EMPULSE's second update brings much requested features

EMPULSE has been a blast so far, but 1047 Games isn't resting easy. They want this game to find a big audience, and they're working on a lot of changes. In the latest update, there will be an ADS (aim down sights) playlist, letting you test out arguably the largest change to the game. Alongside that is another playlist featuring a new map – Sentinel. With these big additions, new tweaks are also coming, including a weapon balancing pass over. Check out all the details below, and keep yourself glued to GamingTrend as our early access impressions are coming soon!

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Early Access Update #2 drops on all platforms tomorrow, July 9 at 10 AM PT! We’re launching the first Experimental Playlist, and Phase 2 of The Sprint kicks off. The update also includes a big weapon balance pass, meaningful changes to Ranked and Mech v Mech TDM, a bunch of performance improvements, and a new speedometer option you’ve been asking for.

EXPERIMENTAL PLAYLISTS

This is the part of Early Access we are most excited about. Experimental Playlists (EPs) are how we test out big ideas in real time before deciding whether they earn a permanent spot in EMPULSE. We would rather ship something rough that we can evolve over time with your feedback instead of iterating on a change internally until it feels perfect, hoping we get it right. EPs are why we launched in Early Access.

Our first EP is split into two phases:

ADS Playlist: This playlist launches with the update tomorrow, and features an early version of ADS (aim down sights) enabled on every weapon. After seeing your feedback over the last several weeks, we really wanted to get this change into your hands. Weapons are slightly less accurate from the hip, and more accurate when using ADS.

This is very much a work in progress – animations and balance are still being tuned, you’ll see some rough edges, and we have some fine-tuning to do on accuracy once we see how you play.

Sentinel Playlist (coming soon): A blockout (or early version) of a new map code-named Sentinel will come online next week. This one is focused entirely on getting your feedback on the layout of Sentinel before we move it into full art production. Your feedback will help shape the final version of Sentinel before art is finalized.

Tell us what you think of both on Discord and Reddit. This is exactly what the Experimental Playlist system is here for!

CHANGES TO RANKED

Ranked: Mechs have been disabled in Ranked for now. We are watching how the competitive experience evolves without them, and we’re considering how Mechs may come back with adjustments in the future.

WEAPON AND EQUIPMENT ADJUSTMENTS

EA Update #2 includes a deep weapon balance pass. More details will drop in the patch notes tomorrow, but here’s a short preview:

• Long Range: Reduced effective range on rifles and marksman weapons, plus other adjustments.
• Close Range: The Percussion and Coda SMGs get a buff, and the Echo Shotgun gets nerfed.
• Big improvements to the Requiem Sniper Rifle and Volta Homing AR.

Along with the balance tweaks, every weapon except the Finale now has an additional progression level, which unlocks new Chibi weapon charm.

We’ve also made several changes to P.A.I.N.T. Bombs and Mechs, including:

• Sticky P.A.I.N.T. now completely disables jetpack acceleration while you are under the P.A.I.N.T.’s effect, and dramatically reduces jump height. If you have been using it to lock down chases, expect it to feel a lot more punishing on the receiving end.
• Explosive P.A.I.N.T.: The delay between explosions has been pushed slightly (1.0 → 1.25s) to give players more time to react.
• Mech melee now cancels the melee of a player who tries to melee them back.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND PERFORMANCE

• We added a new speedometer option in gameplay settings so you can see exactly how fast you are moving.
• Fixed a bug where sideways walking was faster than forward. Minor min slide speed adjustment to compensate.
• Performance optimizations including:
• VRAM reduction when playing with low or medium texture quality selected.
• General optimizations across multiple maps at lower quality settings.
• Motion blur improved on low post-process settings.
• And a ton of other bug and crash fixes – more details in the patch notes tomorrow.

PHASE 2 OF THE SPRINT

Phase 2 of The Sprint begins with Update #2, and you’ll be racing to unlock the serialized, Legendary Reaper skin. Good luck, and let us know on social which number you get!

HOW TO STAY IN THE LOOP

• Wishlist or purchase EMPULSE on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox (And don’t get about refer a friend!)
• Share feedback and find a Crew on Discord and Reddit.
• Follow us on X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

See you in Freehold,

-1047 Games

Stay tuned to GamingTrend for more EMPULSE news and info!