Mar 30, 2023

PlanetSide 2 - Mithril

Hey there. It's been a while since we've given a proper update on construction, but I hope folks have been able to catch some of the teasers the team has released here and there on social media. Below, we'll share a handful of new structures on the way, and touch on some areas where our design has seen iteration since its original debut. Worth noting here is that all of the art below is still work in progress.

Lattice-Based Construction Areas

Construction outposts, like Solas Nature Annex on Amerish, Untapped Reservoir on Esamir, and Sunken Relay Station on Indar have been converted over to self-restocking silos controlled by the faction that owns the region. These silos double as capture points for that region, which will allow anyone to set up a base in the area the moment they arrive, without needing to do all of the upfront harvesting required to begin a construction base. You can still build anywhere on the map that isn't in a no-construction zone, as you do currently on Live, but we're creating more convenience for the lattice-based construction regions so that there will be bases to fight around more often.

The Construction Outpost Silo at Berjess Overlook on Indar.

New Buildables

Currently, we're aiming for 10 new construction objects at minimum to foster more base variety while creating more fleshed out playspaces in and around these objects. Some of these buildables will be on the small side, meant to either help facilitate movement through and around a base, or fill gaps in cover – these are things like an Infantry Treestand, Infantry Tunnel (that does not go underground,) Anti-Air Awning, and Vehicle Bridge. Below are a handful of objects that are fairly close to completion.

Command Center - The Command Center is a large structure that houses ground and air vehicle pads, and a secure spawn room and equipment terminal.

A Command Center at Untapped Reservoir on Esamir.

Rebirthing Center - More fortified than an Elysium Spawn Tube, the Rebirthing Center provides a spawn point and a secure equipment terminal for well-developed bases. New "Bulwark" Wall types can be seen in this shot as well.

A Rebirthing Center and Bulwark Walls (two width variants) near Coramed Labs on Indar.

Secure Silo - While this object cannot prevent building decay like a normal Silo (thus a normal, public Silo is still necessary,) builders can use this Secure Silo to store additional Cortium for themselves or their squadmates.

A Secure Silo (missing its panel FX) at Spral Oasis on Esamir.

Module Dispenser - A buildable with a small footprint that allows you to pull Modules directly from it. Useful for having quick access to modules near the defensive perimeter of your base.

A Module Dispenser near Vanu Archives on Indar, also receiving FX soon.

Revisited Buildables

We've made updates to a number of the existing buildables to create more spaces for play in and around. High-impact construction objects, like the Orbital Strike Uplink will require more thoughtful placement than before, whereas lower-impact objects, like the Bunker, will become easier to place. Many construction objects have gotten a facelift as well in both visuals and function – we'll show off more of those later.

Orbital Strike Uplink - The OS Uplink now has an interior and exterior playspace, and still maintains a fairly small footprint due to the spiral staircase design and overhanging landings.

A couple of shots of the new Orbital Strike Uplink near Solus Nature Annex, on Amerish.

Bunker - The Bunker's overall footprint has decreased, the roof is now easier to access, and the equipment terminal inside has been removed.

The Bunker outside of Untapped Reservoir, on Esamir. The Bunker can be placed more easily now, and lines up better against Rampart Walls.

Modules

In the original announcement, we mentioned that Modules would be moving to hand-held items that are socketed into construction objects. This allows buildings to be customized according to the needs of your base, and was also meant to replace the passive cortium drain for something more active. In the previous iteration, we mentioned a 20-minute timer on standard modules. Concerns were raised about the general upkeep of construction bases becoming tedious, and we agree. All of the standard modules will now stick around until replaced, and the High Pressure modules used while you're under attack will be where we focus much of the upkeep costs.

In order to place a module, you'll just need to grab one from the Silo or Module Dispenser, and head over to a module socket within a compatible structure. We're currently working on UI efforts to make it easier to know where a module can and can't be placed, and I'm sure you'll see some progress about this in a later article.

Odds and Ends

The only other notable part of our initial design that has deviated a bit is regarding cortium harvesting. Some of you mentioned that it didn't seem to add much to the experience, and many of you felt that harvesting is in a decent state as is. We've scrapped the original proposal for picking apart cortium veins with gunfire, and we'll stick with the experience you're familiar with for now. You will, however, still receive expanded cortium tanks and mineral radar by default on the ANT, and we've made some quality of life changes to make the ANT's mining HUD more readable as well.

Drop shadow on the UI interface, along with text under each column.

The Wrap Up

While we don't have a testing date lined up for the update just yet, it will likely end up in late April. Though, take that with a grain of salt as there's still a lot to get done, along with continuing to maintain a balance between Construction's development, our Live content cadence, and other studio initiatives this year. Look forward to more information once we're a bit further along.

Thanks folks.

-Wrel, Lead Designer

The new Recon Array, to make the life of Stalker Infiltrators just that much more difficult.

Mar 28, 2023

Mar. 29, 2023 - MAX rebalance, New Abilities, Server Perf

PlanetSide 2 - Mithril

All PC servers will be offline for the following update on Wednesday, March 29, at 6:00am PT (3:00pm CET). The downtime for this update is expected to last up to 3 hours.
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Server Performance Improvements

In this update, we've made significant performance optimizations to NPCs that can be "interacted with" by the player. These interactable NPCs include terminals, vehicles, generators, conduits, and certain mission objectives – basically any NPC that requires you to press a button to ask it to do something. Previously these NPCs would query interaction requirements on any character in range, even ones that aren't intending to use them. This change is especially important when it comes to CTF conduits, which were also checking for line of sight (another costly check) at sometimes long distances. We still have areas to investigate further when it comes to the creation of characters on a zone, but these NPC changes address one of the major areas of focus we outlined in an earlier update.

A Very Serious April

This year, April Fools is cancelled. We're still bringing back previous years holiday items, but we're not happy about it. You'll find last year's Jester's Bundle, The Schnoz (which gives an EXTRA 20% bonus experience while worn,) and the new Gone Fishing Bundle in the Depot through Apr. 09.

In accordance with this very serious holiday, we're also issuing DOUBLE EXPERIENCE for ALL PLAYERS through Apr. 03.

Gone Fishing Bundle - 1499 DBC

Gone Fishing Profile Banner (All Factions)
Tacklebox Drop Pod (All Factions)
Fishing Hat (VS, NC, TR, NSO)

The new Fishing Hat and Tacklebox Drop Pod. Fishing system sold separately.

Faction-Specific Class Abilities

In this update, each faction receives one new class ability! In most cases, these are abilities that were available as prototypes during previous Campaigns, with balance adjustments and cleanup where needed.

Hermes Cloaking (VS Infiltrator only)
Provides a speed-enhancing cloak with added fall resistance to help you maneuver around the battlefield.

Rank 1: Cloak lasts for 6.5 seconds, increases sprint speed by 20%, and recharges in 13 seconds.
Rank 2: Cloak lasts for 7 seconds, increases sprint speed by 20%, and recharges in 12.5 seconds.
Rank 3: Cloak lasts for 7.5 seconds, increases sprint speed by 20%, and recharges in 12 seconds.
Rank 4: Cloak lasts for 8 seconds, increases sprint speed by 20%, and recharges in 11.5 seconds.
Rank 5: Cloak lasts for 8.5 seconds, increases sprint speed by 25%, and recharges in 11 seconds.

Demeter Veil (NC Heavy Assault only)
While active, the Demeter Veil reduces incoming damage to you and nearby allies for up to 6 seconds, but doesn't target allied MAX or Heavy Assaults.

Rank 1: Reduces damage by 25% for up to 6 seconds. Protects allies within 5 meters and regenerates to full over 14 seconds.
Rank 2: Reduces damage by 25% for up to 6 seconds. Protects allies within 5 meters and regenerates to full over 13 seconds.
Rank 3: Reduces damage by 25% for up to 6 seconds. Protects allies within 5 meters and regenerates to full over 12 seconds.
Rank 4: Reduces damage by 25% for up to 6 seconds. Protects allies within 5 meters and regenerates to full over 11 seconds.
Rank 5: Reduces damage by 25% for up to 6 seconds. Protects allies within 6 meters and regenerates to full over 10 seconds.

Triage Pulse (TR Combat Medic only)
A pulse of healing nanites washes over nearby allies, causing them to regenerate health over time, and immediately restoring health for critically injured allies.

Rank 1: Allies within 6 meters heal 60 health per second for 5 seconds. Allies below 100 health are healed for 100 health immediately. 25 second cooldown.
Rank 2: Allies within 6 meters heal 60 health per second for 5 seconds. Allies below 100 health are healed for 125 health immediately. 25 second cooldown.
Rank 3: Allies within 6 meters heal 60 health per second for 5 seconds. Allies below 150 health are healed for 125 health immediately. 25 second cooldown.
Rank 4: Allies within 6 meters heal 60 health per second for 5 seconds. Allies below 150 health are healed for 150 health immediately. 25 second cooldown.
Rank 5: Allies within 6 meters heal 60 health per second for 5 seconds. Allies below 200 health are healed for 150 health immediately. 25 second cooldown.

Repair Drone (NSO Engineer only)
NSO Engineers have the option to replace their turret with a loyal drone that will repair nearby mechanical targets. Enemies can destroy this drone.

Rank 1: Repairs 40 health per second to mechanical targets within 10 meters. 45 second cooldown on deployment.
Rank 2: Repairs 43 health per second to mechanical targets within 10 meters. 45 second cooldown on deployment.
Rank 3: Repairs 46 health per second to mechanical targets within 10 meters. 45 second cooldown on deployment.
Rank 4: Repairs 49 health per second to mechanical targets within 10 meters. 45 second cooldown on deployment.
Rank 5: Repairs 52 health per second to mechanical targets within 10 meters. 45 second cooldown on deployment.

Each faction has received new class abilities. There's probably a VS Infiltrator in this shot somewhere.

MAX Adjustments

The updates to MAX units below are, as a whole, meant to reduce the lethality and longevity of this equipment on the battlefield.

MAX units can no longer be revived
This is a major change that we'll be keeping a close eye on. Please continue to share thoughts and feedback after this change makes it into the wild.

Other MAX Adjustments

Ordnance Armor now properly reduces damage from Infantry Lock-ons (type 68) by 20%. This was previously 0% for Infantry Lock-ons and 40% for Infantry Rocket Launchers (resist type 34.)
MAX nanite cost from 450 to 350, now in parity with the Defector.
Headshot multiplier for most MAX weapons reduced from 2x to 1.5x
MAX units can no longer equip the Safeguard or Phylactery implants.
Defector's Time Bomb no longer kills the user, and instead inflicts high self-damage and momentary slow upon detonation.
Added new "Fallout Hardening" defensive slot that reduces incoming Orbital Strike damage by 11/14/17/22% and Burning damage by 50/60/70/75/80%.

NC-specific MAX Adjustments
Aegis Shield (NC MAX Ability)

While the shield is active, energy now drains at a rate of 40 per second.
Energy recharge rate from 150 per second to 80 per second.

Dev Note: These changes reduce the overall uptime of the Aegis Shield, and force more conscious management of the energy resource.

NCM1 Scattercannon

From 5x pellets at 130@8m - 50@20m
To 5x pellets at 100@8m - 50@20m
Refire rate from 460ms to 500ms

AF-34 Mattock

From 3x pellets at 112@15m - 92@50m
To 3x pellets at 112@15m - 84@40m

AF-41 Hacksaw

From 5x pellets at 75@8m - 50@15m
To 5x pellets at 75@5m - 40@15m

AF-23 Grinder

From 10x pellets at 50@8m - 35@20m
To 8x pellets at 50@8m - 35@20m

Vehicle Adjustments

Nimitz Reactor (NC Vanguard Defensive Slot)

A depleted shield no longer has a longer shield recharge time than the one caused by the normal damage delay, and is instead standardized at 6 seconds upon receiving any damage.
Shield health regenerated per second from 100 at all ranks to 100/150/175/200 at ranks 1-4.
Activating Forward Vanguard Shield, Fire Suppression, or Smoke Screen will restore 500 shield health immediately.

Dev Note: The changes here are meant to make Nimitz Reactor a more viable defensive slot option.

Perihelion (VS Lightning/Magrider Main Cannon)

Charge time is no longer infinite, and can now be held for up to 5 seconds before automatically firing.
This weapon still reaches a Stage 2 charge at 1 second, and a Stage 3 charge at 3 seconds.

JGX-12 (NC Vanguard Main Cannon)

Direct damage from 650 to 600.
Blast damage damage from 450 to 400.

JGX-11 (NC Lightning Main Cannon)

Direct damage from 700 to 500.
Indirect damage from 250 to 350.
Reload speed from 3.75sec. to 4sec.

Dev Note: The intention behind these changes are to bring the overall damage output further in line with the Vanguard and Lightning's AP cannons, while retaining the alpha damage advantage these weapons exemplify.

ESF Infantry Lock-on Resistances

ESF Infantry Lock-on resist (type 68) from -130 to -100. (Note: The Scythe was errantly at -150 resist, instead of the intended -130 prior to this update.)
Dervish Infantry Lock-on resist (typ 68) from -125 to -60.

Dev Note: This pushes ESF into two lock-ons to burning, instead of two shots to kill; and the Dervish can now receive three hits before burning, instead of two.

M14 Banshee (TR Mosquito Nosegun)

Extended Magazine size from 6/9/12/15 to 2/4/6/8 rounds.
Maximum blast damage from 150 to 100.

M30 Mustang AH (NC Reaver Nosegun)

Reduced Extended Magazine skill line ranks from 4 to 2. This skill line has been refunded due to the reduction in ranks and will need to be repurchased.
Maximum blast damage from 100 to 60.

Misc. Changes, Fixes, and Additions

Fixed an issue with the Ancient Psykinetic Blade looking "bunched up" under certain conditions.
Fixed an issue preventing the Platoon Color picker from appearing when the dropdown is selected.
Fixed a pixel-wide separation of tiling textures that would appear at certain mip levels.
The first character on a new account can no longer skip the tutorial.
Health and shield numerics has been defaulted on for new installations.
Disruptor Ammunition's effect is no longer cloned on a weapon it is not equipped on, if you have it equipped on different weapon in the loadout.
While on the redeploy screen, spawn option updates no longer close the remote vehicle spawn window.

Mar 7, 2023

Mar. 08, 2023 - St. Patrick's Day Update

PlanetSide 2 - Blaster

All PC servers will be offline for the following update on Wednesday, March 8, at 6:00am PT (3:00pm CET). The downtime for this update is expected to last up to 3 hours.
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Server Performance Progress

Work continues on resolving the server performance issues taking place during high-population hours, and even more so on Amerish. There are two main culprits we're investigating at the moment, the first is a character's "creation" in the zone, and the second has to do with NPCs running unnecessary checks in large areas.

For the first issue, we've noticed an unexpected amount of time being devoted to creating a character on a zone. In this case, "creating a character" refers to the act of a player warping to a zone for the first time (not the act of creating a character at the character create screen.) During our last telemetry capture, this was happening a little more than once per second as there tends to be a trickle of players into active combat zones during high-pop hours.

The second issue is that certain NPCs seem to be sweeping for nearby players over large areas, to determine whether certain interactions are valid. CTF NPCs in particular are among those we're looking into. Given that Amerish has the most CTF bases, and tends to be a popular continent in general, this could point to why performance seems to be worse there. This isn't confirmed just yet, but we're adding additional Telemetry instrumentation to this update to allow us to acquire more granular information in future captures.

TL;DR – Server performance continues to be a work-in-progress, and we have a few leads that we're actively looking into.

St. Patrick's Day 2023

From Mar. 07 through Mar. 19, the Wyrdwood Bundle, Green Fortune Bundle, Gold Lover's Bundle, and more St. Patrick's Day items return to the Depot, alongside the new offerings below!

New to the Depot
Jackpot Bundle - 2999 DBC
This bundle contains Jackpot weapons from previous years all in one place.

NS "Jackpot" Decimator (Common Pool Rocket Launcher)
NS-44 "Jackpot" Commissioner (Common Pool Sidearm)
"Jackpot" Cerberus (VS Sidearm)
TX2 "Jackpot" Emperor (TR Sidearm)
LA3 "Jackpot" Desperado (NC Sidearm)

St. Patrick's Day Bundle 2023 - 3999 DBC
Be the luckiest soldier on the field with this new LMG-laden bundle.

Golden Closer Decal (Outfit Decal)
Golden Clover Camo (Common Pool Camo)
VE-H "Jackpot" Maw (VS LMG)
MGR-L1 "Jackpot" Promise (NC LMG)
MG-H1 "Jackpot" Watchman (TR LMG)
"Jackpot" XMG-155 (NSO LMG)

The Jackpot LMG lineup.

Misc. Changes, Fixes, and Additions

AP30 Shredder gunfire audio now plays correctly while firing single shots, and no longer gets into a bad state when shooting in full audio after firing single shots.
Especially low render distance settings no longer cause a bright circular area to appear in the center of the screen.
Unusable mission reward notification no longer appears for players who had banked rewards prior to the overview screen changes.
Fixed an issue where map timers could appear stuck at 0:00.
Fixed an issue where the CTF base capture progress counter could get stuck in a low opacity state on the map screen.
Using the search bar in the depot now also gives you the option to search for items within a specific category.
While on the Voice and Chat screen, pressing the Enter key no longer opens the smaller chat box window.
Increased the range at which Mandibles will appear on the ANT when viewed from a distance.
Updated the low ammo warning sound on the AF-6 Shadow, HSR-1, Nyx VX31, Warden, GD Guardian, AMR-66, DMR-99, and Eidolon VE33.
NSO suppressed weapon audio volume and falloff should now be more consistent with other factions' suppressed weapons.
ADVX Mako sniper rifle no longer plays incorrect audio while suppressed.