Forts News

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Happy 7th birthday Forts! When Forts first launched on April 19th, 2017, we couldn't possibly have foreseen what the future held in store. Some of us writing this now had yet to come aboard in fact, while for others it was already the fruit of many years labour.

Since then Forts has grown beyond our wildest dreams and we sincerely thank everyone who has been a part of it. You've all helped to make the game what it is today and there is still so much more planned for the future!

To celebrate we've put the entire Forts catalog on sale. It's the perfect time to expand your Forts library or share the joy of Forts with your friends. This sale runs until April 22nd.

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Seven years of Forts, seven years of stats! The subject would appear to be in rare health.

[h3]Community Numbers[/h3]
EWG Lifetime Steam Units: 1,573,090
All-time peak players: 2583 (7280*)
Workshop Mods: 2,681
Workshop Maps: 26,942
Discord Members: 9185
Updates: 68

[h3]In-game Numbers[/h3]
Most popular commander - Overall: Architect
Most popular commander - Ranked: Pinchfist
Players completed Black Gold campaign on hard: 6946
Players completed Moonshot campaign on hard: 2175
Players completed High Seas campaign on hard: 1072
Battles fought: 91.3 million
Hours spent: 22.6 million

*Free multiplayer weekend

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[h2]Forts Timeline[/h2]


Let's take a look back at some of the notable events over the past seven years.

1 - April 2017 - Forts Launched - 1,362 peak players
After 14 years of development, Forts finally sees the the light of day, on April 19th 2017.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/5262975441861685929

2 - May 2017 - Forts First Tournament - 1,079 peak players
Having found a small, but passionate player base, Forts' first community-led tournament is arranged six weeks after launch.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/5262975441861684005

3 - September 2017 - Steam Workshop Integration - 197 peak players
The first phase of Steam workshop integration arrives, allowing players the ability to upload their custom maps for other Forts players to try out.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/5262975441861681619

4 - October 2017 - Tons of Guns - 835 peak players
Six new weapons and two extra tech buildings are added in the free Tons of Guns DLC, expanding the tech tree significantly.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/5262975441861681194

5 - November 2017 - ADGA Award Winner - 424 peak players
At Melbourne International Game Week, EarthWork Games is recognised by their Australian game development peers at the AGDAs, receiving The Best Defence is a Good Offense award.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/5262975441861680990

6 - December 2017 - BPO Commanders - 543 peak players
The Commander roster is pushed out to 12 with the addition of three Black Penguin Oil characters: Scattershot, Seep & Shockenaugh in another free DLC.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/5262975441861679990

7 - May 2018 - Campaign Mods - 258 peak players
Players are granted the ability to create and share their custom campaigns with the campaign mod workshop upgrade.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/5262975441861678455

8 - June 2018 - Ranked Multiplayer & Repair Station - 7,280 peak players
The multiplayer scene receives a boost with the introduction of ranked multiplayer, allowing players to wrack up points in competitive matches and find appropriately skilled opponents. The Repair Station device is added to ease the APM demands, should players need it. A free multiplayer-only weekend brought in a slew of new players also saw the record of concurrent users increased to 7,280.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/5262975441861677709

9 - June 2019 - Forts - Moonshot DLC - 971 peak players
just over two years after launch, Forts first paid DLC is launched. Moonshot adds a whole new campaign, new faction, weapons and Capture Point game mode.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/2429044061346460933

10 - July 2019 - Ranked Season 1 - 626 peak players
The ranked multiplayer scene is reorganised and reinvigorated with the formalisation of seasons, complete with end of season leaderboards and medals.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/1593627410377653536

11 - December 2019 - Multiplayer Training Missions - 940 peak players
In an effort to help onboarding of new players into the multiplayer scene, training missions are added, complete with new environment set and drill instructor.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/3726097246760899467

12 - May 2020 - Forts Trading Cards - 776 peak players
Steam trading cards finally make an appearance for the owners of Forts.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/2198263022930076515

13 - June 2020 - Forts Pro-HUD - 775 peak players
A new Pro-HUD mini-DLC is launched, allowing players to support the game further with the purchase of HUD reskin and medal.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/2212902906123604321

14 - October 2020 - Commander Update - 741 peak players
The fifteen-strong commander roster is given an overhaul, with rebalanced abilities and new powers for many characters.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/2864810353838512443

15 - January 2021 - Welcome Romerolagus - 1,989 peak players
Dedicated community member Romerolagus is drafted into the EWG team to help moderate Discord and other areas of interaction with the growing Forts player base.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/2914357483128102177

16 - March 2022 - Forts High Seas Launched - 2,583 peak players
Almost five years after its' initial release, Forts second full paid DLC is launched. High Seas drastically expands its' appeal with the addition of water tech, ships, weapons and ammo.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/3094542765846692775

17 - October 2022 - Multilevel water, holiday theme, UI and engine update - 1072 peak players
Support for multiple water levels. Upgraded runways. UI improvements including live map previews (you're welcome Armaxy!), map and mod search bar, and slimline replay HUD. Plus numerous under-the-hood improvements including the conversion to 64-bit addressing for all the RAM.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/3291591738159123767

18 - February 2023 - Multiplayer update, FPL relaunch, sprite pack and Elite HUD - 875 Peak players
The Forts Pro League returns! A new Observer HUD with stat tracking, automated ranked matches with map preview and commander selection, a sprite pack for modders, and an Elite HUD for supporters.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/3639505777538409699

19 - April 2023 - Welcome 42scientist - 737 Peak players
Forts statistician extraordinaire 42scientist joins the team to help wrangle the revived Pro League.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/3723956416428536272

20 - July 2023 - Forts Pro League: Season 2 - 1847 Peak players
The second season of the Forts Pro League launches with simultaneous English, French, and German livecasts.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/3656408671642378144?l=english

21 - October 2023 - Vulkan support, Free Weekend(!), and quick battles - 5283 Peak players
Preliminary Vulkan support is added, plane tuning, Free Weekend(!) and quick battles to help new players jump straight in.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/3760000974803744439?l=english

22 - January 2024 - Forts Pro League: Season 3 - 1116 Peak Players
Open registration for the Forts Pro League is announced. Season 3 currently underway with 40 teams participating.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/410900/view/3975057374076131787?l=english

And still so much coming in year 8!

[h3]Discord[/h3]
If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps and mods, and for more information on upcoming events.

Thanks for playing Forts, and here's to seven more years!
EWG

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Congratulations to Dranistian! Taking their second title within the last three seasons. Runner-up Malme, themself a previous winner in Season 22. And in 3rd, 打帅币, making their first podium appearance after a previous best 5th place in Season 24.

While the top 3 places receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze, every player finishing within the top 20 will receive a Season 28 Medal. Congratulations to all medalists as well!

Some Season 28 trivia:

• Vertically spacious maps like Abyss and Pillars helped propel a huge rise in rocket/shotgun builds
  
• Mortar specialists have heavily optimized their firing patterns, will AA designs keep pace?
  
• Howitzers, once ubiquitous, fell out of favor with the predominately close and medium ranged map pool of S28. Is this set to change as larger maps return in S29?
  
• A shocking number of bases in the midst of back and forth slugfests were in fact vulnerable to a single well aimed buzzsaw the entire time, shocking a great many people upon discovery of that fact
  

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[h2]1v1 Leaderboard[/h2]

1. Dranistian
   
2. Malme
   
3. 打帅币
   
4. EtaN
   
5. Mortars broken
   
6. [CMV]Woman
   
7. [HOT]Hallrassy
   
8. cyrv 2
   
9. [BOG]#Der Benzinpreisvergleicher
   
10. Nerf Mortars
    
11. big sus
    
12. [264] Domy
    
13. juNyu
    
14. Indoraptor
    
15. Mortars OP
    
16. ХАХАХАХАХХААХАХ
    
17. Vykro
    
18. Hacktoni
    
19. butter dog
    
20. Cloud
    

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[h2]Season 29[/h2]
Season 29 is already underway and will run through June 30th. This season's map pool consists of the following battlefields:

• Balls
  
• Hang Time
  
• Moorings
  
• Stalactites 1v1
  
• Desert Ruins
  
• Battlegrounds 1v1
  

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[h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2]

If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.


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Cheers,
EWG

No, this is not an April Fool! Update 1.25 has arrived on the first day of our bi-monthly cycle, a strategic manuever long intended and, at last, executed!

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[h2]Multiplayer Lobby Update[/h2]



In response to community requests, we have added extra features to the multiplayer lobby screen for extra ease of use and functionality.

1. Settings - Lets you change the lobby settings without the need to restart the lobby.
   
2. Options - Access the game options screen directly from the lobby.
   
3. Randomise Teams - Allows host to reshuffle teams with one click.
   
4. Sorted by Team - Teams are grouped together, and the host is indicated by the crown icon.
   
5. Team Selection - Instantly select the desired team instead of cycling.
   
6. Available Capacity - Shows when there is a surplus of players after a capacity reduction.
   
7. Force Start - Ignore players who are not ready when starting a game.
   

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[h2]Change List dlc2 32 r15978[/h2]

Add: "Nested" tag for workshop items that contain dependencies to other workshop items
Add: Mods can be dependent on other mods using Include table in mod.lua
Add: AddResourcesContinuous script function to contribute to resource rates
Add: Display an error message if a mod doesn't exist when trying to activate it
Add: Validation that all dependent workshop items exist when uploading an item to the workshop

Fix: (The Coming Storm) terrain over water
Fix: Weapon doors close prematurely while firing after 35 minutes
Fix: Weapons can't shoot devices that are very close
Fix: Overdrive can't downgrade without tech requirements of target
Fix: AI aiming can be incorrect for mortars where platform is sloped
Fix: Desync when joining in the place of an AI
Fix: GetStructurePos returns the incorrect position
Fix: Groups aren't updated when a weapon is moved
Fix: Collision after portal can be incorrectly handled as a reflection
Fix: Angled mortars have incorrect previous shot markers at some angles
Fix: Crash when reflecting shields are destroyed from projectile splash damage caused by the beam
Fix: Crash when starting instant replay and invalid devices exist in weapon groups
Fix: Crash trying to extrude or link a material with an invalid door target in front of a weapon_list.lua
Fix: Extruding a material with a recession target over a weapon doesn't recess it as is done with a single link
Fix: ExecuteInScript is unable to succeed when teamId matches the owner of the script, except for TEAM_ANY
Fix: AI and mission scripts are unable to call dofile
Fix: AI script ai/forts/hanging/long/fort-t1f1-TemplateHang-2.lua is unable to build or fire its lasers
Fix: Crash when using some terrain property keys with no terrain selected
Fix: First letter of Ukrainian language is not capitalised
Fix: Map Editor Save and Upload validates upload before saving map state, causing validation inconsistencies

Improve: When devices exceed population limits, they are now scrapped based on whether they are under construction, damaged, and how old they are
Improve: Bail out early with useful message when attempting to connect to an invalid Steam lobby id
Improve: Modifier keys can now be rebound through the options menu
Improve: Allow drag facing to work when moving a weapon via context menu
Improve: The options screen can now be accessed from the lobby (cog button)
Improve: lobby settings can be edited after starting the lobby (three lines button)
Improve: Can no longer report players who are on your friends list
Improve: Added a randomize teams button to the lobby
Improve: Show Cursor and Lock Teams moved to Lobby Settings
Improve: (Lock Teams) Allow new players to select their team when off
Improve: (Lock Teams) Prevents existing players from changing their team when off
Improve: Clients are sorted by team, and new popup for changing teams
Improve: New crown icon to indicate which player is the host
Improve: Removed the Player Details panel from the lobby select and expanded the server list
Improve: Added an icon on the lobby to show max player capacity
Improve: (ExecuteInScript) logs an error when the instruction causes an exception
Improve: add AI.AimingSpeedGraduations to constants.lua to increase aiming precision (at expense)
Improve: Environment mod and dependency upload validation
Improve: Generic workshop upload error message
Improve: jpg is attempted if dds, tga, and png extensions of a filename are not found
Improve: Map and campaign select screen mod download button placements for consistency
Improve: The lobby player panel has been reduced in size to make more space for the chat and mods panel

[h2]Change List dlc2 32b r16123[/h2]

Fix: adjacent mortars shoot each other
Fix: artificial host lag is stuck after being disabled
Fix: the 8th player can't be set to the observer team

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[h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2]

If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.

Cheers,
EWG

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Congratulations once again to EtaN, champion of Season 27, whose list of accolades is far too large for this announcement to contain. In second place is Dranistian, backing up his Season 26 win with another stellar performance. And in third place Schuka achieves their first podium finish. Well done!

While the top 3 places receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze, every player finishing within the top 20 will receive a Season 2 Medal. Congratulations to all medalists as well!

Some Season 27 trivia:

• Precision targeting of weak points and wall foundations dominated top 20 matches, overtaking heavy weapon slugfests
  
• Eagle Eye early aggression builds are on the rise and making their presence felt
  
• The international Forts community had even more representation within the top 20 this season
  
• PSA: Just because you can swing your core on Pillars it doesn't mean you should.
  

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[h2]1v1 Leaderboard[/h2]

1. EtaN
   
2. Dranistian
   
3. Schuka
   
4. Malme
   
5. zebdww
   
6. 打帅币
   
7. [SUI]SaureDrops
   
8. 七神花露水
   
9. 籽岷妙妙屋
   
10. Armodillo
    
11. Not Poolboy
    
12. klaualles
    
13. 金凌Jin_Ling
    
14. Baumständer[OND]
    
15. Poolboy
    
16. [GG]David
    
17. juNyu
    
18. Vykro
    
19. neoboletus.erythropus
    
20. bilibili_模组小白
    

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[h2]Season 28[/h2]
Season 28 is already underway and will run through March 31st. This season's map pool consists of the following battlefields:

• Abyss
  
• Hang Time
  
• Ledge Grab
  
• Pillars
  
• Stalactites
  
• Vanilla
  

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[h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2]

If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.


[hr][/hr]

Cheers,
EWG

After a restful end-of-year break, the EWG team has been back at work with improvements and bug fixes. Highlights include dragging the mouse when placing weapons to set their direction, two new menu backgrounds have been added, and the stuck loading while joining bug has been solved. Our many Ukrainian players can now enjoy reading their native language. For Modders there are a few new functions, including the powerful SnapToWorld, as well as DeleteBlock and DeleteBlockVertex for manipulating terrain during gameplay. If you encounter players you would rather not engage with but don't want to report, you can click on the frowning face button next to them in the Lobby to silently avoid them in future. There's also a new screen to remove players from avoidance. Further details and the full change list can be found below.

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[h2]Drag Weapon Direction[/h2]
Clicking and dragging when placing a weapon now sets its direction.
[hr][/hr]To help streamline the controls, and reduce friction in the heat of battle, we have added the ability to drag left or right when placing a weapon to set its facing. This makes it quicker and easier to determine which way to shoot when it matters most. Of course, if you're happy setting the direction with the classic HUD buttons, those are still available. The feature can be toggled in Options > Game > Enable Drag Weapon Facing.


[h2]Menu Screen Update[/h2]
Updated front end screens.
[hr][/hr]As some of you will have noticed, a while ago we freshened up the Steam store and social media channels with a fresh lick of paint in the form of new key art. Now that the paint has dried, we are adding it as the default menu background.

If you're a fan of the previous menu background art, these can be selected from the options screen, with the vanilla version select-able under the Classic title, with the Tons of Guns version also available.


[h2]YouTube Tutorial Playlist[/h2]
Click on the Sal Vaux news item in the Forts main menu to start watching!
[hr][/hr]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU-ooQwdpC4&list=PLawv6P6HClHkd3-WThaiY0b05CISVrYCO&pp=gAQBiAQB
New to Forts? Maybe you want to take your play to the next level? Either way, check out the tutorials playlist on our YT channel for tips and tactics to up your game. Selected from Forts content creators new and old, the subjects covered range from the very basics of base building, to advanced tactics like tier 3 cannons.

If you've seen a tutorial video that we've missed, be sure to put it in the 'Suggestions' channel on the Forts Official Discord.


[h2]Change List dlc2 31 r15673 [/h2]
Add: Classic and Tons of Guns menu skins
Add: Drag weapon direction (Option > Game > Enable Weapon Drag Facing)
Add: Script functions DeleteBlock and DeleteBlockVertex
Add: SnapToWorld script function to quickly find nearest ground, link, node, device, etc.
Add: frowning face buttons in lobby to avoid players for 30 days
Add: UI to edit avoidance lists
Add: Ukrainian translation

Balance: increase runway and runway2 reload times from 0.7s to 1.05s (+50%)

Fix: (GetStructureInWater) typo in documentation
Fix: (Hungarian) some strings are not exported to game
Fix: (Loading screen) crash setting random tip when none are found
Fix: (Sandbox) with a weapon selected, selecting joints or struts of another team doesn't switch to that team
Fix: \reload_textures can be used during multiplayer matches
Fix: AI causes exception calling non-existent function GetStructureHasFoundation
Fix: blocks are not deselected when deleted using \sweep_blocks
Fix: crash when rope is detached during BreakStructure
Fix: CreateBlock assigns the local player's team as the owner of the block, causing desyncs
Fix: cursor doesn't snap to nodes when a device is selected except for the first type
Fix: data desync when mods use base textures as projectile sprites
Fix: device preview snaps to vertical struts when tech is missing
Fix: editing terrain isn't correctly supported on Vulkan
Fix: ground edges are not recalculated when block vertices are modified
Fix: ground nodes are not removed from selection when using \sweep_blocks
Fix: holding the 'zoom selection' key and dragging the mouse only pans the view
Fix: if AI creates a strut and then deletes it, the strut becomes stuck
Fix: incorrect error is shown when trying to place a device at population limit
Fix: Nighthawk bombs don't ignite fire when colliding with devices
Fix: OberverCustomiseScreen crash after changing keyboard layout
Fix: players are sometimes stuck at loading screen while joining
Fix: remote/replay cursors flash distractingly
Fix: shield deletion is cancelled by repair station
Fix: the Leviathan boats are bouncing at the beginning of the game.
Fix: unnecessary script events are called before SystemLoad and Load events
Fix: Workshop mods can be updated mid-match when a client with a newer version joins the lobby

[h2]Change List dlc2 31b r15681[/h2]

Add: (FORTS-856) Devices.Drag.MinDistance and Devices.Drag.FacingStartTime to db/constants_user.lua

Improve: (FORTS-856) short delay before drag facing functions to allow rapid placement without changing direction

Fix: Phantom context button move button creates a new device instead of moving
Fix: Phantom move ability doesn't work

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[h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2]

If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.

Cheers,
EWG