We've been doing a lot of work on the network code and are ready to try out a new model. Give it a try in multiplayer and be sure to let us know if it plays any smoother for you. Feedback is always appreciated. Discuss at http://airme.ch/1GNQ45x

New players will now be greeted upon exiting the Challenges and given a brief tutorial for the Basecamp and some pointers to help them out in the menus. A Comms Mk1 structure will now be required to view chat, and they'll be prompted to get a blueprint from the Shop. Existing players will also need to build a Comms Mk1 before they can access chat!

The Nanoforge has finally broken loose from the Info tab and is now a floating window with it's own chat channel and redesigned UI.

General Updates:

• moved the Nanoforge out of the Info tab and into its own window
  
• group selected units will now continue to their capture target even if it is captured before they arrive
  
• new Basecamp and menu tutorials for new players
  
• a Comms Mk1 structure is now required to use chat
  
• improvements and optimizations to network code
  
• Ultimate Parts for Helix added to the Shop: Ultimate Helix Engine, Ultimate Missile Ammo, Ultimate Helix Missile Launcher, and Ultimate Helix Armor

Bug Fixes:

• fix for clicking Basecamp tiles through other menus
  
• fix for blurry chat badges
  
• fixed arm not appearing on Neo
  
• fixed some detached fins on Striker skins
  
• fix for units in cargo being given the capture command after dropping an infantry unit
  
• fix for maps not saving correctly

Balance Changes:

• new stats for Satellite Item

We've been doing a lot of work on the network code and are ready to try out a new model. Give it a try in multiplayer and be sure to let us know if it plays any smoother for you. Feedback is always appreciated. Discuss at http://airme.ch/1GNQ45x

New players will now be greeted upon exiting the Challenges and given a brief tutorial for the Basecamp and some pointers to help them out in the menus. A Comms Mk1 structure will now be required to view chat, and they'll be prompted to get a blueprint from the Shop. Existing players will also need to build a Comms Mk1 before they can access chat!

The Nanoforge has finally broken loose from the Info tab and is now a floating window with it's own chat channel and redesigned UI.

General Updates:

• moved the Nanoforge out of the Info tab and into its own window
  
• group selected units will now continue to their capture target even if it is captured before they arrive
  
• new Basecamp and menu tutorials for new players
  
• a Comms Mk1 structure is now required to use chat
  
• improvements and optimizations to network code
  
• Ultimate Parts for Helix added to the Shop: Ultimate Helix Engine, Ultimate Missile Ammo, Ultimate Helix Missile Launcher, and Ultimate Helix Armor

Bug Fixes:

• fix for clicking Basecamp tiles through other menus
  
• fix for blurry chat badges
  
• fixed arm not appearing on Neo
  
• fixed some detached fins on Striker skins
  
• fix for units in cargo being given the capture command after dropping an infantry unit
  
• fix for maps not saving correctly

Balance Changes:

• new stats for Satellite Item

We made it just in time for Halloween, and made a special Name Your Price bundle to help you celebrate with some new flair! The Halloween Bundle includes 4500 diamonds and 10,000 kudos for whatever price you want. If you beat the current average price, you'll also receive a Ghost Gigi and Halloween Crate (Key included).

This update isn't just about Halloween. We've got many big changes you'll notice as soon as you jump into a match. For starters, your AirMech abilities will no longer be built and picked up at structures. You'll be able to upgrade them instantly with ability points earned with each level-up. We're also raising the in-game level cap from 15 to 20! This will allow you to fully upgrade most of your abilities at max level, but not all of them. Choose wisely!

What does this mean for Guardians? Since Guardians can be destroyed or lost, we've added an automatic respawn timer to rebuild them. When your AirMech is destroyed or a Guardian is shot down, it will take 30 seconds for each Guardian you've unlocked.

To top things off, we're throwing a new skin into the Fall Crate --the Raptor Neo. Don't forget to the Shop to find the Ultimate Boxer, as well as all your favorite Halloween event items for a limited time!

ːairmechː General Updates:

• abilities are now upgraded instantly, one ability point per level and no build time/cost
  
• AirMechs can now reach level 20 in-game
  
• Guardians now have a respawn time and will rebuild automatically after being destroyed
  
• improving spacing of infantry in squads
  
• tips will now appear for players with empty loadout slots
  
• new minimap icons for AirMechs and structures
  
• click the minimap to ping teammates at that location
  
• many fixes improvements to AI AirMechs
  
• made Trainer and Basic AI a bit less aggressive
  
• new Ultimate Unit: Ultimate Boxer

ːairmechː Bug Fixes:

• fixing a crash which occurred when loading a map with no sample map
  
• fixing a crash which could occur with custom maps
  
• fixed shadow display when zoomed out in the Map Editor
  
• fixed controller input getting stuck after closing chat while spectating
  
• fix for login UI getting stuck using an existing account with Steam
  
• fixed not being able to select map from "Player Maps List"
  
• fixed an issue on Duel that caused units to clump against an outpost when given an order
  
• fixed an issue that prevented units from accepting orders
  
• fix for AI AirMechs trying to chase down carried units
  
• fixed an issue with AI AirMechs trying to issue mass commands to player owned units
  
• fixed Nexus Saucer not using team-colored assets
  
• fixed trail and teeth on the blades of Steampunk Bomber
  
• fixed right wing not displaying correctly on Super Helix
  
• fix for player status turning ready before clicking Ready button
  
• fixed some outdated text regarding Generator functions
  
• no longer display the content suggestion dialog at endgame when replaying or spectating a match
  
• fixed game message and upkeep scripting commands for custom maps
  
• fixed some floating props on Twin Peaks
  
• fix for unresponsive Quest button
  
• fixed missing eyes on Beppo Probe
  
• fixed being able to drop units in some props on Salt
  
• fix for Missile Lifespan stat not updating properly from livebalance data

ːairmechː Balance Changes:

• Fixer build cost decreased from 1200 to 1000
  
• Fixer build time decreased from 2.6 to 2.2
  
• Fixer healing range decreased from 7.5 to 5.5
  
• Patcher healing range decreased from 7.5 to 6
  
• Honeypot healing range off-socket increased from 6 to 9
  
• Honeypot healing range on-socket increased from 12.5 to 13.5
  
• reduced level up bonuses from 5% to 4% for levels 1-15
  
• Bucky armor piercing increased from 40 to 50
  
• Bucky fire delay increased from 1.5 to 2 (overall DPS from 117 to 88)
  
• Bucky missile speed decreased from 15 to 11 ːbuckyː

ːairmechː Known Issues:

• Saucer's Teleport description updated before ability changes went in

We made it just in time for Halloween, and made a special Name Your Price bundle to help you celebrate with some new flair! The Halloween Bundle includes 4500 diamonds and 10,000 kudos for whatever price you want. If you beat the current average price, you'll also receive a Ghost Gigi and Halloween Crate (Key included).

This update isn't just about Halloween. We've got many big changes you'll notice as soon as you jump into a match. For starters, your AirMech abilities will no longer be built and picked up at structures. You'll be able to upgrade them instantly with ability points earned with each level-up. We're also raising the in-game level cap from 15 to 20! This will allow you to fully upgrade most of your abilities at max level, but not all of them. Choose wisely!

What does this mean for Guardians? Since Guardians can be destroyed or lost, we've added an automatic respawn timer to rebuild them. When your AirMech is destroyed or a Guardian is shot down, it will take 30 seconds for each Guardian you've unlocked.

To top things off, we're throwing a new skin into the Fall Crate --the Raptor Neo. Don't forget to the Shop to find the Ultimate Boxer, as well as all your favorite Halloween event items for a limited time!

:airmech: General Updates:

• abilities are now upgraded instantly, one ability point per level and no build time/cost
  
• AirMechs can now reach level 20 in-game
  
• Guardians now have a respawn time and will rebuild automatically after being destroyed
  
• improving spacing of infantry in squads
  
• tips will now appear for players with empty loadout slots
  
• new minimap icons for AirMechs and structures
  
• click the minimap to ping teammates at that location
  
• many fixes improvements to AI AirMechs
  
• made Trainer and Basic AI a bit less aggressive
  
• new Ultimate Unit: Ultimate Boxer

:airmech: Bug Fixes:

• fixing a crash which occurred when loading a map with no sample map
  
• fixing a crash which could occur with custom maps
  
• fixed shadow display when zoomed out in the Map Editor
  
• fixed controller input getting stuck after closing chat while spectating
  
• fix for login UI getting stuck using an existing account with Steam
  
• fixed not being able to select map from "Player Maps List"
  
• fixed an issue on Duel that caused units to clump against an outpost when given an order
  
• fixed an issue that prevented units from accepting orders
  
• fix for AI AirMechs trying to chase down carried units
  
• fixed an issue with AI AirMechs trying to issue mass commands to player owned units
  
• fixed Nexus Saucer not using team-colored assets
  
• fixed trail and teeth on the blades of Steampunk Bomber
  
• fixed right wing not displaying correctly on Super Helix
  
• fix for player status turning ready before clicking Ready button
  
• fixed some outdated text regarding Generator functions
  
• no longer display the content suggestion dialog at endgame when replaying or spectating a match
  
• fixed game message and upkeep scripting commands for custom maps
  
• fixed some floating props on Twin Peaks
  
• fix for unresponsive Quest button
  
• fixed missing eyes on Beppo Probe
  
• fixed being able to drop units in some props on Salt
  
• fix for Missile Lifespan stat not updating properly from livebalance data

:airmech: Balance Changes:

• Fixer build cost decreased from 1200 to 1000
  
• Fixer build time decreased from 2.6 to 2.2
  
• Fixer healing range decreased from 7.5 to 5.5
  
• Patcher healing range decreased from 7.5 to 6
  
• Honeypot healing range off-socket increased from 6 to 9
  
• Honeypot healing range on-socket increased from 12.5 to 13.5
  
• reduced level up bonuses from 5% to 4% for levels 1-15
  
• Bucky armor piercing increased from 40 to 50
  
• Bucky fire delay increased from 1.5 to 2 (overall DPS from 117 to 88)
  
• Bucky missile speed decreased from 15 to 11 :bucky:

:airmech: Known Issues:

• Saucer's Teleport description updated before ability changes went in

Avast! It's a Pirate life for me! ...and you! For one week only we have a mess of Pirate themed goodies. Pet Parrots and Pirate Hats and...Pirate Treasure! The Pirate Crate is a prize indeed and far from a common crate. Inside lies very valuable loot! Diamonds, or lots of Diamonds? Or even the legendary Gold Parrot if you are that lucky!

There's a very special Blueprint in the Shop related to Pirate Week. It's the Shipwreck, which will allow you to uncover this magnificent lost galleon--right in your own camp! On its own it would make a wonderful centerpiece to brag about, but during our Pirate Week it has a special function. Once per day, you can search it and there's an excellent chance you will find a Pirate Crate! To maximize this benefit, make sure to collect it every day for the next week, as when the event ends it will stop producing Pirate Crates...until next year.

These Pirate Crates are not like normal crates, as pirates are not very trusting types. They require a special Key to unlock...the Skeleton Key. You can craft one using a Skull and a Key in the Nanoforge, or you can buy one directly from the Shop. If you take a peek at the loot inside the Pirate Crate I think you'll see why it requires such a special key.

It's also been a while since we've done Bonus Diamonds, and since Pirates do love treasure this is an excellent time to do one! All Diamond Pack purchases will get an extra 25% Diamonds instantly! And yes, you get more Diamonds as a referral bonus too, we wouldn't forget about that.

• Pirate Crate
  
• Skeleton Key - can be crafted from a Skull and Key or bought
  
• Pirate Hat - the classic captain's hat
  
• Tricorne Hat - classic and respectable
  
• Parrot - obtained from travels to exotic lands!
  
• Green Parrot - a pirate's best friend
  
• Gold Parrot - Pirate Crate only
  
• Shipwreck - special blueprint for uncovering this in your Basecamp!

_________________________________

Starting this patch you'll notice some big changes--your AirMechs can now continue to level up to a cap of 20. And the Part Points have actually been removed--we've made a major balance pass on Parts, and decided to make them level based instead. This greatly simplifies selecting Parts--just pick the most powerful ones that you are high enough level to equip.

There has also been a huge balance rework of the Parts to take this new system into account. Many Parts simply have one or two positive stats, and no negatives. No more stressing out of over what Parts to equip and the overall effect on your mech. This goes along with us removing Parts from Ranked PvP (at least for now) while we experiment with progression and balance.

Ultimate Parts...you've been asking for more Ultimate AirMechs, and this is our answer to that. Now you can pick any skin you want and make it Ultimate! Unless you are using an Aura, your mech will get the Ultimate glow if any Ultimate Parts are equipped. This also means that the Ultimate Striker and Ultimate Helix have been converted into Super Striker and Super Helix. For each one of those you own, you will find you have the new skin plus 5 Ultimate Parts in it's place. (and yes, you'll soon be able to sell them) After the transition we'll make them available to all players in the game Shop.

Two really nice gameplay additions this patch are the drop direction indicator and respawn timer. When carrying a unit, you'll now see a circle with a point on it which faces your mouse cursor direction. When you drop a unit, it will face in this direction--no more needing to shoot in empty space just to aim units! Your tanks will thank you when placing them on the front lines. The respawn timer for each player is shown over their AirMech type in the hud. A small but welcome change to many!
Two really nice gameplay additions this patch are the drop direction indicator and respawn timer. When carrying a unit, you'll now see a circle with a point on it which faces your mouse cursor direction. When you drop a unit, it will face in this direction--no more needing to shoot in empty space just to aim units! Your tanks will thank you when placing them on the front lines. The respawn timer for each player is shown over their AirMech type in the hud. A small but welcome change to many!
Two really nice gameplay additions this patch are the drop direction indicator and respawn timer. When carrying a unit, you'll now see a circle with a point on it which faces your mouse cursor direction. When you drop a unit, it will face in this direction--no more needing to shoot in empty space just to aim units! Your tanks will thank you when placing them on the front lines. The respawn timer for each player is shown over their AirMech type in the hud. A small but welcome change to many!

More Ultimates have been balanced since last patch, and this continues to be ongoing work. We've also made all AirMechs get stronger as they level up. Just a bit per level, but max level AirMechs should feel more powerful and be more of a deciding factor toward the end of the game--at least that's the plan, let us know how it works out.

• added Top Maps curated list to Custom Game map browser
  
• doubled the maximum Inbox size
  
• increased max AirMech level (in Hangar) from 10 to 20
  
• removed "Bot is Ready" tab when in Coop/PvP lobbies
  
• adding rendering for the forcebox outlines in the Editor
  
• added a feature for always dropping units aimed toward the mouse cursor
  
• show time until respawn for all players in a game

• fixed PIN option for Custom games
  
• fix for "failed to load remote map" in custom games
  
• fixed some props not being editable on official maps
  
• Xbox controller buttons will no longer be referenced in lobbies when a controller is not in use
  
• fixed Pirate Warthog minigun offset when firing
  
• fixed a bug which prevented script commands from spawning neutral units

• many balance changes to Ultimates
  
• rebalance parts for PvE/Coop
  
• add level requirements to all parts
  
• AirMech stat increases on level up increased (generally from 3 to 5%)

Avast! It's a Pirate life for me! ...and you! For one week only we have a mess of Pirate themed goodies. Pet Parrots and Pirate Hats and...Pirate Treasure! The Pirate Crate is a prize indeed and far from a common crate. Inside lies very valuable loot! Diamonds, or lots of Diamonds? Or even the legendary Gold Parrot if you are that lucky!

There's a very special Blueprint in the Shop related to Pirate Week. It's the Shipwreck, which will allow you to uncover this magnificent lost galleon--right in your own camp! On its own it would make a wonderful centerpiece to brag about, but during our Pirate Week it has a special function. Once per day, you can search it and there's an excellent chance you will find a Pirate Crate! To maximize this benefit, make sure to collect it every day for the next week, as when the event ends it will stop producing Pirate Crates...until next year.

These Pirate Crates are not like normal crates, as pirates are not very trusting types. They require a special Key to unlock...the Skeleton Key. You can craft one using a Skull and a Key in the Nanoforge, or you can buy one directly from the Shop. If you take a peek at the loot inside the Pirate Crate I think you'll see why it requires such a special key.

It's also been a while since we've done Bonus Diamonds, and since Pirates do love treasure this is an excellent time to do one! All Diamond Pack purchases will get an extra 25% Diamonds instantly! And yes, you get more Diamonds as a referral bonus too, we wouldn't forget about that.

• Pirate Crate
  
• Skeleton Key - can be crafted from a Skull and Key or bought
  
• Pirate Hat - the classic captain's hat
  
• Tricorne Hat - classic and respectable
  
• Parrot - obtained from travels to exotic lands!
  
• Green Parrot - a pirate's best friend
  
• Gold Parrot - Pirate Crate only
  
• Shipwreck - special blueprint for uncovering this in your Basecamp!

_________________________________

Starting this patch you'll notice some big changes--your AirMechs can now continue to level up to a cap of 20. And the Part Points have actually been removed--we've made a major balance pass on Parts, and decided to make them level based instead. This greatly simplifies selecting Parts--just pick the most powerful ones that you are high enough level to equip.

There has also been a huge balance rework of the Parts to take this new system into account. Many Parts simply have one or two positive stats, and no negatives. No more stressing out of over what Parts to equip and the overall effect on your mech. This goes along with us removing Parts from Ranked PvP (at least for now) while we experiment with progression and balance.

Ultimate Parts...you've been asking for more Ultimate AirMechs, and this is our answer to that. Now you can pick any skin you want and make it Ultimate! Unless you are using an Aura, your mech will get the Ultimate glow if any Ultimate Parts are equipped. This also means that the Ultimate Striker and Ultimate Helix have been converted into Super Striker and Super Helix. For each one of those you own, you will find you have the new skin plus 5 Ultimate Parts in it's place. (and yes, you'll soon be able to sell them) After the transition we'll make them available to all players in the game Shop.

Two really nice gameplay additions this patch are the drop direction indicator and respawn timer. When carrying a unit, you'll now see a circle with a point on it which faces your mouse cursor direction. When you drop a unit, it will face in this direction--no more needing to shoot in empty space just to aim units! Your tanks will thank you when placing them on the front lines. The respawn timer for each player is shown over their AirMech type in the hud. A small but welcome change to many!
Two really nice gameplay additions this patch are the drop direction indicator and respawn timer. When carrying a unit, you'll now see a circle with a point on it which faces your mouse cursor direction. When you drop a unit, it will face in this direction--no more needing to shoot in empty space just to aim units! Your tanks will thank you when placing them on the front lines. The respawn timer for each player is shown over their AirMech type in the hud. A small but welcome change to many!
Two really nice gameplay additions this patch are the drop direction indicator and respawn timer. When carrying a unit, you'll now see a circle with a point on it which faces your mouse cursor direction. When you drop a unit, it will face in this direction--no more needing to shoot in empty space just to aim units! Your tanks will thank you when placing them on the front lines. The respawn timer for each player is shown over their AirMech type in the hud. A small but welcome change to many!

More Ultimates have been balanced since last patch, and this continues to be ongoing work. We've also made all AirMechs get stronger as they level up. Just a bit per level, but max level AirMechs should feel more powerful and be more of a deciding factor toward the end of the game--at least that's the plan, let us know how it works out.

• added Top Maps curated list to Custom Game map browser
  
• doubled the maximum Inbox size
  
• increased max AirMech level (in Hangar) from 10 to 20
  
• removed "Bot is Ready" tab when in Coop/PvP lobbies
  
• adding rendering for the forcebox outlines in the Editor
  
• added a feature for always dropping units aimed toward the mouse cursor
  
• show time until respawn for all players in a game

• fixed PIN option for Custom games
  
• fix for "failed to load remote map" in custom games
  
• fixed some props not being editable on official maps
  
• Xbox controller buttons will no longer be referenced in lobbies when a controller is not in use
  
• fixed Pirate Warthog minigun offset when firing
  
• fixed a bug which prevented script commands from spawning neutral units

• many balance changes to Ultimates
  
• rebalance parts for PvE/Coop
  
• add level requirements to all parts
  
• AirMech stat increases on level up increased (generally from 3 to 5%)

This update is something big, really big. It didn't actually start out that way, but we have had a lot of different systems we've been working on for a long time and they just happened to all come together around the same time. There's a lot to cover, so let's get to it.

You are now able to Publish maps from the editor and they will be added to a public map list. Anyone can play these maps currently, as we're still trying to decide if any restrictions should be put on them for new/free players. For now, have fun and enjoy, and leave feedback on what you think.

Publishing has been working for the past few days actually, and if you have the test build of the game you've been able to see player made maps inside the game. We've had a ton of fun playing these maps! I'm super excited to see how this evolves, as already in a very short time it has added something new and fresh to the game.

Currently you need Prime to Publish maps. We're going to let anyone with Silver VIP use the editor while we are in this testing phase, then decide what to do later. Also anyone can play Custom Maps for now, we may or may not want to restrict this to VIPs. Honestly we don't know, we're just going to see who plays what and listen to feedback, so let us know what you think about all this and how to charge for it.

There's also a ton of improvements made to the Map Editor itself, too much to get into here. Come find all the info on the forums!

When we originally created Ultimates, we just made them insanely powerful. And that's fun to a certain degree, but with more and more Ultimates it ends up removing any challenge at all. We've decided to do a major rebalance and bring Ultimates down to 10 to 20% better than their normal versions. They are absolutely the most powerful versions of units/items, but not in a crazy way.

We're also going to soon be removing Ultimate AirMechs. We'll be replacing them with Ultimate Parts, so you can make any AirMech Variant Ultimate. They will get the Ultimate aura if you have any of these special parts equipped. For the current Ultimate AirMechs, we'll be converting them to "Super" Variants and simply be cool skins, and you'll get a batch of Ultimate Parts for free.

And with a rebalance of Ultimates, it lets us put...

We've decided to remove the dedicated Ultimate queue and instead just allow Ultimates in Unranked games. Since they don't affect your record anyway, there's no harm if you come up against an opponent using Ultimates. In fact, we wanted to take this even further, and provide special rewards for both winning against those using Ultimates, and even if you lose you should be rewarded for fighting against a stronger enemy with our new...

Shortly after we patch, we will be rolling out the new Honor System. This is our way of taking a look at the balance of a particular matchup, and deciding if extra recognition is needed. We take the total number of Ultimate Points your opponents are using, and use that plus some other data to determine how many Honor Points you will be awarded. We think this will be between 1 and 3 per game.

We will also be awarding a small amount of Honor for winning Ranked games. You won't get any Honor for losing a Ranked PvP match, as it should be evenly matched. We've actually gone a step further and while we are testing changes to the balance of Ultimates and Parts, we're making Parts do nothing in Ranked PvP matches. (Ultimates are of course banned from Ranked games as always)

Speaking of PvP, we've also made quite a few changes to the menus there...

The PvP menus have been reworked to accommodate some changes to Ranked and Unranked play. PvP will have 3 game types: Ranked, Unranked, and Custom. Currently we have removed 3v3 lobbies so we can focus on 2v2 which we feel is the most balanced way to play the game.

If you want to play 3v3, you can still create a Custom game at the bottom of the PvP menu. In fact, you should really check out the new Custom games where you can…

You can now play maps Published by other players! We can't say for sure that what you will find in the player made maps will be balanced, or finished--or even work right--but we've already had a ton of fun playing maps that you all have uploaded.

We expect there will be some bugs, but this is our "alpha" release of the ability to play maps made by other players without having to jump through hoops of copying files around by hand. Want to see more maps made by a player? Right click their name in the list of maps, it should show you all the maps they have Published.

- updates to the PvP Play menus
- new Samson icon
- Weapon stat renamed to Armor Piercing
- added a "No Parts" custom game option
- making infantry set to the capture order when dropped with cargo operation
- added options to the Edit and View drop-down boxes
- added map preview screenshot to custom map files
- added pause/resume shortcuts for Sandbox mode
- allow placing terrain by holding left click and dragging, right click to clear tilse


- fix for loading custom maps in Solo lobbies
- fix for Neo Missile Jammer affecting non-guided missiles
- fix for Deathray sound effects on some Saucer skins
- fixed group select not working when fuel is empty
- fix for missile streamers not appearing in the Shop
- fix for launching the Map Editor from the basecamp
- fix for AI being disabled on custom maps
- fix for player profile card remaining open when declining a friend request
- fix for Grinder appearing invisible (or extremely thin) when revived by Necro
- fixed Warthog head antenna not scaling for hats/heads
- fixes for overlapping elements in the endgame screen
- block invalid characters from being used in map names
- fixing a loading issue for trigger events with spaces on actions
- fixed the desync when attempting to play custom maps in multiplayer

- SAM move speed increased from 2.5 to 3.5

This update is something big, really big. It didn't actually start out that way, but we have had a lot of different systems we've been working on for a long time and they just happened to all come together around the same time. There's a lot to cover, so let's get to it.

You are now able to Publish maps from the editor and they will be added to a public map list. Anyone can play these maps currently, as we're still trying to decide if any restrictions should be put on them for new/free players. For now, have fun and enjoy, and leave feedback on what you think.

Publishing has been working for the past few days actually, and if you have the test build of the game you've been able to see player made maps inside the game. We've had a ton of fun playing these maps! I'm super excited to see how this evolves, as already in a very short time it has added something new and fresh to the game.

Currently you need Prime to Publish maps. We're going to let anyone with Silver VIP use the editor while we are in this testing phase, then decide what to do later. Also anyone can play Custom Maps for now, we may or may not want to restrict this to VIPs. Honestly we don't know, we're just going to see who plays what and listen to feedback, so let us know what you think about all this and how to charge for it.

There's also a ton of improvements made to the Map Editor itself, too much to get into here. Come find all the info on the forums!

When we originally created Ultimates, we just made them insanely powerful. And that's fun to a certain degree, but with more and more Ultimates it ends up removing any challenge at all. We've decided to do a major rebalance and bring Ultimates down to 10 to 20% better than their normal versions. They are absolutely the most powerful versions of units/items, but not in a crazy way.

We're also going to soon be removing Ultimate AirMechs. We'll be replacing them with Ultimate Parts, so you can make any AirMech Variant Ultimate. They will get the Ultimate aura if you have any of these special parts equipped. For the current Ultimate AirMechs, we'll be converting them to "Super" Variants and simply be cool skins, and you'll get a batch of Ultimate Parts for free.

And with a rebalance of Ultimates, it lets us put...

We've decided to remove the dedicated Ultimate queue and instead just allow Ultimates in Unranked games. Since they don't affect your record anyway, there's no harm if you come up against an opponent using Ultimates. In fact, we wanted to take this even further, and provide special rewards for both winning against those using Ultimates, and even if you lose you should be rewarded for fighting against a stronger enemy with our new...

Shortly after we patch, we will be rolling out the new Honor System. This is our way of taking a look at the balance of a particular matchup, and deciding if extra recognition is needed. We take the total number of Ultimate Points your opponents are using, and use that plus some other data to determine how many Honor Points you will be awarded. We think this will be between 1 and 3 per game.

We will also be awarding a small amount of Honor for winning Ranked games. You won't get any Honor for losing a Ranked PvP match, as it should be evenly matched. We've actually gone a step further and while we are testing changes to the balance of Ultimates and Parts, we're making Parts do nothing in Ranked PvP matches. (Ultimates are of course banned from Ranked games as always)

Speaking of PvP, we've also made quite a few changes to the menus there...

The PvP menus have been reworked to accommodate some changes to Ranked and Unranked play. PvP will have 3 game types: Ranked, Unranked, and Custom. Currently we have removed 3v3 lobbies so we can focus on 2v2 which we feel is the most balanced way to play the game.

If you want to play 3v3, you can still create a Custom game at the bottom of the PvP menu. In fact, you should really check out the new Custom games where you can…

You can now play maps Published by other players! We can't say for sure that what you will find in the player made maps will be balanced, or finished--or even work right--but we've already had a ton of fun playing maps that you all have uploaded.

We expect there will be some bugs, but this is our "alpha" release of the ability to play maps made by other players without having to jump through hoops of copying files around by hand. Want to see more maps made by a player? Right click their name in the list of maps, it should show you all the maps they have Published.

- updates to the PvP Play menus
- new Samson icon
- Weapon stat renamed to Armor Piercing
- added a "No Parts" custom game option
- making infantry set to the capture order when dropped with cargo operation
- added options to the Edit and View drop-down boxes
- added map preview screenshot to custom map files
- added pause/resume shortcuts for Sandbox mode
- allow placing terrain by holding left click and dragging, right click to clear tilse


- fix for loading custom maps in Solo lobbies
- fix for Neo Missile Jammer affecting non-guided missiles
- fix for Deathray sound effects on some Saucer skins
- fixed group select not working when fuel is empty
- fix for missile streamers not appearing in the Shop
- fix for launching the Map Editor from the basecamp
- fix for AI being disabled on custom maps
- fix for player profile card remaining open when declining a friend request
- fix for Grinder appearing invisible (or extremely thin) when revived by Necro
- fixed Warthog head antenna not scaling for hats/heads
- fixes for overlapping elements in the endgame screen
- block invalid characters from being used in map names
- fixing a loading issue for trigger events with spaces on actions
- fixed the desync when attempting to play custom maps in multiplayer

- SAM move speed increased from 2.5 to 3.5

To celebreate Update #215, we're having a Double XP weekend and it starts right now! Coop, PvP, even Solo--play however you want, get Double XP in all games!

To celebreate Update #215, we're having a Double XP weekend and it starts right now! Coop, PvP, even Solo--play however you want, get Double XP in all games!