This is actually the fifth and largest patch since Gears of Eden Alpha 2 released and is the first required update - which means you will need to update your client to continue playing the game. You can update your client to 2.1 via Steam, itch.io, or Gamejolt. Be sure to read the updated Quick Start Tips on our alpha info page for helpful early-game advice!
No more getting lost!
The big step forward Alpha 2.1 makes is the introduction of our first craftable object that you can place in the world: charging beacons. Not only do these beacons represent the foundation of our base-building system, they will also help you explore the asteroid more strategically and safely. Beacons will provide you with energy AND also register as blips on your antenna radar (Q key). The radar itself has also been improved, and will now help you better navigate the environment. This means you will be able to build a network of beacons to help you safely traverse the asteroid and find your way back home!
Fair warning: The pre-existing energy beacons have been removed from the asteroid except for one near your base. These were initially placed in as a hand-holding temporary measure to help make it easier for you to explore the asteroid. Now that you can craft and place your own beacons, we've removed these safety nets. Tread carefully!
No more spinning!
We've remapped all keyboard, mouse and controller inputs in Gears of Eden through a new asset called Rewired. This adds better controller support, and should eliminate the spinning camera bug many users reported when playing the game with a gamepad or joystick plugged in! You can now use a gamepad to control all rover functions in the game as well as camera movement. We don't yet have controller support added for menu and inventory interaction, but we are working hard to bring full controller support to the game soon!
Keybind mapping!
One of the advantages of this new Rewired input asset, is that it comes with its own key mapping tool. You can toggle access to the key mapper by pressing F4. Please be aware, we haven't customized the names of all keybind descriptions yet, and the interface for this is the default Rewired interface. It is best used when you are in the game playing, and not from the main menu.
... And more!
Alpha 2.1 also includes a number of smaller updates, like increased durability to wheels and motors, increased effectiveness of repair kits, and numerous interface and typo fixes. For a full list of updates on 2.1 and other Alpha 2 patches, please visit our changelog.
We want YOU!
To our backers and supporters, THANK YOU SO MUCH! We realize we are behind on sending out rewards due to focusing on PAX and our Alpha 2 release, but we will be trying to catch up on those soon!
It's no secret that developing a game like Gears of Eden is costly. It takes a lot of time, a lot of hard work, a lot of late nights, and a lot of resources to make it happen. We can't do this without a community. If you want to see Gears of Eden continue, here are 5 things you can do to help:
- Join and be active in our Discord. You have no idea how much just showing up and chatting motivates and encourages us.
- Likewise, follow us on Twitch and come chat with us during our live gamedev or gameplay streams. If you have Amazon Prime, you get a free Twitch Prime subscription each month, and you can use that to support us on Twitch.
- Share our social media posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sharing is caring!
- Help connect us to streamer friends who want might want to play Gears of Eden.
- Support GoE through a donation or recurring Twitch subscription.
Thanks again for all your support! We look forward to keeping you informed of all of our updates and hopefully we can catch you streaming!
