Volcanoids News

Hey everyone! The end of 2021 is slowly approaching so we figured an end-of-year development update would be in order before the team leaves for the holidays.

So first things first, let's cover what you're all here for...

[h2]Theme of the *Next Update*[/h2]

The upcoming update is going to be dedicated to the most requested features by the community regarding quality of life, the steep learning curve, production, and many other aspects of the game. There is still a lot of play-testing and figuring out how to approach the changes. But the main focus is on production, simplifying the systems, and allowing things that were not possible before.

[h2]Translated into features, you can expect stuff like[/h2]

[h3]Customizable toolbar[/h3]



We've seen so many players getting confused by the predefined toolbar. So in the next update, you will be able to just drag and drop items from your inventory into any toolbar slot like you're used to. No more hectic scrolling during intense firefights.

[h3]Remote access to periscope [/h3]



How annoying is it that the moment you decide to go exploring, you get a notification that your drillship is under attack? And now what... do you go back or continue exploring risking that you'll return to a destroyed drillship? Well, we are working on a feature that will allow you to access your drillship's periscope from anywhere so you can see how serious the situation is.

[h3]Damaged parts showing up on UI[/h3]



Say bye to running around checking each module's HP individually, any damaged parts will show up on your UI when holding the wrench.

[h3]New modules[/h3]



This module will passively produce energy when the drillship is close to lava underground.

[h3]Early-game improvements[/h3]



As mentioned in the beginning, the steep learning curve is a big issue, especially for new players and we really want to do something about that. Above is an example of one of the many improvements we'll be making. We've noticed that new players always have a hard time capturing the first drillship because they can't find the core.

[h3]Two big changes regarding production[/h3]

1. Making online storage (the collective inventory of all storage modules) function underground
   
2. Making it possible to keep production going even when underground
   

These two changes combined mean that you and your crewmates can do a lot more while waiting for the eruption to blow over. For example, you can arm yourself while heading towards the next laser cave, or set up the production line so that you can run out the door as soon as the drillship lands. No longer you'll have to sit underground with almost nothing to do, just waiting for the volcano to calm down.

So what's the point of deploying on the surface then?

Production on the surface is going to be way more efficient than underground. Also in future updates, we plan to add more survival mechanics that will make underground production more resource-heavy than on the surface.

The idea behind these changes is that we want to reward players for having a deeper knowledge of the game's systems, rather than punish them if they don't. So the better the knowledge the better you will be at utilizing all the production systems and getting the most out of your resources and time, and therefore progress much faster. And if you don't have the knowledge yet, you won't be as heavily limited as you were before.

The impact of these changes already solves some of the most requested QoL changes:

• The front drill storage no longer gets full with items, forcing you to stop driving and move items elsewhere. Now those items will just continue pilling in the free storage modules you have on the drillship.
  
• Waiting underground can be now used much more effectively since all the drillship systems continue working (e.g. production, research)
  
• Many quests are no longer going to be interrupted by the eruption and you will be able to continue doing them underground.
  

[h3]And much more...[/h3]
But that will be leaked in the coming weeks because I don't want to spoil everything right away hehe.

[h2]Rough release estimate[/h2]

The to-do list for this update is still fairly big but we are definitely aiming for Q1 2022. I'll let you know once there's a closer estimate.

[h2]New mods in Workshop[/h2]

While working on the new update, we also keep polishing the workshop guides and adding information that modders reported to be missing or confusing. To experiment with some new directions modding in Volcanoids could go, several new mods were created for you to check out!


For anyone who would like to continue fighting some more COGS after finishing the quests, this mod will send one last wave of COGs in the third area:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2688256552
Would you like to have some COGs in your crew? Well, turn yourself or a friend into one with this mod:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2683793090
This mod is great for keeping track of ongoing drillship production, as it informs you about every item that lands in your drillship's inventory.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2687954635
[h2]Happy Holidays![/h2]

Finally, the whole team wishes you a great holiday season and all the best in 2022! Hope you had fun playing or even just following the development this year. And thank you for all the support!

Rich

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[h3]First of all...[/h3]

Thank you for your patience and all the feedback on the modding guides! We are constantly reflecting on your feedback and adding more info to places that are not explained well enough. And we will continue doing that until the guides are easy to follow and clear for everyone.

So if you ever get stuck on some step, don't hesitate to post into the modding-help channel in our Discord (and tag Tomas#9155, he specifically requests that) or in the Workshop forum. And please always mention the guide you have an issue with and which section. It will help us a ton!



[h3]Main Game Fixes[/h3]

• Added Mod info window when loading saves (it informs you about the differences between mods set in main menu, and mods set in the save file)
  
• Steam launch dialog on Linux allows you to choose between OpenGL and Vulkan
  
• "Load game" menu now shows settings and delete buttons above each save (it used to show only when you hovered over them)
  
• Improved player's jumping, giving you a better chance to escape from spots where you'd previously stay stuck
  
• Fixed multiple issues where you'd get stuck in spectator view above the submarine when loading a save
  
• Fixed broken armor equipping animation
  
• Fixed issues where mods caused connection problems in multiplayer games
  
• Fixed issue with the Captain not having a proper dress code for the Halloween event
  
• Fixed wrong order of the new dragon and skeleton decals for paint jobs
  

[h3]Steam Workshop[/h3]

• Added new tags: starter, design, visual
  
  
• Starter tag - Used for any mod, that affects the starter drillships (starter drillship = the first drillship you capture in the game after completing the first few quests for the Captain)
  
• Design tag - Used for mods that adjust devices in the starter drillships
  
• Visual tag - Used for mods that change paint jobs of the starter drillships, for example, a mod that would give a starter drillship a dragon paintjob
  

[h3]Mod SDK Fixes[/h3]

• All creation scenes are now automatically duplicated and available for modders
  
• Duplicated creation scenes have the option to be reset to the default state when Mod SDK gets a new update (this is optional)
  

[h3]Mod Guide Fixes[/h3]

• In general we added and keep adding more information to all Captains modding guides based on your feedback
  
• The guides are being constantly tested, and any reported issue is being reflected
  

[h3]New Captain Mod[/h3]

• Blind Cogs - COGs are blinded from constant work in dark caves with super bright lava. It is almost impossible for them to spot you unless they are fired upon, or damaged in any other way. If that happens, they will charge in the direction of incoming fire and fight back!
  

[h3]Mod Fixes[/h3]

• Large Backpack - Fixed issue with dropped backpacks having only 32 slots, when it was supposed to be 100
  
• New Crew - Captains skin no longer stretches in random directions when wearing a modded armor
  
• Advanced Armor - Fixed issue with armor preventing revive or respawn
  
• Advanced Armor - Fixed issue where wearing armor would block you from changing skin in wardrobe
  
• Green Eruption - Is finally green again
  
• Cosmetic Modules - Now support paint jobs
  
• Submarine Pier Chests - Saving and loading now works correctly
  
• Auto Burrow - Fixed issue where clients could not change settings of this feature
  
• Additive Scene - Fixed issues with saving and loading
  
• Interior Device - Fixed wrong camera position when player was seated in the throne
  

That's it for now folks! Once again, if you get stuck somewhere in one of the modding guides, don't hesitate to reach out to Tomas on Discord or post in the Workshop forum (+ mention the guide and section).

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, post them in the comments below. Stay tuned on our socials for sneak peeks from the next update. And as always...

Have a blast y'all!

- Rich and the team

Join the community on Discord
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more sneak peeks and teasers
Subscribe to our Newsletter to get notified only when there's a new update release or dev log

https://store.steampowered.com/app/951440/Volcanoids/

[h3]WATCH OUT[/h3]

The island got spookier!





And Martin from our team also made this mod with Halloween decals for the drillship: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2634643953


Lastly, Volcanoids is 20% off during the Steam Halloween sale!

Adding something for Halloween was sort of a last-minute decision but we still wanted to give you guys something. Next year around we plan to do a lot more for it.

Happy Halloween y'all!

- Rich and the team

Join the community on Discord
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more sneak peeks and teasers
Subscribe to our Newsletter to get notified only when there's a new update release or dev log

https://store.steampowered.com/app/951440/Volcanoids/

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]The Steam Workshop support is here[/h3]

And with it, almost 60 different mods already available in the workshop for you to play and tinker with!

There are mods for every area of the game. Gun mods, enemy mods, character mods, building mods, quality of life mods, I don't even know what to call these... mods and more!

To celebrate the workshop release, Volcanoids is 25% OFF this week!

We also created a Workshop forum and a bunch of modding-related channels in our Discord so feel free to discuss all things modding there.

Shout out to Melodic Albuild, Lord Gregory, Labyrinth, and everyone else who already jumped in and started creating their own mods and guides for the community!

Last thing I want to mention in this section is that the mods you'll see below are what we call "official mods" which means that they are from us, the devs. All are posted under the Captain's Steam account. The reason why we made them is to show you what can be done with the workshop support and create some foundation.

Now, they are fully at your service. The support is here, as well as the guides and documentation (+ more on the way). So feel free to use these mods, adjust and republish them, or create your own from scratch!

when it comes to mods

[h3]Gun Mods[/h3]
The revolver, shotgun, SMG, and sniper all got their modded counterparts with different attributes. Get this mod



[h3]Enemy Mods[/h3]

Add a creepy giant drill head that's inspired by the Pyramid Head from Silent Hill. I highly recommend not running into him during the ash storm. Get this mod



Mix up the battlefield even more with new COG soldiers. Get this mod



[h3]Character Mods[/h3]
Finally, everyone in the crew will be able to have a different character. Just add the wardrobe device to your drillship and pick one of the characters. Get this mod



[h3]Building Mods[/h3]

Add the new heat extractor structures around the map. Get this mod



Finally be able to enter houses in the villages. Get this mod



[h3]Armor Mods[/h3]
Equip new types of armor that look like you put them together from COG scraps. And on top of looking badass, they will also give your entire crew different buffs such as faster production. Get this mod



[h3]Module Mods[/h3]

Turn your drillship into a certified battleship with these new turrets. Get this mod



Fill the bland empty spaces on your drillship with these shiny cosmetic modules. Get this mod



[h3]Quality of Life Mods[/h3]

Increase your character's backpack inventory with the Large Backpack mod. Get this mod

Sprint for as long as you need with the Infinite Stamina mod. Get this mod

Regenerate your health without med packs with the Slow Passive HP Recovery mod. Get this mod

[h3]And a lot more...[/h3]

Check out all the mods



[h3]New Features[/h3]

• Added community suggested decal sets - dragon, skeleton, corn
  
• Build tool now shows all device variants above the toolbar
  
• Added option to change save file settings (hover over a save file and gear icon appears) - you can even change a save file that was singleplayer to multiplayer so friends can join you
  
• Added option to delete save files (hover over a save file and cross icon appears)
  

[h3]Fixes[/h3]

• Fixed critical issue where mortars and grenades from COGs destroyed your devices inside the drillship, even when walls were not breached yet
  
• Fixed paint jobs on COG drillships
  
• Fixed issue with brown chests around the map not syncing well for host and client
  
• Fixed in-game chat issues
  
• Fixed issue where some players would get stuck in spectator view while loading a save file
  
• Components being used for production are no longer destroyed if the station gets destroyed or removed
  
• Multiple game crashing fixes
  

It's really simple. Just follow this guide once and I bet you will remember the steps from then on.

1. Start Volcanoids and click on the "Mods" button in main menu and then the "Open Workshop" button.



2. Steam overlay will open on the workshop page. Here you can browse all the available mods. If the author is the Captain, then it's from us.



3. Once you find the mod you want to try, just click on the green "subscribe" button.



4. Then use the SHIFT + TAB combination to hide the Steam overlay and the mod will appear in the mod table. Now just click the checkbox and then the "Apply Configuration" button.



5. The game will restart and you're good to go. To double-check if the mods applied when you start a new game this table with mods should appear telling you which mods you are playing with.





For anyone who would like to start making mods, we put together this separate guide that goes into detail on how to set everything up: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2625530587



[h3]Can we play multiplayer with the mods?[/h3]
Yes! The way it works is that the person who creates the server has to choose the mods (as shown above) and then anyone who joins him/her will automatically download those mods without having to do anything.

[h3]Is there any way I can remove mods from my save file?[/h3]
Yep, check out the guide below. When you hover over a save file the gear icon will appear. Click on it and the "Edit settings menu will appear. All the way down is an "edit" button. Click it to open the mod menu. There uncheck any mods you want removed, click "ok" and then "save and start". The game will restart and the save will load without the mods you unchecked.



[h3]Which mods are from the dev team? [/h3]
All the mods that have the Captain as the author, are from us. We call those the "official mods" and they are fully at your service. You can use them, adjust and republish them, whatever you want. Any mods that don't have the Captain as the author are from the community. Browse all the official mods here.

[h3]Why don't you just add this to the vanilla game?[/h3]
The reason is that with the workshop in place, we have this fast prototyping ground where no idea is too crazy to be done. Anything can be quickly put together and checked out in the game without having to worry about how it will affect the gameplay for everyone. Things are not super polished, and bugs can appear here and there.

This is a huge shortcut in development and a powerful tool that can give us a better idea of what you guys like and want in the game. If a specific mod becomes super popular, you bet we will consider adding it in the vanilla game! We look at it as an opportunity to create a new form of communication between you and us.

[h3]Why adding the workshop now, is the development coming to an end?[/h3]
Not even close haha. The reason why we're adding workshop now is similar to why we added multiplayer so soon as well. Because it's real pain to add it later on in the development when there might be some stuff implemented that didn't take workshop into account etc.



We realize that no matter how cool we make the mods, some of you are simply not fans of modding. But don't worry, even though this update has been dedicated to adding the workshop support, we parallelly worked on a lot of new things for the vanilla game.

I don't want to spoil too much but among other things we've been making good progress on the island map rework as well as the lore aspect of the game that will tie into the map locations. Basically, we are committed to fixing the repetitiveness of the island areas.

DISCLAIMER: Almost everything you see on the 2 pictures below (except the stuff you already know like the drillship) is placeholder, meaning it's not final art and will look a lot different once it gets released. We are using these low poly assets to get a sense of the scale and different locations.







Can't wait to see what mods you guys will come up with! As always, if you got any questions, feedback or suggestions, don't hesitate to let us know in the comments below.

Have a blast y'all!

- Rich and the team

Join the community on Discord
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more sneak peeks and teasers
Subscribe to our Newsletter to get notified only when there's a new update release or dev log

https://store.steampowered.com/app/951440/Volcanoids/