The latest Merc to join London's finest, Guardian's laser-toting drone and set of offensive weaponry lets her go boldly where no Medic has gone before.
She's joined by another batch of small fixes and updates, check them out!
New Merc: Guardian
The fury of the heavens will not find you!
Armed with a defensive drone, reviving pulse glove and an assault rifle, this South Korean mercenary is equal parts protector and fighter.
Long stationed at a CDA camp near the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, Guardian is now bringing her protective capabilities to bear in London.
Abilities
Guardian truly lives up to her name, blocking a barrage of incoming fire while forcing teammates back to their feet.
Sky Shield
This defensive drone is activated once deployed to the battlefield. Its rapid targeting lasers make short work of incoming projectiles such as grenades or airstrikes, giving extra protection to those nearby.
Be careful though, the Sky Shield only operates on line of sight - meaning positioning will be key!
Bionic Pulse
While Guardian can't heal, she's a downed squad's savior. Her custom glove's Bionic Pulse can target areas a short distance away, reviving any Merc in its area of effect.
The pulse can only revive up to 100 HP when fully charged.
Incoming Detection System (IDS)
Guardian's suit contains a complex awareness system that alerts her to airstrikes and artillery, giving her time to throw down her Sky Shield and save teammates from harm.
Weapons
Guardian brings a slick set of advanced assault equipment to the table. For now, Guardian is the only Merc that has access to these weapons.
Hurtsall 2K
With slightly lower damage and range than other assault rifles, this new bullpup makes up for it by being the fastest firing AR available.
Hoigat .224
The Hoigat also has a lighter touch, but boasts the highest ammo capacity of all the semi-automatic pistols in the game, helping Guardian to outlast her opponents.
Batons
Guardian is the first Merc to bring dual-wielded melee weapons. These brutal batons allow her quick light attacks as well as a skull-crushing double-hitting heavy attack.
Guardian 'Pirin' Pack
It's often said that clothes maketh the Merc.
Get Guardian along with a Limited Edition 'Pirin' Case, containing one random Loadout Card with an exquisite skin variant. Only available in Store until the release of our next Merc.
Matchmaking Improvements
As part of our continuing efforts to improve the matchmaking experience, we're making a number of changes with this update. We'll be including more improvements in the next update.
Updated searching algorithms to reduce the amount of time it takes to find a match
Added a warning for larger parties about having to wait longer for matches, as they require tighter-balanced games
Lobbies will now continue to go ahead if one player disconnects, and the game will attempt to fill the slot as quickly as possible
Teams will continue to have faster respawn times to compensate until the slot is filled
Fixed bug where exiting the game while in a matchmaking queue would leave the game unresponsive
Fixed bug where disconnecting during the pre-game line-up would exit the game
Fixed bug that could cause a player to be returned to menu after a match had been found
Crash Reporter
We're taking greater steps to reduce the amount of crashes experienced in game.
To help with this, we've implemented a Crash Reporter, powered by Bugsplat. You'll now be able to enter the details of a crash when they happen - This will be critical in helping us to address issues and improve the game for everyone.
While we're excited about adding new content to the game, this will help us address bugs and issues that have been lurking around for a while. Your support is greatly appreciated!
UI Improvements
Added Game Mode options back into the Server Browser filters section
Added missing obituary icon for Nader's Martyrdom ability
Improved formatting of several Loading Screen tips
Added notification for players if they fail to join a party
Updated XP and Credit notification icons in the post-game screen
General Fixes
Fixed bug where Phantom & Sparks voices were much louder than others
Fixed bug where inviting a friend to a party could break the party UI
Fixed bug where some Augment descriptions were incorrect
Fixed bug where players could end up in an infinite queue after joining, leaving and rejoining a party
Fixed bug where players could get stuck in the Daily Play Bonus screen after claiming their bonus
Fixed bug where the Daily Play Bonus screen would incorrectly appear over the post-match screen
Fixed bug where players could receive a blank Daily Play Reward for day 8 of 7
Fixed bug where maps could appear twice on the map selection screen
Fixed bug where players were shown a blank screen after selecting the Finding Match button while on a Loadout Card screen
Fixed bug where Javelin could still supply ammo while incapacitated
Fixed bug where dismissing the Feedback Request popup and selecting 'Not Right Now' wouldn't close the popup
Fixed bug where the Friends flyout menu would unexpectedly close
Fixed bug where using 'Quick-open all cases' could result in a blank screen
Fixed bug where certain special characters being used in Feedback window could cause the game to freeze
Fixed bug where indicators were misaligned when Mercs were both in Free Rotation and restricted from Ranked games
Known Issues
Guardian's Bionic Pulse can fail to revive if the target is partially blocked from her view
Extra Supplies Augment does not reduce cooldown of Guardian's Bionic Pulse
Extender Augment functions correctly, but does not visibly change the size of Guardian's Sky Shield effect
The latest Merc to join London's finest, Guardian's laser-toting drone and set of offensive weaponry lets her go boldly where no Medic has gone before.
She's joined by another batch of small fixes and updates, check them out!
New Merc: Guardian
The fury of the heavens will not find you!
Armed with a defensive drone, reviving pulse glove and an assault rifle, this South Korean mercenary is equal parts protector and fighter.
Long stationed at a CDA camp near the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, Guardian is now bringing her protective capabilities to bear in London.
Abilities
Guardian truly lives up to her name, blocking a barrage of incoming fire while forcing teammates back to their feet.
Sky Shield
This defensive drone is activated once deployed to the battlefield. Its rapid targeting lasers make short work of incoming projectiles such as grenades or airstrikes, giving extra protection to those nearby.
Be careful though, the Sky Shield only operates on line of sight - meaning positioning will be key!
Bionic Pulse
While Guardian can't heal, she's a downed squad's savior. Her custom glove's Bionic Pulse can target areas a short distance away, reviving any Merc in its area of effect.
The pulse can only revive up to 100 HP when fully charged.
Incoming Detection System (IDS)
Guardian's suit contains a complex awareness system that alerts her to airstrikes and artillery, giving her time to throw down her Sky Shield and save teammates from harm.
Weapons
Guardian brings a slick set of advanced assault equipment to the table. For now, Guardian is the only Merc that has access to these weapons.
Hurtsall 2K
With slightly lower damage and range than other assault rifles, this new bullpup makes up for it by being the fastest firing AR available.
Hoigat .224
The Hoigat also has a lighter touch, but boasts the highest ammo capacity of all the semi-automatic pistols in the game, helping Guardian to outlast her opponents.
Batons
Guardian is the first Merc to bring dual-wielded melee weapons. These brutal batons allow her quick light attacks as well as a skull-crushing double-hitting heavy attack.
Guardian 'Pirin' Pack
It's often said that clothes maketh the Merc.
Get Guardian along with a Limited Edition 'Pirin' Case, containing one random Loadout Card with an exquisite skin variant. Only available in Store until the release of our next Merc.
Matchmaking Improvements
As part of our continuing efforts to improve the matchmaking experience, we're making a number of changes with this update. We'll be including more improvements in the next update.
Updated searching algorithms to reduce the amount of time it takes to find a match
Added a warning for larger parties about having to wait longer for matches, as they require tighter-balanced games
Lobbies will now continue to go ahead if one player disconnects, and the game will attempt to fill the slot as quickly as possible
Teams will continue to have faster respawn times to compensate until the slot is filled
Fixed bug where exiting the game while in a matchmaking queue would leave the game unresponsive
Fixed bug where disconnecting during the pre-game line-up would exit the game
Fixed bug that could cause a player to be returned to menu after a match had been found
Crash Reporter
We're taking greater steps to reduce the amount of crashes experienced in game.
To help with this, we've implemented a Crash Reporter, powered by Bugsplat. You'll now be able to enter the details of a crash when they happen - This will be critical in helping us to address issues and improve the game for everyone.
While we're excited about adding new content to the game, this will help us address bugs and issues that have been lurking around for a while. Your support is greatly appreciated!
UI Improvements
Added Game Mode options back into the Server Browser filters section
Added missing obituary icon for Nader's Martyrdom ability
Improved formatting of several Loading Screen tips
Added notification for players if they fail to join a party
Updated XP and Credit notification icons in the post-game screen
General Fixes
Fixed bug where Phantom & Sparks voices were much louder than others
Fixed bug where inviting a friend to a party could break the party UI
Fixed bug where some Augment descriptions were incorrect
Fixed bug where players could end up in an infinite queue after joining, leaving and rejoining a party
Fixed bug where players could get stuck in the Daily Play Bonus screen after claiming their bonus
Fixed bug where the Daily Play Bonus screen would incorrectly appear over the post-match screen
Fixed bug where players could receive a blank Daily Play Reward for day 8 of 7
Fixed bug where maps could appear twice on the map selection screen
Fixed bug where players were shown a blank screen after selecting the Finding Match button while on a Loadout Card screen
Fixed bug where Javelin could still supply ammo while incapacitated
Fixed bug where dismissing the Feedback Request popup and selecting 'Not Right Now' wouldn't close the popup
Fixed bug where the Friends flyout menu would unexpectedly close
Fixed bug where using 'Quick-open all cases' could result in a blank screen
Fixed bug where certain special characters being used in Feedback window could cause the game to freeze
Fixed bug where indicators were misaligned when Mercs were both in Free Rotation and restricted from Ranked games
Known Issues
Guardian's Bionic Pulse can fail to revive if the target is partially blocked from her view
Extra Supplies Augment does not reduce cooldown of Guardian's Bionic Pulse
Extender Augment functions correctly, but does not visibly change the size of Guardian's Sky Shield effect
She's bringing a brand new event, balance changes, and a whole host of matchmaking tweaks and improvements to the table in this new update.
GHOSTCLIP EVENT
Javelin's Scandinavian benefactors are creeping out of the shadows with the launch of the 'Ghostclip' event. With their London-based ammo generation tests proving successful, the other Mercs can now get in on the action.
From today until the October 5, bag yourself a slick new look with Limited Edition Ghostclip Loadout Cards.
London (BST, UTC+1): 09:00 Thursday, September 21 - 09:00 Thursday, October 5
Los Angeles (PDT, UTC-7): 01:00 Thursday, September 21 - 01:00 Thursday, October 5
Beijing (CST, UTC+8): 16:00 Thursday, September 21 - 16:00 Thursday, October 5
Sydney (AEST, UTC+10):18:00 Thursday, September 21 - 18:00 Thursday, October 5
GHOSTCLIP LOADOUT CARDS
Limited Edition Ghostclip Loadout Cards can be earned during the course of the event, in any of the three Branded Equipment cases.
These custom testing suits look as cool as the dark, wintery lab they sprang from.
Ghostclip Equipment Cases
These replace standard Equipment Cases for the duration of the event, and give you a 2% chance of scoring a Ghostclip Loadout Card. Get them in drops after playing matches, or buy them with Credits.
Ghostclip Elite Cases
These replace standard Elite Cases in the Store for the duration of the event, and give you a 10% chance of scoring a Ghostclip Loadout Card. Find them in the Store.
Ghostclip Event Cases
These guarantee a Ghostclip Loadout Card, and can only be found inside Elite Case bundles, purchasable in the Store.
SPECTER TRINKET
Get a glimpse of Ghostclip's additive manufacturing technology with the Specter Trinket, available now in the Store.
The Specter Trinket has a custom inspect animation, and is highlighted in the Obituaries when you make kills.
When the Ghostclip event ends, you'll also be able to find it in the Trinket Store.
Many of you have gotten in touch with us regarding Javelin's effectiveness in battle. We're making many changes across the board, the most significant being a greater indication that she's about to fire. We'll continue to monitor her effectiveness after this update, and will be tuning further if necessary.
Increased the Rocket Launcher's charge-up audio
Added a charge up glow to Javelin's Rocket Launcher barrel, indicating she's about to fire
Added a laser pointer beam to Javelin's Rocket Launcher when charging and firing in Guided mode, to give greater clarity for the rocket's travel path
Reduced Rocket Launcher splash damage radius to 4.1m (from 4.8m)
Rocket Launcher will now only instagib Mercs over 100HP with direct hits Mercs 100HP and under can still just about be instagibbed by radial damage alone
Previously, all Mercs up to 200HP could potentially be instagibbed with radial damage alone
Reduced Javelin's Ammo giving rate to 1/3rd of a Magazine per second (from 1 Magazine per second), half that of Ammo Stations Reduced Javelin's self-giving Ammo rate to 1/3rd of a Magazine every 12s (from 1 Magazine every 30s)
Reduced the range of Javelin's Ammo Generator to 2.8m (from 5.6m)
Fixed bug where Javelin could provide Ammunition through walls
Added a visible circle when close to Javelin to show teammates the range of her Ammo Generator
Reduced size of Rocket collision box to more closely match the model
Increased cooldown reduction of Recharge to 15% (from 10%)
MATCHMAKING IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES
Added Estimated Wait Time and Skill Expansion bar to the matchmaking screen
Added a visual indicator when the game successfully finds a match while the game is minimised
Updated the Matchmaking algorithm to reduce queue times for both brand new players and very experienced players at either end of the spectrum
Additionally, we are now factoring in Party Size much more heavily, so larger Parties will have closer-skilled matches
Added the ability to switch to any Region in Casual options
Fixed bug where elements of the UI could disappear while searching for a game
Fixed bug where Party Leaders could not promote others to the rank of Party Leader
Fixed bug where the “Find Match” button would not appear in the post-game lobby after joining a match in progress
Fixed bug where the Friends List, notifications, and chat would overlap in the main menu
Fixed bug where searching for a match after receiving a penalty would send you back to the Home Screen without an onscreen notification letting you know why
Fixed bug where statistics could be missing in the MVP lineup after reconnecting to a match
Fixed bug where the 'Add Friend' option would be visible on other players in a Party even if they were already friends
Fixed bug where the searching dialogue text contained unnecessary information
Added gameplay tips to the to the matchmaking screen
UI IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES
Quick Open is back! The interface has been updated to better present the Loadout Cards you've obtained
Right click Equipment Cases and select Quick Open to open the whole stack
Added Win/Loss/Draw to Match Summaries on the Recent Matches screen
Updated the "Teammate Repairing" text to display " Already Repairing"
Updated the icon while Credit Boosters are active to be more visible
Fixed bug where Badges were not shown in the Post-Game Lobby
Fixed bug where the enemy team's Quick Chat appears while dead
Fixed bug where it was very difficult to see the selectable portion of the scroll bars in the News Feed
Fixed bug where it was possible to get stuck on the Daily Play reward screen
Fixed bug where the labels on the MVP lineup stats were incorrect, leading to inflated results
MAP IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES
VAULT
Various improvements to the first Objective to help mitigate defender bias, including pulling the MG Nest out from under the awning to make it susceptible to air strikes
Fixed various player collision issues
Fixed bug where lights at the base of the final Objective could disappear at a distance
Fixed bug where smoke visible from the first Objective could disappear at a distance
Fixed bug where Turtle's Shield could be deployed outside of the playable space
Fixed bug where the ceiling of the lowered bridge near the first Objective could kill you
DOCKYARD
Fixed bug where the name of the beached ship reverted from its community-chosen name 'Bullship' to its previous name 'The Unsinkable'
DOME REDUX
Fixed bug where the Dome Redux loading screen would not appear
Fixed bug where invisible water would stop bullets near the first objective
Fixed bug where foliage near the attacker spawn would block bullets
Fixed bug where a vent was not properly attached to a wall in Firearms Front
Fixed bug where player collision was missing on a metal awning above Pylon B locked gate
GENERAL BUG FIXES
Reduced the size of Thunder and Fragger's backpacks to more closely match the Merc hitboxes
Fixed scaling issue with the Tactical Combat Axe’s melee hitbox
Fixed bug where the Tactical Combat Axe was using the Cricket Bat impact sounds
Fixed bug where players could get stuck on the Assault Course on their initial run
Fixed bug where Redeye's Smoke would stop Ammo Stations from refilling players
Fixed bug where Turtle's Shield would not play audio when hit with projectiles
Fixed bug where Weapon Kits could not be used for Crafting Javelin Loadout Cards
Fixed bug where the Rocket Launcher's trail would still be heard if it instantly blew up when fired
Fixed bug where the Rocket Launcher's trail would disappear instantly if the rocket was blown up
Fixed bug where the ammo counter could display the wrong value after reloading weapons
She's bringing a brand new event, balance changes, and a whole host of matchmaking tweaks and improvements to the table in this new update.
GHOSTCLIP EVENT
Javelin's Scandinavian benefactors are creeping out of the shadows with the launch of the 'Ghostclip' event. With their London-based ammo generation tests proving successful, the other Mercs can now get in on the action.
From today until the October 5, bag yourself a slick new look with Limited Edition Ghostclip Loadout Cards.
London (BST, UTC+1): 09:00 Thursday, September 21 - 09:00 Thursday, October 5
Los Angeles (PDT, UTC-7): 01:00 Thursday, September 21 - 01:00 Thursday, October 5
Beijing (CST, UTC+8): 16:00 Thursday, September 21 - 16:00 Thursday, October 5
Sydney (AEST, UTC+10):18:00 Thursday, September 21 - 18:00 Thursday, October 5
GHOSTCLIP LOADOUT CARDS
Limited Edition Ghostclip Loadout Cards can be earned during the course of the event, in any of the three Branded Equipment cases.
These custom testing suits look as cool as the dark, wintery lab they sprang from.
Ghostclip Equipment Cases
These replace standard Equipment Cases for the duration of the event, and give you a 2% chance of scoring a Ghostclip Loadout Card. Get them in drops after playing matches, or buy them with Credits.
Ghostclip Elite Cases
These replace standard Elite Cases in the Store for the duration of the event, and give you a 10% chance of scoring a Ghostclip Loadout Card. Find them in the Store.
Ghostclip Event Cases
These guarantee a Ghostclip Loadout Card, and can only be found inside Elite Case bundles, purchasable in the Store.
SPECTER TRINKET
Get a glimpse of Ghostclip's additive manufacturing technology with the Specter Trinket, available now in the Store.
The Specter Trinket has a custom inspect animation, and is highlighted in the Obituaries when you make kills.
When the Ghostclip event ends, you'll also be able to find it in the Trinket Store.
Many of you have gotten in touch with us regarding Javelin's effectiveness in battle. We're making many changes across the board, the most significant being a greater indication that she's about to fire. We'll continue to monitor her effectiveness after this update, and will be tuning further if necessary.
Increased the Rocket Launcher's charge-up audio
Added a charge up glow to Javelin's Rocket Launcher barrel, indicating she's about to fire
Added a laser pointer beam to Javelin's Rocket Launcher when charging and firing in Guided mode, to give greater clarity for the rocket's travel path
Reduced Rocket Launcher splash damage radius to 4.1m (from 4.8m)
Rocket Launcher will now only instagib Mercs over 100HP with direct hits Mercs 100HP and under can still just about be instagibbed by radial damage alone
Previously, all Mercs up to 200HP could potentially be instagibbed with radial damage alone
Reduced Javelin's Ammo giving rate to 1/3rd of a Magazine per second (from 1 Magazine per second), half that of Ammo Stations Reduced Javelin's self-giving Ammo rate to 1/3rd of a Magazine every 12s (from 1 Magazine every 30s)
Reduced the range of Javelin's Ammo Generator to 2.8m (from 5.6m)
Fixed bug where Javelin could provide Ammunition through walls
Added a visible circle when close to Javelin to show teammates the range of her Ammo Generator
Reduced size of Rocket collision box to more closely match the model
Increased cooldown reduction of Recharge to 15% (from 10%)
MATCHMAKING IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES
Added Estimated Wait Time and Skill Expansion bar to the matchmaking screen
Added a visual indicator when the game successfully finds a match while the game is minimised
Updated the Matchmaking algorithm to reduce queue times for both brand new players and very experienced players at either end of the spectrum
Additionally, we are now factoring in Party Size much more heavily, so larger Parties will have closer-skilled matches
Added the ability to switch to any Region in Casual options
Fixed bug where elements of the UI could disappear while searching for a game
Fixed bug where Party Leaders could not promote others to the rank of Party Leader
Fixed bug where the “Find Match” button would not appear in the post-game lobby after joining a match in progress
Fixed bug where the Friends List, notifications, and chat would overlap in the main menu
Fixed bug where searching for a match after receiving a penalty would send you back to the Home Screen without an onscreen notification letting you know why
Fixed bug where statistics could be missing in the MVP lineup after reconnecting to a match
Fixed bug where the 'Add Friend' option would be visible on other players in a Party even if they were already friends
Fixed bug where the searching dialogue text contained unnecessary information
Added gameplay tips to the to the matchmaking screen
UI IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES
Quick Open is back! The interface has been updated to better present the Loadout Cards you've obtained
Right click Equipment Cases and select Quick Open to open the whole stack
Added Win/Loss/Draw to Match Summaries on the Recent Matches screen
Updated the "Teammate Repairing" text to display " Already Repairing"
Updated the icon while Credit Boosters are active to be more visible
Fixed bug where Badges were not shown in the Post-Game Lobby
Fixed bug where the enemy team's Quick Chat appears while dead
Fixed bug where it was very difficult to see the selectable portion of the scroll bars in the News Feed
Fixed bug where it was possible to get stuck on the Daily Play reward screen
Fixed bug where the labels on the MVP lineup stats were incorrect, leading to inflated results
MAP IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES
VAULT
Various improvements to the first Objective to help mitigate defender bias, including pulling the MG Nest out from under the awning to make it susceptible to air strikes
Fixed various player collision issues
Fixed bug where lights at the base of the final Objective could disappear at a distance
Fixed bug where smoke visible from the first Objective could disappear at a distance
Fixed bug where Turtle's Shield could be deployed outside of the playable space
Fixed bug where the ceiling of the lowered bridge near the first Objective could kill you
DOCKYARD
Fixed bug where the name of the beached ship reverted from its community-chosen name 'Bullship' to its previous name 'The Unsinkable'
DOME REDUX
Fixed bug where the Dome Redux loading screen would not appear
Fixed bug where invisible water would stop bullets near the first objective
Fixed bug where foliage near the attacker spawn would block bullets
Fixed bug where a vent was not properly attached to a wall in Firearms Front
Fixed bug where player collision was missing on a metal awning above Pylon B locked gate
GENERAL BUG FIXES
Reduced the size of Thunder and Fragger's backpacks to more closely match the Merc hitboxes
Fixed scaling issue with the Tactical Combat Axe’s melee hitbox
Fixed bug where the Tactical Combat Axe was using the Cricket Bat impact sounds
Fixed bug where players could get stuck on the Assault Course on their initial run
Fixed bug where Redeye's Smoke would stop Ammo Stations from refilling players
Fixed bug where Turtle's Shield would not play audio when hit with projectiles
Fixed bug where Weapon Kits could not be used for Crafting Javelin Loadout Cards
Fixed bug where the Rocket Launcher's trail would still be heard if it instantly blew up when fired
Fixed bug where the Rocket Launcher's trail would disappear instantly if the rocket was blown up
Fixed bug where the ammo counter could display the wrong value after reloading weapons