Rockhounds Playtest first patch!

Hey Rockhounds!

We’ve hit the one-week mark! A massive thank you to everyone who has jumped in so far. Your feedback is already helping us prioritize our next moves and clean up the rougher edges. Today’s update is the first of many, focusing on the bugs and balance issues you’ve identified this week.

Highlights for this update

• Bug Fixes & UX Enhancements: Multiple bugs have been resolved, and overall user experience has been refined.

  • Improved mouse cursors (shapes and sizes)

  • Changed yield bonuses which should help with (high risk) missions taking too long

  • Resource-related sidequests now appear earlier during a mission

  • Increased damage output for default SMG weapon

  • Lowered damage output for default Shotgun weapon

  • Reduced amount of health (and damage) for larger enemies to make them less bullet-spongy

  • Changed behavior for "hidden" type enemy so they telegraph their attacks clearer

  • Fixed a problem where enemies would stop spawning during a mission

  • Fixed a problem where hive-enemies would spawn when a boss was killed

  • Fixed a problem with the hitbox of the worm-enemy, making it easier to hit

• Inventory Management: Players can now sell items, resulting in better control over your inventory.

• AdjustedClimate UpdateUpdated climate system for planets, better lighting, wind effects and VFX influenced by it.

• Planet-Specific Enemies: Creatures are now assigned in groups per planet, so that each planet has a unique feel.

• AdjustedStarting Weapons & Class ProgressionWe've adjusted the starting weapons and unlocks to increase early-game challenge (encouraging players to upgrade their loadout) and balanced previously overpowered weapons.

Show, don't tell

And because we know people like looking at pictures better than reading a bunch of text, a couple of nice things that you might notice in this update ...

Steam post imageThe above image shows how we've now curated specific lighting conditions to work for each of our three environment types. Everything looks great and works really well with the weather effects as well. And, another cool thing that you'll see in this update ...

That's right, particles are influenced by the wind direction and weather effects. We think this will really help with immersion, plus it's just nice to look at :-)

Support the Mission

We’re building Rockhounds alongside you, and there are three ways you can help us scale the operation:

• Wishlist on Steam: This is the single most important thing you can do to help our visibility.

• Squad Up: Remember, your Playtest key includes 3 extra invites. Bring your crew in. Rockhounds is meant to be played as a team.

• Spread the Word: If you have a favorite streamer who loves extraction games, let them know we’re live.

New Recruits Incoming: We’ve just sent out the next batch of Playtest invites! If you’re one of the new arrivals, welcome. Jump into our Discord to find a squad, report bugs, or give us your raw feedback.