We're likely to run this beta just overnight and get it out onto the main branch some time tomorrow, as long as no huge problems are discovered! Whilst it doesn't have much in the way of new features, v0.23 is a significant patch because we've upgraded the engine that Empires of the Undergrowth runs on (Unreal Engine 4), and we've spent a significant amount of time fixing problems that arise from that.
So, just to reiterate - no major new features since the last optional beta, but there have been plenty of changes going on under the hood. This beta is available on all platforms. It will also remove the four extra levels, with the first of them (Occupation) being due for full release on April 2nd.
If you'd like to join the beta just for the evening, the beta key is givemeextraextra. If you don't know how to join a beta, here's how to do it:
[quote]
[olist]
Find Empires of the Undergrowth in your Steam library, right-click on it and choose "Properties"
Choose the "Betas" tab
In the box titled "Enter beta access code to unlock private betas", enter givemeextraextra
After the "Access code correct" information appears, make sure you've chosen "Open beta" from the "Select the beta you would like to opt into" drop-down menu
Press close - the game will now update to the beta branch
[/olist][/quote]
Patch Notes
Fixed randomised caverns in Freeplay
Fixed Chinese and Russian languages
Minor tweak to the way trails work
Fixed a minor issue where leafcutters could rarely teleport to a plant to climb
New extra levels removed from list & scheduled for release in future - set your system clock forward a few months to unlock them all if you'd like to continue beta testing them (at your own risk)
The Culling balance changes
Slightly increased food dropped from creatures in hard and insane
Slightly reduced creature spawn rate on insane
Added an extra ramp to the south
Thanks to LilRenn on our Discord for the screenshot used in this post!
"Your queen has set up home beneath a rotting log. She is fat, and vulnerable. Her first brood will need to move quickly if the colony is to survive. Their priority now is to find food, and there is plenty around; but there are other hungry creatures in the undergrowth. The workers will need to be vigilant."
Empires of the Undergrowth is an ant colony management game, in a fast-paced real-time strategy style. The player excavates their nest underground, constructing tunnels and chambers to store food and raise brood. On the surface, the ants claim territory, gather resources, overwhelm fearsome arachnids and clash with other colonies. Nest design, army size, composition and attack timing are key to securing victory.
Carve out and construct your underground nest to suit your strategy
Engage in fast-paced colony versus colony combat above ground
Play as different ant species and explore their unique traits and weaknesses
Encounter and overpower dangerous beetles, arachnids and other awesome arthropods
Grow your pet formicarium over time by completing missions
MINIMAL SETUP
OS: Any reasonable new Linux distro (Ubuntu 16.04)