We’re excited to announce that Update v0.7.5 is now available for public testing! This update includes significant architectural improvements, particularly to support co-op/competitive mode, new features for creating and inviting players to the companies, and a completely reworked cargo and mission system.
Key Information
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To access the Public Test branch:
- Right-click Ships At Sea on the Steam-Library
- Select Properties
- Select Betas
- Enter Password and click Check Code
- From the dropdown menu, choose "Public Test"
Use password:
Also, keep in mind that saving cargo is currently not possible. The cargo and mission system has undergone a complete rework, and while significant progress has been made, certain tasks still need to be completed before cargo-saving functionality can be fully supported. We appreciate your understanding as we work towards enabling this feature soon.
To help us resolve issues effectively, please include detailed steps of what you did before encountering the bug or crash, specify which boat you were using, and indicate whether it occurred in single-player mode or multiplayer as a host or client. Please check the box for Attach log file to send us a report of your current game session and hardware details. Don't worry—no personal data will be shared!
Player Profile
In Update v0.7.5, we’ve integrated a player profile system, making it easier than ever to get started with single or multiplayer sessions. Here’s how to create and manage your player profile and create or join multiplayer sessions.
- Creating a Player ProfileAfter starting a new game, players can create and customize a profile. This profile will save their progress, including level, boat certificate, and experiences.
- Creating a Game To create a single or multiplayer session, select Create Game. To join an existing multiplayer session, select Join Game.
- Enabling Single or Multiplayer Session To play in single-player mode, uncheck the Multiplayer option and select Create New Game. To create a multiplayer session, ensure the Multiplayer option is checked. This will allow you to set up a session and invite up to three other players to join your session.
- Wave Size Adjustment To provide a more dynamic and customizable experience, we’ve expanded how players can adjust wave sizes based on different weather conditions. It’s important to know that the game features two main types of weather systems: Normal Weather and Storm Weather. Not all rainy or snowy days are classified as storms, some may involve precipitation without heavy winds or rough seas. Adjusting wave sizes allows you to customize these conditions for added realism and control. Please keep in mind that these wave settings apply specifically to that session and cannot be changed once the session has begun. Wave Height: You can adjust the percentage for overall wave intensity to simulate various sea conditions. In Ships At Sea, we use the Beaufort Scale, a real-world, empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed sea conditions. Here´s how the scale applies to our water simulation:
- 25% = Beaufort scale 1 - 3
- 50% = Beaufort scale 1 - 6
- 75% = Beaufort scale 1 - 8
- 100% = Beaufort scale 1 - 12
Note: The Tutorial is currently disabled in the Public Test version!
Company Feature
With Update v0.7.5, we are introducing the long-awaited company feature to add depth to both single and multiplayer gameplay, whether in co-op or competitive play. Here’s how it works:
- Company CreationAs soon as a player starts a new game or joins a session, whether it is single-player or multiplayer, they automatically create a company. Each player begins with an initial capital of 50,000 NOK, which they can use to build and expand their company. When players join a company together, their starting capitals are combined into a single pool.
- Building Your Own Company Players can work independently to grow their company, complete missions, and compete with others in the same session to become the top maritime enterprise.
- Co-op Mode One of the standout features of Ships At Sea as a maritime simulation game is the flexibility it offers in cooperative play. Team members can choose to work on their own desired vessel, complete tasks and missions individually, or collaborate by working together on the same vessel. Please keep in mind to enter a co-worker's boat, you need to be part of the same company. This approach allows players to share responsibilities, resources, items and capital, fostering a sense of teamwork in an immersive setting. As a result, each gaming session becomes dynamic and engaging.
To team up with others, invite friends to join your company:
- Open the Company Manager by selecting TAB-key
- Select Invite Employee
- Choose from the list of available players in the session who can accept your invitation and join your company.
- Furthermore, you can rename or switch companies during a session. Simply select Switch Company to join an alternative company or create your own.
To view your company's mission status, open the Company Manager and navigate to the Missions tab. Here, you'll find a comprehensive list showing all missions your team has taken on, including active missions and completed tasks. This makes it easy to track progress and stay organized within your company:
To share items from your Player Inventory with your team members in the company, select the item and transfer it to the Company Inventory. It’s an easy way to pool resources and support your team:
The co-op, competitive, and company features will continue to evolve as Ships At Sea progresses. As players unlock larger ships, they will gain access to more complex tasks and missions, presenting new challenges and opportunities for both solo players in single-player mode and teams in multiplayer. We also plan to introduce NPC coworkers to assist you with completing tasks, adding a new level of strategy for all players.
New Cargo and Mission System
We are reworking and expanding the cargo system to establish a strong foundation for future gameplay. These updates will make efficient cargo placement and stacking essential not only for larger cargo vessels in general but also specifically for container ships. This overhaul is crucial as we aim to improve cargo capabilities, ensuring that strategic placement, stacking, and organization of a variety of items can meet the demands of larger vessels.
The mission system has also received a major overhaul to provide a more flexible and engaging experience. A new centralized mission manager now simplifies the addition and management of different mission types across the game. Currently, this makes cargo missions more dynamic, with randomized pickup and delivery locations based on specific tags. This enhancement will allow for more varied and immersive missions and enrich gameplay for future mission types and updates.
While we've always had various cargo sizes, the new system introduces a block-based approach where each cargo item occupies a specific number of blocks in the boat's cargo hold. For example, an XS item takes up just one block, while an XL item can require up to 16 blocks. This updated system adds an engaging challenge: smaller cargo items allow for greater quantities, enabling multiple missions in one trip, whereas larger items require more space. The loading and stacking capacity also varies by boat size and class, adding a new layer of strategy to cargo management. A green highlighter shows a compatible placement area, while a red marker indicates an incompatible area.
In addition, cargo now has a weight, which will directly affect the behavior of boats and ships:
During the public testing phase, we’ll continue to work on additional tasks and refine key areas of the new cargo and mission system to ensure a smooth experience. Please note that you currently do not earn XP points for cargo. In co-op mode, we also plan to introduce the ability to pass cargo from hand to hand, adding a new layer of teamwork and interaction to cargo management.
Reworked Sonar System
We are excited to announce the introduction of multiple sonar modes for the first time in our games. This new system adds depth and realism to your maritime adventures. It enhances the process of locating and identifying fish, making your fishing expeditions feel more authentic and immersive.
Our reworked sonar system will include three distinct modes:
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In version 0.7.5, we’re taking a closer look at the History Sonar mode, designed for Tier 1 and 2 boats and ideal for longline and net fishing. The 360 Sonar and Forward Sonar modes in update v0.8 will be exclusive to Tier 3 fishing vessels, offering essential tools for the Purse Seine fishing technique.
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The History Sonar displays:
- Mode: Clearly indicates which sonar mode you are using.
- Map Integration: The map display is now be moved to the sonar, providing players with all the necessary navigation and fish-tracking information in one interface.
- Max Depth: Displays the total depth being scanned. You can adjust the total depth being scanned to focus on specific areas, helping you target the most relevant zones for fish detection.
- Water Surface: The very top of the display represents the water's surface, helping you orient yourself as you track fish activity.
- Seabed: This shows the precise location of the seabed, which is crucial for understanding the topography beneath your vessel.
- Fish Zones: The most critical part of the display indicates the area where fish are commonly found. This zone is located between the water surface and just above the seabed.
- Fish species indicator: If you're new to sonar or find it difficult to interpret raw sonar data, you can activate the fish species indicator. This feature will show you the types of fish detected, making it easier to understand what's below your vessel.
- Zoom in/out:The History Sonar will also feature a zoom in and out option, allowing you to target the most relevant zone.
- Adjust the screen brightness: For optimal visibility, no matter the time of day or sea conditions.
[previewyoutube=bSHNW946SQg;full][/previewyoutube]
With these new sonar features, Ships At Sea will bring even greater depth and precision to your fishing expeditions, giving you the tools you need to master the seas and improve your catch.
Radio
Ships At Sea enhances your maritime experience by bringing online radio channels right to your boat's cockpit, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes while navigating the open waters.
Radio controls in the wheelhouse:
- Switch Sources: Use the source button on the radio asset to toggle between in-game music and your favourite radio channels.
- Audio Management: You can easily turn the radio or music on and off, adjust the volume, skip tracks or radio channels as desired and even loop the music.
- Favorite Channels: Use the mode button to save your top 6 favorite radio channels for quick access by using the designated slots from 1 to 6.
To add custom radio channels, head to the Settings menu:
- Navigate to the Settings
- Enter the link for your desired radio channel
- We support various formats including mp3, aac-lc, he-aac v1, and he-aac v2
And that´s not all - we’ve added several preset online radio channels for you to enjoy right away:
- Simulator Radio
- Truck Stop
- Simulator FM
- Simulator Vibe
- Simulator Hits
Radar
Radar is a crucial tool for navigation, as it enables the detection of nearby ships and land obstacles. It also provides information about the distance and direction of other objects, which is essential for collision avoidance at sea and near the shore. With radar, captains can confidently navigate through challenging conditions—whether in darkness or adverse weather—ensuring safe passage even when visibility is low.
Understanding your Radar Screen: Key Features and Details
Radar Features: Navigating with Precision
Our radar system offers a range of configurable functions to enhance your navigation experience. With adjustable sensitivity, sea and weather clutter suppression, and tools for measuring distance and bearing, the radar keeps your route clear and precise. You’ll be able to track the position of your ship and nearby vessels and use NAV lines and markers to maintain the course. The system also supports both Relative Motion (RM) and True Motion (TM) modes, giving you more control and situational awareness on the open water.
Control Panel
Net Fishing Updates
We’ve made some exciting improvements to the net fishing experience! Fish caught in the nets now display more realistic movement, with enhanced physical behavior for greater immersion. To help with untangling, we’ve introduced the Yarn Hook, available for purchase at the port shop, which you can use to free fish from the nets. Please note that the untangling pillars are currently temporary and will be replaced soon.
We’re also rolling out the first iteration of our Gutting Fish mechanic. While animations and the gutting knife are still missing, this feature marks an essential step toward adding more depth to the fishing process. Expect further refinements as we continue to improve the net fishing system for an even more immersive experience.
To untangle the fish, use the Yarn Hook:
To gut the fish, interact with the gutting table equipped on the Tier 2 fishing boat:
As we open up Update v0.7.5 for Public Testing, we’re thrilled to share our ambition of creating the next generation of ship simulation. With the introduction of co-op play, you’ll now experience an added layer of teamwork, navigating the challenges of the sea alongside friends. Our goal is to immerse you in the true feeling of life at sea, capturing the depth and complexity of the maritime world with fully functioning instruments, realistic navigation, and the authentic challenges of the open ocean. While you explore and test these new features, we’ll be hard at work refining and expanding SAS to make it the ultimate maritime experience. We also look forward to hearing your feedback—it’s invaluable in helping us craft a game that resonates with you and maritime enthusiasts everywhere.
Changelog
Multiplayer
- Added company feature that allows players to join or start their own company to work together or compete against others
- Added Co-Op feature, players can now collaborate by performing tasks together on the same boat or individually on separate boats, enhancing multiplayer gameplay and teamwork
- Improved synchronization issues between host and client while walking on the boat as the client
Simulation
- Added the option to set wave height for game sessions during both normal weather and storm conditions
- Adjusted calm wave areas around all ports to reduce wave intensity
- All boats have been rebalanced to improve manoeuvrability
UI
- A new start menu with player profiles for single and multiplayer modes was added. Players can now create up to 4 profiles, delete and load profiles, or join with an existing profile a multiplayer session
- Added notification indicating the length of the longline set into the sea
- Added option to turn the automatic throttle on/off in the option menu
World
- Added collisions on land around Måstad
- Added more sound effects
- Added new store, office and shipyard logo designs to enhance visibility
- Added offices in all small ports where players can accept cargo missions
- Adjusted sea markers around Røst
- More level design around the map
- Several improvements in the environment
General
- Added visual indication for longline setting progress
- Added a bug reporter/Feedback to make it easier for players to report in-game issues
- Added a radio feature that allows switching between in-game music and radio, adjusting the volume, skipping tracks and radio channels, and saving radio channels for quick access using designated slots from 1 to 6
- Added gutting fish feature after longline and net are hauled in
- Adjusted prices on tools being sold in the shop
- Blocked gear setting in the shipyard
- Blocked being able to set nets outside fish habitats
- Changed text in help, Halibut cannot be caught with the net
- Extended reach of the Tier 1 crane
- Increased pick-up range for longlines, should be easier to haul in rough weather conditions
- The reworked fish sonar system now features History Sonar. Additional sonar modes, such as 360° Sonar (Area Scan) and Forward Sonar will be equipped on the Tier 3 fishing ship.
- The mass of the cargo now affects the buoyancy of the boat
- Reworked cargo and mission systems
- Updated fish farming to work with the new company system, preventing other players from interacting with the fish farm unless they are part of the same company
- Updated Welcome Early Access text
Improvements
- Baiting of longline buckets
- Buoy indicator visibility during net fishing
- Camera is detached to follow the boat
- Improved crane drag-and-drop mechanics and optimized cargo positioning for smoother and more accurate handling.
- Overall improvements to the longline and net fishing mechanics
- Increased the threshold for low-speed collisions during docking. Additionally, the damage to the decorative tires around the port has been reduced
- Fish farm sounds
- Fuel consumption model
- Improvements have been made to the mooring system to ensure that moorings are now properly attached to the piers, resulting in smoother docking and undocking
- Improved the physical behavior of untangled fish for more realistic movement and interactions
- Jigging behavior and it's not possible to use a jigger if the boat moves too fast
- Performance overlay so that VRam usage is more clearly displayed
- Enhanced post-processing and lighting for improved visual quality
- Radar with more features and functions
- Sector lights now feature a blinking effect
- Setting the net, the player can return the buoy to stack or throw it into the sea to start setting
- Sea markers missions and status
- The tutorial system is temporarily disabled for improvements
- The wake of the boats ensures consistent appearance at any frame rate
- Several performance improvements
Savegame
- Cargo saving is temporarily disabled while we finalize the new cargo system. The saving feature will be introduced soon once the remaining tasks are completed
- Savegames from v0.7.2 are no longer compatible with v0.7.5 due to major changes in the game's architecture. As a result, older savegames will be blocked to prevent compatibility issues
Bugfixes
- Fixed an issue where the boat's throttle was not functioning correctly for the client
- Fixed an issue where the camera, and thus the game, would freeze for clients after setting longlines, picking up baited longline buckets or entering the driving mode
- Fixed an issue where the fine was given money instead of withdrawing
- Fixed an issue that caused interactions to break when the vessel collided with the piers
- Fixed an issue where the camera would fall from the sky when the client exited the shipyard
- Fixed an issue where the centre pointer was missing when playing as a client
- Fixed the issue where caught fish were not being properly replicated to the client
- Fixed the issue with the rain and wipers not functioning properly
- Fixed issue with rain being active on boats when in the shipyard
- Fixed the issue of stuttering movement experienced by clients while walking in the ports
- Fixed rust not being applied to cabin door on Røster
- Fixed the map icon for the main fuel station so that it does not disappear when players are far away
- Fixed longline hauling and casting process for clients
- Fixed the issue causing players to be thrown off the boat when setting longlines
- Fixed several rare crash issues
- Fixed a crash that occurred when both the client and the host were in the fish habitat and set longlines
- Fixed smoke particles not being replicated to the client
- Team Misc Games
