Devblog #3: Firepower, Creator Tools, and Playtest Sign-ups
CrayzNew Firepower: AK-47 & Rocket Launcher
We're adding two new weapons to 4.0, an assault rifle and a rocket launcher:
The rocket launcher features a very powerful blast radius which will one-shot players in the immediate radius, and modify their velocity if they manage to survive. Self-damage with the rocket launcher is reduced and can be used for fun movement mechanics.
The AK47 is a fully automatic assault rifle which packs a punch at the cost of higher recoil.
New Level Editor
Our new level editor is significantly more powerful than before. It comes with new brush authoring tools, PBR materials, support for models, particle systems, and a visual scripting system.
Visual Scripting
We can now add logic into maps visual scripts. This opens up a ton of opportunities for new fun & dynamic gameplay elements, as opposed to previous versions of Fragsurf where maps were strictly static content.
Models
This new editor & map format supports models, so maps are no longer restricted to pure brush geometry. In this screenshot, I've downloaded a .glb of a snowman and dropped it into the map:
I've also attached a visual script to the snowman, which makes him play a greeting animation when somebody shoots him:
Particles
We're also introducing an all-new particle system. Particles are easily authored within the editor and compile into the maps.
Redesigned Maps
In Version 4.0 our official maps are getting re-designed with a consistent theme featuring simple textures and a minimal color palette with a splash of color. The overall theme & textures are still a work in progress, so bear with us!
Some maps contain new dynamic & interactive elements, which you'll have to wait & see!
Steam Workshop & Creator Revenue Share
Version 4.0 lays the groundwork for community made cosmetics. Along with the new level editor, we're also shipping the new Cosmetic Studio. This tool will allow for user-made trails, skins, attachments, and more. Initially, this will only ship with support for trails, as weapon skins are more deeply integrated into the engine and require more time complete.
In the future we will have a curated selection of community-made cosmetics which users can purchase or earn in-game. All revenue earned on community made cosmetics will be split with the creator through Steam's workshop integrations.
Closed Beta: Join the 4.0 Test Squad
Version 4.0 is getting extremely close, but before we push the update live to the public, we need a dedicated squad of players to jump in, break the new weapons, test the new competitive features, and hunt down bugs.
We're shooting for next week to begin closed playtesting. If you want early access to test the test branch, here is how you can secure your spot right now:
- Join our Official Fragsurf Discord
- Head over to the #announcements channel
- React to the latest announcement post with the 🧪 emoji
Reacting will automatically grant you the @4.0 Playtester role and unlock our private testing channel. That channel is where the Steam beta branch password, download instructions, and playtest schedule will be dropped.