Hey there, seedlings!

We’ve pushed some exciting updates in an open test branch, and we need your help to make sure they sprout just right. Dig in, explore the latest improvements, and let us know if anything needs a little extra pruning! 🌸

What’s New in This Version?

• Room to Grow: Faster load times and a dramatic reduction in installed storage size (7GB → 3GB).
  
• Map Enhancements: More clarity to help you navigate the game!
  
• Gameplay Tweaks: New perks, ability adjustments, and smoother scenarios to cultivate your skills.
  
• Bug Fixes: We’ve weeded out a ton of pesky issues to keep your gameplay flourishing.

See the full patch notes below for the full scoop of what's included in this update!



1️⃣ Plant Yourself in the Test Branch: Go to ULTROS in your game library - right click and select "Properties...", then "Betas".
2️⃣ Opt into opentest, selectable in the drop down menu.
📝 Share your findings through this form: https://www.ultrosgame.com/support



The Test Branch is live now! Don’t leaf us hanging—jump in and help shape the future of the game.


We've completely overhauled how assets are loaded in the game. This has resulted in faster load times for some players and a significant reduction in the installed storage size, shrinking from 7 GB to 3 GB. These changes have impacted how Rooms load and how fade-in and fade-out transitions function. If you encounter any issues related to these areas, we’d greatly appreciate your feedback!

Extractor Changes

• The Remote Trimmer can now cut through breakable rocks
  
• You can now destroy the contents of the Splicer by firing at the ground (hold for 1.5 seconds)
  
• The Digger can now grab things (seeds, compost, nests) without boosting
  
• Increased speed of upgraded Thruster

Map Changes

• Seeds and item chests appear on map
  
• Breakable blocks animate slightly on the map, making them easier to see
  
• The “Track Gardens” perk now displays unused planting patches on the map
  
• Dark zones will now be permanently lit up on the map once they have been explored, instead of reverting when the game is reloaded (this does not change existing save files, zones need to be lit up again after applying this patch for the effect to become permanent)
  
• Filtering option on map (connection, icons, plants)
  
• Fixed long straight connection lines that could sometimes appear on world map

Ability Changes

• Intake perks now drain their respective nutrients
  
• Rebalanced the HWK Intake so Ouji is never completely immune to detection, but the range still varies by intake level
  
• Enabled aerial item throw while unarmed

Scenario Changes

• If you end up stuck without a sword, Gärdner can now bail you out if you visit the east end of his garden
  
• Added shortcuts to make many of the ball puzzles in Infinity Lake optional
  
• Added 2 planting patches in Pantheon of the Stars and Infinity Lake to ease connecting in frustrating spots, and provide better introductions to Wildling and Devadaru seeds
  
• Some doors will now open to Ouji if she is not carrying a sword, allowing her to escape getting stuck in combat scenarios
  
• Gärdner now immediately feedbacks on digging tunnels for the Uloborus in the Garden
  
• If the Qualia chase is somehow bypassed, it can now be triggered by Gärdner’s first Ogu Mumin
  
• Pantheon games will no longer activate after the Host is defeated in that cycle

Thank you for nurturing ULTROS with your care and feedback. Together, we’ll make it thrive! 🌳✨

Friends of the Sarcophagus:

ULTROS will be part of the Steam event Save & Sound, with a live performance from Ratvader.

You can watch the showcase on Bedtime Digital Games’ channels:

• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/bedtimedg
  
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BedtimeDG

Here is the full schedule, packed full of acoustic waves from gaming's best and brightest...

Presented by Bedtime Digital Games, Save & Sound is an online music festival with sales and demos on Steam. Come enjoy headbanging soundtracks as well as unique implementations of music and audio in games.

~ The Ultros Team