DEV UPDATE 15 – New Gameplay Features, AI Enhancements, and Soundscape

Hello Riftwalkers!

With Halloween upon us, we’re back with some fresh spooktacular updates. We’ve been hard at work on new gameplay mechanics, AI upgrades, and immersive soundscapes that’ll bring Macabre to life in chilling detail. Here’s what’s new:





[h3]New Gameplay Mechanics: Enhanced Stealth and Environmental Interactions[/h3]
We’ve expanded your stealth options, adding new crouch-sprint and lean abilities so you can outwit the Crawler. The lean function lets you peek around corners without giving yourself away, while the new “push” ability brings a bit of chaos to your friendships—because now, you can give your mates a shove when the Crawler’s too close for comfort!



The monster's vision has become more nuanced, now tracking your movements based on specific body regions. This enables more advanced stealth mechanics, depending on how much of your character is visible.



[h3]New Escape Options and Traps[/h3]
We’ve added more hiding places, like beds and crawl spaces, so you can quickly take cover when things get hairy. New noise traps and alerts also let you get creative, luring the Crawler away from your location with some tactical thinking. The Flare Gun is also now reloadable, so so be on the look out for spare ammo.



[h3]Procedural Plot System[/h3]
To keep the world of Macabre unpredictable, we’ve developed a new procedural plot system that dynamically spawns different prefabs across the map, adding a fresh layer of variability to each playthrough. From hideouts to traps, and even entire structures, these procedural plots will make every run feel distinct as new elements populate the environment with each session.



[h3]Soundscapes for a Richer, Spookier Experience[/h3]
The Macabre soundscape has levelled up, with new sounds for each surface, like wood creaks, carpet shifts, and metal clangs, all adding to the atmosphere. Reverb zones around the Outpost areas amplify these sounds, and new noise alerts give an extra sense of dread as the Crawler approaches.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]Bug Fixes and Visual Updates[/h3]
This month’s bug fixes tackled animation, replication, and crouching object issues to keep gameplay smooth and intense. We’ve cleaned up animations for crouching, leaning, and pushing, improving overall movement look and polish. Improved collision consistency and updated spawn points have also given the environment a more cohesive feel.



[h3]Join the Alpha![/h3]



We’ve also been hard at work implementing our exclusive Kickstarter rewards,including the newly finished Riftwalker skin set. With Macabre nearing Alpha testing, now’s the time to jump in and secure your spot in the Alpha, along with unique rewards like the Riftwalker set, available only through Kickstarter. You’ll not only be among the first to experience Macabre but will directly help shape its future. As a small indie team, your support makes all the difference 🙏.





[h3]Until Next Time[/h3]
The past few months have been incredibly productive, with new features, tactical gameplay updates, and bug fixes pushing Macabre ever closer to completion. Thanks to the support of our backers, we've been able to ramp up development, and we're excited to share even more progress soon.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us. Your support drives us forward every step of the way.




[h3]Join the Discord![/h3]



With over 4,600 members and counting, our Discord server is the best place to connect with fellow backers, get the latest news, and share your thoughts on the game. You can also access the exclusive Alpha Rift, where we post development previews and discuss ideas with fellow Alpha Playtesters.

Join us here: https://discord.gg/macabre