50+ New Cards, 30 New Artifacts, Performance Boost & Playtest Update!

[p]Today we are excited to release the biggest update so far for ASTROCOMPANY:
More than 50 new cards, over 30 new artifacts, massive performance improvements, and a fully updated Playtest build now available on Steam.[/p][p]This update expands build variety, late-game chaos, and the number of possible broken synergies you can discover.[/p][hr][/hr][h2]New Artifact System[/h2][p]Artifacts are powerful, passive upgrades that can dramatically change how your towers behave.
They are run-defining, chaotic, and often completely break the rules.[/p][p]Here are a few examples from the new lineup:[/p][hr][/hr][h3]Double Chain[/h3][p][/p][p]Tesla Towers have a 10% chance to fire double the number of chains.
Perfect for chain-reaction builds and scaling damage loops.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]Gatling Gun Overcharge[/h3][p][/p][p]Every 10 seconds, Gatling Guns gain 4× attack speed for 3 seconds.
A burst-damage monster for shredding elite enemies and bosses.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]Missile Split[/h3][p][/p][p]Missile Towers have a chance to split into four smaller missiles on hit.
And yes… the split missiles can split again.[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Over 30 New Artifacts in Total[/h2][p]This update introduces more than 30 unique Artifacts, including:[/p]

[p]Projectile-replication effects[/p]
[p]Time-based tower overdrives[/p]
[p]Damage multipliers tied to chaining, orbiting, or hit streaks[/p]
[p]Rare legendary effects that completely transform a tower’s behavior[/p]

[p]These are only a small sample - we’re experimenting with dozens more for upcoming updates.[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]50+ New Cards[/h2][p]Alongside Artifacts, this update adds over 50 new cards for towers, the Core, economy, and projectiles, allowing:[/p]

[p]deeper build variety[/p]
[p]new strategies for early, mid, and late game[/p]
[p]more synergy paths[/p]
[p]stronger scaling options for endless runs[/p]

[p]Expect every run to feel more unique than ever before.[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p]

Performance Improvements

[p]We also spent considerable time improving late-game performance:[/p]

[p]More efficient enemy simulation[/p]
[p]Optimized tower targeting[/p]
[p]Reduced stuttering during large waves[/p]
[p]Better handling of projectile swarms (especially useful for Missile Split!)[/p]
[p]Faster overall update loops[/p]

[p]These changes should noticeably improve FPS during heavy scenarios with thousands of enemies.[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p]

Playtest Updated

[p]The newest build - including all cards, all artifacts, and the performance overhaul - is now live in the Playtest branch.[/p][p]If you’re already in the Playtest, just update the game.
If not, request access on the Steam page - approval is automatic.[/p][p]Your feedback keeps shaping the game. Thank you![/p][hr][/hr][p][/p]

What’s Next

[p]We’re now working on:[/p]

[p]more artifacts[/p]
[p]new towers[/p]
[p]bosses[/p]
[p]visual upgrades[/p]
[p]improved UI / card animations[/p]
[p]more late-game scaling options[/p]

[p]Stay tuned - even bigger updates are on the way.[/p][hr][/hr][p]Thank you for playing and supporting ASTROCOMPANY!
Build your defenses, break the game, and survive as long as you can. [/p]