Public Progress Update: Upcoming Update, Content & Fixes

Hey All,

After our initial Unreal Engine 5 release and bug fixes we released a Public Progress Update which featured our Work-In-Progress quests and what we had planned for the next few updates. Today we're expanding on that and let you all know what to expect next and what we've been working on to this point.

Unreal Engine 5.2

In the lead up to our initial Unreal Engine 5 release, Epic Released Unreal Engine 5.2, which brought some much needed lighting improvements, performance improvements, some new tools and we were hoping it would fix some of our most frustrating bugs with the engine.

We had to wait until our update was out and we had time to release bugfixes. Following the  release we decided that we couldn't pass up the benefits of the new version; we're happy to report that we've now completed the upgrade to 5.2 (after great difficulty and many four letter words directed at epic). We can confirm that this did fix two major bugs with the engine that drove us and you all crazy:

• Video Settings & GameUserSettings now Save & Load correctly
• UE5 Prerequisite installers are now working and should resolve issues some people had with the C++ distributable (and others).

This has pushed back our major content update a little as it took more time than expected and with the engine changes we're taking some time to make sure everything is smoothed out before you get your hands on it. (For those interested, here's what Epic Added)

Incoming Content Update

Due to the number of fixes we have ready, the time taken to upgrade to 5.2, and the game ready content we have to hand, we've decided to split a chunk off from our originally planned large update and release a medium update coming sooner.

This will include all of the below, as well as the first implementation of caves and some general Tal'Senet & Medhen Island Polish.

The Seeking Metamorphosis and DSS 2.0 updates are still in development and we'll be demonstrating some of the new changes and content in future development updates.

'If It Bleeds' & 'Shipwrecked Anubites'

Shipwrecked Anubites is getting a big update with a new member of the group, Nefera being added, along with some new dialog choices, interactions and improvements which needed the both 'If it bleeds" and caves to be completed.

The horrifying creature that roams the south of Medhen Island, slaughtering many of the Anubites, must to be stopped if they are to survive; no longer do the Anubites have to fall to the talons of this abomination - their fate now rests in your hands.

Climbing

The first stage of the new climbing system is also arriving in this update. As we discussed in the Public Progress Update in July, this isn't exactly the same as in UE4 but we are bringing back climbing more around the world. Don't expect to be able to climb everything, as we still need to keep some areas off limits for puzzles.

This implementation of the system also introduces the interaction based climbing system for shuffling along ledges, squeezing through gaps, and climbing larger blocks. 

Sailing Improvements

There are some major sailing improvements since initial release including the ability to get on the boat while swimming, get off while swimming without issues, some collision fixes and now the punting animations have been completed and implemented.

Heifer's Reach

This area of the game felt a little empty, despite being intended as the Pompeii of Sabu, as such we've now filled out this area with numerous additional characters and interactions to give you all a better feel for the world and the untold catastrophe that's befallen the inhabitants. Fleeing your home isn't an easy choice, and few - if any - will make it out alive.

More Male Options

Males will finally get access to the demi variants of the currently implemented male forms (Jackal & Draconid). Additionally males will get access to the new style hair options that are available to the female Jackal form.

Bug Fixes

Since our last stability patch we've continued to work hard on bugfixes to gameplay, quests and the launcher. We've appreciated all of your continued help in tracking down bugfixes and our new bugfix forum on the discord we feel has been really helpful. Please continue to log bugs there and for the things we've already fixed, I'll be marking them as "Upcoming Fixed" and locking/closing the threads. Thank you so much for your ongoing support in helping us make this a better game.

Upcoming Fixes Include:

• Aadi Interactions with water
• Quest fixes
• Sailing fixes
• Saving fixes
• Dialog interaction improvements
• Ambient line improvements
• Visual Bug Squish
• Much More! (The update post itself will include a full changelog)

Thank you for your continued support!

Team Carnal Instinct