February Sitrep is now live
Hello Onward Community!
February is here and so is our next briefing. We know you have been eagerly waiting for what else is coming with Update 2.0. This month we have more new features to go over along with announcing some quality of life enhancements. In the Devs’ Desk we will be giving you additional information related to the weapons update and showcasing more operators.
Keep an eye on our Twitter account in the upcoming weeks. We will be posting information for upcoming Q&As happening. This will give you an opportunity to get answers to common questions and also learn more details behind some of the upcoming features we have talked about.
[h2]Briefing 5 of 6 [/h2]
While we already announced our completely remastered Downfall map, we still have more news related to environments. We have a completely new never before seen map and a new Day mode for a current map. These are sure to offer a major change to how you play some game modes.
[h3]New Maps[/h3]
Overgrowth
A brand new map that follows a new level for graphics quality, much like Downfall Remastered. This latest addition boasts lush green foliage texturing and intricate rock formations that create a visually stunning backdrop for intense battles. A network of tunnels and narrow passages demands strategic movement and clever positioning, amplifying the pressure during combat.
This close quarters combat map will be available for Uplink, Co-Op, and Social Game modes. Get ready to experience high-stakes battles like never before on this cutting-edge map!
If you thoroughly explore the map, you may stumble upon a rare fossil that hasn’t been seen since the intense battles in the Jungle.
Tanker - Day
The Tanker map has been a staple in Onward since its early days. Its unique design, featuring multiple levels and a long viewing range, made it an ideal environment for nighttime gameplay. Night mode reduced the sight lines allowing players to move strategically across the top level, utilizing available containers for cover. After reviewing the map, we decided to release a daytime version of Tanker. This new iteration offers a fresh perspective on the classic map, providing players with a different set of challenges and opportunities.
Sneaking around on this map in broad daylight will require some serious skill.
[h3]Quality of Life Updates[/h3]
Environment Enhancements
To help players feel more immersed in the environments while playing, we are adding elements like random fly overs and lightning effects. Sporadically, If you look to the skies or out on the water you have a chance to see boats, helicopters, or fighter jets. The air vehicles can perform banking maneuvers in formation, deploy countermeasures, and even explode and crash. The boats can deploy parachute flares at night.
Safe Spawning
After the introduction of spawn protection, we continued to monitor the gameplay experience for Shooting Range and Freeroam and how it has impacted the overall gameplay. While it did help address some instances players reported, we felt we could improve on it.
In Update 2.0 players will see a checkbox in the tent to enable safespawn. This will randomly spawn you in a new location on the map instead of where you died. This gives control back to the spawning player when in public lobbies where it can get very crowded and a bit chaotic.
Subway - Assault
In response to community feedback, we're excited to announce the addition of Assault game mode to Subway. Marsoc will attack from the streets, and Volk will come up from below. To ensure a seamless experience on Subway’s different height levels, we've designed Assault boundaries that are shown in the world, rather than on your tablet.
This month we wanted to provide an update and additional details related to our progress on the weapons and characters we are working on.
[h3]New Scope Technology & New Weapon Functionality [/h3]
We have made some significant additions in the scopes category for our weapons. In addition we have also added some new functionalities to some specific weapons we think will offer some much needed improvements to how the weapons are utilized.
New Scope Technology
New Weapon Functionalities
This should bring fresh variety to the Assault map options, offering players a new unique and engaging experience.
[h2]Character Models[/h2]
Introducing 3 more MARSOC and Volk Operators. Their full bios will be available on our Instagram page soon.
In addition to switching between operators, you'll also have the ability to personalize their armbands and eyewear with different color patterns. This feature can be used to identify groups of players for tactical positioning or reflect other unique playstyle and preferences.
Use this customization option to add an extra layer of uniqueness and make your gameplay experience even more tailored to your preferences.
[h3]MilSim Units[/h3]
Onward provides a multitude of ways to play, resulting in a diverse array of player types. One player type that has gained popularity in recent years is the Military Simulation (MilSim) community. These groups often incorporate roleplaying and ranking systems into their gameplay.
Some of these groups offer in-game weapon training sessions and tactical walkthroughs for various environments. Since group expectations can differ, the team at MilSim Units has created a website to help connect individuals that have similar playstyles. For more information about how to find or host a MilSim unit, visit their website.
[h3]Custom Map Winner[/h3]
The Onward Custom Map League (OCML) has successfully concluded its January Brawl contest. This exciting tournament featured 8 teams competing over a period of 5 weeks, with matches played on 6 new custom map submissions.
Congratulations to Team Animal House, who emerged victorious in the tournament!
An additional congratulations goes to Swamp Boogie, whose map submission “East Village” was chosen as the best new map played during the tournament. Well done everyone!
You can watch all the rounds of the tournament on the Brutal Cast YouTube channel.
[h3]Brutal Podcast[/h3]
In addition to their recent map tournament, the Brutal cast has a bi-weekly podcast that delves into various Onward topics. These engaging episodes often feature special guests who are well-known within the community, providing valuable insights and in-depth information about the game. They also cover various league matches and tournaments. The channel offers a great variety of Onward content to check out.
Keep your head on a swivel
February is here and so is our next briefing. We know you have been eagerly waiting for what else is coming with Update 2.0. This month we have more new features to go over along with announcing some quality of life enhancements. In the Devs’ Desk we will be giving you additional information related to the weapons update and showcasing more operators.
Keep an eye on our Twitter account in the upcoming weeks. We will be posting information for upcoming Q&As happening. This will give you an opportunity to get answers to common questions and also learn more details behind some of the upcoming features we have talked about.
[h2]Briefing 5 of 6 [/h2]
While we already announced our completely remastered Downfall map, we still have more news related to environments. We have a completely new never before seen map and a new Day mode for a current map. These are sure to offer a major change to how you play some game modes.
[h3]New Maps[/h3]
Overgrowth
A brand new map that follows a new level for graphics quality, much like Downfall Remastered. This latest addition boasts lush green foliage texturing and intricate rock formations that create a visually stunning backdrop for intense battles. A network of tunnels and narrow passages demands strategic movement and clever positioning, amplifying the pressure during combat.
This close quarters combat map will be available for Uplink, Co-Op, and Social Game modes. Get ready to experience high-stakes battles like never before on this cutting-edge map!
If you thoroughly explore the map, you may stumble upon a rare fossil that hasn’t been seen since the intense battles in the Jungle.
Tanker - Day
The Tanker map has been a staple in Onward since its early days. Its unique design, featuring multiple levels and a long viewing range, made it an ideal environment for nighttime gameplay. Night mode reduced the sight lines allowing players to move strategically across the top level, utilizing available containers for cover. After reviewing the map, we decided to release a daytime version of Tanker. This new iteration offers a fresh perspective on the classic map, providing players with a different set of challenges and opportunities.
Sneaking around on this map in broad daylight will require some serious skill.
[h3]Quality of Life Updates[/h3]
Environment Enhancements
To help players feel more immersed in the environments while playing, we are adding elements like random fly overs and lightning effects. Sporadically, If you look to the skies or out on the water you have a chance to see boats, helicopters, or fighter jets. The air vehicles can perform banking maneuvers in formation, deploy countermeasures, and even explode and crash. The boats can deploy parachute flares at night.
Safe Spawning
After the introduction of spawn protection, we continued to monitor the gameplay experience for Shooting Range and Freeroam and how it has impacted the overall gameplay. While it did help address some instances players reported, we felt we could improve on it.
In Update 2.0 players will see a checkbox in the tent to enable safespawn. This will randomly spawn you in a new location on the map instead of where you died. This gives control back to the spawning player when in public lobbies where it can get very crowded and a bit chaotic.
Subway - Assault
In response to community feedback, we're excited to announce the addition of Assault game mode to Subway. Marsoc will attack from the streets, and Volk will come up from below. To ensure a seamless experience on Subway’s different height levels, we've designed Assault boundaries that are shown in the world, rather than on your tablet.
From the Devs’ Desks:
This month we wanted to provide an update and additional details related to our progress on the weapons and characters we are working on.
[h3]New Scope Technology & New Weapon Functionality [/h3]
We have made some significant additions in the scopes category for our weapons. In addition we have also added some new functionalities to some specific weapons we think will offer some much needed improvements to how the weapons are utilized.
New Scope Technology
- 2 alternative iron sight model options
- Hybrid 1X/4X scopes - (2 sights in one)
- Tri laser (3 visible lasers)
- Combo (visible laser, visible flashlight, IR flashlight, & IR laser)
- Dual laser illuminator (visible laser, IR flashlight, & IR laser)
- Visible Laser & Flashlight (visible laser & visible flashlight)
- New 6x Scope (MARSOC)
- New 8x Scope (Volk)
- Laser & Flashlights are emissive (can see the lens glowing, not just the beam)
New Weapon Functionalities
- Shotgun shell holder for M1014 and M870
- Gripods (Foregrip / Bipod Hybrid)
- M203 can be equipped on MCX Virtus & MK18
This should bring fresh variety to the Assault map options, offering players a new unique and engaging experience.
[h2]Character Models[/h2]
Introducing 3 more MARSOC and Volk Operators. Their full bios will be available on our Instagram page soon.
In addition to switching between operators, you'll also have the ability to personalize their armbands and eyewear with different color patterns. This feature can be used to identify groups of players for tactical positioning or reflect other unique playstyle and preferences.
Use this customization option to add an extra layer of uniqueness and make your gameplay experience even more tailored to your preferences.
Community Center:
[h3]MilSim Units[/h3]
Onward provides a multitude of ways to play, resulting in a diverse array of player types. One player type that has gained popularity in recent years is the Military Simulation (MilSim) community. These groups often incorporate roleplaying and ranking systems into their gameplay.
Some of these groups offer in-game weapon training sessions and tactical walkthroughs for various environments. Since group expectations can differ, the team at MilSim Units has created a website to help connect individuals that have similar playstyles. For more information about how to find or host a MilSim unit, visit their website.
[h3]Custom Map Winner[/h3]
The Onward Custom Map League (OCML) has successfully concluded its January Brawl contest. This exciting tournament featured 8 teams competing over a period of 5 weeks, with matches played on 6 new custom map submissions.
Congratulations to Team Animal House, who emerged victorious in the tournament!
An additional congratulations goes to Swamp Boogie, whose map submission “East Village” was chosen as the best new map played during the tournament. Well done everyone!
You can watch all the rounds of the tournament on the Brutal Cast YouTube channel.
[h3]Brutal Podcast[/h3]
In addition to their recent map tournament, the Brutal cast has a bi-weekly podcast that delves into various Onward topics. These engaging episodes often feature special guests who are well-known within the community, providing valuable insights and in-depth information about the game. They also cover various league matches and tournaments. The channel offers a great variety of Onward content to check out.
Keep your head on a swivel