearhead” Hat - Rewarded for completing the Aluminum Stage
  
• “Metal Gear” Visor - Rewarded for completing the Aluminum Alloy Stage
  
• Useful incremental rewards along the way to jumpstart your automation play
  
• Randomized recurring rewards from Astronium at the end of the event
  

[h2]Catalog, Recipe, and Byte Cost Changes [/h2]
All pages of the Research Catalog have been adjusted to better organize their contained items.
Items Moved to Different Research Catalog Pages

• Power Extenders moved to Small Printer Page.
  
• Large Hoop Platform A moved to Large Printer Page.
  
• Large Hoop Platform B moved to Large Printer Page.
  
• Landing Pad moved to Large Printer Page.
  

Recipe Changes

• Medium T-Platform recipe changed to 2 Resin.
  
• Tall Platform recipe changed to 1 Ceramic.
  
• Large Storage Ring recipe changed to 1 Zinc, 2 Quartz.
  
• Large T-Platform recipe changed to 1 Resin, 2 Aluminum.
  
• Large Curved Platform recipe changed to 2 Ceramic, 1 Compound.
  
• Large Platform C recipe changed to 1 Resin, 1 Iron, 1 Ceramic.
  
• Large Hoop Platform A recipe changed to 1 Zinc, 2 Quartz.
  
• Large Hoop Platform B recipe changed to 2 Zinc, 1 Quartz.
  
• Extra Large Storage recipe changed to 2 Iron, 2 Ceramic.
  
• Extra Large Arch Platform recipe changed to 2 Zinc, 2 Quartz.
  
• Recreational Canopy recipe changed to 2 Zinc, 2 Quartz.
  
• Figurine Platform recipe changed to 4 Iron.
  
• Extra Large Platform C recipe changed to 2 Iron, 2 Resin.
  
• Extra Large Curved Platform recipe changed to 2 Ceramic, 2 Compound.
  

Byte Cost Changes

• Medium T-Platform unlock cost reduced to 400 Bytes.
  
• Tall Platform unlock cost reduced to 750 Bytes.
  
• Large Storage Ring unlock cost reduced to 500 Bytes.
  
• Large T-Platform unlock cost reduced to 1000 Bytes.
  
• Large Curved Platform unlock cost reduced to 1000 Bytes.
  
• Large Platform C unlock cost reduced to 2000 Bytes.
  
• Large Hoop Platform A unlock cost reduced to 750 Bytes.
  
• Large Hoop Platform B unlock cost reduced to 750 Bytes.
  
• Extra Large Arch Platform unlock cost reduced to 1000 Bytes.
  
• Recreational Canopy unlock cost reduced to 1000 Bytes.
  
• Figurine Platform unlock cost reduced to 3000 Bytes.
  
• Extra Large Platform C unlock cost reduced to 2000 Bytes.
  
• Extra Large Curved Platform unlock cost reduced to 2000 Bytes.
  

The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.13.121.0

Modules

• [AS-4403] - After reloading a Save, Packager can be used while it is attached to an item
  
• [AS-6195] - After reloading a save, power does not extend to additional platforms if there is not a surplus of power
  
• [AS-6355] - the Splitter now provides no power when the slider is set to 0.00
  
• [AS-6599] - Canceling research in the research chamber while it is not connected to power will now stop it from continuing to consume power
  
• [AS-6711] - B/m power meter on the Research Chamber remains present and accurate after reloading a save
  
• [AS-8788] - Packaging the platform holding an active module will no longer give the module infinite power
  
• [AS-8952] - If the Soil Centrifuge is running, its control panel no longer shows a Red X cancel button
  
• [AS-9195] - The Large Storage Ring should now only be listed in the Large Printer
  
• [AS-9748] - Game no longer crashes when User tries to research a T2 research object that was packaged while on the Research Chamber
  
• [AS-10762] - If a user has multiple soil canisters on their backpack and they add or flatten terrain, the canisters will now deplete individually
  
• [AS-10808] - Chemistry lab will no longer steal partial nuggets from the backpack printer if both are activated near the same time
  
• [AS-10926] - The output slot where the nugget gets built should now move inside the module when the Chem Lab is in use
  

Dedicated Server/Multiplayer

• [AS-6345] - Client is now able to see the estimated research time when placing an item in the Research Chamber
  
• [AS-9824] - When a user attempts to join a dedicated server through their friends list the submenu no longer shifts downward
  
• [AS-10898] - Dedicated Server platform warning can now be read in Russian, Japanese and French
  
• [AS-10965] - Servers saved as a favorite now automatically enter the password
  
• [AS-11085] - Game will no longer crash when reaching min/max FPS rate
  
• [AS-11032] - The UI in the pause menu now says “PLAYERS IN SESSION”
  
• [AS-11170] - Switching Xbox accounts while game is running should now show correct item ownership
  
• [AS-11100] - Servers cannot be de-registered without authentication
  
• [AS-10646] - Both Clients and Hosts should now see EXO request platform rockets on Steam
  
• [AS-10810] - Time to research in research chamber control panel will now be accurate
  
• [AS-10967] - Client is now able to dismiss the tutorial with the controller and return to gameplay
  
• [AS-11033] - User can interact with the request platform on preferred, achievement-enabled dedicated servers
  

LTE

• [AS-10667] - EXO Request Platforms from previous saved events should now have T2 slots
  

General miscellaneous

• [AS-10996] - Several emotes now show the correct preview on the correct suit in the customization menu
  
• [AS-11010] - The Control (PS4) Suit is now playing correct emote animations
  
• [AS-11039] - Laterite resource should now be appearing in the terrain on Crust layer of Calidor
  
• [AS-11094] - Lighting is no longer too dark too early at sundown, and staying dark too late at dawn
  
• [AS-11240] - Smelting Furnace now has audio effect when in use
  
• 
  

Thanks so much to everyone who has gone with us on the journey to ship Automation! It has been a long time coming but we are so excited to see what you all create with the new logic and technology. Please share all of your creations with us as you come up with them!

Cheers

-jt

The Automation Update finally has a date! All the new items announced in the last few weeks will be coming to Astroneer on June 24th! If you haven't been following our development streams, (follow us on twitch here) allow me to get you all caught up on what you missed:

The Automation Update will be a free update to Astroneer that contains a full array of tools that work seamlessly with the existing game to give you an incredible amount of options to use custom logic to automate every part of your space bases and technology! There are a bunch of new items and modules we have showed off in the last few weeks on our streams, and here's a recap of all of most of them!


Auto Arms are a brand new item being added that can move items between platforms, storage, and vehicles. These are at the core of Automation, and can be used in a variety of ways to automate tasks that would previously require manual intervention. You can also set a filter to Auto Arms to make sure they look for a specific resource to make smarter automation pipelines and/or to sort resources!


Auto Extractors can be used to gather resources automatically without deforming terrain and at a much higher efficiency. Place one on a resource node and it will gather 15x the resources from the same amount of raw resources when compared to gathering them manually with the terrain tool.


This update will feature Medium and Large Storage containers that can be used to consolidate one resource into it's reservoir. You can then grab single resources from them for crafting or Automation tasks.


These new objects will allow you to create logic that can be used to automate a variety of tasks. Use the Power Sensor to trigger a backup generator when wind power dies down. Use a storage sensor to activate crafting modules based on a specific Resource Container. Trigger a battery sensor to make sure you are being as efficient as possible with generators and renewable energy.


This new object passes an action that gets triggered on it to anything it is connected to. That means you can use a sensor to trigger an action, then pass that to multiple platforms, modules, or storages to make even more complex automation systems.

Along with lots of other new improvements, as well a new Suit that you can purchase in-game!



We can't to see all the new things that players create using these new tools. Thanks so much to everyone who sent us suggestions related to Automation up to this point, we think you all will be really happy with the suite of tools we are giving you to make massive automated space bases. See you on June 24th!

-jt

Dedicated servers are now live in Astroneer, and as an added bonus, all the performance upgrades we made to enable 8 players on servers means multiplayer on all platforms should be running significantly faster.





Creative Mode Drone



Players in Creative Mode now have access to Aero, the Camera Drone that enables ‘photo mode’! The Drone has a ‘free camera’ mode that allows the player to control and position a camera independently of the character. The player is able to prepare composed screenshots (both with filters and hidden UI). Use your Aero to show off creative mode work, create videos, or capture screenshots of your Astroneer shenanigans.
https://youtu.be/gSrz_-8-bSk
Using the Drone does not pause the game, and the player is able to freely toggle back and forth between Drone and character movement, while leaving the Drone’s view-port active. This can provide a steady perspective while working on large-scale sculptures, or a director's cam while your Astroneer performs on the grand stage.

Dedicated Servers

Dedicated Servers are now live in Astroneer! You can purchase them from our official server partner, Nitrado, (link to purchase) or host your own using these steps: (Astroneer host your own server instructions here) This also means that Astroneer now supports cross play (Xbox - Windows 10 - Steam) and up to 8 players when playing on official dedicated servers.

Some details about this dedicated servers in Astroneer:

• Nitrado servers are the only way to play on a server and still unlock cosmetics, unlock achievements and enable cross play.
  
• We are evaluating cross play for PS4 and hope to add that functionality at a later date.
  
• Host your own servers will receive all the same updates as the main game
  
• We will be offering support for host your own servers, but only related to gameplay issues. We cannot troubleshoot issues with local networks, firewalls, ports, hardware etc...
  
• We don't currently have a linux version of the dedicated server software
  
• 
  

Performance Optimizations

• Fixed bug that could cause performance to tank for clients in multiplayer games, especially on PS4.
  
• Heavily optimized animation and character movement updates to improve performance, especially in multiplayer games with high player counts.
  
• Various performance improvements to gameplay systems.
  
• Various stability fixes.
  

The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.12.95.0

We fixed over 150 bugs since our last update, including the following:

MULTIPLAYER:

• [AS-6000] - After the outro, station now reverts to the correct location and client is able to successfully travel to the station
  
• [AS-9362] - Client's loading bar will now reflect player’s loading progress correctly when joining an MP session
  
• [AS-7354] - Client and Host see same VFX when digging up hazards besides poppers
  
• [AS-7941] - Drill can now be detached from crane by either player in a multiplayer session
  
• [AS-8936] - Player cannot earn achievements in creative mode, even in a dedicated server session
  
• [AS-9479] - Client is able to use the Research Chamber while in a dedicated server session
  
• [AS-9635] - Client will no longer see a variety of items floating in the air when slotted while the client exits relevance
  
• [AS-10294] - Client performance over time should now stay at 30fps
  
• [AS-10782] - Users who install the Windows Update (KB4550945) can now save their game
  
• [AS-10205] - Terrain that was destroyed by dynamite at a far distance stays destroyed no matter the distance
  

For the last two weeks, the System Era team has been gathering every Friday to put on weekly Devstreams to give you all a peek into what content we are working on, and as of this week we can finally reveal that our next big feature will be adding Automation to Astroneer!



Normally we would be releasing vlog content on Youtube to give you a behind the scenes look at how we make things, but all of us have been working from home to stay safe. Instead we decided to do what we are calling QuaranDevStreams and diving into a different part of the work to get Automation ready for the big time each week.

If you want to watch the first two streams, you can check out the VOD's here:

STREAM 1: ART/ANIMATION

STREAM 2: DESIGN/FUNCTIONALITY

and I will share some of the highlights for those who missed them!


First up we talked to Verionica, our Lead Producer, to update our development road map for early Summer! There were two announcements:

[h2]Announcement 1: A new camera drone mode will be shipping in May![/h2] The camera drone will be for players of Creative Mode games, so they can take photos of themselves or of their creations in-game.



[h2]Announcement 2: Automation will be coming to Astroneer in June![/h2] Automation will include new items and modules that will aid Astroneers in creating production pipelines in their bases as well as offloading mundane tasks like sorting resources.

We then joined the art team to show off one of the new Automation items, as well as reveal a new suit! The Art team has been working hard to concept, model, and animate the assets needed for Automation, so we chatted with Gene (Animator) and Spencer (Art Director) to first see some animations, and then to watch Spencer model the new "Frame" Suit.







Stream two was focused primarily on how we handle game design at the studio. First up we had Andre, our Lead Designer, to talk us through the Automation feature and how his team worked through out the details for it. We were then joined by Anthony C. to talk about the early prototypes of the feature and how we got to the current version.





As you can see, Automation development in still in progress, but the team is making incredible progress so we can deliver an awesome new addition to the game in June. There was a lot more that we covered in the streams, so be sure to watch the VODs, but hope this little recap was helpful for those who couldn't!

Next stream will be this Friday, so be sure to follow us on twitch to get notified when we go live!

Cheers!

-jt

EXO Salvage Initiative LTE
Players have been requested to assist EXO in cleaning up all the debris items that are littered around the planets for permanent cosmetic rewards and in-game goodies.

Of particular interest are any large cargo containers that have gone missing from EXO's manifests – return these for major points! Rumor has it that these fell only on a few planets, but have caused a delightful atmospheric effect…

This event introduces secondary rewards that are delivered to players via a return rocket at the EXO Request Platform.
Event Rewards

• “Turret-a-porter” Mask - Rewarded after achieving 1500 recovery points
  
• “4ML A-TYRE” Hat - Rewarded after achieving 5000 recovery points
  
• “Salvage Chic” Palette - Rewarded after achieving 8000 recovery points
  
• Useful incremental and recurring rewards along the way!
  

Destructive debris generation & resource collection

• Players are now able to destroy T4 or “massive” debris objects found in the world using Dynamite. Larger debris objects will be reduced to a collection of generic new smaller tier scrap components.
  
• Destroying T2 and T3 objects with dynamite also creates a collection of smaller size scrap components.
  
• Dynamite can now be used to collect resource nuggets from resource deposits.
  

The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.11.61.0

Dynamite:

• [AS-3675] - Hazard plants no longer remain floating when detonating dynamite near them
  
• [AS-4855] - Grass decorators no longer remain floating when detonating terrain
  
• [AS-4980] - Resources no longer remain floating when destroying terrain with dynamite.
  
• [AS-9055] - Decorators on non-Terran planets with T1 or T2 research objects attached to them no longer float when they are dug up using dynamite.
  
• [AS-9718] - Player should no longer blow up their own terrain tool
  
• [AS-9868] - Dynamite | T1 items can no longer be destroyed by dynamite if placed directly on top of them
  
• [AS-10372] - Rover Seat, Large Rover Seat, and Crane can be destroyed with dynamite
  
• [AS-10511] - EXO Research Aids base now generates debris when blown up
  

Multiplayer:

• [AS-8286] - The game no longer severely hitches when the host uses the trade platform for the first time in a session
  

General:

• [AS-8094] - Color palette names are now consistent in Spanish
  
• [AS-9050] - Standard cursor is no longer overlapped by a bigger cursor that is delayed
  
• [AS-9465] - German and Dutch now use "STARTEN" on Exo Request Platform control panel
  
• [AS-9566] - Slotting behavior of items is now consistent when placing them with the cursor
  
• [AS-9933] - Single Tethers, Extenders and Glowsticks can be shredded
  
• [AS-9939] - Power will no longer be drained by EXO Research Aids and debris POIs when power cell is depleted
  
• [AS-10402] - Drills and Pavers no longer enter a bad state when a second drill or paver is packaged on the same AUX slot of an XL Rover