New 1.9.5.2 Beta Update Available!

Hi everyone,



We have a new beta update available to address many of the issues reported since release. To access this beta, you need to do the following:



In your Steam game Library, right click Distant Worlds: Universe. Then choose Properties and select the BETAS tab. Finally select “beta” from the drop down list. This will update your game to the beta update. When this update goes official, we will be removing this branch and you will automatically be updated to the official version.



The change list is below:



CRASH FIXES

- fixed crash when drawing space monsters ("CheckFixNotInSystem")

- fixed rare crash when drawing ships

- fixed rare crash when drawing Empire Navigation Tool



BUG FIXES

- added *possible* fix for issue where view sometimes moves to top-left

- fixed issue where Steam Achievements were often being set prematurely

- fixed AI empires starting and then quickly ending Trade Sanctions - now always honor minimum time period

- fixed RepairBot components being downgraded to Damage Control by AI ship design

- fixed problems when loading and displaying research information when Windows set to some non-English languages (e.g. Turkish)

- ensured that pirate factions are generated at start of a new game when using an existing galaxy map

- slightly increased size of Tutorial screen to account for larger text



GENERAL GAME BALANCE

- adjusted default ship design templates for each race: Large Spaceports have more docking bays and construction yards, Mining Stations have more docking bays, shields and weapons

- low colony tax rates do not increase population growth rates as much as previously, but now make colony more attractive migration destination

- civilian ships now ensure they have enough reactors to power hyperdrives at full speed (same as state ships already did)

- Fighters now weighted higher when evaluating strength of potential attack targets

- AI now willing to build more military ships when at war, especially when have large cash reserves and powerful enemies

- AI now more willing to build more research stations at home colony at game start

- AI takes more care to avoid overspending on troops



EXPLORATION

- Exploration ships now scan for resources more quickly, moving on to next exploration target immediately once resources and ruins investigated

- increased amount of automated Exploration ships that are assigned to simply scout systems for colonization targets and ruins instead of performing full resource scan of system and all resources



FLEETS

- AI fleets are now better at coordinating multi-fleet attacks within own empire against single enemy target (beyond just coordinated fleet attacks with allies)

- increased ratio of AI-created large fleets versus small strike forces (i.e. more large fleets)



OTHER

- now force immediate update of stardate and cash display when open a new screen, e.g. Empire Summary screen

- possession of an operational planet destroyer negatively affects diplomatic relations with other empires ("We are envious of your huge strength and power")

