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The co-pilot now automatically becomes the new pilot if the former pilot leaves the ship
Wormhole Generator does not float away anymore if a ship collides with it or it is shot
Escort AI
Escorting ships no longer consider collisions as intentional attack
Escorting ships no longer attack allied ships if they are damaged by them (same behavior as when the escorted ship is damaged)
Escorting ships no longer fire at enemies that have stopped attacking them for at least 15 seconds (and have not attacked the escorted ship before)
Disabled boarding of player or alliance ships if in a neutral zone or if player-to-player damage is disabled
Black Market DLC: trader missions no longer start with a forced dialog; instead the player is hailed and can accept or decline
The pause menu can now be accessed while playing the tutorial
UI
Added a continue button to the main menu
Note: This will restart the last played session in the same configuration.
This means, if you were hosting a local galaxy it will start the galaxy in hosting mode and others can connect to your server.
If you were playing on a remote server, it will try to connect to the remote server. Does not work if the server has been restarted.
The server's password is remembered. This way you only need to enter the password once.
Improved Saved Designs Filtering
Filter "Just Fighters" now no longer includes turret designs
Added new filter "Just Turrets" that includes only turret designs
Windows using a Saved Designs Selection now use an appropriate default filter
Strategy mode: available rift missions are now shown in mission overview
Fighter Factory now selects another turret of the same category (if possible) and keeps the previous point assignment after building a fighter
Removed ship menu for fighters as it did not contain accurate or helpful information
Modding
Fixed an issue where the client could get stuck in loading screen for single player instances and locally hosted multiplayer
Improved how servers try to update workshop mods on server start
Clients now try to actively update mods when connecting to a server with newer mod versions if the automatic update through Steam has not happened yet
Added more information to the info box shown after connection errors related to mod configuration
Scripting API
Made UIBlockDisplayer's clear method public
Added new callback to UISelection that is called when sorting is finished
overload member "onEntriesSortedFunction" to receive the callback
Multiplayer
Some types of connection errors will now be detected faster
Bugfixes
[UBR] Fixed a crash when trying to upload a turret to Steam workshop
[UBR] Fixed an issue where Black Market missions could include sectors from the other side of the barrier
[UBR] Fixed an issue where serveral story missions could incorrectly include sectors from inside the barrier
[UBR] Fixed an issue where delivery missions would select target sectors on the other side of the barrier
[UBR] Fixed an issue where accepting a rift mission near the barrier would end the "Crossing the barrier" mission
[UBR] Fixed an issue where headhunters could appear during rift missions
[UBR] Fixed an issue where a ghost block would remain in the sector after building a new ship
[UBR] Fixed an issue where the tutorial mission "Ships, Strategies & Captains" could get stuck after deleting Lady Adventurous during the mission
[UBR] Fixed an issue where a required container would not spawn in the "Hackathon" mission if the player had a docked container
[UBR] Fixed an issue where "manage" was shown in the ship interaction menu even though the permission to do so was not granted by the alliance
[UBR] Fixed an issue where "building knowledge" could be marked as trash and would interfere with selling other items marked as trash
[UBR] Fixed an issue where a Pirate Mothership would keep its immunity if lured through a wormhole (away from its supporters)
[UBR] Fixed a font alignment issue in Equipment Trading Window
[UBR] Fixed an issue where gate titles where not correctly translated in strategy mode
[UBR] Fixed spelling errors in German translation
[UBR] Fixed an error in French translation
[UBR] Fixed an issue where tooltips were not translated in the key bindings window
[UBR] Added missing shipyard entry to encyclopedia production glossary
[UBR] Fixed an issue where auto-turret mode could not be (de)activated in cruiser mode
[UBR] Fixed an issue where boarding progress could get stuck if the boarded ship had passengers
[UBR] Fixed an issue where players could enter and get stuck in photo mode during tutorial
[UBR] Fixed an issue where attacking with torpedoes did not cause reputation loss on damage (destruction did already cause reputation loss)
[UBR] Fixed an issue where players could get stuck in a "respawn, trigger attack, get killed" loop if their reconstruction site is caught up in a faction war
Beta Branch Note: These changes are currently available on the beta branch. The beta branch is for testing experimental changes and for finding and fixing errors.
This is how you get access to the beta branch (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK):
Right-Click on Avorion in your Steam list, Properties -> Betas -> Select branch 'Beta Branch - Newest Changes & Experimental Features'.
Gameplay
The co-pilot now automatically becomes the new pilot if the former pilot leaves the ship
Wormhole Generator does not float away anymore if a ship collides with it or it is shot
Escort AI
Escorting ships no longer consider collisions as intentional attack
Escorting ships no longer attack allied ships if they are damaged by them (same behavior as when the escorted ship is damaged)
Escorting ships no longer fire at enemies that have stopped attacking them for at least 15 seconds (and have not attacked the escorted ship before)
Disabled boarding of player or alliance ships if in a neutral zone or if player-to-player damage is disabled
Black Market DLC: trader missions no longer start with a forced dialog; instead the player is hailed and can accept or decline
The pause menu can now be accessed while playing the tutorial
UI
Added a continue button to the main menu
Note: This will restart the last played session in the same configuration.
This means, if you were hosting a local galaxy it will start the galaxy in hosting mode and others can connect to your server.
If you were playing on a remote server, it will try to connect to the remote server. Does not work if the server has been restarted.
The server's password is remembered. This way you only need to enter the password once.
Improved Saved Designs Filtering
Filter "Just Fighters" now no longer includes turret designs
Added new filter "Just Turrets" that includes only turret designs
Windows using a Saved Designs Selection now use an appropriate default filter
Strategy mode: available rift missions are now shown in mission overview
Fighter Factory now selects another turret of the same category (if possible) and keeps the previous point assignment after building a fighter
Removed ship menu for fighters as it did not contain accurate or helpful information
Modding
Fixed an issue where the client could get stuck in loading screen for single player instances and locally hosted multiplayer
Improved how servers try to update workshop mods on server start
Clients now try to actively update mods when connecting to a server with newer mod versions if the automatic update through Steam has not happened yet
Added more information to the info box shown after connection errors related to mod configuration
Scripting API
Made UIBlockDisplayer's clear method public
Added new callback to UISelection that is called when sorting is finished
overload member "onEntriesSortedFunction" to receive the callback
Multiplayer
Some types of connection errors will now be detected faster
Bugfixes
[UBR] Fixed a crash when trying to upload a turret to Steam workshop
[UBR] Fixed an issue where Black Market missions could include sectors from the other side of the barrier
[UBR] Fixed an issue where serveral story missions could incorrectly include sectors from inside the barrier
[UBR] Fixed an issue where delivery missions would select target sectors on the other side of the barrier
[UBR] Fixed an issue where accepting a rift mission near the barrier would end the "Crossing the barrier" mission
[UBR] Fixed an issue where headhunters could appear during rift missions
[UBR] Fixed an issue where a ghost block would remain in the sector after building a new ship
[UBR] Fixed an issue where the tutorial mission "Ships, Strategies & Captains" could get stuck after deleting Lady Adventurous during the mission
[UBR] Fixed an issue where a required container would not spawn in the "Hackathon" mission if the player had a docked container
[UBR] Fixed an issue where "manage" was shown in the ship interaction menu even though the permission to do so was not granted by the alliance
[UBR] Fixed an issue where "building knowledge" could be marked as trash and would interfere with selling other items marked as trash
[UBR] Fixed an issue where a Pirate Mothership would keep its immunity if lured through a wormhole (away from its supporters)
[UBR] Fixed a font alignment issue in Equipment Trading Window
[UBR] Fixed an issue where gate titles where not correctly translated in strategy mode
[UBR] Fixed spelling errors in German translation
[UBR] Fixed an error in French translation
[UBR] Fixed an issue where tooltips were not translated in the key bindings window
[UBR] Added missing shipyard entry to encyclopedia production glossary
[UBR] Fixed an issue where auto-turret mode could not be (de)activated in cruiser mode
[UBR] Fixed an issue where boarding progress could get stuck if the boarded ship had passengers
[UBR] Fixed an issue where players could enter and get stuck in photo mode during tutorial
[UBR] Fixed an issue where attacking with torpedoes did not cause reputation loss on damage (destruction did already cause reputation loss)
[UBR] Fixed an issue where players could get stuck in a "respawn, trigger attack, get killed" loop if their reconstruction site is caught up in a faction war
Beta Branch Note: These changes are currently available on the beta branch. The beta branch is for testing experimental changes and for finding and fixing errors.
This is how you get access to the beta branch (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK): Right-Click on Avorion in your Steam list, Properties -> Betas -> Select branch 'Beta Branch - Newest Changes & Experimental Features'.
The changes from 2.5.6 need a tiny bit more testing before they can go live on default. In the meantime, here's a new language and a few small fixes:
Language
Added Portuguese (Brazil)
Gameplay
Ships and Stations that get damaged due to decay now send a more accurate warning
Before these crafts would send the general "Craft is under attack" warning
Bugfixes
[UBR] Fixed an issue where NPC miners would sit idle in sectors instead of mining
[UBR] Fixed a visual bug in "Rescue an Associate" mission
[UBR] Improved some texts in the Russian translation
Hotfixes (2025-03-11)
Added missing translations for texts introduced in previous patch
Added Portuguese (Brazil) to available languages in Avorion's Steam properties
Fixed startup language detection if language in game settings is set to "Steam"
Beta Branch Note: These changes are currently available on the beta branch. The beta branch is for testing experimental changes and for finding and fixing errors.
This is how you get access to the beta branch (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK): Right-Click on Avorion in your Steam list, Properties -> Betas -> Select branch 'Beta Branch - Newest Changes & Experimental Features'.
General
Scenario presets have been added to free play settings
Added a free play setting to set the minimum block size value for new galaxies
You no longer have to edit server.ini directly
We have extended the allowed values for the minimum block size limit
Values can now be between 0.00001 and 0.01.
This is only a lowest allowed value, it doesn't impact precision or bigger values. E.g. you can still build blocks with size 0.0125.
Build Mode
Added new highlight modes to show blocks that are smaller than the default and the server's minimum block size limit
You can use these to verify your builds before publishing them to the workshop
Added an info box in the bottom right corner which shows how many small blocks the current craft has
Added a notice to the Saved Design Window and Workshop Upload Window if your craft contains tiny blocks
The view settings button now pulsates slightly when there are active settings
Bugfixes
As usual we have a few bug fixes for you. Thank you everyone for reporting those pesky little buggers!
[UBR] Added map context menu entry to remove death location marker
[UBR] Fixed an issue where mission bulletin of Cover Retreat would show the wrong faction name
[UBR] Fixed an issue where the mass constraint wasn't updated correctly in mission descriptions
[UBR] Fixed an issue where escorting ships did send incorrect warnings when following their leader to another sector
[UBR] Fixed an issue where turret group icons behaved like they were clicked while mouse pointer was not active, e.g. while flying and fighting
An issue affecting multiple users sneaked past beta testing into our previous release (see Bugfixes and QoL Update). So after a very short beta phase, this hotfix is now live for everyone.
Thanks to everyone who reported the issue and thanks to everyone who already tested this hotfix on beta.
Bugfixes
[UBR] Fixed an issue where images in the encyclopedia were distorted
[UBR] Fixed a crash when opening specific encyclopedia entries, for example "Integrity Fields"
This was also triggered by choosing an integrity field block in build mode
Misc
Reverted the bundled SDL2_image library to an older version (for Windows)
Beta Branch Note: These changes are currently available on the beta branch. The beta branch is for testing experimental changes and for finding and fixing errors.
This is how you get access to the beta branch (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK): Right-Click on Avorion in your Steam list, Properties -> Betas -> Select branch 'Beta Branch - Newest Changes & Experimental Features'.
Bugfixes
[UBR] Fixed an issue where images in the encyclopedia were distorted
[UBR] Fixed a crash when opening specific encyclopedia entries, for example "Integrity Fields"
This was also triggered by choosing an integrity field block in build mode
Misc
Reverted the bundled SDL2_image library to an older version (for Windows)
Hello everyone! We're very happy to announce that the patches 2.5.3 and 2.5.4 are now available on default! Thank you to everyone who participated in the beta and all the valuable feedback! And now without further ado here is a highlight of the most important changes.
Docking
In the last update, we already made docking to a station more reliable by changing the underlying assessment of what is docked. While this made things less confusing code-wise, we noticed that the UI wasn't properly reflecting the docked status. To address this, we are now introducing the following changes:
The station's indicators now correctly show the ship as docked as soon as you are close enough to transfer resources, crew, goods, ...,
Tractor beams no longer pull your ship all the way to the dock if you have a functional transporter. They now stop as soon as your ship is in transporter range.
Added visual effects when nearby entities block the docking area and tractor beams have trouble locking on to a single target
Tractor beams flash red, some of them may point to the obstructing object
A yellow indicator at the dock shows that tractor beams aren't available, but you're still able to dock manually
Holding F now only starts an interaction when you are close enough to transfer resources, crew, goods, ...
The interaction dialog with the station will now automatically open when your ship has been pulled close enough
Tapping F for a short time always starts the interaction dialog with a selected station
Secondary Block Colors
Some things seemed to have slipped past us concerning secondary block colors. Thank you for everyone reporting these issues and the wonderful suggestion of a color swap!
[UBR] Ship Name blocks no longer darken the text if a custom secondary color is set
[UBR] Added a button to swap primary and secondary colors
Button is hidden when both colors are equal
[UBR] Fixed an issue where blocks with colorized windows (Crew Quarters, some Hulls) did not flicker for wreckages and ships with low energy
Build Mode
Due to several reports of bad performance in collisions, glitches in build mode and rendering issues, we investigated and found a few troubling issues. One we're addressing now with this update: Zero or even negatively sized blocks. These teeny tiny blocks cause a lot of issues with our engine, as it was never built to deal with such a thing. Therefore, we sadly have to introduce a minimum block size. After a lot of consideration and performance testing, we chose to set the default minimum value to 0.01 (which is equivalent to 10 cm). While this limit is fine for general gameplay, it does impede art builds somewhat. Therefore we additionally added a galaxy-specific server.ini setting that allows for this limit to be much smaller. Be aware that this might lead to more performance issues, though.
You can set the server-wide minimum block size in the server settings. Accepted values are between 0.001 and 0.01.
This value is not used to limit precision / decimal places. All block sizes above the minimum are accepted by the game.
This change does not affect existing builds
For now ship designs with block sizes smaller than the server's limit can still be applied
Whole ship scaling currently does not prevent smaller blocks
These two points will probably change in a future update, especially on multiplayer servers
Existing ships already in the galaxy will not be modified
General QoL
The Open Ship Menu Button now indicates more clearly which ship menu will be opened
The Creative Command Center (available in creative mode) will now give all types of subsystems and turrets
The bug where co-op flying co-pilots were no longer able to do damage was fixed and additionally co-pilots are now also able to fire torpedoes!
As usual, this isn't an exhaustive list of all the changes. If you want to know more you can find the full patch notes of both patches here: Patch 2.5.3 and Patch 2.5.4.
Beta Branch Note: These changes are currently available on the beta branch. The beta branch is for testing experimental changes and for finding and fixing errors.
This is how you get access to the beta branch (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK): Right-Click on Avorion in your Steam list, Properties -> Betas -> Select branch 'Beta Branch - Newest Changes & Experimental Features'.
Docking
We've revisited docking this patch thanks to all the feedback we received from you! Even though we made docking a lot more stable with the changes from the last patch, you pointed us to some remaining issues that we are addressing now.
The station's indicators did not consider functioning transporters, leading to inconsistent input hints. The indicators now correctly show the ship as docked as soon as you are close enough to transfer resources, crew, goods, ...
Tractor beams no longer pull your ship all the way to the dock if you have a functional transporter. They now stop as soon as your ship is in transporter range.
Added visual effects when nearby entities block the docking area and tractor beams have trouble to lock on to a single target
Tractor beams flash red, some of them may point to the obstructing object
A yellow indicator at the dock shows that tractor beams aren't available, but you're still able to dock manually
Holding F now only starts an interaction when you are close enough to transfer resources, crew, goods, ...
The interaction dialog with the station will now automatically open when your ship has been pulled close enough
Tapping F for a short time always starts the interaction dialog with a selected station
Gameplay
Creative Mode Command Center now includes all available turret types when using the "Guns Guns Guns" button
Build Mode
Minimum Block Size is a server option now (Default and recommended is 0.01; Allowed values are between 0.001 and 0.01)
Bugfixes
[UBR] Torpedoes in default weapon group can be fired again (regression in version 2.5.3)
[UBR] Fixed player ships exploding or jumping out of sector after a previous server crash
This prevents ships from being replaced by an older version when reaching a target sector after a hyperspace jump
Conflicts in case of inconsistent ship databases are now resolved by keeping the currently piloted version
[UBR] Fixed a crash when a bluetooth headset was connected while the game was already running
[UBR] Fixed a log error when refine ore autopilot orders were terminated
[UBR] Fixed a crash in pirategenerator.lua
[UBR] Fixed an issue where generated turrets, fighters and torpedoes could be weaker than expected in sectors that are close to the center
Fixed an issue where going back from a window to a dialogue box resulted in the wrong option being selected or a crash (e.g. from hire crew window back to shipyard dialogue box)
Misc
Stacktraces now contain the names of involved external libraries
Beta Branch Note: These changes are currently available on the beta branch. The beta branch is for testing experimental changes and for finding and fixing errors.
This is how you get access to the beta branch (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK): Right-Click on Avorion in your Steam list, Properties -> Betas -> Select branch 'Beta Branch - Newest Changes & Experimental Features'.
Secondary Block Colors
[UBR] Ship Name blocks no longer darken the text if a custom secondary color is set
[UBR] Added a button to swap primary and secondary colors
Button is hidden when both colors are equal
[UBR] Fixed an issue where blocks with colorized windows (Crew Quarters, some Hulls) did not flicker for wreckages and ships with low energy
UI
Changed the Hud menu button to open the Ship Menu slightly:
While in Build Mode it will always open to the currently built ship
Added icon and extended tooltip to show whether the menu will open to a remote or the flown ship
“Inventory is almost full”-Warning is now shown at 50 remaining slots instead of 5
When flying an alliance craft the warning is displayed for the alliance inventory
Gameplay
Co-op flying now allows co-pilots to fire torpedoes if they own the corresponding weapon group
Creative Mode Command Center now includes all available subsystems when using the "Gimme Systems" button
Equipment Docks no longer sell Co-'n-Op Reconstruction Kits in galaxies with perma destruction enabled
Scripting API
Cargobay::addCargo and Entity::addCargo no longer accept negative cargo amounts.
If you want to fill the entire cargo hold use math.huge as amount
Multiplayer
Non-admin players can no longer access the debug menu of crafts (when admins have used addScript; restriction does not apply to galaxies with DevMode=true)
Bugfixes
Saved Designs window:
[UBR] Fixed an issue where the refresh button did not work (in Workshop folders)
Fixed automatic refresh for workshop sub-directory when item download finishes
The parent folder button no longer skips multiple parent folders
Removed non-functional "Rename" context menu entry for workshop items
Fixed an issue where errors during upload of a workshop item led to incomplete workshop items and unending “uploading…” shown in UI
[UBR] Fixed an issue where docking detection did not work reliably
[UBR] Fixed an issue with co-op flying where co-pilots were no longer able to do damage
[UBR] Fixed an issue where large ships could become stranded in rifts if the extraction was to be through a wormhole
[UBR] Fixed an issue where a player could become stranded in a rift after logging in
[UBR] Repairing NPC ships at relation status ceasefire will no longer be seen as breaking the ceasefire
[UBR] Fixed an issue where fighters were no longer controllable after renaming their mothership
[UBR] Fixed an issue where the Reconstruction dialog was not closable when a destroyed player ship had the same name as an alliance ship
[UBR] Fixed an issue in the Hire Crew window where the slider and the textbox disagreed on how many crew members to hire
[UBR] Fixed an issue where hyperspace jump energy would always include subsystems in the Build Mode's stats overview
[UBR] Fixed an issue where production capacity and speed up would always include subsystems in the Build Mode's stats overview
[UBR] Fixed Research stations producing unusable turret blueprints
[UBR] Ship group numbers in the ship list (galaxy map) are now centered so that their position no longer conflicts with active map command icons
[UBR] Fixed an issue where turrets on autofire would target invincible entities
[UBR] Fixed an issue where joining a password-protected dedicated server from Steam friend list was not possible
[UBR] Fixed station's push beams not letting go of ships that were given a new order during undocking
[UBR] Fixed an issue where it was possible to build blocks with zero thickness in voxel grid mode
Fixed an issue where it was possible to use templates to build blocks with zero thickness
Server now enforces a minimum block size
Fixed an issue where grid snapping did not work in voxel grid mode while matching a hovered block’s shape
Fixed a background rendering issue in sectors near rifts
Fixed an issue in rift sectors where thunder sfx were not 3D
Internal Technical Changes
Upgraded SteamAPI to 1.60
Removed workaround introduced in 2.3.2 and 2.4.1 for Linux server startup issues with Steam Clients from that time. These issues have been resolved in recent Steam Client versions.
