After four years in its initial development phase, the popular beaver-themed city-building game, Timberborn, is on the verge of its official 1.0 release. While a specific launch date is yet to be announced, the development team, Mechanistry, has provided insights into the extensive enhancements planned for this milestone version. Furthermore, eager players can currently dive into some of these new functionalities through an experimental build.
In a recent communication via Steam, Mechanistry emphasized that the 1.0 update will mark a significant departure from previous iterations. Instead of focusing on isolated improvements, this version is designed to broadly enrich the gameplay across all aspects. The update aims to integrate numerous new elements and refinements that both the developers and the player community have long desired to see implemented within the game's ecosystem.
The update introduces a diverse range of new geographical features that players will encounter as their beaver communities expand. These include naturally occurring phenomena such as underground water sources (aquifers) and geothermal zones. Players will be able to harness these with specialized technologies, including geothermal power generators and aquifer drilling equipment. Additionally, the game will feature new environmental hazards like dense bramble patches that can hinder progress and volatile cores that pose an explosive risk if approached without caution.
Beyond new natural features, the upcoming version will unveil two additional maps, each presenting distinct strategic puzzles. The 'Pressure' map conceals all water sources beneath the surface, compelling players to consider the far-reaching impact of altering any single water outflow. Conversely, the 'Oasis' map starts players within a small fertile region surrounded by barren land, necessitating clever utilization of aquifers to revitalize the arid landscape and foster growth.
Other notable additions include the introduction of buildable spiral staircases, customizable city banners for personalization, and a comprehensive visual overhaul. This graphical enhancement updates the game's skyboxes and introduces realistic light glare effects on water bodies, contributing to a more immersive environment. Crucially, new animations have been added to depict the demise of beavers, a detail Mechanistry humorously acknowledges took a considerable amount of time to implement, though they hope players won't frequently witness these unfortunate events.
Mechanistry explains that the sheer scope of the update is the primary reason for withholding a definitive release date, as the extensive list of changes and upcoming additions demands rigorous testing. The encouraging news is that this testing phase has already commenced. Players eager to experience these enhancements firsthand can find instructions on how to access the experimental 1.0 build through the game's community forums.