Darkwater News

Divers,

A number of changes have been made based on player feedback since the last closed playtest. Highlights include the new District Anarchy System, sweeping difficulty adjustments, and a new district that includes several new outposts to explore.

[h2]Features[/h2]
[h3]New District Anarchy System[/h3]
A new system has been added that slowly plunges districts into chaos, making them very dangerous, and encouraging players to exit districts. This is to address players spending large amounts of time farming resources.

• A new visual indicator will be displayed in the upper right corner of the screen denoting the current anarchy level
  
• Anarchy increases more quickly on harder difficulties
  
• 15 anarchy events added
  

[h3]General[/h3]

• K-100 submarine has been unlocked for players to use in the Demo
  
• New Soviet District with unique outposts added; Soviet Residential, Soviet Penal, Soviet Hospital
  
• Outposts optimized, should see improved framerate
  
• New music track added: Soviet District,
  
• Districts grow more difficult as players progress
  
• Difficulty levels have been heavily adjusted
  
• Main menu theme updated
  
• Enemy ships on higher difficulties are now harder to sink
  
• Gramophone room has been added as a rare item spawn in drydock
  
• Record item (Anthem for Mice) has been added as a rare item spawn
  
• Updated main menu: New intro message, new bug report URL
  
• Inventory full notification now displays when players try and pick up an item
  

[h3]Map[/h3]

• District system implemented
  
• Residential district implemented
  
• Soviet district implemented
  
• Sonar map generation size decreased by about 80% (With the introduction of districts, sonar map size has been restored to its original size)
  
• Lots of new node events added, specifically for Soviet Controlled District
  
• Nodes now always contain an event
  
• Sonar map generation overhaul, maps will now be generated in a more linear way
  
• Transit Station no longer spawns near the starting node
  
• Visited Stores and Outposts are renamed to "Visited" after docking for clarity
  

[h3]Shop[/h3]

• Players can no longer interact with shop when players are inside submarine
  
• Players can no longer enter submarine while a player is interacting with the shop
  
• Terminal now displays an error when there is more than 1 of the same weapon system (for example, 2 torpedo bays)
  
• Many system room displays updated
  
• Outdated room displays in shop updated
  

[h3]Systems[/h3]

• Pneumatic Launcher has been added
  
• Workshop submarine system has been added
  
• Small storage room implemented
  

[h3]Outposts[/h3]

• Outpost lamps now have a chance of being broken
  
• Lanterns can now be extinguished
  
• Outposts have a chance to spawn with flickering lights, can be repaired
  
• Enemies can no longer spawn in outpost starting room
  
• Broadcasting SOS when connected to an outpost now destroys the outpost and shuts the airlock
  

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

• Addressed a large number of bugs identified in the playtest
  
• Items no longer vanish when dropped in store
  
• Crashes as a result of attempting to load into a match should be drastically reduced
  
• Doors no longer shove players out of bounds
  
• Item duplication fixed
  
• Fixed leaks appearing in spots that can’t be reached
  
• Fixed various visual mismatches between host and guest players
  

Experiencing any issues in the demo? Let us know at https://forms.gle/Gt1a6LFnLo5Ra17g8

Enjoy the demo and share your feedback at https://forms.gle/qHXhsYjWtVKRMagE9 and chat with us on Discord at https://discord.gg/ZMC8uXcx4g

A huge thanks to players who offered feedback during the playtest!

-Darkwater Team

Greetings prospective divers,

Blackrock Industries has deemed it fit to transmit this informational guide to maximize the chances of success on your upcoming mission to Enceladus. Please read carefully, your survival depends on it.

[h3]What is included in the demo?[/h3]
The Next Fest Demo is fully playable solo or up to 4 players. This is a small slice of the overall game, and includes two full districts to explore. For the seasoned divers who participated in last week’s playtest, much of this content will be brand new, including the new Soviet district and manned torpedoes.

[h3]Demo Availability[/h3]
The demo will be available for the full duration of Next Fest, and will conclude on March 3 @ 10AM PST. After this time you will no longer be able to access the demo.
[h3]
Language Support[/h3]
The demo is currently only available in English. We are however looking at additional localizations around the games launch later this year.

[h3]How to Report Bugs, Crashes, and Provide Feedback.[/h3]
Your experience and feedback is important - please consider filling out the relevant surveys! They will remain open until 1 week after Next Fest concludes.

• Bug Report Form
• Feedback Survey
• Darkwater Discord

[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]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 2nd District, look for the purple arrow on the Navigation Terminal. Good luck!

[h3]Can I stream the demo or make videos?[/h3]
Yes - there are no content restrictions.

[h3]Now What?[/h3]
Play the demo, wishlist and follow us on Steam, and join the Discord!

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

The first closed playtest has now concluded. Thank you to everyone who participated!

If you got a chance to try out the game, please consider filling out the player experience survey, as well as submitting any bugs you may have encountered using the bug report form. Your feedback is invaluable, and your suggestions will help us make Darkwater the best it can be when it releases later this year!

Missed out on the playtest or just can’t wait to hop back in? Well you won’t have to wait long - the next scheduled playtest will be a public demo as part of the upcoming Steam Next Fest. No registration required… this one is open to all!

[h3]Start: February 24 @ 10AM PST
End: March 3 @ 10AM PST[/h3]

The Next Fest Demo will include an entirely new district to explore, new sectors, more threats, and more we aren’t quite ready to spoil quite yet. So whether you got to experience the playtest or this is your first time diving in, there is something new for everyone!

Until then, make sure you wishlist and follow us on Steam so you don’t miss out on the demo drop next week.

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

- Targon Studios

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

Hello Divers,

We are happy to announce that the first closed playtest for Darkwater will run this weekend!

[color]Start: February 13 @ 11AM PST
End: February 17 @ 11AM PST[/color]

Anyone that has registered for the closed playtest at PlayDarkwater.com will be sent two keys (one for you and one for a friend) to redeem on Steam that will grant access to the closed portion of the game beginning at the start time listed above. Keys will be sent out in waves, with the goal of having all keys delivered by the end of the day February 13.

The cutoff time to register for access will be February 13 @ 12:01AM PST. Any registrations after this date will not be eligible to join this playtest, but will still be eligible to access future pre-release playables.

[color]WHAT TO EXPECT[/color]
Our goal with the first closed playtest is to test network functionality and general system stability while giving the community a small taste of what to expect when Darkwater launches later this year.

Players will have access to the first sector, the Residential District, an underwater network of abandoned outposts, factories, hospitals, and mansions patrolled by hostile submarines. This is a small portion of the overall game, but enough to give players a sandbox to test performance. Additionally, there will be an optional survey to fill out to collect your thoughts on the game. Please consider completing this, we would love to hear your thoughts on what went well and what we can improve - your feedback is invaluable to guiding the direction of Darkwater and making it the best it can be.

[color]THE FUTURE[/color]
With each subsequent playtest we will grant access to different portions of the game - including new enemies, objectives, events, locations, sectors, districts, and more. So don’t fret if you can’t make this one - there will be other chances to get your hands on Darkwater before it launches this year, including a public demo as part of the upcoming Steam Next Fest.

Until then - register for updates and playtest access at PlayDarkwater.com and Wishlist + Follow on Steam.

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

Thank you always for the support, and see you below the surface.

- Targon Studios