Final Approach to 1.0

( Cross-posted from our dev blog ) Hey all! So Starbound's next update is the big 1.0 and it's getting close, so I wanted to update everyone on where things are and what to expect. Leaving Early Access doesn't mean the end of updates for Starbound by any means, instead it will mark a shift away from engine work and towards additional content creation. In the past we've referred to this update as 'the story update' and indeed the player will finally be able to experience the complete Starbound story arc. Along the way you'll meet new friends, undertake a series of missions and search for clues across countless planets. The story arc isn't intended to replace the sandbox gameplay, but instead provide it with context whilst leaving the game open and boundless. So, let's go over some of the big new and returning features in 1.0 Story Content You are a Protector in training. The protectors belong to the Terrene Protectorate. An organisation formed on earth by humanity to protect and guide the universe towards peace. The story begins on earth, on your graduation day and quickly has you hurtling out into the stars. The story consists of 8 instanced missions that take the player from overrun mining facilities to ancient temples and sunken libraries. To unlock missions you'll be given quests which utilize many different aspects of the Starbound sandbox to send you searching for clues. Clues can be found in many different ways, from visiting towns and talking to the locals, exploring dangerous dungeons, to building colonies and completing quests. Our goal is to reward however you like to play. All of these missions (excluding the intro) end in a unique boss fight and meeting new friends that aid in the expansion of the outpost, which is now upgraded as you progress. As of this update the mission/story progression, armor progression, ship progression and colony progression are all entirely separate. Whilst missions do increase in difficulty as they progress, it's up to you how you want to tackle them in terms of gear, weapons and items. We've removed any artificial gates, though you will need to ensure you have the equipment needed to overcome any environmental hazards. The lore and NPC dialogue has also been tweaked around this story and forms a cohesive narrative which ties the Starbound universe together. Planet Generation Up until now, each planet in Starbound had one major biome, with some sub biomes scattered within it. With the goal of freeing up the progression and removing artificial gates in mind, planets now contain multiple major biomes, in interesting combinations. Planet generation feels new and fresh with many more possibilities for variation and interesting content. It's now possible to find a volcano in a jungle or a ruined town in a desert. New Dungeons We're also bringing these planets to life with great new dungeons, villages and beautiful microdungeons. Planets are populated with more content than ever and we're making sure those dungeons contain rewards that are meaningful both to the story and to sandbox gameplay. These new villages extend to every race, including the Hylotls who now have a complete set of dungeons and villages in game. New Side Quests Alongside the story progression and clue quests there are a number of new side quests, including a battle arena, a museum that needs to be populated with artifacts, and test chambers to unlock tech