Keepsake Games has released a significant content update for its early access title, Jump Space. Titled the 'Vendor Update,' the new patch introduces a host of features designed to deepen gameplay, including new weapon types, additional mission areas, and dynamic in-game challenges for players on Steam and Xbox Series X|S.
Key Takeaways
- New Hangar Vendors allow players to purchase weapons, gear, and artifacts using in-game credits.
- Three melee weapons—the Wrench, Crowbar, and Heatblade—have been added, offering an alternative to firearms.
- The game world expands with eight new sectors, effectively adding new maps for missions.
- Sector Modifiers introduce random challenges and rewards to missions, increasing replayability.
- A seasonal Halloween event and a cosmetic Supporter Pack have also been introduced.
A New Way to Prepare for Missions
One of the central features of the Vendor Update is the introduction of Hangar Vendors. These new non-player characters provide a way for players to spend their earned credits on equipment before embarking on missions.
Players can now browse and purchase different types of gear and powerful artifacts to better suit their strategy for an upcoming run. This adds a new layer of preparation and resource management to the game's loop.
Strategic Purchasing
The ability to buy equipment, particularly player weapons located near the hangar's shooting range, allows teams to coordinate their loadouts. This change moves the game away from relying solely on random drops during missions for gear acquisition.
This system encourages players to think more strategically about their in-game economy, deciding whether to save credits for a major purchase or spend them on immediate upgrades for a difficult mission.
Expanding the Battlefield
The update significantly increases the game's playable area by adding eight new sectors. These new environments serve as distinct maps, offering fresh tactical scenarios and visual variety for players.
Alongside the new locations, Keepsake Games has adjusted mission structure. Players will now find short, medium, and long duration missions available across all mission types, providing more flexibility based on available playtime.
Dynamic Challenges with Sector Modifiers
To make each mission feel more unique, the developers have introduced Sector Modifiers. These are random variables that can affect a sector, introducing new challenges and potential rewards. The path players choose through a mission now carries more weight, as each sector could have a game-altering modifier.
The update includes eight distinct modifiers, such as 'High Legion Presence,' which increases enemy density, and 'Weapon Stash,' which promises valuable loot.
Other modifiers include:
- Materia Remnants
- Ion Rift
- Incoming Legion Ships
- Materia Disruption Field
- Supply Beacon
- Unknown Threat
These modifiers are designed to force players to adapt their strategies on the fly, ensuring that even familiar sectors can present unexpected situations.
Close-Quarters Combat and Ship Updates
Responding to player feedback for more combat options, the Vendor Update introduces melee weapons for the first time. Three distinct tools of close-quarters combat are now available: the Wrench, Crowbar, and Heatblade.
These weapons do not require ammunition and deliver significantly more damage than standard unarmed attacks. They also provide a defensive capability, allowing players to block incoming attacks to a certain degree. The Heatblade is noted as being particularly effective for blocking.
In addition to personal combat, the 'Dart' ship has received updates. This smaller vessel, designed for solo players or smaller squads, has been adjusted to make it easier to navigate and move around in during intense combat situations.
Seasonal Content and Player Support
Coinciding with the spooky season, a Halloween-themed event is now live in Jump Space. During missions, players can find and collect pumpkins. Gathering a sufficient number will unlock an exclusive Jack’O’Lantern cosmetic item for their character.
For players who wish to provide additional financial support to the development of the game, Keepsake Games has released a new Supporter Pack. This optional purchase contains cosmetic items, including unique suits and helmets.
"Strut your stuff with these suits and helmets, giving you a glimpse into how the Telmari empire once dressed while conquering the great expanse of space," the development team stated.
The developers also noted that they are continuing to work on future improvements, including inventory system changes and overall game stability, as Jump Space continues its journey through Early Access.