Play Update 1.1 Early on the Experimental Branch!

Hello, spotters!

Update 1.1 is now available in the Experimental Branch on Steam. This has turned into a truly massive update, bringing a huge amount of new content, mechanics, improvements, and fixes to the game. While we've already completed extensive internal testing and haven't encountered any critical issues on our end, a release of this size needs as much real-world testing as possible before it moves to the main branch.

That's why we're opening the Experimental Branch to everyone who wants to jump in early, explore the new content, and help us put the finishing touches on the update.

You can find the full patch notes below.

What you need to know:

All content is already included: The experimental version contains absolutely all the innovations planned for the upcoming official update.

The choice is yours: If you want a stable gameplay experience, we recommend staying on the main branch and waiting for the official release. If you cannot wait and eager to play right now and are ready to help us uncover hidden issues, the experimental branch is completely at your disposal.

Feedback: Please report all found bugs, crashes, and balance issues to our Discord in the ⁠The Spotter: Dig or Die⁠🔧┃bug_report section. Your help will make the game better!

Backup your saves: If you want to keep your previous saves, please back them up to a different folder. In the current version, starting a new game will overwrite and delete your existing save files.

Saves location: You can find your saves here:

C:\\Users\\serge\\AppData\\Local\\The_Spotter\\Saved\\SaveGames\\Manual

C:\\Users\\serge\\AppData\\Local\\The_Spotter\\Saved\\SaveGames\\Checkpoint

Note: Make sure to delete the steam_autocloud.vdf file in those directories to prevent Steam from overwriting your backups.

How to switch to the Experimental Branch:

• Open your Steam Library

• Right-click on the game and select Properties

• Go to the Betas tab

• In the drop-down list, select the "Experimental" branch

• Wait for the update to finish downloading and launch the game

Update 1.1 — Patchnotes

• Wi-Fi Shovel: After completing the main game, players are now awarded the legendary Wi-Fi Shovel from the final cutscene.

• AdjustedTier System OverhaulWe have completely changed how tiers are unlocked. The number of required resources has been reduced to lower the amount of grind in the game. However, players will now need specific items to unlock tiers. A brand new graphical interface (UX/UI) has also been implemented for this mechanic.
• AddedLoot CratesAdded a new mechanic allowing players to destroy wooden crates to obtain valuable resources.

• New Global Location: Venture to the surface and explore the city streets and its hidden secrets in Las Veganos.

• AddedUnderground Complex Expansion5 new unique rooms are now open for exploration in the mine, each featuring its own secrets, mechanics, and atmosphere.
• AddedLas Veganos MarketplaceA fully functional shop has opened in the city. Earn currency to purchase powerful new upgrades for your gear and unique cosmetic items.
• AddedIndustrial City ThreatsThe streets of Las Veganos are unsafe. New types of dangerous enemies have been added to the city, forcing you to adapt your movement tactics.
• AddedMad Old ManA formidable new guardian has appeared in the depths of the mine, protecting the approaches to one of the secret rooms.
• AddedNew ArtifactsThe arsenal has been expanded with 3 new unique artifacts featuring their own special mechanics.
• AdjustedItem Detector OverhaulThe detector has been reworked and now senses various types of items, such as car parts, artifacts, and boosters. Its operational range has also been increased.
• AddedExpanded Upgrade PathNew upgrade levels have been added for your equipment. Modernize the radius and capacity of dynamite, increase the vacuum collection zone for items, carry more beacons at once, and unlock other hidden efficiency improvements.
• AddedDrill Control SettingsA new setting has been added to the game options, allowing you to toggle the drill between holding or a single press to turn it on or off.
• AdjustedWi-Fi Shovel Radius ControlAdded a control hint informing players that the Wi-Fi Shovel radius can now be adjusted by scrolling the Middle Mouse Button (MMB Scroll).

• Menu Frame Rate Limit: Implemented a 60 FPS limit in both the main menu and in-game menus.

• Shovel Combat Utility: The Wi-Fi Shovel can now deal damage to enemies.

• AddedInteractive Arcade MachinesAdded a "Claw Machine" mechanic to the game world (a physical claw to grab items).

• Defense Auto-Turret Restructuring: The progression structure of the Auto-Turret systems has been completely redesigned. Auto-Turret upgrades are now independent and strictly sequential, eliminating the ability to skip intermediate tiers.

• Main Turret Type Swapping: Players can now roll back main turret upgrades, changing its type to a different one at any point in the game.

• AddedSteam Achievements IntegrationNew achievements have been integrated, including "Hula Collection," "Cheese Collection," "Lollipop Collection," "Milkshake Collection," and "Perfectionist" (100% pit clearance). The "Hula Collection" and "Cheese Collection" achievements should now function properly. They were previously visible on Steam but lacked in-game logic, which led many players to believe they could be completed.

• Mine Progress Tracker: The terminal now features a dedicated space (top left) showing a percentage of dirt excavated from the pit. This addition will help players track their progress and achieve the Perfectionist achievement.

Thank you for your support. See you in the game!

Looking for more?

Check out the Forklift Interactive publisher page and follow it to see new games and updates as they arrive.

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