Beyond Contact News

[h2]Greetings, Space Corps Operatives![/h2]

Today we are sharing some upcoming changes and features coming in the next several updates of Beyond Contact.

Please note that all changes shown below are still in development and may be subject to change before release.





[h2]Upcoming Changes[/h2]

[h3]Patch Highlights (more details will be featured in the release change-log)[/h3]

Added the ability to mass-deconstruct an entire room of a Shelter / Habitat at once (alt + right-click by default):



Improved the tooltips of Thermo Bulbs and Oxygenators to help identify invalid habitats:



Added a construction time to buildings:




Updated weapon tooltips to show primary and secondary attack key bindings:



Players can now change most settings on their existing save files. For example, a player may reduce the frequency of raids if they are too difficult without having to start a new game.

Added new temperature screen effects - colors will now shift towards colder or warmer hues based on the player’s temperature:









[h2]Upcoming Features[/h2]

[h3]Combat Changes[/h3]

Weapon speeds
We’ve re-balanced player attack speeds across the board. This should make combat feel a lot more fluid and fun.








Primary and secondary attack damage changes
With the adjusted attack speeds, we have re-evaluated the damage of all primary and secondary weapon attacks.

Creature health
Creature health has been adjusted. Using lower tier weapons on higher tier creatures should be more distinct and encourage players to upgrade their weapons, which are also stronger.

Creature damage
We’ve overhauled the amount of damage creatures deal to make it a fairer experience for new players.

In the current version of the game (1.0.2), some creatures are capable of dealing upwards of 50 damage in a single strike, which is far too punishing for newer players. To mitigate this, we have reduced and rebalanced the damage output of all creatures. The highest damage creatures can deal has been reduced to 30, which is reserved for slower / heavier attacks that are easier to avoid.

Overall, these changes should allow new players to learn and experiment in combat more freely and to not be punished too heavily for doing so.

Armour protection
We’ve tweaked armour protection values. Previously, the Dreadnova and Exosuit sets were overpowered and reduced damage by over 90%. These values have been reduced in combination with creature damage, and a more tiered approach has been applied to each set to encourage players to use different armour for different situations.

New Creature abilities
We’ve spiced up some creature abilities. With the increased pace of combat, we felt creatures needed to be able to avoid and manoeuvre around the player more.

• Some creatures can now evade attacks
  
• Urchins can now leap to attack
  
• Corapods now have a bite attack
  
• Some creatures’ attack speeds are now faster
  
• Bull Crogs are now able to charge
  

Screen Shake
We’ve added a new screen shake effect to heavy attacks. This should add more weight to their impacts. The effect has a setting to adjust its intensity or completely disable it.






Server Difficulty Settings
With all of the above changes, we’ve adjusted the difficulty setting values when starting a new game. More details will be provided later, but the main goal is to keep harder difficulties as a challenge in line with the changes to creature damage.

[h3]Blott[/h3]
Meet Blott, an alien wanderer who has joined Space Corps to continue her own journey across the galaxy. As Blott, you will discover a mysterious connection with the world around you and acquire new abilities to empower your agricultural efforts. Blott is able to grow more produce than her fellow Operatives and is able to draw upon other living flora to aid her in survival.







[h3]Other changes[/h3]
Skill point reallocation

Players will now be able to reset their skill points for a price. This will allow players to try out different skills on different characters without having to start a new game from scratch.



Further changes will be included in upcoming patch notes. We have limited the scope of this development update to highlight changes we feel players will be most interested to see.

As always your feedback is welcome and appreciated.

https://beyondcontact.featureupvote.com/





On behalf of the United Worlds Congress, we sincerely thank you for your continued patience and support.

From all of us at Playcorp 💙 and PLAION. 💚

Join our community-focused game development discussions on your favorite platform: STEAM DISCUSSIONS DISCORD TWITCH SUPPORT SUGGEST FEATURES & REPORT BUGS

[h2]UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE![/h2]

Greetings, Space Corps Operatives!

Beyond Contact Version 1.0.2 is now available!

This includes gameplay improvements, including significant changes to Tool, Weapon, and Armor durability, as well as a bunch of bug fixes.

[h2]Highlighted Changes:[/h2]

• Building kits will now go directly into your inventory on deconstruction
  
• Holding interact will now continuously pick up nearly collectibles (default F on keyboard, A on Xbox controller and X on PS controller)
  
• Greatly reduced the durability drain rate on tools, weapons, and armour (See details below)
  
• Joining private games will now allow players to select a character
  
• Significantly reduced the frequency of hazard warnings
  
• Replaced the Brachylon Market repair objective that required a delivery of 2 × Crog Hide to 2 × Corapod Carapace
  

[h2]Other Changes:[/h2]

• Items can now be consumed directly from the ground
  
• High-tier plants now drop their seeds when dug up
  
• Added new physics-based destruction animations to the Void Crystal Mine
  
• Buildings can no longer be placed within markets or directly around Obelisks (in new games)
  
• Commander Magella now welcomes you in Conquest
  
• Added new Obelisk activation character animations
  
• Added hover tooltips to fuel sources within generators
  
• Reduced raid scaling in Story mode to minimize the jump in difficulty between the first and second raids
  
• Reduced the damage of destruction pulses from a destabilizing Void Nexus so that nearby structures aren't immediately wiped out
  
• Chitterlings will no longer burrow into harvested Resin Mounds
  
• Added new attack animations for the Corrupted Sniper
  
• Improved the visuals of the Bio Shroom plant’s harvested state
  
• Turning off the Habitat Room Controller now turns off every building in the room
  
• Doubled the food preservation effect of the Refrigerator
  
• Standardized and increased item drop ranges
  

[h2]Fixes:[/h2]

• Fixed an issue where a particular objective could be completed prematurely, which prevented the story from being progressed further
  
• Fixed generic controller options not setting the default icons correctly
  
• Fixed an error that could occur when a player quit while being revived by another player
  
• Fixed a couple of visual glitches on several rocks in the Geode Quarries
  
• Fixed a case where the second harvest or mine wouldn't work if it was started too quickly after the first
  
• Fixed an issue where Zaine was using the wrong animations for equipping items
  
• Fixed an issue where the arrows in the power generator interface flashed too quickly and sped up over time
  
• The Advanced Door now removes the forcefield visuals when opened
  
• The Advanced Doors and Walls forcefield visuals now hide when unpowered
  
• Fixed various voice and subtitle mismatches
  
• The Join Game main menu button is now disabled when playing in offline mode
  
• Fixed a crash caused by the Mini-Turret being destroyed while inside inventories
  
• Fixed the wrong experience bar showing when loading a save at max level
  
• Fixed an issue where the Daily Missions screen would not update correctly
  
• Fixed an issue that caused the Display Case schematics to unlock during a Brachylon conversation
  
• Fixed an issue where left analogue stick navigation could get stuck
  
• Fixed raid icons being incorrectly visible on the map under certain circumstances
  
• Fixed an issue where some subtitles would display numbers instead of text when interacting with the Unscanned Forcefield Pillar
  
• Fixed the cursor snapping to the center of the screen when rotating the camera with the mouse
  
• Fixed text clipping out of the screen on the Unlocks and Character Selection screens
  
• Fixed an issue where the Brachylon Rune Keeper’s staff would float while running
  
• Fixed a missing soil texture when digging up Dirt Mounds in Melting Valley
  
• Fixed various pathfinding issues in the Fungal Fields
  
• In-game dialogue is no longer played during cutscenes
  
• The structure off icon is now always displayed at the correct height
  
• Fixed an issue where the end game screen lingered after a dead host quit
  
• The color palettes in the shop's cosmetics tab are now correctly highlighted
  

[h2]Durability Changes:[/h2]
We have taken on board user feedback and have re-balanced all tools, weapons and armor
in the game to allow them to last longer.







As always, if you have bugs to report or would like to suggest gameplay features please create a suggestion in our public feature upvoter and bug tracker.

On behalf of the United Worlds Congress, we sincerely thank you for your continued patience and support and we hope you enjoy the update.

[h2]UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE![/h2]

Greetings, Space Corps Operatives!

Beyond Contact Version 1.0.1 is now available!

This includes a potential fix for the people who're crashing when trying to load the game. If you cannot start the game after updating, please report this immediately!

[h3]Changes:[/h3]
● Increased resources and creature spawns in Fungal Fields biome
● Reduced the opacity of display case glass so you could more easily see inside
● Lowered the interaction priority of a lit Thermo Sticks to prevent interference with
mining during night
● Pressing escape during an action now cancels the action, rather than showing the
menu
● Optimised audio on flames sources, such as Brachylon light posts

[h3]Fixes:[/h3]
● Fixed several crashes reported by the community and found internally
● Fixed an issue where the dailies mouse hover 'credits' text tooltip was not localised
● Gravite can no longer spawn on the Fishing Hut landmark in the Frozen Sea biome
● Fixed entering, exiting and re-entering Void Nexus and Seeds which sometimes
resulted in no combat music
● Fixed the transition music from Urchin combat to Void Nexus and Seeds combat
resulting in no combat music
● Fixed weather audio muting other sounds
● Fixed an issue where the Plaspod sounds were not audible
● Fixed an issue where in game FMVs could cause an overlap of mixer situations
resulting in some sounds or music muted unintentionally
● Fixed an issue where charge music was missing on specific creatures
● Charge attacks now correctly play their effects
● The hazard bar audio now players correctly
● The post-Urchin/Sprite combat silence no longer results in no combat music when
running into the void nexus/seed
● Revival heartbeat sound now plays as intended and no longer plays after the first
time
● Storm audio no longer mutes sounds unintentionally
● Fixed in-game FMVs causing an overlap of mixer situations, resulting in some
sounds or music being muted unintentionally
● Fixed an issue where spamming the skip button to close the introduction FMV would
cause it to repeat and begin the starting of the game multiple times
● Various fixes to Quinn’s Mini Turret, missing audio and missing files
● Mini turret ammo count now displays correctly when the bonus ammo skill is taken
● Zaine now displays the correct text in the character select screen for his character
skills
● Fixed an issue where you could place buildings on top of the Corrupted Nexus
● Fixed an issue which caused Magella to always talk when detecting nearby
Corrupted Seeds, even though they had already been discovered.
● The Space Corps Stabiliser now correctly plays particles when it’s destroyed
● Walls that can auto-repair themselves while connected to a power grid no longer
consume power on repairing
● Solar Arrays can now be repaired while switched off and at night
● Corrupted buildings no longer disappear prematurely when they are at 1 health
instead of 0
● Void Stabilisers now play particles correctly when leaving the area
● Fixed some pathfinding issues in Fungal Fields
● Fixed some floating Narnips in the Desert biomes
● Stopped edge of world effects from coming through the ground in certain biomes
● Mushrooms now correctly bend when walked through



As always, if you have bugs to report or would like to suggest gameplay features please create a suggestion in our public feature upvoter and bug tracker.

On behalf of the United Worlds Congress, we sincerely thank you for your continued patience and support and we hope you enjoy the update.

[h2]Greetings, Space Corps Operatives![/h2]
Beyond Contact has officially survived Early Access and is now live with Beyond Contact Version 1.0!

We thank you all for you diligent feedback and support since the Early Access release, we know that we wouldn't be here today without our Veteran Operatives.

With Version 1.0 we are very proud to re-introduce Beyond Contact to our Early Access experts, and to welcome a new generation of recruits to Space Corps!

Whether you are returning, or new to Beyond Contact, we have prepared some information vital to your survival, so please read our Release Guide below which covers information about Multiplayer Features, Early Access Save Files, Release Pricing, Release Content, Version 1.0 Known Issues, our Release Day Livestream, and the future of Beyond Contact.



[h2]Continued Feedback and Development[/h2]
As we celebrate Version 1.0 today we wanted to take a moment to be clear that our mission does not end here. We have an improvement patch coming shortly after release, and the 4th playable character Blott will be arriving soon. On top of that, while we are working on our content plans for the future, we encourage you to continue to provide feedback and suggestions for Version 1.0 and we look forward to working with you to continue improving Beyond Contact.

Feedback, Suggestions, and Bug Reporting:
https://beyondcontact.featureupvote.com/


[h2]Multiplayer Features[/h2]
With the new multiplayer features including Shared and Queue-able Research and Player Rescuing, we have also officially moved the Multiplayer Features out of Beta. If there's something that you think can be further improved with the Multiplayer aspects of the game, please let us know.

Multiplayer Features Suggestons:
https://beyondcontact.featureupvote.com/


[h2]Early Access Save Files[/h2]
It's important to note that with the amount of content packed into Version 1.0 your Early Access save files will not work with Version 1.0 - We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we also think that this is a great opportunity to create a new game to get the full 1.0 experience.

[h2]Release Pricing[/h2]
To celebrate the launch of Beyond Contact Version 1.0, the current Early Access price of 14.99€ (local prices may vary) is now discounted by 34% for one (1) week from today (Tuesday the 4th of April).

Following the week of discount, Beyond Contact will be then available at the Version 1.0 release price of 19.99€ (local prices may vary), so consider picking it up now at the discounted price!

[h2]Release Content[/h2]
Looking for further details of the release content? We've got you covered with some new screenshots, concept art, and other insights in the following news posts. We encourage you to give them a read if you'd like to know more about what to expect in this Beyond Contact Version 1.0 release.

[h3]Beyond Contact Development Update[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/877010/view/3658647157814029981

[h3]Beyond Contact Community Sneak Peeks[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/877010/view/3658647791265426703
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/877010/view/3690174890783427913

[h2]Version 1.0 Release Livestream[/h2]
Start: Tuesday, April 4, 2023 18:00 (CEST)

https://www.twitch.tv/survivebeyondcontact

https://discord.com/events/849576025188597780/1090581729871417344


[h2]Version 1.0 Known Issues[/h2]

• Some crafting requirements are being shared between multiple players across the map, instead of using nearby items as expected
  
• Some environmental assets are not removed fully when structures and habitats are placed on top of them
  
• The Plasma Welder sometimes stops it’s repair action even though you are holding down the button
  
• The controller has received many updates with new UI added to the game, however it still requires additional work
  
• Some localisations may be incorrect and will be updated post release
  
• Some voice overs may be mismatched or missing compared to their subtitles
  
• The steam Achievement “Exemplary Effort” can be completed before completing all objectives
  
• The steam Achievement “Globetrotter” can be unlocked in multiplayer without seeing all biomes
  
• Quitting from death screen at an Obelisks hides the Obelisks assets while loading to the main menu
  
• Interacting with the player grown Bio Shroom may play incorrect character dialogue and subtitles
  
• Subtitles can appear during the cinematic black bars or during cutscenes.
  
• Small lights can remain visible on the Shelter and Habitat flooring if they are placed over small environmental assets with lights
  
• Character select lines can play over the main menu if character selection/unlock screen is exited quick enough
  
• Weather effects can go inside Habitats even though they are meant to be safe
  
• The Credits gained and Experienced gained notification text can overlap
  
• Some Missions require UI fixes and re-balance and will be improved in the future
  
• Various AI issues can be seen with the Corrupted Raids
  

On behalf of the United Worlds Congress, we sincerely thank you for your continued patience and support.

From all of us at Playcorp 💙 and PLAION. 💚

Join our community-focused game development discussions on your favorite platform: STEAM DISCUSSIONS DISCORD TWITCH SUPPORT SUGGEST FEATURES & REPORT BUGS

[h2]Greetings, Space Corps Operatives![/h2]
To prepare our Space Corps Operatives for the upcoming Version 1.0 release, we will be hosting a few livestreams on our offical Twitch channel.

https://www.twitch.tv/survivebeyondcontact


Join us today and Friday, March 31 for further sneak peeks into the upcoming content, and next Tuesday, April 4 for our release livestream. We'll be showing off the new features and answering questions and we hope to see you there.

🚀 Version 1.0 Release Preview Livestream
Start: Wednesday, March 29, 3:00 PM (CEST)
https://discord.com/events/849576025188597780/1090580674370605066


🚀 Version 1.0 Release Preview Livestream
Start: Friday, March 31, 2023 3:00 PM (CEST)
https://discord.com/events/849576025188597780/1090581300404043846


🚀 Version 1.0 Release Livestream
Start: Tuesday, April 4, 2023 6:00 PM (CEST)
https://discord.com/events/849576025188597780/1090581729871417344


In case you missed the release announcement you can catch up on the details here:

🚀 Release Announcement
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/877010/view/3690176239600785006


On behalf of the United Worlds Congress, we sincerely thank you for your continued patience and support.

From all of us at Playcorp 💙 and PLAION. 💚

Join our community-focused game development discussions on your favorite platform: STEAM DISCUSSIONS DISCORD TWITCH SUPPORT SUGGEST FEATURES & REPORT BUGS