X4: Foundations News

We are excited to share some important dates leading up to the release of our new expansion, X4: Timelines, and our major, free X4: Foundations 7.00 update. Here are the details:

Friday, June 14, 2024 14:00 CEST (7am PDT / 10am EDT / 3pm BST)

• X4: Timelines Soundtrack Preview premieres on YouTube
• X4: Timelines Soundtrack is released on Steam

16:00 CEST (7am PDT / 10am EDT / 3pm BST)

• Captain Collins X4 Stream featuring Egosoft founder and Managing Director Bernd Lehahn

Monday, June 17, 2024 16:00 CEST (7am PDT / 10am EDT / 3pm BST)

• Content creators can start posting pre-recorded X4: Timelines content on their channels

19:00 CEST (10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST)

• Reddit AMA with Bernd Lehahn

Thursday, June 20, 2024 16:00 CEST (7am PDT / 10am EDT / 3pm BST)

• Streamers can start live streaming with a preview version of X4: Timelines
  
• X4: Timelines reviews may be posted

19:00 CEST (10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST)

• X4: Timelines Story Trailer premiere at a special, yet-to-be-unveiled (online) event
  
• X4: Timelines is released (+ free major X4: Foundations 7.00 update)

Stay tuned and get ready for the countdown to release! Thank you for your continued support on our way to this massive X4 milestone.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2700340/X4_Timelines/

X4 7.00 Public Beta 8 is now available to download. As you probably already know, we are rapidly approaching a significant milestone date. We recently announced that our next expansion, X4: Timelines, will be released on June 20, 2024, alongside the huge, free update 7.00.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
You can also put a note in your calendar for June 14, 2024, at 4:00 PM CEST, when Egosoft founder and CEO Bernd Lehahn will join Captain Collins in a livestream to talk more about X4 7.00 and X4: Timelines. In addition, we are in the planning stages for a small Reddit AMA with Bernd - we will let you know the exact date as soon as we have it.

Thank you for your support on our journey to 7.00!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2700340/X4_Timelines/

How Do I Take Part in the Public Beta?
Every player who owns X4: Foundations has the opportunity to download the new 7.00 Public Beta version. In order to ensure that beta participants are aware of the risks and rules involved, we ask all interested players to visit our forum, where they will find the rules and disclaimers, as well as practical instructions for participating in the beta. Follow this link to our forum - no registration required - to find the relevant information.

Please share your feedback / bug report in our Public Beta Feedback forum. Before doing so, please make sure you read the Public Beta Rules and Information, which you can find in a sticky thread at the top of that forum.

[h2]7.00 Public Beta 8 Changelog[/h2]
(visit our forum for the full 7.00 changelog overview)

• [Beta 8] Added more skilled marines to newly created Terran Asgard ships.
  
• [Beta 8] Added research to re-trigger crisis long after finishing it (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Added loading of most recent save to end of tutorial when tutorial was started via prompt in Open Universe (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Added unlock status of Data Vaults to target monitor (new feature in 7.00).
  
  
• [Beta 8] Improved strength of Xenon fleet in Mutually Assured Destruction mission.
  
• [Beta 8] Improved ships unnecessarily dropping out of travel drive when flying in formation.
  
• [Beta 8] Improved boosting without flight assist to no longer set throttle to zero.
  
• [Beta 8] Improved capital ship combat movement (further improvement to 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Improved effect of single poor marine during infiltration phase of boarding (improvement for fix in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Improved balancing of boarding difficulty for Xenon H (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Improved balancing of Xenon PE (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Improved hull and shield bar damage animation (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Improved boosting without flight assist to no longer set throttle to zero.
  
• [Beta 8] Improved capital ship combat movement (further improvement to 7.00).
  
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed potential freeze during Blazing the Trail mission.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed stuck data heist mission of Covert Operations story.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed items spawned from container in Find Object mission disappearing when player flies away.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed Trade Subscription mission characters sometimes appearing behind counter in trade corner.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed case of crisis mission objective remaining Talk to Boso (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed Xenon and Kha'ak small fighters being killed by player not counting as success during crisis (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed crisis sector invasions sometimes not including Kha'ak (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed ships unrealistically being pushed around by bullet impacts (fix for improvement in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed repair of multiple ships not working under certain circumstances.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed inactive mission line not being shown under certain circumstances.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed faction name in target monitor not updating after uncovering covered ship.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed incoming supply trades being listed for production resources.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed ship attacked notification showing pilot upside-down if ship was destroyed.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed search in ticker logbook (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed Launch button being available for subordinate groups where setting has no effect.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed target monitor unintentionally overlapping menus under certain circumstances (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed missing gamestart info under certain circumstances (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed SETA HUD indicator getting stuck under certain circumstances (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed sector parameter selection for orders not working correctly (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed submenu bar on left side of Player Info menu not showing up under certain circumstances.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed incorrect y-axis labels on some graphs.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed target bracket size with non-default FOV.
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed blurred weapon aim-indicators with TAA enabled (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 8] Fixed several causes of crashes.

We're thrilled to announce that our newest expansion, X4: Timelines, as well as the major X4: Foundations 7.00 update are set to launch on June 20, 2024. On June 14, Egosoft founder and Managing Director Bernd Lehahn will be visiting Captain Collins for a live stream to talk more about X4: Timelines.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]X4 7.00[/h3]
X4: Foundations 7.00 is a monumental upgrade, introducing a host of new features and enhancements that will elevate the X4 experience. Players can look forward to reimagined Teladi and Argon capital ships, new sectors and landmarks, a revamped external camera system, and the "Existential Crisis" endgame challenge. Continuous engine improvements, extended button remapping options, and a new controller profile will further refine gameplay. As with previous updates to X4, the switch to 7.00 is free of charge for existing owners of X4: Foundations. Find out more about the changes and new elements in our 7.00 Public Beta news and our 7.00 Trailer:

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]X4: Timelines[/h3]
X4: Timelines, the new expansion, brings a revolutionary approach to the X4 universe. It features a thrilling storyline centred around Harper Donel, a trader whose encounter in the border territories will shake the foundations of the universe. Embedded in the new X4: Timelines storyline, you'll find a wide range of scenarios in which you will experience the many different aspects of X4 gameplay. Playing these scenarios will also unlock new missions within the X4: Timelines storyline, and bonuses for your wider X4 sandbox universe - among them reimagined, classic ships from X Universe history.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2700340/X4_Timelines/

Mark your calendars for June 20, 2024, and prepare to embark on this exciting new journey through space and time. Wishlist X4: Timelines today, to be notified once it's available.

X4 7.00 Public Beta 7 is now available to download. With this latest update, we continue our commitment to improving your experience with new features, enhancements and fixes based on your feedback. Dive in and discover what's new!

[h3][Feedback] Boarding Times[/h3]
In 7.00 Beta 7 the boarding times for the infiltration phase were adjusted to solve a reported issue where Experienced marines would take much longer then rookies. As such we would like to ask you for feedback on the new times (see forum thread).

Don't forget to add X4: Timelines, our upcoming new expansion for X4, to your Steam Wishlist. This way you will be notified as soon as it has been released. We will announce the release dates for the major 7.00 update to X4: Foundations as well as X4: Timelines soon™.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2700340/X4_Timelines/

How Do I Take Part in the Public Beta?
Every player who owns X4: Foundations has the opportunity to download the new 7.00 Public Beta version. In order to ensure that beta participants are aware of the risks and rules involved, we ask all interested players to visit our forum, where they will find the rules and disclaimers, as well as practical instructions for participating in the beta. Follow this link to our forum - no registration required - to find the relevant information.

Please share your feedback / bug report in our Public Beta Feedback forum. Before doing so, please make sure you read the Public Beta Rules and Information, which you can find in a sticky thread at the top of that forum.

[h2]7.00 Public Beta 7 Changelog[/h2]
(visit our forum for the full 7.00 changelog overview)

• [Beta 7] Added advice message for first-time players.
  
• [Beta 7] Added player character portraits to New Game menu.
  
• [Beta 7] Added wrecked equipment in Object Loadout menu.
  
• [Beta 7] Added confirmation dialog when deleting Construction Plans.
  
• [Beta 7] Added option to select order sector parameter by clicking on Map.
  
• [Beta 7] Added option to delete input profiles.
  
• [Beta 7] Added option to delete colour profiles (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Added new default profiles for various joysticks.
  
  
• [Beta 7] Removed shield recharge sounds (new feature in 7.00).
  
  
• [Beta 7] Improved accuracy of weapon aim prediction.
  
• [Beta 7] Improved some cases where weapons fire with no chance of hitting target.
  
• [Beta 7] Improved ships with very low strafe speeds flown by very bad pilots sometimes appearing not to move at all.
  
• [Beta 7] Improved capital ship combat movement (further improvement to 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Improved docking of spacesuits on S and M sized ships (further improvement to 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Improved turret behaviour to allow slow heavy-hitting turrets to target smaller/faster enemies if there are no more suitable targets.
  
• [Beta 7] Improved Hatikvah mission objective to indicate requirement to place 2 explosive charges during station sabotage section.
  
• [Beta 7] Improved balancing of drop rate for spacefly eggs from ships (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Improved behaviour of missiles targeting stations.
  
• [Beta 7] Improved clarity of icons representing obstructed enemies.
  
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed Hatikvah story getting stuck on Fly To objective (further fix for issue fixed in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed crisis research being selectable via custom gamestart menu (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed mass traffic sometimes not having collisions.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed stations scheduled for dismantling sometimes still allowing ships to dock (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed player not being able to approach spacesuit to rescue it while spacesuit is trying to dock at player ship (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed loadout presets on player-owned shipyards not selecting optional software.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed infiltration phase of boarding taking longer with higher-skilled marines.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed factions not building certain factories needed to support ship building.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed modules in station editor disappearing when selecting new module after resetting rotation.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed container magnet not working correctly on certain ships.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed NPCs facing wrong way when using transporter rooms in shops on dock areas.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed help text shortcuts not working (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed check engine light not showing when ship's engines are destroyed.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed persistent smoke and fire effects on previously damaged objects (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed Casino not being entirely visible in station construction menu.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed commander not being listed in ship destruction log entry (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed issues with notifications being queued while menus are open (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed pink logbook text (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed detail on Xenon large seismic charge turret becoming invisible (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed bridge of Xenon H clipping into ship hull (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed front landing gear of Xenon F not animating correctly (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed inverted player logo on Theseus.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed incorrect orientation of right main weapon on Odysseus E.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed engine flame of Teladi Station Security Vessel A being visually disconnected from engine.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed incorrect reflections on small ship hulls.
  
• [Beta 7] Fixed several causes of crashes.

We have another new beta version for you this week. 7.00 Beta 6 can now be downloaded in the usual way. You can find the complete changelog at the end of this news.

Changes to the new "Existential Crisis" endgame activity
Thank you for your feedback so far on this new 7.00 late-game feature, based on which we've made several changes to it. The feature was always intended to be optional, but now the "Existential Crisis" will be very much opt-in rather than opt-out. To make this happen, we're introducing a new research step that will be required in order for the Crisis to occur, meaning that by simply not researching that item you can very easily avoid it. A warning message in the game will make sure that you are aware of the potential implications of this research.

We've also updated our existing FAQ entry on the "Existential Crisis" with information corresponding to the changes that have been made:

❓ How do I start the new "Existential Crisis" endgame content? The crisis will be become available upon reaching around half a billion in assets, most of which should be military. This is based on construction cost, i.e. not the monetary value you see in the Empire Menu. As you approach having a big enough empire, Boso Ta will contact you about a new research opportunity making use of your vast fleet. All you then need to do is complete this research and continue preparing your empire for whatever comes next. Boso Ta will later inform you of, and guide you through, the crisis.

We're looking forward to your feedback on these changes in our forum thread on the topic.

How Do I Take Part in the Public Beta?
Every player who owns X4: Foundations has the opportunity to download the new 7.00 Public Beta version. In order to ensure that beta participants are aware of the risks and rules involved, we ask all interested players to visit our forum, where they will find the rules and disclaimers, as well as practical instructions for participating in the beta. Follow this link to our forum - no registration required - to find the relevant information.

Please share your feedback / bug report in our Public Beta Feedback forum. Before doing so, please make sure you read the Public Beta Rules and Information, which you can find in a sticky thread at the top of that forum.

[h2]7.00 Public Beta 6 Changelog[/h2]
(visit our forum for the full 7.00 changelog overview)

• [Beta 6] Added possibility to skip conversation lines in interactive dialogues with Space key.
  
• [Beta 6] Added support for multiple colour profiles (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Added HUD indicator for Reduced Speed Mode (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Added further mouse-over texts to start menu (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Added new ship icons to Map legend (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Added unassigned personnel to Personnel Management menu (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Added sound effects for shield recharging and shield fully recharged.
  
  
• [Beta 6] Removed names of landmarks from their target element.
  
  
• [Beta 6] Improved late-game crisis feature to make it fully opt-in, provide more information and be better balanced (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Improved automatic collision avoidance for player ship when near moving objects.
  
• [Beta 6] Improved docking of spacesuits on S and M sized ships.
  
• [Beta 6] Improved capital ship combat movement (further improvement to 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Improved visualisation of docking guidance when it passes behind objects (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Improved map zoom level range to allow it to show whole map.
  
• [Beta 6] Improved balancing of chance that Xenon will abandon ship (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Improved rendering distance of Kha'ak Defence Platform.
  
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed Xenon war subscription missions not targeting new Xenon PE (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed missing mission targets in space under certain circumstances (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed hidden mission objectives getting prominent target elements under certain circumstances.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed turrets and shields on stations sometimes changing in Station Design Simulator when forcing construction of station with Administrative Centre.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed SCA Harasser jobs not being properly disabled after completing SCA-related terraforming project (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed boarding pods not appearing when launched to claim small ships (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed Mimic subordinates not inheriting their commander's manual ware basket (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed disproportionately large number of Xenon miners getting destroyed outside Xenon space.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed bullet impacts pushing ships with too much force.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed S and M variants for several weapons having incorrect prices.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed capital mining ships not firing on asteroids with some turret or drone configurations.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed reassigned pilots getting stuck leaving Boron ships when player not present.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed engine surface elements showing speed of 0 m/s at all times.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed Personnel Management menu not listing all employed service crew and marines (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed mouse support in Radial menu with Steering or Direct Steering Mode active (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed targetable surface elements on player-controlled ship (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed not being able to use mouse on Linux when using certain joysticks with constantly pressed buttons.
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed target select sounds being played in first person (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed engines of Xenon H not showing in Encyclopedia (problem introduced in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed small scouts using small fighter ship icon (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed wrong ship icon being assigned to Tuatara, Asgard and Kalis (new feature in 7.00).
  
• [Beta 6] Fixed several causes of crashes.