The latest Astroneer update (titled simply “Update 0.6.5”) has been released today. But before I blow a gasket (as they finally fixed power nuggets not charging rovers), it’s best I go over the changes (that mainly evolve around rovers and storage capacity).
MAJOR;
-Rovers (large and medium) have been redesigned, with the large rover having six wheels (shown off by the latest SCS Vlog). In addition, the front and back bumpers now have animations, showing objects can be connected to them.
-Rover handling has been updated to be more realistic. They also fixed it where it’s less likely for your rover to tip over when using the Crane (with the Drill).
-Connecting a rover to a platform (to charge it up, or providing power to your base), is two-way again.
-A ‘mobile base’ is now more possible, with the addition of 3D printing modules directly on rovers. Note that you would need “an insane amount of power” to do it.
-Research costs related to vehicles, have been reduced (IE: the cost of the Large Rover has been reduced by 2000 research(to 6000 research)), making it slightly quicker in the player progression curve to get into rovers.
-A 3-way power splitter (shown off in the latest SCS Vlog) is now a thing. Now you can properly reroute power throughout your base.
-The ‘chevron arrow’ (of the Extender) is now made more clear, to show the direction of power.
-Power Cells (large and small) have been tweaked to be more responsive on storing (and distributing) power. In addition, the ‘infinite power’ bug is now fixed.
-New platform/storage options are available. This includes three new versions of the large platform, a brand new extra large platform, and a brand new extra large storage.
(IMPORTANT: Due to a bug (that has lasted since the initial Basebuilding Update), you’ll need to destroy/spawn (using the launch pad) a new Medium Fabricator to make the new platforms. This will go for any future updates that might add new platforms (until they’re able to pin down the issue and fix it.))
MINOR;
And finally, it used to be possible to attach more than four rovers to a rover train (in the last update). But due to physics constraints, this is no longer possible (and the limit of four rovers has been reinforced).
Here’s to hoping that one day in a future update, these constraints will be fixed and lifted (and so will the limit).
Annoyances;
-It seems the devs still feel it’s A-OK to continue forcing console-like controls on the PC version (aka holding down a button to do something). Nothing like trying to hold down E to enter my rover (while right next to the seat), only to pull out my terrain gun instead. They SERIOUSLY need to undo this bullshit.
-The ‘fixes’ to rover handling, made rover trains a lot harder to reach top speed (where I nearly feel it’s not worth making a max-sized one anymore). Especially with how fast they consume energy when underground.
Bugs I’ve found;
-Power Nuggets aren’t consumed when connected directly to a large storage unit (or even a medium storage unit connected to the large storage). It seems to only work outside of a large storage unit.
-Power coming in from generators (into the habitat), isn’t matching the same strength of going out to my base modules. Can’t say if this has been a bug since the Basebuilding Update, but this is the first time I’ve been able to see it.