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Closed Playtest #1 Guide

Welcome to the first closed playtest, we're delighted to have you join the Company.

[h3]How can I get access to the playtest?[/h3]
The closed playtest is invite-only for players who enlisted on the website https://www.playdarkwater.com/
Anyone that registered for playtest access before February 13 @ 12:01AM will receive two keys to the registered email. To redeem:
  1. Navigate to your Steam library
  2. Click "Add a Game > Activate a product on Steam"
  3. Enter one of the provided keys
  4. "Darkwater Playtest" will now be in your Steam library.

[h3]What is the purpose of the playtest?[/h3]
This closed playtest is designed to get feedback on the game: its core gameplay loop, mechanics, items and enemies as well as stress test network functionality.
This is just a small slice of the game and is a work in progress, so you may encounter bugs and glitches - please make a note of what happened (what you expected to happen and what actually happened) (and provide images or video if possible?)

When you're finished with your playtest, please complete this survey, your feedback is important! This survey can also be accessed in game from the main menu.

[h3]How to start/join a game[/h3]
  • If you Host a game, click 'Host a game' and then press 'Start'
  • Give the room code to the people you want to join you
  • Wait in the starting area until they have loaded in
  • If you go through the sub door to start the game, players will not be able to join your game, so make sure you have everyone!
  • Join a game: click 'Join a game'
  • Enter the room code provided by your host
  • Click 'Join'
  • Wait to load in!

The game uses VOIP, so be sure to have your microphone connected for the best experience.

[h3]Settings[/h3]
You can find the Settings menu by clicking Esc.
Settings you can edit:
  • Mouse sensitivity
  • Volume
  • Master
  • Music
  • Voice
  • Graphics
  • Microphone

Settings will be automatically applied; be careful not to click 'Main Menu' before saving your changes (this is a painful lesson our Community Manager has learned).

[h3]Default Controls[/h3]
  • W/A/S/D - walk
  • 1 - 6/MW - your inventory slots
  • E (click or hold) - interact with items (repair, pick up, search)
  • LMB - attack (ranged/melee)
  • RMB - block
  • R - reload gun
  • G - drop inventory item
  • M - toggle mute


[h3]Gameplay Tips[/h3]
  • The Shop is where you can expand your sub, and buy new rooms or engines, and stock up on missiles or torpedoes.
  • Outposts are prime spots for finding loot such as credits and health items. Beware, they might say they're "abandoned" but that's not always the case.
  • Make sure to look for emails and communications, so you can piece together what is happening below the surface of Enceladus.

Your objective is to reach the end of the 1st District, look for the purple arrow on the Navigation Terminal. Good luck!

[h3]FAQ[/h3]
How long does the Darkwater Playtest run for?
The playtest runs from Thursday 13th February - Monday 17th February @ 11AM PST

What languages will the playtest be available in?
The first closed playtest will only be available in English, but we are planning for additional languages for launch.

Can I stream or post screenshots of the playtest?
Sure! Keep in mind this is an early development build of the game and you may encounter some bugs, crashes, or other issues that may impact your recording experience.

I missed the registration window, can I still get in?
Sorry but no, but we do have more playtests planned for the future, including a playable demo as part of Steam Next Fest, so you won't have to wait much longer to try it out for yourself!

Can I share my second key?
Of course! If you don't have a Darkwater date, consider sharing your spare key with the Discord community. You may make a new friend to play with!

[h3]Thanks for playing![/h3]
We appreciate you all taking time away from your weekend (and the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta) to try Darkwater. Please consider filling out the survey about your experience when you are done playing - it helps us identify issues and collect feedback on the game ahead of its launch so that we can make it the best it can be.

Consider joining the Discord and wishlist + following Darkwater on Steam.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/619540/Darkwater/

- Targon Studios