Image by Kerw36
by Bod9001

Weekly Update
Hello, everyone, and a warm welcome to our festive, albeit not-so-weekly, update – arriving one month after our last touchpoint. First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a joyful Christmas and a fantastic New Year to all of you during these celebratory times!

As is tradition, we're here to unwrap some of the latest and most exciting additions to Unitystation. Over the past month, our team has been working tirelessly, and we're eager to share a glimpse of our progress and the new features you can anticipate in the future. However, remember that this is just a highlight reel; there's a lot more that we couldn't squeeze into this update. For those of you craving the complete picture, our changelog page is just the place to visit.[www.unitystation.org]

So, without further ado, let's dive into the goodies that Santa has dropped off at Unitystation this Christmas! 🎅🚀🎄
Just in time for the festive season, Bod9001 has done some improvements to the Christmas presents system[github.com]. Previously, the Christmas tree's presents would offer you items from a set list. This year, we're shaking things up a bit!

Now, when you unwrap a gift from under the Unitystation Christmas tree, you could receive absolutely any item in the game.  From something as coveted as a nuclear operative suit to something as simple (and maybe a bit disappointing) as an empty crisp packet. In the spirit of Christmas, you've got to hope you've been good this year so maybe you get something awesome!
 
For those who have navigated the character creation process in Unitystation, you're well aware of its quirks. The UI and backend, having evolved alongside the game, became a patchwork of new features shoehorned into a limited space, often leading to unexpected issues and a less-than-ideal user experience. But things are about to change, thanks to MaxIsJoe.

MaxIsJoe has embarked on a mission to revamp the character creator from the ground up[github.com]. This isn't just a cosmetic facelift; we're talking about a comprehensive restructuring. The goal is to create a more intuitive, user-friendly interface while enhancing its functionality. This means better organization, smoother operation, and laying a solid foundation for future expansions.


Thanks to Bod9001, distinguishing between different types of cyborgs has just become a whole lot easier. [github.com]

Now, each cyborg, whether they're specialized in janitorial, engineering, or medical tasks, has its own unique sprite. This means no more guessing about the capabilities of the cyborg speeding towards you. If you find yourself dying in space, at least you can take solace in the fact that if a Janitor cyborg is on its way, you'll be tidied up in no time!

 
In the world of game design, gizmos are visual tools used in development environments to aid in editing and debugging. They are not part of the game itself but are used by developers to visualize components and object transformations, like positions, orientations, and scales in the game world. This makes them invaluable for fine-tuning and ensuring everything in your game is just right.

The gizmo system here, created by Bood9001,[github.com] helps to visualize the connection between objects such as APCs powering devices in the map, but most importantly, this paves the way for us to introduce the in-game mapping system so that the community can create their own maps in-game, without requiring any external editor like installing Unity Engine.

We will dive deeper into what that means for Unitystation later, so keep reading!
MaxIsJoe has brought a significant update to the Lavaland environment[github.com] – its atmosphere has now turned hostile, presenting new challenges and dynamics for various species.

For most species, venturing into Lavaland has become a perilous endeavor, with the atmosphere being particularly detrimental to moths. However, lizards and ash walkers will find themselves more at home in this harsh environment. They are naturally adapted to these conditions, allowing them to roam more freely without the need for additional protective gear.

Miners, a staple of Lavaland exploration, will face new challenges. While they can still traverse the area without gas masks, they'll gradually accumulate toxins over time. This adds a layer of strategy and urgency to mining operations, pushing players to plan their expeditions carefully.

In terms of species-specific adjustments, lizards and ash walkers have received a balance update for consistency. Their body armor and trauma handling have been aligned, making their resilience more reflective of their natural abilities. This update ensures that their limbs function in sync with how their trauma is managed, making them better suited for Lavaland's hostile conditions.

Additionally, we've introduced unique lungs for moths and lizards, each with distinct functionalities. Lizard lungs are now immune to Lavaland's toxic air, giving them an edge in survival. On the other hand, moths find themselves extremely susceptible to these harsh conditions, adding a new layer of vulnerability for them.
Bod9001 has been hard at work implementing the functionality of map serialization and deserialization[github.com]. In simple terms, this is the ability to save and load maps from a friendlier format than Unity scenes. 

This will drastically decrease build times for the game, but most importantly, allow people to add maps in runtime. In other words, people will be able to add maps to their server that were not part of the original build of the game, increasing the moddability of the game and customisation capabilities of server owners. It also means maps can be made and saved in-game, without requiring the installation of Unity Editor!

The system is mostly complete, and the focus has now shifted to improving the user interface. This will streamline how players interact with the new features, enhancing tools like the Variable Viewer and Tile Placer.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to refine this exciting new capability in Unitystation!
 

 
And that wraps up today's blog post! We hope you've enjoyed this sneak peek into the latest developments and are as excited as we are about what's coming to Unitystation.

Don't miss out on the chance to experience these updates firsthand – join us in our weekly playtest session happening very soon! For all the details, including times and how to get involved, head over to our Discord.
If you're passionate about Unitystation and want to contribute to its growth and ongoing development, consider becoming a Patron. Your support plays a vital role in shaping the future of the game.

A huge thank you to everyone in our community – players, patrons, contributors, and friends. Your enthusiasm, support, and dedication are what keep us motivated and moving forward.

by Gilles

Weekly Update
Hello, crew! Welcome back to our sometimes-weekly update on all things Unitystation. Whether you've been floating with us since the beginning or you've just hopped aboard, we're thrilled to have you here.

This week, we're especially excited to share some groundbreaking developments – and yes, you guessed it right! We're unveiling the first iteration of the new faith system. But enough preamble, let's get to the good stuff!
</section>Attention crew members! Strap in and get ready for some electrifying news. Thanks to the tireless efforts of MaxIsJoe, our jumpsuits just got a high-tech upgrade[github.com]: suit sensors are now live in Unitystation!

Wondering what these shiny new sensors do? Well, they're not just for show. These sensors, integrated seamlessly into your jumpsuits, come with varied settings to provide essential info. Whether you're the CMO keeping an eye on the crew's well-being or just a fellow astronaut wanting to keep tabs, these sensors have got you covered.

 

Here's how you can customize your suit sensor:

1. Turned Off: Go incognito. With this setting, you're off the grid. However, it comes with a fair warning: If you find yourself in trouble, locating you might be a challenge.
2. Vitals: With this setting, others can monitor your health status. Perfect for those risky spacewalks or when you're unsure about that alien plant you just ate.
3. Full: The ultimate tracking package. This not only keeps an eye on your health but also broadcasts your exact location. Whether you're lost in the dark recesses of the station or just want someone to find you for a space coffee, this setting has your back.

Remember to set those sensors, crew. Stay safe and stay connected!


Remember those sudden, round-ending blasts resulting from reactor meltdowns, often thanks to a stray clown wandering into the reactor room? Well, those days are now a thing of the past.

Due to overwhelming feedback, Bod9001 has finely tuned the nuclear reactor's mechanics[github.com]. The result? No more spontaneous explosions — unless someone is going out of their way to cause one. Instead of the dreaded explosion, the reactor will experience a meltdown. This entails the cooling pipes bursting and releasing a massive amount of heat, leading to the literal melting of the reactor chamber. This process results in the formation of corium, closely mirroring real-life nuclear events.

For those unfamiliar with the term, corium can be thought of as the aftermath of a reactor meltdown. Initially resembling molten lava, it eventually solidifies into a minable rock. However, don't be deceived by its static appearance — chorium continuously emits heat and radiation until it's safely discarded.

That being said, if your heart is set on creating a round-ending explosion for more... nefarious reasons, it's still possible. The secret lies in using a highly enriched uranium rod instead of the standard variant. But tread carefully: these rods are exclusive to traitors.
t's a scenario many of us have faced: you've wrapped up your space jog, and with your oxygen levels dipping, you're keen to get back to the safety of the station. You reach the airlock, ready for a smooth entry. But then, the relentless push of pressure greets you, playing a tug-of-war as you try to move forward only to be nudged back. It was always a jarring experience, making things look more glitched than they were.

Thankfully, those days are behind us. Bod9001 has come to the rescue again[github.com], refining the mechanics of space wind. Instead of a mere nudge, space wind now gives you quite the toss.



_{Note that in the gif there is a huge amount of gasses throwing the engineer around because of the reactor meltdown. Also note that wind flying time has been reduced now, but I still used this gif because I find it funny.}
Navigating space just became a tad safer. Thanks to JesterX666, the previously glitchy shuttle radars that turned a blind eye to looming asteroids have been rectified[github.com]. Now, with fully functioning radars, you can confidently embark on your journey without the unexpected surprises from those stealthy space rocks. Safe travels!
Last but not least, we have to talk about the introduction of the new faith system. Inspired by RimWorld, MaxIsJoe has been developing a new system with the chaplain as protagonist[github.com], and not only elevates the chaplain's role from mere cosmetic existence but also intertwines spirituality with gameplay for the entire crew.

 
At its core, the faith system offers a doorway into the mysterious realms of SS13's occult and religious lore. But rather than being mere backstory fluff, this system is fully integrated into your day-to-day gameplay.
 

Roles and Faith: As a chaplain, you now have the esteemed duty of preaching and inviting others to your faith. Fellow crew members can easily join a faith by right-clicking a chaplain and selecting "Join Faith". However, tread with caution: you cannot be a believer of two faiths simultaneously.

Faith Properties: Each faith comes with its distinct properties, which might set gameplay goals for its followers. For instance, knowledge-based faiths might push crew members to gather as many research points as possible. Conversely, some indulgent faiths might challenge believers to satisfy insatiable appetites or remain inebriated.

Divine Oversight: Gods of these faiths aren't just passive entities. Every six minutes, they assess the station and their followers. Please them, and you might find blessings showered upon you. But fall short, and be prepared to face their wrath in the form of curses.
The faith system is currently in its first iteration and promises more as the system matures. For example:

• Chaplains will be able to anticipate harnessing the power of faith, using points earned from their followers' actions to invoke miracles or secure rare items.
• While many faith properties already come with associated events, some are still in the development phase. The ultimate vision is for all faiths to boast unique styles and event dynamics based on point fluctuations.
• For those who wish to craft their own narrative, the future promises a feature where chaplains and players can design bespoke faiths, breaking free from preset confines.

In summary, the faith system promises a seamless blend of gameplay, roleplay, and narrative, adding another rich layer to the multifaceted world of SS13. Whether you're a devout chaplain or a curious crew member, new spiritual horizons await!

 

And that is the end of today's blog post. I personally look forward for the expansion of the faith system as it looks like a very cool idea.

Also remember that these aren't all the changes we have been introducing, as some changes are subtler than others and can't really be featured in the blog post. For a full list of everything, visit our Changelog Page.

 

In closing, a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you – our Patreons, players, contributors, and friends. Your continued support, patience, and engagement make all the difference. Here's hoping to catch up with you again next week (fingers crossed)!