The Starside – APR.10.2026
BUILD NOTES | FROM THE DEVS | SPOTLIGHT | NEWS/PRESS | LORE
It’s been a little while since our last Starside, and we have a few things to share.
Last weekend we released the Open Horizons Update, introducing a more open starting experience, UI improvements, and gameplay changes based on your feedback. This weekend, we followed up with a hotfix to address issues and continue improving performance and stability during the current playtest.
We’re also planning to put out new videos and development content to better showcase features and share progress as the game evolves. Stay tuned!
As always, be sure to check out the Living Roadmap to see what we’re actively working on, including new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
The Open Horizons Update
Major Changes
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Starting experience redesigned, also based on player feedback about lack of freedom.
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More open-ended exploration. Less forced step-by-step guidance.
Skills Window (UI overhaul)
More informative + easier navigation.
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Top bar → currency, profession, XP always visible.
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Right panel → dynamic details (skills/professions).
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Skill tree → zoomable + pannable, auto-centers.
Skill States (visual clarity)
Skills are now clearly represented: Not learned (cost shown), in practice, out of practice (reduced visibility), WIP (clearly marked).
Skill & Profession Info
When viewing a profession, the right panel shows:
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Name, icon, tooltip, detailed panel on click.
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XP type required.
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Description (still being expanded).
Skill Interaction
At kiosks:
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Learn skill (if requirements met).
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Start / stop practicing skills.
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Practicing system: limits active skills.
Gameplay Changes
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Weapon skill trees updated.
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Pistol & Grenade Launcher now tied to specific XP types.
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Pistol rework: 6-shot battery system, faster projectiles, less homing, auto recharge after pause.
New Abilities
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Pistol: double Tap, Ricochet, Unload, Double Time, Pistol Whip.
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Grenade Launcher: Cluster, Repulsor, Implosion, Uplift.
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Healix: Siphon (life-drain beam).
Crafting & World Tweaks
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Besom Scrubs drop branches.
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New Wood Slurry recipe.
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Grip/Stock now use wood (not planks).
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Fixed weapon/tool modification issue.
Tech & QoL
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Gamma setting added.
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Server performance improved (less lag on harvesting/items).
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Consumable UI fix (no reset on death/zoning).
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Ballhog enemies now have voices.
Known issues
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Ricochet visuals bugged.
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Pistol Whip missing animation.
Read the full update on our website!
Open Horizon Hotfix
We’ve also released a hotfix this week addressing additional stability and gameplay issues after the update launch.
This includes further performance tuning, bug fixes, and improvements based on live playtest feedback.
Read the full hotfix notes [here]
Watch the Most Recent Fireside Chat
We covered the update, direction, and answered community questions.
Community Spotlight
Some community members have been putting together helpful guides for fellow Reachers. If you’re exploring gathering and crafting systems, check out this excellent pre-alpha guide: A Pre-Alpha Guide to Botany and Harvesting
Huge thanks to the community for creating resources like this to help others jump in and explore the galaxy.
New Roleplaying Guides
Since the last Starside, we’ve published several roleplaying guides, including:
- Terrans
- Gertans
- And a species you haven’t seen in the game… yet
The Fae – New RP Guide
The Fae in Stars Reach are mysterious, otherworldly beings inspired by myth. Nomadic, strange, and deeply tied to forgotten magic, they are unpredictable and curious.
Read the full guide [here]
Current Playtest Running
Thursday | Apr 8th, 9:00am ➡️ Tuesday | Apr 14th, 8:00am
Jump in, explore the Open Horizons changes, and let us know what you think.
If you’d like to join the playtest and share feedback as we continue developing the game, sign up [here]
