Steam News6 July 202511mo ago

Devlog #7 - Core loop finished

Week #13 of development. Amazingly, I did not switch back to turn-based gameplay! It stays real-time. For good.

Full notes

Full Frost Protocol update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

What changed

0 fixes5 additions6 changes0 removals

Gameplay
Maps
Balance

changedAmazingly, I did not switch back to turn-based gameplay! It stays real-time. For good.

changedThis also meant I could dive deeper into actual game mechanics this time and focus on the overall core gameplay loop. A big change (conceptionally) is that there won't be multiple missions / expeditions anymore. Instead, you have to manage an outpost and expand it. This includes more base building elements and more world exploration, which makes it much more interesting I believe.

addedI just created a new video on YouTube showing some uncut gameplay if you are interested.

addedNew Features / Changes:

changedImproved task system at the outpost → Tasks can have requirements: Items (which you have to find or craft), other tasks (that need be finished beforehand), energy, etc...

addedResources, Inventory System, and Crafting → Introduced crafting materials that can be found on the outpost map (by finishing tasks ,such as "Open container") → That's why I needed an inventory system. I implemented two different systems and decided to go with a slot-based drag-and-drop system for now. → Back in the base, the player can use the resources to craft items (for example items that are required for tasks)

Week #13 of development.

Amazingly, I did not switch back to turn-based gameplay! It stays real-time. For good.

This also meant I could dive deeper into actual game mechanics this time and focus on the overall core gameplay loop. A big change (conceptionally) is that there won't be multiple missions / expeditions anymore. Instead, you have to manage an outpost and expand it. This includes more base building elements and more world exploration, which makes it much more interesting I believe.

I just created a new video on YouTube showing some uncut gameplay if you are interested.

[dynamiclink href="https://youtu.be/S0TxBzR0oVA"]

New Features / Changes:

Improved task system at the outpost
→ Tasks can have requirements: Items (which you have to find or craft), other tasks (that need be finished beforehand), energy, etc...
Resources, Inventory System, and Crafting
→ Introduced crafting materials that can be found on the outpost map (by finishing tasks ,such as "Open container")
→ That's why I needed an inventory system. I implemented two different systems and decided to go with a slot-based drag-and-drop system for now.
→ Back in the base, the player can use the resources to craft items (for example items that are required for tasks)
Fog of War!
→ Makes everything more interesting, especially exploration
→ Robots can place sensor drones to gain static sight
Robots
→ New energy system for robots. Energy needs to replenished in the home base
→ Shield for tanks
→ Very strong laser attack for assault bots
Base
→ Layout change: only two levels
→ Pathfinding added: Crew can be positioned by clicking
→ The base is now shown within the world (not just black background on the sides)
Food creation
→ Plan, grow, and harvest food
Crew
→ Fatigue and hunger rises (no debuff yet)
→ Eating and sleeping possible (Eating requires food)
Core loop playable
→ Transitions between day and night phase are working