The System Era Softworks team have revealed a trailer for a brand new Astroneer update dubbed the “Research Update”, details about their launch into the Early Access “Alpha” phase of development, and the first ever sale on Steam & Xbox to celebrate Astroneer’s one year anniversary!
The Research Astroneer Update
The Research Update includes an entirely new way to play Astroneer. Now, using the new backpack Catalog and Research Chamber, players can use Bytes to unlock the blueprints they want, and play the game their own way. This update also includes our first module that uses “streaming power”, as well as changes to resource colors and some under the hood performance changes while we continue our ongoing effort to improve game stability.
Patch Notes
Complete Overhaul of the Research System
The research system has been completely changed from the ground up. This will allow us to add new items to the game on a consistent basis, while giving players direct ways to unlock the items they want. Here’s how it works:
1. We have introduced a concept called Bytes. Bytes are the way Astroneers will unlock items in the new research system.
2. Getting Bytes requires researching items at the new Research Chamber. Items that are researchable include: Research Chests found in the world, and resources like Compound, Resin, etc. We will be expanding the list of researchable items in the future.
3. Use the backpack Catalog to unlock blueprints. After you have accumulated enough bytes to unlock the items you want, open up your Catalog in your backpack to send data to Exo Dynamics in exchange for the blueprint to create said item.
There are a few general tips for this new system. Research Chambers require a constant flow of power to continue gathering Bytes. That means power infrastructure like Batteries, Generators, Solar panels, and Wind generators will become extremely important. You can Overclock your platforms to produce more bytes by increasing the amount of power the platforms receive.
Added the new and improved Research Chamber
The new Research Chamber is our first platform using “streaming” power, a system we are going to move to completely in the future. Now, rather than placing a research chest on the platform and getting a random item, you research objects to accumulate data, which you can then use to unlock whatever items you would like from your backpack. These platforms all stack, so the more powered platforms with research you have going, the more Bytes you will accumulate!
Astroneer’s First Ever Sale
Starting today as a Steam Daily Deal, and then through the Steam winter sale later this week, Astroneer and its soundtrack will be -20% off! We will also be participating in the Xbox Countdown Sale, (12/22 to 1/5) with a 15% discount for Xbox Live Silver members, and a 25% for XBL Gold members!