v0.1.4 - Pathfinding Update

v0.1.4 - Pathfinding Update

This update reworks the tactical pathfinding and vehicle movement systems, alongside several map, balance, and UI changes.

A new previous-version branch is also available on Steam. This allows you to return to v0.1.3 if the latest update causes problems. It can be selected from: Steam - Drone Sector - Properties - Game Versions & Betas - previous-version

Added

• Added a public previous-version Steam branch containing v0.1.3.

Changed

• Adjusted the lighting on the Patagonia Heights map.

• Added more roads to the Flatland Airbase map.

• Added large rocks around the starting areas of the Dry Foothills map, providing additional early cover and concealment.

• Changed the HUD toggle key from H to Numpad 0.

UI

• Hid research options that have not yet been implemented.

• Increased the maximum gamepad aiming sensitivity to 100x.

• Smoothed the squad movement lines displayed on the HUD. These lines are intended as loose guides rather than exact representations of the paths squads will follow. Squads retain some autonomy when moving, and short sections of the line may pass through walls or buildings.

Fixed

• Vehicles now slow down more cautiously before making turns.

Balance

• Direct hits from the railgun now deal armor-piercing damage instead of high-explosive damage.

• Increased the railgun's area-of-effect damage.

• Disabled ground-to-ground friendly fire on all difficulty levels. It remains available as an option in Sandbox Mode.

Technical

• Reworked the tactical pathfinding layer. It now pre-calculates more navigation data, and the tactical navigation graph is generated automatically. This allows for faster iteration, improved consistency, and denser pathfinding data.

• Reworked vehicle movement physics and AI. The new configuration provides finer and clearer control over vehicle behavior, making adjustments easier and addressing several weaknesses of the previous system.

Possible Issues

• The higher-resolution tactical pathfinding data may have a greater performance cost. There are several potential ways to optimize it, but the current priority is to verify that the new system works correctly and measure its actual performance impact.

Known Issues

• Infantry squad formation direction does not yet adjust to follow the shape of the path.

• Vehicles may occasionally become stuck moving back and forth near trees, rocks, or other small obstacles. Issuing a new move order will usually resolve the issue. A fix is planned for the next update.