Demo Update: Version 0.9

[h2]New Victory Conditions System[/h2][p]Version 0.9 introduces a brand-new way to win the game. Instead of passively accumulating points over time, you now earn victory points by fulfilling victory conditions:[/p]

• [p]The victory conditions require you to posses a certain number of planets, stations, units, techs, ascendancy cores or artifacts[/p]
• [p]Each game randomizes the set of 5 conditions worth 1-3 victory points[/p]
• [p]Victory points are not permanent, if you no longer meet the requirement, you lose the point(s)[/p]
• [p]The first player to reach 6 victory points wins the game![/p]

[p]This system creates more tension, dynamic strategic objectives, and makes territory control feel meaningful and contested throughout the match.[/p][p][/p][h2]More Strategic Station Building[/h2][p]Stations now begin in an inactive state when built or captured. While inactive:[/p]

• [p]They don’t produce resources[/p]
• [p]They don’t provide line of sight or other effects[/p]

[p]If the station is connected to your network, it will automatically activate at the start of your next turn. This makes network connectivity and defending more critical and prevents using captured starports immediately.[/p][p][/p][h2]AI Improvements[/h2][p]We've made big steps forward in improving the AI:[/p]

• [p]The AI now understands and scores victory conditions, victory points, and anomaly rewards[/p]
• [p]Better station capture behavior, extermination planning, and movement scoring[/p]
• [p]Improved Starport placement logic[/p]

[p][/p][h2]New Visuals and Audio[/h2]

• [p]Replaced tropical planets with a more fitting lava planet type[/p]
• [p]Improved barren planet textures[/p]
• [p]Added more sound effects[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Other Fixes and Tweaks[/h2]

• [p]Tech costs have been increased across the board[/p]
• [p]Fixed randomization of anomaly reward options[/p]
• [p]Fixed AI issues with station placement[/p]
• [p]Added support for saving tutorial progress and ship rotation state[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Try the Update and Join Development[/h2][p]Want the latest features early? Join the beta branch on Steam to access experimental updates. Join our Discord to access the beta branch changelog on each update.[/p][p]We’d love your feedback, especially on the new victory system and AI behavior. Thanks for helping shape Astro Protocol.[/p][p]See you among the stars![/p]