Starsector version 0.97a is now out!
Use exciting new abilities for getting around the Sector – Reverse Polarity and Generate Slipsurge
Engage with new Colony Crisis mechanics with unique in-depth events that flesh out every major faction and have their own rewards (replaces Hostile Activity)
Explore the Orion-Perseus Abyss and a new mysterious star system found deep in abyssal hyperspace
Add a new low-tech phase cruiser (the Grendel-class) to your fleet
Use the new “Escort Package” hullmod to amp up your destroyers and cruisers when used in combination with larger ships
Take advantage of more powerful elite skill effects and the revamped Cybernetic Augmentation skill
Discover more unique encounters, from castaways on the far fringe of the Sector to brewing trouble in the spacer bars of the Core
It’s worth noting that the Colony Crisis event, despite being just one bullet point, make up the bulk of the content in this update! It’s worth thinking of each faction-specific event as a new mission, and some of these are very involved, both mechanically and in terms of new writing.
As always, there are also many smaller changes and additions, including balance adjustments, polish, ship AI improvements, bugfixes, and modability improvements! There are also a couple of new music tracks used when interacting with certain entities in the campaign.
Despite being a major version change, this release is actually save-compatible, though I would recommend starting a new game anyway – there would be some oddities with the layout of the new Abyss area.