Occupy Mars: The Game News

[h2]Hello, Martians! 🔴[/h2]

We have a massive announcement for you today. After years of development, millions of lines of code, and countless dust storms survived by our community, we have set the date for leaving Early Access. Mark your calendars:

[h3]📅 v1.0 Release Date: January 30, 2026 🚀[/h3]

By a cosmic coincidence (or perhaps destiny?), this date marks almost exactly 1000 days since we first launched into Early Access in May 2023. It has been a long, harsh, challenging, and incredible journey.

[h3]We have come a long way[/h3]
Looking back, the game has evolved massively. While our recent focus on the Co-Op update was a huge technical undertaking, we haven't forgotten the roots of the game. We’ve been consistently expanding the world of Occupy Mars throughout Early Access.

Here is a look back at our mission log*:

• May 2023: Early Access Launch 🚀
  
• August 2023 - Exploration Update: 35+ new features, 2 new vehicles, Heavy Suit.
  
• January 2024 - Nuclear Update: 20+ new features, Events system, Supply Drops.
  
• August 2024 - Anniversary Update: 60+ new features, Launchpad, Decorations.
  
• December 2024 - Winter Update: Infinite Technologies, Rover Map, Hangar Rework.
  
• November 2025 - CoOp Update: Online Multiplayer & complete rework of core systems.
  

* (Plus dozens of patches and QoL updates in between!)

[h2]🚀 v1.0 is all about CONTENT[/h2]
We’ve heard your feedback regarding the recent focus on Multiplayer. The Co-Op update built the foundation. Now, v1.0 will deliver the key content update that completes our original vision.

[h3]Coming in v1.0 (January 30th):[/h3]

• Spotty the Robot: Feeling lonely in single player mode? A friendly robot dog companion will be available to help you on your journey! 🐕🤖
  
• Chemistry Tech: The Chemlab and advanced Chemistry technologies will finally arrive, adding a new layer of depth to crafting and survival. ⚗️🧪
  
• Vertical Grid Buildings: The long-awaited scaffolding grid system is here! You will finally be able to build vertical structures and complex bases exactly how you imagined. ▦🏬
  
• Multiplayer Polish: Weather sync, remaining vehicles, and technologies in the co-op mode. 👩‍🚀👨‍🚀
  
• Campaign Mode: We are finally bringing all features and technologies together into an improved campaign that you can complete. 🚀
  

...but that's not all!

Reaching version 1.0 is a huge milestone - it means our original Roadmap will be complete, but it is not the end of the road. It opens the door for us to start working on Console Versions of the game, while continuing to cooperate with the community.

We are still hard at work at implementing the remaining features and fixing bugs, so the next couple of weeks will be pretty intense for us, but we have set ourselves a deadline we are determined to meet.

[h3]👕 Official Merch Shop by Tilt[/h3]
Finally, a treat for collectors and a cool little milestone for our studio. For a long time, we wanted to bring the art from our games into the real world, and many of you have been asking for this too.

Thanks to our cooperation with Tilt, we have launched an Official Merch Shop! If you ever wanted an Occupy Mars Mouse Pad or Floor Mat, they are now available, and we hope that T-shirts and Hoodies will also be added soon. This is handled externally, so our team remains 100% focused on the game.

Check out the collection here:



[hr][/hr]
Thank you for sticking with us for these 1000 Sols. Whether you joined us on day one or just landed yesterday - thank you.

Get your rovers ready. The biggest update in the history of Occupy Mars is coming in just a few weeks!

See you on the Red Planet,
Occupy Mars Team

[h3]Dear Martians,[/h3][p]We are happy to announce that we have just released a new hotfix update addressing the most urgent issues you have reported. We hope these changes will improve your gameplay experience. Some of the problems may still occur, but we continue to collect your feedback and are already working on further updates. In the What’s New section you can also read about our initial plans moving forward.[/p][p][/p][h3]🚀 Changelog - Update v0.240.7[/h3]

• [p]Fixed problems with unlocking technology blueprints from drop events[/p]
• [p]Fixed incorrect durability info of blowtorch after fixing the tool on workbench [/p]
• [p]Fixed problem with weather occuring once again after loading save created during dust devils[/p]
• [p]Solved the problem with weather effect sound that didn't end[/p]
• [p]Fixed some cases of blocked interactions after picking up pickable[/p]
• [p]Fixed several cases of blocked interactions after picking up a ready to load rock[/p]
• [p]Fixed sabatier/tank grinding issues[/p]
• [p]Fixed broken external oxygen fill indicator[/p]
• [p]Solved issue with game client stuck on screen "The Lobby has been closed(...)"[/p]
• [p]Fixed problems with gamepad that was inactive in coop lobby[/p]
• [p]Added simplified Co-Op Lobby UI[/p]

[p]Known issues:[/p]

• [p]Launching the game in offline mode (without internet connection) still causes the playfab login issue.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]🧑‍🚀 What's next?[/h3][p]Work is well underway on our next major content drop, and it’s shaping up to be a big one! We are currently focusing on the Chemistry system, Spotty, and the new Grid Building system. Additionally, we are working hard to enable the remaining missing technologies in Co-Op mode.[/p][p][/p][p]Stay tuned, Colonists![/p][p]The Occupy Mars Team[/p][p][/p][p]P.S. our friends from Drago Entertainment just released v1.0 of their Winter Survival, so there's a promotion bundle available for those who want to try it:
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[h2]🛰️ Incoming Transmission from Mars[/h2][p][/p][h3]Dear Martians, 🌕[/h3][p]We are very happy to announce that we have just released a new update for Occupy Mars: The Game![/p][p]This update brings the co-op mode to the main branch — it’s no longer limited to playtest participants!
From now on, every player can team up with friends, build colonies together, and explore Mars side by side. This build is now live for all players on Steam, EPIC and GOG![/p][p]But that’s not all — this update also introduces numerous fixes, optimizations, and new features available to single-player explorers as well.[/p][p]You can find the full list of changes in the separate post - v0.240.2 changelog linked below:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]Thanks for feedback 💝[/h3][p]Over the past months since the initial co-op beta playtest launch, we’ve been collecting your feedback, analyzing reports, testing, iterating, and reworking multiple systems to make the co-op experience smoother, more stable, and enjoyable.[/p][p]It took time — we know you’ve been waiting patiently — but we truly believe we’ve now reached a point where Occupy Mars feels better than ever.[/p][p]Before we move on, we want to say a huge thank you to the amazing group of players who helped us by sharing their feedback and testing different co-op versions over the past months.
Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today.[/p][p]Your comments, bug reports, and suggestions were an invaluable help in shaping this update and improving the overall experience.
This game is being built for you — and together with you. That’s the core philosophy of our studio, and we want to emphasize it clearly:
Without your support, we simply wouldn’t be here.[/p][p]Thank you to all the anonymous heroes who spent their time testing, reporting, and helping us make Occupy Mars better since the original beta announcement. ❤️[/p]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/758690/view/539972271823916428 [p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]Crossplay 🎮[/h3][p]Another great piece of news: [/p][p]We’ve also enabled cross-platform multiplayer! 🌍 [/p][p]That means Steam, Epic, and GOG players will be able to explore, build, and survive together, regardless of where they bought the game.[/p][p]Grab your friends — no platform boundaries anymore![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]Discount 🎁[/h3][p]And we’ve got one more great piece of news to celebrate this release! 🎉[/p][p]We’re launching a special discount – 38% off Occupy Mars: The Game![/p][p]Check your regional store to see the exact price in your currency — it’s the perfect moment to invite your friends and start your Martian colony together. 🌕[/p][p]This update finally opens the doors of Mars for everyone, so there’s no better time to join the mission! 🚀[/p][p]There's also a new collaboration bundle: Occupy Mars with Astronomics![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]What’s next? 🧪🤖[/h3][p]We’re not taking a vacation just yet![/p][p]Our next goal is to deliver the content promised during our Kickstarter campaign, including the long-awaited Chemistry and Robotics Update.[/p][p]There are still a few features we’d like to polish and add to the co-op system, but our focus is now shifting toward expanding content, gameplay and adding brand-new mechanics. [/p][p]Keep your fingers crossed — it’s going to be an intensive and challenging time, but we hope to surprise you (in a good way!) with our timing. 😉[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Stay tuned for more updates, and as always — thank you for your trust, patience, and amazing support![/p][p]See you on Mars,
The Occupy Mars Team[/p][p]📡 End of transmission.[/p]

[h2]🛰️ Occupy Mars – Incoming Transmission[/h2][p][/p][p]Hello Martians! 🌕[/p][p][/p][p]Our next update is just around the corner — and it’s a big one! We’ve been working hard to refine both the single-player and co-op modes since the first co-op beta release, addressing your feedback, boosting performance, and expanding gameplay features.[/p][p]Below you’ll find the changelog — the full list of fixes and improvements going live with this update. [/p][p]Get your habitats ready, check your oxygen levels and prepare for a smoother, more stable experience!🚀[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]🚀 Single / Coop Features[/h3]

• [p]Rework of driving model for ATV and Motocross.[/p]
• [p]Added Bigger Inventory I and II technologies that allow players to print boxes for rocks and building materials. Boxes expand Player’s inventory.[/p]
• [p]Changed Blueprint unlocking rules to allow the player to choose one from three blueprints.[/p]
• [p]Jetpack no longer prints with fuel (methane and oxygen) inside the bottles.[/p]
• [p]Improved general responsiveness of in-game interactions.[/p]
• [p]Implemented Heavy Suit Hydraulics feature: faster movement and reduced damage from falling.[/p]
• [p]Improved visual quality of weather effects.[/p]
• [p]Reworked building damage calculation from meteorites - first meteor hit always leave building at least 1 HP so player has time to react and repair the structure.[/p]
• [p]Added safer electrical unplugging method for vehicles.[/p]
• [p]Improved vehicle suspension system.[/p]
• [p]Added front indicator to inventory box ghost.[/p]
• [p]Added Rover tracks when player drives in 3rd person view[/p]
• [p]Added numerical percentage tipper load indicator in the lower left corner of the crane screen in Rover.[/p]
• [p]Added new particles to the Air Compressor.[/p]
• [p]Added dirty variants for Outpost decorations to enhance realism.[/p]
• [p]Added dust accumulation on loot found in Outposts.[/p]
• [p]Blocked building devices on pickups in interior structures.[/p]
• [p]Made the Small Board inventory icon smaller.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]🤝 Co-op Features (including the ones from the beta version)[/h3][p][/p]

• [p]Added multiplayer online Co-op game mode[/p]
• [p]Added cross-platform play service integration between Steam, Epic Games and GOG.[/p]
• [p]Added the feature to load and create CO-OP games from the Main Menu Load Panel.[/p]
• [p]Implemented in-game Chat functionality.[/p]
• [p]Implemented the possibility to create Private Lobbies that are not visible in the search list.[/p]
• [p]Implemented reconnecting system that prevents players from loosing the game session in many cases[/p]
• [p]Implemented player inventory synchronization for improved stability.[/p]
• [p]Added new ID system to ensure consistent player handling in co-op sessions.[/p]
• [p]Introduced Playfab Party integration for a more reliable multiplayer backend.[/p]
• [p]Added autosaving feature in case of disconnection and loosing the game session[/p]
• [p]Reworked entire Power, Water, Oxygen, and Methane system to decrease the risk of values desynchronization between players.[/p]
• [p]Enabled connection status messages for players joining co-op sessions.[/p]
• [p]Added synchronization for oxygen usage from buildings, backpacks, and life support systems.[/p]
• [p]Enabled synchronization of bottle filling from control panels.[/p]
• [p]Integrated synchronization systems for the heavy suit.[/p]
• [p]Implemented co-op support for centrifuge mechanics.[/p]
• [p]Implemented  loot spawning system for Outposts.[/p]
• [p]Added synchronization for cable animations.[/p]
• [p]Introduced co-op version of the technology tree.[/p]
• [p]Added the functionality to indicate which player currently uses or last used a specific vehicle.[/p]
• [p]Added different colour for building’s ghosts placed by different players[/p]
• [p]Added a Discord button/link to the search screen.[/p]
• [p]Highlighted the 'Load Game' button on the starting lobby screen.[/p]
• [p]Added the possibility for players to drop their inventory in a box upon leaving the game (as an option to choose while creating lobby).[/p]
• [p]Added the option to vote on technology selection using keyboard shortcuts.[/p]
• [p]Enabled automatic decoration unlocks at co-op game start.[/p]
• [p]Developed an enhanced authority management system for co-op sessions.[/p]
• [p]Added essential co-op information panel/pop-up for players.[/p]
• [p]Implemented new, more friendly UI for co-op and other game modes in the main menu.[/p]
• [p]Implemented handling for various network disconnection scenarios.[/p]
• [p]Added partial synchronization of avatars for non-friend players.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]🧰 Single / General Fixes[/h3][p][/p]

• [p]Solved multiple issues of blocking interactions with objects.[/p]
• [p]Fixed multiple cases of issue preventing the game from being saved.[/p]
• [p]Fixed several cases of game crashes.[/p]
• [p]Fixed multiple problems related to sleeping, including players getting stuck in a sleep loop or stuck on the "Saving..." screen.[/p]
• [p]Solved the problem with the player being blocked after setting the sleep timer.[/p]
• [p]Fixed several crashes cases that occurred during game launch.[/p]
• [p]Switched off tesselation on RTX 30XX series cards to prevent framerate drops (player can switch it on manually).[/p]
• [p]Fixed miner allowing to unload resources into a container that was already full.[/p]
• [p]Fixed problem with pin’s colours disappearing on the map.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where dust devils could affect the player even when inside a warehouse.[/p]
• [p]Fixed several Workbench issues.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where the game would freeze on the graphics preferences window.[/p]
• [p]Fixed several issues with items disappearing from ATV crates after saving and restarting.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Optimized LODs and fixed missing materials in cracks.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with clothing items duplicating unexpectedly.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with double rock spawning caused by terrain generation system.[/p]
• [p]Fixed weather effects being visible while the player was inside.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with night vision not turning off properly.[/p]
• [p]Fixed missing home button on the tablet interface.[/p]
• [p]Fixed incorrect estimation of sleep duration.[/p]
• [p]Fixed edge case where player had access to night vision despite not unlocking it.[/p]
• [p]Fixed missing rock drilling particles from other players.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where some rocks lacked physics.[/p]
• [p]Removed small levitating object from the environment.[/p]
• [p]Partially fixed issue with duplicated broken ATV / Quad.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with Big Crusher exploding when player drives Rover into it.[/p]
• [p]Fixed problem with broken Main Menu UI after exiting coop lobby using ESC.[/p]
• [p]Fixed problem with missing unload information on the Crusher.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with player falling under the map in introbase.[/p]
• [p]Fixed problem with unloading the uranium from the Mars Truck on the Big Crusher.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where a lightning strike during a storm could kill the player inside the base including Greenhouse.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with the player being able to destroy the hangar by resetting the rover.[/p]
• [p]Fixed bug with campaign quests if the player picked up the Waste Tank using Control + Right Mouse Button.[/p]
• [p]Improved speed of loading the save list in Single Player mode when the number of saves is high.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Undetectable semi-truck (tipper) rover issue.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Fixed incorrect slot numbering for workshop structures.[/p]
• [p]Fixed missing black backpack in player customization.[/p]
• [p]Improved visibility of PCB parts on zoom screen.[/p]
• [p]Solved problem with player being unable to build antennas on the grid.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where light from a closed hangar was visible outside.[/p]
• [p]Fixed problem with wrong building slot indicator.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with the player who can interact with the fuses even though the hatch is closed.[/p]
• [p]Fixed compass showing wrong direction on the HUD.[/p]
• [p]Fixed minor typos in the Knowledge Base (English version) and several other places in multiple languages.[/p]
• [p]Fixed minor bugs related to the inability to interact with or reach elements of damaged Outposts.[/p]
• [p]Fixed problem with players being unable to leave the bathroom in the abandoned base.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with Light in building without electricity (after load).[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where a box levitates after grinding the platform under it.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where the collar of the old airlock hangs in the air after destroying an airlock.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue with notification spam if player is hit by a meteorite when sleeping.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]🧑‍🚀 Co-op Fixes[/h3]

• [p]Fixed issue with Inventory in Starting Capsule which does not synchronize between players.[/p]
• [p]Solved the issue where a circuit board being repaired on the workbench would disappear.[/p]
• [p]Fixed multiple cases of desynchronization between players when joining the game.[/p]
• [p]Solved the problem with bottle filling (Water/Oxygen) not working.[/p]
• [p]Solved the problem with ATV crates not working.[/p]
• [p]Solved the problem with packet transmission between players (data downloading issue).[/p]
• [p]Solved rare case where player was stuck in a loop after attempting to sleep while jumping.[/p]
• [p]Fixed multiple cases of black screen and prefab errors (including freezing) when starting a session or joining a server.[/p]
• [p]Solved numerous cases of players being thrown to the skybox after attempting to join or start a game.[/p]
• [p]Solved numerous problems resulting in "index out of range" errors.[/p]
• [p]Solved several connection issues where player could not connect or immediately after being disconnected from the host/server.[/p]
• [p]Solved the issue where player was stuck in the sleeping animation loop after both players went to sleep.[/p]
• [p]Solved crash issues when player left the game lobby during session setup.[/p]
• [p]Solved the problem with players getting stuck in workbenches.[/p]
• [p]Fixed bug with players forced to look at specific direction.[/p]
• [p]Solved the problem where EXP gain was duplicated depending on the number of players.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]🪲 Known Bugs[/h3]

• [p]Specific and rare case of broken oxygen growth indicator if player who joins the game is in different place than the host or players exchange their saves manually (as stated below, save and restart helps)[/p]
• [p]Rare cases of blocking the interaction with seed machine or Food Processing Unit when player has full animation on in Options and clicks in rapid manner (as stated below, save and restart helps)[/p]
• [p]Rare cases of reappearing broken ATV in both coop and single games[/p]
• [p]Problems with missing patches on the shoulder[/p]
• [p]ATV may stuck in the air if player is disconnected when the vehicle jumps[/p]
• [p]Several cases of “no translation found” bug in popups (but tutorials are still available in ESC menu)[/p]

[p]Those should be fixed in the next hotfixes. The solution for co-op bugs is to save your progress and restart the game, in some cases the whole team should restart the game. [/p][p]In case the problem is not listed here, please report it via in-game F4 reporter (leaving contact so we can reach you in case of need) or send save and log, with the description of the problem to: [email protected][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Stay tuned for the next devlog and the update release.[/p][p]As always, thank you for your incredible feedback, reports, and support! ❤️[/p][p]See you on Mars![/p][p]Occupy Mars Team[/p][p]Transmission end. 📡[/p]

[p][/p][h2]ERA management message:[/h2][p][/p][h3]Pioneers, [/h3][p][/p][h3]🚀 Update Incoming – Release on November 7th![/h3][p]We’re excited to announce that on November 7th, 2025, we’ll be releasing an update for Occupy Mars![/p][p]This is one of the most important milestones in the game’s development – especially for the co-op mode, which has been our main focus in recent months.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🔧 What’s New[/h3][p]🧑‍🚀 Co-op Mode:[/p]

• [p]numerous stability and synchronization fixes,[/p]
• [p]new content – additional buildings and technologies available in co-op,[/p]
• [p]new features, including:[/p]
  • [p]an in-game chat,[/p]
  • [p]private lobbies and improved friend joining system.[/p]

[p]This update takes co-op gameplay to a whole new level, making teamwork and base building on Mars more enjoyable than ever before. However, some buildings and vehicles are still missing in this co-op update, we will add them as soon as they are ready.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🧍 Single Player Improvements[/h3][p]We haven’t forgotten about solo pioneers! 👩‍🚀
While reworking the co-op systems, we also introduced several improvements and new features for the single-player experience (some of them are available also in coop):[/p]

• [p]ability to choose which blueprints to unlock when progressing through the tech tree,[/p]
• [p]new driving model for small vehicles (including mid-air control),[/p]
• [p]new technologies and resource containers,[/p]
• [p]and a long list of smaller, but highly requested quality-of-life improvements.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]❤️ Thank You[/h3][p]We know it took some time — but we made it and co-op is finally going to the default Steam branch![/p][p]This update wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing community: all the players who helped us test the co-op mode, reported issues, and shared their feedback.[/p][p]We truly appreciate your patience, dedication, and support.
Your contribution has been invaluable in shaping the future of Occupy Mars. 🙏[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🪐 What’s Next[/h3][p]After this release, we’ll be heading toward our final major milestone – delivering the remaining promised content and preparing the game for full release.[/p][p]Remember to visit our social media, DISCORD and Steam Community[/p][p]Keep your fingers crossed, and see you on Mars![/p][p][/p][p]Stay tuned, Colonists!
– Occupy Mars Dev Team[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]
Transmission end.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]