As we enter our 5th year of live development, we first off want to thank everyone who has supported us from the start of our pre-alpha days! We hope you all can feel like you helped us make an amazing title with your suggestions and support during Early Access.

This year in the Steam Awards, we would love it if you would consider nominating us in the Labor of Love category. Since 1.0, we have updated the game 43 times, including awesome named updates like The Automation Update, adding Creative Mode, celebrating the Apollo Mission in game, and expanding on the Astroneer story with missions like the Wanderer.



Going further back, we have updated Astroneer 83 times, including Early Access where we took the game from a prototype to a fully featured game with your help.

If you actually want to see our progress, we made a video of the first ever prototype till 1.0 that you can check out here:



We've come a long way, and we are going to keep adding new awesome features to Astroneer in 2021.

Thanks!

Players on all platforms should receive this update today, October 19th 2020!

EXO Biofuel Obtainment Operation
New plant species have been detected on Atrox which are capable of generating potential biofuels from other flora. This species – designated “Cauldrangea” – appears to only appear for a short period of time. Beware that these Cauldrangea are protected by new dangerous Hazards.



Astroneers are asked to harvest specific ingredients for the Cauldrangea to… digest… and send the plant’s output in stages. EXO Dynamics will reward these efforts with new cosmetics and useful items along the way. Points are only given for the stage you're currently on – braving the wilds of Atrox is better with friends!

Event Rewards

• “Hallowed Helm” Hat - Rewarded for completing the Squasholine Stage
  
• “Endless” Visor - Rewarded for completing the Attapetrol Stage
  
• “PUM-KN Shelter” Module - Rewarded for completing the Noxothane Stage
  
• Useful incremental rewards along the way
  
• Randomized recurring rewards from at the end of the event

Item Descriptions and the Catalog Have Been Updated

Item description text has been updated for all Adventure mode items. Each item now includes a description and notable applications. Dependencies, Slot information and Power values are included where applicable. In addition to item tooltips, these descriptions are now shown in the catalog as well.

You can now store more Hydrazine

The Medium Soil Canister can now hold Hydrazine as well as soil, and has been renamed to the Medium Fluid & Soil Canister



New Limited Time Bundle – ASTROMANCY!  Cast a magical look with this spellbinding set! Available in EXO Outfitters until Nov.16, 2020.  Includes:

• Hocus Pocus Hat
  
• Incantation Palette
  
• Crystal Ball Visor

New Masks

• Creepy Crow
  
• Face Cuddler

New Hats

• Broadcast Beacons
  
• Echo Locators
  
• Hocus Pocus

New Visor

• Crystal Ball

New Emotes

• Peeka-Boo!
  
• Jump Scare

New Palettes

• Tomb Worthy
  
• Candy Corn
  
• Cobweb
  
• Patchwork
  
• Incantation

The following are still known issues as of version 1.16.60.0:
- In multiplayer games during the Biofuel Obtainment Operation event, points and rewards may appear incorrectly for hosts on the Exo Request Module control panel when a client has completed the final stage of the event.

The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.16.60.0:

Crashes

• [AS-12256] Fixed a crash that occurred when using the arrow keys or d-pad during the credits
  
• [AS-12253] Fixed a crash that would occur when navigating the Co-op menu 
  
• [AS-12313] Fixed a crash that would occur when opening the menu during the tutorial

Localization

• [AS-11160] Fixed an issue in Spanish (Spain) where some text lines were too long for their boxes causing text to be cut off or overlap other lines
  
• [AS-12252] Fixed an issue where “Repeat Count” in the Count Repeater control panel was not localized in any language

Visual

• [AS-12255] Fixed an issue where the Spooky and Endless visors would look stretched when worn on the Commander suit
  
• [AS-12287] Fixed a bug where some emote holograms would change position if another emote was played before they finished

Update 15 Release Notes (1.15.51.0)

• Optimized Astroneer-specific rendering and network replication code for 4.23 which should lead to better overall performance
  
• Smaller package sizes for Xbox One and PS4 due to optimization
  
• Much lower overall memory footprint due to optimizations and general 4.23 memory savings

• All platform items are now manually locked/unlocked through their tooltip
  
• Locking/unlocking no longer occurs when connecting or disconnecting cables to a platform
  
• Only platforms that are anchored to terrain can be locked, and platforms that become unanchored from the terrain (such as when the terrain is dug out beneath them) are automatically unlocked

• If the terrain tool was not equipped when the backpack has been opened, it will no longer become equipped when the backpack is closed, regardless of whether you had opened the terrain tool storage while the backpack was open.
  
• When closing the backpack with left mouse or right trigger and returning to a state where the terrain tool is equipped, terrain deformation will not occur until the next input, so that the backpack can be closed safely without causing terrain edits.

• Added improved slot proximity detection & prioritization when placing objects into slots or hooking up cables. The game will now automatically select the nearest available slot to the cursor so that slots can be accessed with less precision targeting, sometimes no longer even requiring line of sight.
  
• Sections in the customizations menu are now collapsible
  
• The EXO Outfitters icon on the main menu and item categories inside will now show a small notification icon when new items have been added

Thanks to everyone who called out long standing bugs to look at for this update. We will continue working on them for future releases! The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.15.51.0:

• [AS-3350] Fixed a bug where power cables could become twisted
  
• [AS-8496] Fixed an issue where the Gateway engine would become unusable if the user saved and reloaded the game while the Geometric Triptych was being consumed
  
• [AS-8612] Fixed a bug where Rover or Buggy wheels would sometimes clip through the ground
  
• [AS-8661] Fixed a bug where hydrazine canisters would snap to empty oxygenator slots on shuttles rather than to open thruster slots
  
• [AS-5684] Fixed a bug where holograms would jitter in the backpack on most planets
  
• [AS-11303] Fixed an issue where batteries were not draining at the correct rate when connected to a directional power loop

• [AS-11481] Fixed a bug where the bar filling sound effect would not play when unequipping an item from the store
  
• [AS-11892] Fixed a bug where item tooltips would still appear when the user is in the store menu

• [AS-11925] Fixed a bug in multiplayer where clients would not see VFX or hear SFX on newly spawned motion sensors until the item is picked up
  
• [AS-9878] Fixed an issue on dedicated servers where users would sometimes appear outside of shuttles during extra-orbital flights
  
• [AS-11823]  Fixed a bug where players on dedicated servers were not able to unlock The Wanderer’s Way achievement

• [AS-11974] Fixed a crash related to using the Auto Extractor
  
• [AS-11502] Fixed a crash related to players losing some camera movement while in vehicles

• [AS-11696] Fixed an out of memory crash on PS4

• [AS-4211] Fixed a bug on Xbox One where landscapes would have low LOD when landing on a planet

• Locking Platforms tool tips phrases: “Lock” and “Unlock” will not be translated into other languages with this release.

Automation Update 002 is live! This Update focuses on adding even more items and functionality to the Automation Update we previously released! New platforms, new switches, and updated modules to support even more fluid Automation setups!




Today we issued a hotfix with the following updates to all platforms:

• Fixed some new items not being available from creative mode plinths.
  
• Modified the power switch to transfer oxygen like extenders do.
  
• Fixed several issues where repeater control panels could become inaccessible in certain conditions.
  
• Fixed an issue which made players unable to attach the packager to the auto crane.

New Items: we’ve expanded on the Automation Update with a bunch of new items to improve your production lines and support more complex activation logic.



Power Switch: Toggles the flow through a single power line

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Copper
  
• Byte Cost: 750

Count Repeater: When activated a specified number of times, also activates any targeted items

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc
  
• Byte Cost: 1000

Delay Repeater: When activated, also activates any targeted items after a specified delay

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc
  
• Byte Cost: 1000

Motion Sensors: New Platforms that sense when a player or vehicle passes through them! Also the original sensor items have caught up with their newer siblings!



Medium Sensor Arch: Activates targeted items when certain objects pass through its sensor zone

• Printed on: Large Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Quartz, 1 Zinc
  
• Byte Cost: 500

XL Sensor Hoop A: Activates targeted items when certain objects pass through its sensor zone

• Printed on: Large Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 2 Quartz, 2 Zinc
  
• Byte Cost: 750

XL Sensor Hoop B: Activates targeted items when certain objects pass through its sensor zone

• Printed on: Large Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Quartz, 3 Zinc
  
• Byte Cost: 1000

Medium Gas Canister: Hold a large amount of a single atmospheric resource

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Silicone, 1 Glass
  
• Byte Cost: 2,000 Bytes

Repeating Added to Production Modules
Production modules can now be set to repeat via their control panels. When repeat is on, the module will continue to produce the selected recipe as long as it has power and the necessary ingredients.

Modules that have this behavior:

• Small, Medium, and Large Printers
  
• Soil Centrifuge
  
• Chemistry Lab
  
• Atmospheric Condenser

Improved Sensor/Repeater UI
It’s now easier to visualize your sensor and repeater setups.

• Targeting an item with a target pin, storage sensor, or battery sensor will now outline all items affected, not just the item directly targeted
  
• Segment cables now show their activation flow when highlighted, and which segments are affected by removing a segment pin
  
• Segment pins can no longer be placed when a segment is too long, to prevent accidental deletions. (You can still manually delete a held segment pin.)

Updated Items
Resource Canisters will complete partial resources in output slot, even when mode is changed during dispensing.

Auto-arm settings can now be toggled even when unpowered

• Animated sensor zone visuals
  
• All reaction slots upgraded to include target pins
  
• The recreational canopy’s built-in fireworks replaced with a reaction slot

New item names

• Large Ring Storage = Large Ring Sensors
  
• Large Hoop Platform A/B = Large Hoop Sensor A/B
  
• Extra Large Arch Platform = XL Arch Sensor
  
• Recreational Canopy = XL Canopy Sensor

UI Updates
Players are now able to rotate their Astroneer in the Customization menu and EXO Outfitters menu, both in and out of game.


New Suit - The Scout Suit! Our new Astroneer suit has a very resourceful spirit ;)



New Limited Time Bundle -- FLOWER POWER. Go Green and recharge your look with this garden-inspired set.


Available in EXO Outfitters until Sept 7, 2020. Includes:

• Earthenware palette
  
• Solar Power mask
  
• Avant Gardener hat

New Emotes

• Dab
  
• Pose of Power
  
• TA-DA!
  
• Kitty Cleaning

New Hats

• Grad-U-8
  
• Hail to the Leaf
  
• Robo Rudder

New Masks

• Corrective Vision
  
• Wild Child
  
• Bugged Out

New Palettes

• Night Stalker
  
• Day Prowler
  
• Royal Flush

Various small optimizations and stability fixes, including a number of crashes listed in the bugs section.


The following are still known issues as of version 1.14.71.0:

When a Resource Canister is attached to the Auto Extractor while set to output and then switched while slotted, the canister will not autofill it's first resource. If slotted while on the input setting, it should work as intended. We hope to address this in a hotfix.

The Wanderer’s Way Achievement is still not earnable on Dedicated Servers. We are continuing work on this issue and hope to have it fixed as soon as possible. The Achievement is earnable in single player and peer-to-peer multiplayer games.

Target pins connecting T1 items on T1 slots are still having issues with selecting platform or storage instead of the slot if there’s another T1 slot closer to the camera. This is especially noticeable when slots appear in a grid pattern. It’s most prevalent on Figurine Platform, Medium Storage, and Large Platform C. It also occurs to a lesser degree, depending on the camera angle, on Medium Storage Silo and Extra Large Storage.

The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.14.71.0

• Fixed community reported crashes which would occur in Multiplayer after switching the game to Survival Mode and continuing normal gameplay.
  
• [AS-10970] - Dedicated Server | UI | In the Server Info tab, controller and arrow keys can navigate beyond the selectable region of UI elements
  
• [AS-11123] - Implemented new guards in the code which should help alleviate the issue where shuttles would stop launching from orbit on Dedicated Servers.
  
• [AS-11292] - Implemented new guards in the code which should address the issue of stale save files piling up on Nitrado Dedicated Servers and taking up too much storage space.
  
• [AS-11376] - Large and Medium Resource Canisters' Tool Tips now appropriately update correctly for Clients while the canister is being filled in Multiplayer games
  
• [AS-11403] - When playing in Multiplayer, all players can now see T1 items that are picked up by an Auto Arm
  
• [AS-11681] - Fixed the executable properties description to accurately reflect System Era studio information
  
• [AS-11385] - Fixed the issue where Client players were occasionally unable to equip their terrain tool after flying to other planets when playing in Multiplayer or on Dedicated Servers
  
• [AS-11514] - Turning on "Allow whitelisted only" setting no longer deletes all "Unlisted" players from AstroServerSettings.ini

• [AS-11423] - Fixed an issue where the Soil Centrifuge was playing duplicate panel open SFX.
  
• [AS-11424] - Fixed an issue where the Soil Centrifuge collecting sediment canister SFX was stuttering when filling module with soil.

• [AS-11772] - Expired April LTE Customization items (4ML A-TYRE and TURRET-A-PORTER) are no longer visible in the customization menu if they have not been unlocked by the player.

• [AS-11493] - Adding an Extra Large Shredder to an Extra Large Platform A should no longer cause the game to crash
  
• [AS-11606] - Medium Soil Canisters no longer cause performance degradation if the output is enabled while the canister is slotted
  
• [AS-10763] - Game no longer crashes when running 3 or more Chem Labs
  
• [AS-10520] - All harpoon node items now only attach to visible areas on Medium Storage
  
• [AS-11296] - Extenders are no longer causing Crashes on Save
  
• [AS-11328] - Soil Centrifuge now transfers all resources to a connected super storage when job is complete
  
• [AS-11367] - User is now able to remove resources from the Chem Lab input slot after changing recipes
  
• [AS-11371] - Terrain Analyzers now retain color after loading a saved game.
  
• [AS-11408] - Items added to a halted Shredder are now shredded when shredding resumes
  
• [AS-11411] - Medium and Large Resource Canisters with nuggets in the output slot no longer create nugget connectors when shredded
  
• [AS-11412] - Trade Platform no longer allows the output to be switched during takeoff, patching an exploit which gave infinite expensive resources at no cost.
  
• [AS-11413] - Shredder now moves completed Scrap nuggets to available slots as soon as they become available

• [AS-11021] - Soil Centrifuge, with the repeat button on, will now not start until 1 full Small Canister’s worth of soil is placed in the centrifuge. (Except when the centrifuge is set to Ammonium which requires 2 full Small Canisters)
  
• [AS-11373] - Auto Arm will now only place valid items into small and medium generators
  
• [AS-11384] - Resources are no longer available when an Auto Extractor fully depletes the resource node
  
• [AS-11401] - Items being picked up by the Auto Arm can no longer be picked up at the same time
  
• [AS-11405] - Auto Arms will now reset back to the input side and pass resources
  
• [AS-11437] - Auto-Arms will no longer take partial nuggets from Resource Canisters when the arm starts to grab the nugget at the same time as it is moving to the input slot
  
• [AS-11551] - Auto Extractor must be fully anchored in a valid area before gathering resources
  
• [AS-11554] - Auto Extractor will now stop extracting when placed over a resource that is different than the one in the canister attached to it
  
• [AS-11624] - Tooltip for the Sensor Harpoon stays active even when the user quickly branches two nodes
  
• [AS-11627] - Sensor harpoons make snapping noise when hovering over open lightboard storage slots.
  
• [AS-11685] - Sensors and Repeaters can no longer be grabbed from a closed backpack
  
• [AS-11687] - Resource canisters that are deleted while they are consuming/producing resources will no longer create partial nuggets
  
• [AS-11690] - Auto Arm will no longer pull resources from the input slots of the Chem Lab
  
• [AS-11692] - Duplicated canisters are now displaying the correct color for the resource or gas they are containing.
  
• [AS-11694] - Canisters set to output will now allow Auto Arms to place the resource type as set into them
  
• [AS-11701] - Medium Resource Canister lines up properly with the Auto Extractor when placed on top
  
• [AS-11702] - Sensor and repeater nodes can no longer be attached to a Drone
  
• [AS-11707] - Resource Canisters will consistently produce resources if they are available
  
• [AS-11713] - Segment line stripe highlight has been slowed down for sensors/repeaters
  
• [AS-11714] - Auto Arm filter slot is now easier to target
  
• [AS-11717] - Using mouse or controller, it’s now easier to target individual Segment and target pins when placed close together
  
• [AS-11742] - Resource Canisters will no longer create partial nuggets even if a user fills the canister and uses a storage sensor to switch the canister mode
  
• [AS-11758] - Target pins connecting to T1 items on T1 slots properly target the correct slot on platforms and storages with singular, spread out T1 slots
  
• [AS-11804] - When power is available, Repeater slots now power T1 items

MISCELLANEOUS:

• [AS-11475] - Addressed a community reported crash which occurred when driving up a ramp to the surface of Sylva.
  
• [AS-11666] - Addressed a community reported crash which occurred when the player pressed Y to switch or to deploy the Drone while the camera was still moving.
  
• [AS-9855] - Fixed an issue which caused the Drone to end up in an incorrect state when saving the game while the drone is deployed.
  
• [AS-11406] - Adjusted the Gearhead hat cosmetic item so it no longer blocks some of the headlight for the Radiated Suit.
  
• [AS-11429] - Adjusted the Hydration Deflector hat cosmetic item so it no longer blocks some of the headlight for the Flight, Retro, and Swift suits.
  
• [AS-11614] - Adjusted the Cog Visor cosmetic item so it no longer appears too dark at night or underground.
  
• [AS-11684] - Dynamite placed into slots can now be appropriately detonated by the "use” interaction or actuation

Welcome to the Automation Update! This content update contains a full array of tools that work seamlessly with the existing game to give you an incredible amount of options to use custom logic to automate every part of your space bases and technology! This update also contains a ton of quality of life changes to modules, a balance and organization pass in the catalog, a new in-game event with rewards, and the rollout of Exo Outfitters!


Automation Items are now live in game. Automate every step of the crafting system, from the collection of mined resources to the production of the most advanced composites.


Auto Extractors can be used to gather resources automatically without deforming terrain and at a much higher efficiency. Place one on a resource node and it will gather 15x the resources from the same amount of raw resources when compared to gathering them manually with the terrain tool.

• Printed on: Large Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 2 Steel, 1 Tungsten Carbide, 1 Rubber
  
• Byte Cost: 7,500 Bytes

Auto Arms automatically transfer small items into open slots. These items are at the core of Automation, and can be used in a variety of ways to automate tasks that would previously require manual intervention. You can also set a filter to Auto Arms to make sure they look for a specific resource to make smarter automation pipelines and/or to sort resources!

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Aluminum, 1 Graphite
  
• Byte Cost: 1,500 Bytes

Hold a large amount of a single resource. Medium and Large Storage containers act like a silo that can be used to consolidate one resource into it's reservoir. You can then grab resources from them for crafting or Automation tasks.
Medium Resource Canister

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Plastic, 1 Glass
  
• Byte Cost: 2,000 Bytes

Large Resource Canister

• Printed on: Medium Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Titanium, 1 Glass, 1 Nanocarbon Alloy
  
• Byte Cost: 5,000 Bytes.

These items allow for the remote activation of items based on various conditions. You can then create logic that can be used to automate a variety of tasks. Use the Power Sensor to trigger a backup generator when wind power dies down. Use a storage sensor to activate crafting modules based on a specific Resource Container. Trigger a battery sensor to make sure you are being as efficient as possible with generators and renewable energy.

Power Sensor: Activates targeted items based on changes in available power

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc, 1 Copper
  
• Byte Cost: 500 Bytes

Storage Sensor: Activates targeted items based on changes in available storage [/b]

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc, 1 Quartz
  
• Byte Cost: 750 Bytes

Battery Sensor: Activates targeted items based on changes in battery charge

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc, 1 Graphite
  
• Byte Cost: 750 Bytes

Button Repeater: When activated, also activates any targeted items

• Printed on: Small Printer
  
• Resource Cost: 1 Zinc
  
• Byte Cost: 300 Bytes

You can now purchase new suits and additional cosmetic items like hats, masks, visors, and palettes in the in-game store! The first bundle in store contains the new Frame Suit, as well as the Robot Dance and animated Happy Blue Visor!




Chemistry Lab

• Can now be toggled on and will stay on until turned off.
  
• Sensors/Repeaters can toggle this module on and off.
  
• Will craft continuously while on and recipe is fulfilled.
  
• Changing recipes while on will turn the module off.
  
• Changed to only pull resources from a backpack when the module is turned on by a player, not when the control panel is opened.

Research Chamber

• Can now be toggled on and will stay on until turned off.
  
• Sensors/Repeaters can toggle this module on and off.
  
• This module will now research continuously when turned on and researchable items placed in the chamber.
  
• Losing power will not turn the module off; like the smelter, when power is restored it will continue to produce.
  
• Cancelling a research job will no longer destroy the item being researched. Its research progress will be saved and it can be removed and another item placed into the research chamber.

Atmospheric Condenser

• Can now be toggled on and will stay on until turned off.
  
• Sensors/Repeaters can toggle this module on and off.
  
• While on, It will pause until a current resource is pulled off (either by the player, auto arm, or connected storage), but then will continue without player intervention.

Smelting Furnace

• Will no longer eject completed nuggets to the ground, but will continue moving nuggets to connected storage.
  
• Will pause until its output slot is cleared.
  
• Sensors/Repeaters can toggle this module on and off.

Soil Centrifuge

• Sensors/Repeaters can trigger this module to start.

EXO Request Platform and Trade Platform

• Sensors/Repeaters can trigger this module to start.

Printers

• Sensors/Repeaters can trigger all printers to start.

Shredders

• Will no longer eject completed nuggets to the ground.
  
• Will pause until its output slot is cleared.

The Automatic Mass Production Protocol has been initiated! EXO Dynamics is proud to provide new and improved automation modules that will revolutionize your resource management.
Astroneers are asked to provide large amounts of resource nuggets in stages, with unique cosmetics and helpful items provided for their efforts. Points are only given for the stage you're currently on – cooperation is encouraged for efficiency!
Event Rewards

• “VR Vision” Mask - Rewarded for completing the Compound Stage
  
• “Gearhead” Hat - Rewarded for completing the Aluminum Stage
  
• “Metal Gear” Visor - Rewarded for completing the Aluminum Alloy Stage
  
• Useful incremental rewards along the way to jumpstart your automation play
  
• Randomized recurring rewards from Astronium at the end of the event

All pages of the Research Catalog have been adjusted to better organize their contained items.
Items Moved to Different Research Catalog Pages

• Power Extenders moved to Small Printer Page.
  
• Large Hoop Platform A moved to Large Printer Page.
  
• Large Hoop Platform B moved to Large Printer Page.
  
• Landing Pad moved to Large Printer Page.

Recipe Changes

• Medium T-Platform recipe changed to 2 Resin.
  
• Tall Platform recipe changed to 1 Ceramic.
  
• Large Storage Ring recipe changed to 1 Zinc, 2 Quartz.
  
• Large T-Platform recipe changed to 1 Resin, 2 Aluminum.
  
• Large Curved Platform recipe changed to 2 Ceramic, 1 Compound.
  
• Large Platform C recipe changed to 1 Resin, 1 Iron, 1 Ceramic.
  
• Large Hoop Platform A recipe changed to 1 Zinc, 2 Quartz.
  
• Large Hoop Platform B recipe changed to 2 Zinc, 1 Quartz.
  
• Extra Large Storage recipe changed to 2 Iron, 2 Ceramic.
  
• Extra Large Arch Platform recipe changed to 2 Zinc, 2 Quartz.
  
• Recreational Canopy recipe changed to 2 Zinc, 2 Quartz.
  
• Figurine Platform recipe changed to 4 Iron.
  
• Extra Large Platform C recipe changed to 2 Iron, 2 Resin.
  
• Extra Large Curved Platform recipe changed to 2 Ceramic, 2 Compound.

Byte Cost Changes

• Medium T-Platform unlock cost reduced to 400 Bytes.
  
• Tall Platform unlock cost reduced to 750 Bytes.
  
• Large Storage Ring unlock cost reduced to 500 Bytes.
  
• Large T-Platform unlock cost reduced to 1000 Bytes.
  
• Large Curved Platform unlock cost reduced to 1000 Bytes.
  
• Large Platform C unlock cost reduced to 2000 Bytes.
  
• Large Hoop Platform A unlock cost reduced to 750 Bytes.
  
• Large Hoop Platform B unlock cost reduced to 750 Bytes.
  
• Extra Large Arch Platform unlock cost reduced to 1000 Bytes.
  
• Recreational Canopy unlock cost reduced to 1000 Bytes.
  
• Figurine Platform unlock cost reduced to 3000 Bytes.
  
• Extra Large Platform C unlock cost reduced to 2000 Bytes.
  
• Extra Large Curved Platform unlock cost reduced to 2000 Bytes.

The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.13.121.0

Modules

• [AS-4403] - After reloading a Save, Packager can be used while it is attached to an item
  
• [AS-6195] - After reloading a save, power does not extend to additional platforms if there is not a surplus of power
  
• [AS-6355] - the Splitter now provides no power when the slider is set to 0.00
  
• [AS-6599] - Canceling research in the research chamber while it is not connected to power will now stop it from continuing to consume power
  
• [AS-6711] - B/m power meter on the Research Chamber remains present and accurate after reloading a save
  
• [AS-8788] - Packaging the platform holding an active module will no longer give the module infinite power
  
• [AS-8952] - If the Soil Centrifuge is running, its control panel no longer shows a Red X cancel button
  
• [AS-9195] - The Large Storage Ring should now only be listed in the Large Printer
  
• [AS-9748] - Game no longer crashes when User tries to research a T2 research object that was packaged while on the Research Chamber
  
• [AS-10762] - If a user has multiple soil canisters on their backpack and they add or flatten terrain, the canisters will now deplete individually
  
• [AS-10808] - Chemistry lab will no longer steal partial nuggets from the backpack printer if both are activated near the same time
  
• [AS-10926] - The output slot where the nugget gets built should now move inside the module when the Chem Lab is in use

Dedicated Server/Multiplayer

• [AS-6345] - Client is now able to see the estimated research time when placing an item in the Research Chamber
  
• [AS-9824] - When a user attempts to join a dedicated server through their friends list the submenu no longer shifts downward
  
• [AS-10898] - Dedicated Server platform warning can now be read in Russian, Japanese and French
  
• [AS-10965] - Servers saved as a favorite now automatically enter the password
  
• [AS-11085] - Game will no longer crash when reaching min/max FPS rate
  
• [AS-11032] - The UI in the pause menu now says “PLAYERS IN SESSION”
  
• [AS-11170] - Switching Xbox accounts while game is running should now show correct item ownership
  
• [AS-11100] - Servers cannot be de-registered without authentication
  
• [AS-10646] - Both Clients and Hosts should now see EXO request platform rockets on Steam
  
• [AS-10810] - Time to research in research chamber control panel will now be accurate
  
• [AS-10967] - Client is now able to dismiss the tutorial with the controller and return to gameplay
  
• [AS-11033] - User can interact with the request platform on preferred, achievement-enabled dedicated servers

LTE

• [AS-10667] - EXO Request Platforms from previous saved events should now have T2 slots

General miscellaneous

• [AS-10996] - Several emotes now show the correct preview on the correct suit in the customization menu
  
• [AS-11010] - The Control (PS4) Suit is now playing correct emote animations
  
• [AS-11039] - Laterite resource should now be appearing in the terrain on Crust layer of Calidor
  
• [AS-11094] - Lighting is no longer too dark too early at sundown, and staying dark too late at dawn
  
• [AS-11240] - Smelting Furnace now has audio effect when in use
  

Thanks so much to everyone who has gone with us on the journey to ship Automation! It has been a long time coming but we are so excited to see what you all create with the new logic and technology. Please share all of your creations with us as you come up with them!

Cheers

-jt

The Automation Update finally has a date! All the new items announced in the last few weeks will be coming to Astroneer on June 24th! If you haven't been following our development streams, (follow us on twitch here) allow me to get you all caught up on what you missed:

The Automation Update will be a free update to Astroneer that contains a full array of tools that work seamlessly with the existing game to give you an incredible amount of options to use custom logic to automate every part of your space bases and technology! There are a bunch of new items and modules we have showed off in the last few weeks on our streams, and here's a recap of all of most of them!


Auto Arms are a brand new item being added that can move items between platforms, storage, and vehicles. These are at the core of Automation, and can be used in a variety of ways to automate tasks that would previously require manual intervention. You can also set a filter to Auto Arms to make sure they look for a specific resource to make smarter automation pipelines and/or to sort resources!


Auto Extractors can be used to gather resources automatically without deforming terrain and at a much higher efficiency. Place one on a resource node and it will gather 15x the resources from the same amount of raw resources when compared to gathering them manually with the terrain tool.


This update will feature Medium and Large Storage containers that can be used to consolidate one resource into it's reservoir. You can then grab single resources from them for crafting or Automation tasks.


These new objects will allow you to create logic that can be used to automate a variety of tasks. Use the Power Sensor to trigger a backup generator when wind power dies down. Use a storage sensor to activate crafting modules based on a specific Resource Container. Trigger a battery sensor to make sure you are being as efficient as possible with generators and renewable energy.


This new object passes an action that gets triggered on it to anything it is connected to. That means you can use a sensor to trigger an action, then pass that to multiple platforms, modules, or storages to make even more complex automation systems.

Along with lots of other new improvements, as well a new Suit that you can purchase in-game!



We can't to see all the new things that players create using these new tools. Thanks so much to everyone who sent us suggestions related to Automation up to this point, we think you all will be really happy with the suite of tools we are giving you to make massive automated space bases. See you on June 24th!

-jt

Dedicated servers are now live in Astroneer, and as an added bonus, all the performance upgrades we made to enable 8 players on servers means multiplayer on all platforms should be running significantly faster.




Creative Mode Drone



Players in Creative Mode now have access to Aero, the Camera Drone that enables ‘photo mode’! The Drone has a ‘free camera’ mode that allows the player to control and position a camera independently of the character. The player is able to prepare composed screenshots (both with filters and hidden UI). Use your Aero to show off creative mode work, create videos, or capture screenshots of your Astroneer shenanigans.
https://youtu.be/gSrz_-8-bSk
Using the Drone does not pause the game, and the player is able to freely toggle back and forth between Drone and character movement, while leaving the Drone’s view-port active. This can provide a steady perspective while working on large-scale sculptures, or a director's cam while your Astroneer performs on the grand stage.

Dedicated Servers

Dedicated Servers are now live in Astroneer! You can purchase them from our official server partner, Nitrado, (link to purchase) or host your own using these steps: (Astroneer host your own server instructions here) This also means that Astroneer now supports cross play (Xbox - Windows 10 - Steam) and up to 8 players when playing on official dedicated servers.

Some details about this dedicated servers in Astroneer:

• Nitrado servers are the only way to play on a server and still unlock cosmetics, unlock achievements and enable cross play.
  
• We are evaluating cross play for PS4 and hope to add that functionality at a later date.
  
• Host your own servers will receive all the same updates as the main game
  
• We will be offering support for host your own servers, but only related to gameplay issues. We cannot troubleshoot issues with local networks, firewalls, ports, hardware etc...
  
• We don't currently have a linux version of the dedicated server software
  

Performance Optimizations

• Fixed bug that could cause performance to tank for clients in multiplayer games, especially on PS4.
  
• Heavily optimized animation and character movement updates to improve performance, especially in multiplayer games with high player counts.
  
• Various performance improvements to gameplay systems.
  
• Various stability fixes.

The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.12.95.0

We fixed over 150 bugs since our last update, including the following:

MULTIPLAYER:

• [AS-6000] - After the outro, station now reverts to the correct location and client is able to successfully travel to the station
  
• [AS-9362] - Client's loading bar will now reflect player’s loading progress correctly when joining an MP session
  
• [AS-7354] - Client and Host see same VFX when digging up hazards besides poppers
  
• [AS-7941] - Drill can now be detached from crane by either player in a multiplayer session
  
• [AS-8936] - Player cannot earn achievements in creative mode, even in a dedicated server session
  
• [AS-9479] - Client is able to use the Research Chamber while in a dedicated server session
  
• [AS-9635] - Client will no longer see a variety of items floating in the air when slotted while the client exits relevance
  
• [AS-10294] - Client performance over time should now stay at 30fps
  
• [AS-10782] - Users who install the Windows Update (KB4550945) can now save their game
  
• [AS-10205] - Terrain that was destroyed by dynamite at a far distance stays destroyed no matter the distance

For the last two weeks, the System Era team has been gathering every Friday to put on weekly Devstreams to give you all a peek into what content we are working on, and as of this week we can finally reveal that our next big feature will be adding Automation to Astroneer!



Normally we would be releasing vlog content on Youtube to give you a behind the scenes look at how we make things, but all of us have been working from home to stay safe. Instead we decided to do what we are calling QuaranDevStreams and diving into a different part of the work to get Automation ready for the big time each week.

If you want to watch the first two streams, you can check out the VOD's here:

STREAM 1: ART/ANIMATION

STREAM 2: DESIGN/FUNCTIONALITY

and I will share some of the highlights for those who missed them!

First up we talked to Verionica, our Lead Producer, to update our development road map for early Summer! There were two announcements:

The camera drone will be for players of Creative Mode games, so they can take photos of themselves or of their creations in-game.



Automation will include new items and modules that will aid Astroneers in creating production pipelines in their bases as well as offloading mundane tasks like sorting resources.

We then joined the art team to show off one of the new Automation items, as well as reveal a new suit! The Art team has been working hard to concept, model, and animate the assets needed for Automation, so we chatted with Gene (Animator) and Spencer (Art Director) to first see some animations, and then to watch Spencer model the new "Frame" Suit.






Stream two was focused primarily on how we handle game design at the studio. First up we had Andre, our Lead Designer, to talk us through the Automation feature and how his team worked through out the details for it. We were then joined by Anthony C. to talk about the early prototypes of the feature and how we got to the current version.





As you can see, Automation development in still in progress, but the team is making incredible progress so we can deliver an awesome new addition to the game in June. There was a lot more that we covered in the streams, so be sure to watch the VODs, but hope this little recap was helpful for those who couldn't!

Next stream will be this Friday, so be sure to follow us on twitch to get notified when we go live!

Cheers!

-jt

EXO Salvage Initiative LTE
Players have been requested to assist EXO in cleaning up all the debris items that are littered around the planets for permanent cosmetic rewards and in-game goodies.

Of particular interest are any large cargo containers that have gone missing from EXO's manifests – return these for major points! Rumor has it that these fell only on a few planets, but have caused a delightful atmospheric effect…

This event introduces secondary rewards that are delivered to players via a return rocket at the EXO Request Platform.
Event Rewards

• “Turret-a-porter” Mask - Rewarded after achieving 1500 recovery points
  
• “4ML A-TYRE” Hat - Rewarded after achieving 5000 recovery points
  
• “Salvage Chic” Palette - Rewarded after achieving 8000 recovery points
  
• Useful incremental and recurring rewards along the way!

Destructive debris generation & resource collection

• Players are now able to destroy T4 or “massive” debris objects found in the world using Dynamite. Larger debris objects will be reduced to a collection of generic new smaller tier scrap components.
  
• Destroying T2 and T3 objects with dynamite also creates a collection of smaller size scrap components.
  
• Dynamite can now be used to collect resource nuggets from resource deposits.

The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.11.61.0

Dynamite:

• [AS-3675] - Hazard plants no longer remain floating when detonating dynamite near them
  
• [AS-4855] - Grass decorators no longer remain floating when detonating terrain
  
• [AS-4980] - Resources no longer remain floating when destroying terrain with dynamite.
  
• [AS-9055] - Decorators on non-Terran planets with T1 or T2 research objects attached to them no longer float when they are dug up using dynamite.
  
• [AS-9718] - Player should no longer blow up their own terrain tool
  
• [AS-9868] - Dynamite | T1 items can no longer be destroyed by dynamite if placed directly on top of them
  
• [AS-10372] - Rover Seat, Large Rover Seat, and Crane can be destroyed with dynamite
  
• [AS-10511] - EXO Research Aids base now generates debris when blown up

Multiplayer:

• [AS-8286] - The game no longer severely hitches when the host uses the trade platform for the first time in a session

General:

• [AS-8094] - Color palette names are now consistent in Spanish
  
• [AS-9050] - Standard cursor is no longer overlapped by a bigger cursor that is delayed
  
• [AS-9465] - German and Dutch now use "STARTEN" on Exo Request Platform control panel
  
• [AS-9566] - Slotting behavior of items is now consistent when placing them with the cursor
  
• [AS-9933] - Single Tethers, Extenders and Glowsticks can be shredded
  
• [AS-9939] - Power will no longer be drained by EXO Research Aids and debris POIs when power cell is depleted
  
• [AS-10402] - Drills and Pavers no longer enter a bad state when a second drill or paver is packaged on the same AUX slot of an XL Rover

Steam players should receive this update today, March 10, 2020.

We have introduced a new item to help players achieve truly flat surfaces, the leveling block! Use them in Creative Mode to snap to the existing voxel grid to create flat surfaces that automatically snap to each other.



For now, the leveling block only exists in Creative mode, but we will evaluate how we can roll it out into the main game without completely breaking the soil economy!
-----
Small scrap items in the world can now be bundled for easier transport! T1 scrap objects will now bundle into a single T1 Scrap Bundle much like Tethers, Glowsticks, and Extenders. It takes five T1 scrap objects to create one full Scrap Bundle, but once a scrap object has been added to a Scrap Bundle, it can not be removed. T1 Scrap Bundles are shreddable in all shredders.


- Implemented performance optimizations to base game systems to continue improving framerate across the board.
- Implemented performance optimizations to speed up processing for hazard behavior and planet particle effects.
The following bugs have been fixed as of version 1.10.97.0

• - [AS-9879] - After a mysterious absence, Geysers are back on Desolo!
  
• - [AS-3952] - Client is now able to see a geyser exploding when it has been dug up.
  
• - [AS-5144] - Geyser explosion VFX now match the color of the geyser that is exploding.
  
• - [AS-5583] - All Hazard SFX should no longer cut off early or not play at all
  
• - [AS-6717] - Control Panels and Catalogs will no longer remain open when a player enters a shuttle or vehicle.
  
• - [AS-7191] - Spewer SFX have been restored.
  
• - [AS-8830] - Atmospheric Condenser, Small Printer, Medium Printer, and Large Printer can now all be stopped by pressing the A button twice on Xbox controllers.
  
• - [AS-9207] - All the creative mode options are set to their defaults when start a new creative mode game after skipping the tutorial.
  
• - [AS-9502] - Creative mode catalog button is correctly illuminated.
  
• - [AS-9536] - Loose tethers, glowsticks, and extenders will no longer freeze when hovering cursor over any slot greater than T1.
  
• - [AS-9589] - The Player landing a shuttle will retain control of the shuttle even if another user enters a seat attached to that shuttle.
  
• - [AS-9595] - The resources in the control panel now light up when the client player has them in their backpack, the same way that they do for the host player.
  
• - [AS-9604] - Key inputs for the AUX slots on the buggy are correctly oriented.
  
• - [AS-9662] - Powerflow will now correctly change when a player connects power to an extender.
  
• - [AS-9706] - Research Sample tooltip UI now correctly disappears when the sample is scanned.
  
• - [AS-9719] - Large Printer now prints slottable items onto T4 slots.
  
• - [AS-9763] - Bouncing and knocking hazards grown from seed by the player will no longer disappear when loading a saved game.
  
• - [AS-9830] - Bundles placed on the same slot of any tier will now fill existing bundles on that slot.
  
• - Multiplayer
  
• - [AS-9600] - Client's grab line and item highlight no longer disappears for items that were quick-stowed from carry.
  
• - [AS-9856] - Client can now see VFX when digging up a Spewflower, Hissbine, or Boomalloon.
  
• - [AS-9857] - Client is able to interact with seeds and researchables that are spawned when destroying Hazards.
  
• - [AS-9870] - Client players are now able to add Tethers, Glowsticks, Extenders and Debris to partial bundles by using their cursor

• - [AS-8094] - Spanish Localization inconsistencies between color palette names have been fixed.
  
• - [AS-9465] - German and Dutch now both use "STARTEN" instead of "START" on the EXO Request Platform control panel.
  
• - [AS-9520] - A player-reported Portugese localization error has been fixed. “Aguarde” has been replaced with “Segure” for (HOLD) interactions.
  
• - [AS-9910] - The first O in "СТАРОТОВЫЙ" is now removed and now correctly reads "СТАРТОВЫЙ" in Russian.
  
• - [AS-10219] - Inhibitor Mod is now called “INIBITORE” in both the catalog and the backpack printer in Italian.

Thanks so much for reading! Look out for an announcement next week regarding our next big content update! 🏗️

-jt