Gotta keep the steelworks running

The Colorado of Wasteland 3 is pretty rough, and to survive it, you're going to need some steel. The Battle of Steeltown, Wasteland 3's first narrative? expansion, is headed to the titular Steelt??own to resolve an internal conflict so the flow of arms and armor can keep rolling on June 3, 2021.

After deliveries from Steeltown start going awry, the player's team of Rangers is sent in to figure out what's up. Turns out bandits have been raiding, the gates are sealed shut, and the workers are startin?g to revo??lt against Steeltown head Abigail Markham.

Alongside a new narrative with choices to make, there are also some new mechanics being introduced and expanded into the base game. Non-lethal weapons, elemental shields, stacking status effects, and telegraphed attacks are all shifting battles up, along with new weapons and armor. The Battle of Steeltown can be played solo or co-op, and it w??ill also scale to your level depending on how far you've progressed.

Add in some more original music and post-apocalypse inspired covers from Wasteland 3's music supervisor Mary Ramos and composer Mark Morgan, and sounds like this is a big chunk of RPG for Wasteland 3 fans to dig into. The Battle of Steeltown comes to both consoles and PC on June 3, 2021.

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Rebuilding civilisation, one patch at a time

inXile Entertainment has released Version 1.1.1 for its post-apocalyptic strategy title Wasteland 3. The update, now live on both PC and console platforms, aims to improve overall per?formance while increasing stability for the sequel's multiplayer modes.

The biggest fix in Version 1.1.1 pertains to Wasteland 3's co-op mode, which has been known to delay duri?ng loading screens, sometimes requiring wait times of up to five minutes. The new update should reduce these instances somewhat, though loading times as a whole are yet to be fully optimised, and will be done so in a larger update down the line.

Additionally, the new update tweaks a selection of specific bugs relating to certain quests,? NPC interactions, merchant sellers. Most notable, the Antiques Appraiser perk no longer activates on Scrap items, closing a loophole that allowed players to repeatedly sell and re-purchase scrap for profit. Sorry to all those wheeler-dealers out there.

You can check out the full patch notes over on the official inXile blog.

Wasteland 3 is available now on PS4, PC, and Xbox One.

Patch 1.1.1 is now live on @Steam, @GOGcom, @MicrosoftStore, @Xbox One, and @PlayStation 4.

Note: the up?date will be propagating to update servers over the next few hours for Microsoft Store and consoles.

Full notes: //t.co/lXoHBOSjen pic.twitter.com/WFI5TApdj1

— Wasteland â˜¢ï¸ (@Wasteland) September 23, 2020

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Brothers in Arms

We're one short week away from the launch of inXile Entertainment's dystopian RPG, Wasteland 3. Keeping the hype fires stoked, publishe??r Deep Silver has released a new trailer showcasing the post-apocalyptic sequel's co-op multiplayer elements.

Knowing that a problem shared is a problem halved, even in the mire of nuclear fallout,  Wasteland 3's co-op mode will allow two players to squad up to take on a series of brutal and hazardous missions. Use tactical ??teamwork to overcome the odds in battle, explore enemy encampments, and navigate the harsh and brutal overworld. You might have to share your ill-gotten gains, but it's probably better than ending up face-down in a ditch.

Wasteland 3, likes its predecessors, promises an epic adventure featuring deep character customisation, strategic combat, and morally-grey decision making, as your rag-tag band of Desert Rangers works and fights to thrive, or simply survi??ve, in the ruins of post-apocalyptic Colorado. Scavenge for supplies and resources, take down ruthless roaming bandits, loot for improved gear and weaponry, and maybe - just maybe - you'll live to see tomorrow.

Wasteland 3 launches August 28 on PS4, PC, and Xbox One.

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He did say 'Well' a lot

As part of IGN's Summer of Gaming presentation, Deep Silver has released another cheery trailer for its post-apocalyptic sequel Wasteland 3. Set in a devasta??ted Colorado, the new preview introduces players to some of their fellow survivors, forced to do whatever it takes to thrive in the harsh aftermath of ??global destruction.

The video name-checks several dangerous new factions that players will encounter on their journey through Wasteland 3, but we only get to learn a little about a handful of them. First on the agenda is The Patriarch's Marshals, a fascistic law regime designed with "selective" law and order in mind. Things get very weird with the introduction of The Gippers, a band of survivors eagerly awai?ting the second coming of their legendary messiah, Ronald Reagan. No, seriously. They even have a laser-firing statue and a Max Headroom-style hologram of President Ronnie.

Also name-checked are The Hundred Families, The Refugees, The Scar Collectors, and many others, all of whom I'm predicted are totally cool,?? very welcoming, and ready and willing to share their food and resources with you and your rag-tag band of Desert Ra??ngers. How you approach and engage with each of these factions will play a major part on whether you leave with new allies, leave a fiery aftermath, or leave feet-first and lying down.

Wasteland 3 was delayed due to the ongoi?ng COVID-19 ??pandemic, but is now scheduled to launch August 28 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

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In the end, our choices make us

inXile Entertainment has released the third chapter of its ongoing dev diary series, pre-empting the launch of its post-apocalyptic RPG Wasteland 3. Following on from previous videos - which looked at the sequel's world, characters, and in-g??????????????????????????ame battle mechanics - this third diary?? entry focuses on the difficult decisions your party will be forced to make as they pick their way through war-torn Colorado.

Headed up by lead writer Nathan Long?? and studio head Brian Fargo, (rocking an awesome Godzilla shirt), the video looks at the moral quandaries that will face your rag-tag band of Rangers as th??e undertake dangerous missions ranging from reconnaissance and rescue, to salvage, exploration, espionage, and shocking acts of violence.

As explained by Fargo, player reactivity is a key element of Wasteland 3, asking adventurers to make decisions that could have far-reaching consequences for both their characters and the game's huge cast of NPCs. As noted by Long, Wasteland 3 will not necessarily "punish" players who make morally poor choices, but will always attempt to confront th?em with the consequences of their terribl??e actions.

Following its recent delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wasteland 3 is currently schedule??d to lau?nch August 28 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

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This is the road to nowhere

inXile Entertainment has released the second chapter of its new dev diary series, exploring the characters, locations, weaponry, lore and mechanics of post-apocalyptic strategy sequel Wasteland 3.

Having covered some of the in-game mechanics in the previous video, this new chapter focuses on the world and its denizens, as inXile studio Head Brian Fargo and head writer Nathan Long take you on a short tour around the catastrophic Colorado, where you and your rag-tag party of Desert Rangers will explore the environment, gather supplies, tackle missions, meet the ?locals, and hopefully not be left lying face down in the dirt.

Wasteland 3 was unfortunately delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and is curre??ntly scheduled to launch August 28 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

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They call me the wanderer...

inXile Entertainment has released the first episode of a new video series, taking a closer look at the development of the upcoming strategy adventure Wasteland 3. The series will speak with those close to the? project, detailing the world, m??echanics, characters, and combat that await those daring to tread through post-apocalyptic Colorado.

This first video features lead designer David Rogers, who very enthusiastically offers up information on Wasteland 3's character customisation options, detailing the various perks and skillsets made available to your party members - balanc??ing your team members for the brutal journey ahead. Are you going to be a glass cannon? Slightly more diplomatic in conversation? Heavy on the support front? Or all guns blazing? However you set your squad there's little doubt you'll find yourself hunkered down against enemy fire in d??ouble-quick time.

We then get to check out the combat itself, which retains the franchise's classic turn-based style. Of note, enemy turns are now taken in one big motion. So instead of watching ??the A.I. move each of its units one-by-one, all of its chosen maneuvers will activate simultaneously, getting players back in control quicker than before. We also get a sneak peek at some of the vehicles that will help you traverse deathsville, which also feature both useful and amusing customisation options.

Wasteland 3 was recently delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but is scheduled to launch August 28 on PS4, Xbox One, and P??C.

Wasteland 3 developer diary #1 [Gematsu]

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Apocalypse Later

inXile Entertainment has announced that its strategic post-apocalyptic sequel Wasteland 3 will not meet its scheduled May release date, having? been pushed back several months, and is now expected to arrive on August 28.

In a statement posted on the official Wasteland Twitter, inXile studio head and Wasteland series director Brian Fargo noted that the team's shift to working-from-home has caused unforeseen delays, which will require a little extra time before you and your fel?low Dese?rt Rangers can wander out into the hazardous, mutant-and-mecha-filled landscapes of Colorado.

"As with most companies, we moved to a work-from-home environment some weeks ago, and that’s of course introduced new challenges that many of us throughout the world have been learning to manage," notes Fargo. "We’ve been excited to see the Wasteland 3 beta so well received, but the reality is that with these new logistical challenges our release was going to be impacted... With that, Wasteland 3‘s new release date is August 28, 2020."

Wasteland 3 joins a long list of industry titles and events impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, it's obviously better that developers and their families stay safe, healthy and not pressured by extra stress during this difficult time. This makes dec??isio??ns such as those taken by inXile an inevitable, but correct course of action.

Wasteland 3 will now lau??nch on PS4, PC, and Xbox One on August ??28.

We have an important update on Wasteland 3’s release date. pic.twitter.com/hiX1CygcUk

— Wasteland â˜¢ï¸ (@Wasteland) March 31, 2020

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95% chance to hit... ah crap

Man, I remember when Wasteland 2 hit Kickstarter, I was so excited. Not because I had a nostalgic familiarity with the series, but because I am just so in love with traditional RPGs in that vein. I wanted to support that style of game in hopes that more and more could be made. And look what happened! Now we have Wasteland 3, alongside the likes of Disco Elysium, Pathfinder, and a new Baldur's Gate.

I like to think that it's all because of my backer pledge to Wasteland 2, even though the game itself didn't grab me and I dipped after only a handful of hours of gameplay. The important thing is, you're welcome.

Now, I've not been to Colorado, but according to Wasteland 3, it is a frozen wasteland. From what I understand about the type of runners who come out of? Boulder and the like, I guess that makes sens??e.

It is a stark contrast to the desert plains that someone might expect from a game called "Wasteland," but it takes on the appropriate atmosphere regardless. We are over a century out from the nuclear destruction of Earth, and the game takes no time ensuring that the player understands that everything is in a real bad state. Warring factions compete for land as justice and lawlessness battle it out on a daily basis. And for those who have no idea what happened in Wasteland 2, or even the firs?t game: no worries, nothing re??ally seems to matter here.

The writing is what has always elevated these games for many players, myself included, and the few hours I was able to play of Wasteland 3 made it clear that this is still a top priority. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough time to really get to know the characters very well, but first impressions are exciting and some of the situations that this preview build led me through were surprising to say the least. It also helps that everything is fully voiced -- an incredible feat that I have not come to expect in games as large as Wasteland.

The player's squad can grow up to six characters, four of which can be mercenaries or custom-made (the final two slots are reserved for recruitable NPC characters). Each come with their own set of skills, perks, and attributes that the player can distribute points into as they level up. None of this is particularly new, and the perks and abilities seemed pretty standard in the very early stages of th??e game. 

As with any RPG of this type, there are a ton of things to d?o. There are animals walking around so, guess what? Someone might have the Animal Whisperer perk and be able to talk to them. Know what else there is a lot of? Machinery. And computers. Maaaaybe there are some characters that can repair and hack things? You never know! Except you do, because these games have? been doing this forever.

I'm not knocking on the game -- this is what is expected and this is what has been delivered. The joy is creating a party that takes advantage of the things that each individual player likes. Some players want a soiree of sneaky snipers, others want a bumbling bunch of brutes, and others simply want all of the above. The good news is that when clicking on an object in the world, the character who can deal with it best automatically walks over to interact. It was unclear to me as to whether or not this also applies in conversations, i.e. if the "persuasion" checks are made against the highest level in the party or the person who initiated the conversation (I'm inclined to think the former, based on what I experienc??ed).

Turn-based combat punctuates many of the encounters (sorry, you can't talk your way through this game) and feels...okay. There are a lot of options and some clever tactics to employ, but I think I'm starting to get tired of the "48% chance to hit when I'm literally in someone's face" debacle. I get it, guns are effective at different range??s BUT THE GUY IS LITERALLY RIGHT ON TOP OF ME. I think I can shoot him pretty good. The same goes for the ever-frustrating miss on the 95% chance. There's just nothing more debilitating.

The game doesn't release for another two months, which is good news because there is plenty of jank to be ironed out in that time, including weird AI decisions. The game never quite ran at 60 frames per second, but my PC is aging at this point so I'm not quick to point fingers. It actually ran terribly at first, until I realized I was running Folding@Home in the background, so don't do that while playing Wasteland 3.

My favorite twist on the combat deals with the leftover Action Points (AP) that characters have at the end of their turn. Instead of moving, say, three tiles simply because the AP is there, players can "bank" it in a variety of ways. Using AP to ambush enemies works similar to the "Overwatch" mechanic in X-Com: the character will shoot at enemies that come by during their turn. Players can also turn excess AP into extra defense, or bank it and carry it over to the next ?turn. ??This small but strategic decision makes each character's turn that much more interesting and I love the mechanic.

Finally, while the visuals are...there, the music is absolutely fantastic. Multiple times I simply stopped what I was doing so that no sound effects would get in the way of the score itself. Basically what I'm saying is: if you plan to buy Wasteland 3 and they offer a bundle with the soundtrack, get it. Don't even think twice. For example, a battle erupts and "Down In the Valley to Pray" starts playing, but it's not the original, oh no, it is transformed into a country-rock battle hymn that freaking slaps. It's so good??. I have it on right now in the background. 

I don't think Wasteland 3 is the game to get people into the genre. If the original Fallout games or the previous Wasteland tit??les didn't tickle your fancy -- this is more of the same. I also hesitate to call this a highly refined entry into the genre. It's more of just exactly what you would expect. The early hours promise some fantastic writing, an amazing soundtrack, and tactical combat that will have you missing while point-blank in someone's face. For some, that's enough to get extremely excited (this did surpass its crowdfunding expectations), and for others, it'll be a hard pass.

_{[This preview is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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'Microsoft came along and really just turned on the juice'

A significant number of you want nothing to do with snow right now, but it's time to bundle up and watch a new trailer for Wasteland 3, the latest in a line of nuke?d-out role-playing games from inXile.

Wasteland 3 is trading out Arizona's blazing heat for a literal nuclear winter in Colorado, and you'll be able to run wild ?with a six-person Ranger squad in co-op. That'll keep the spider-mechs at bay.

During today's X019 stream, inXile studio head Brian Fargo had a lot of good things to say about Microsoft and its post-acquisition impact on Wasteland 3 (which is still coming to PC, Xbox One, and PS4). Even as someone w??ho has?n't managed to get this series off their to-do list yet, I'm interested.

"You don't need to have played the first two Wasteland games," said Fargo. "In fact, Wasteland 3 is completely standalone." He also dro??pped this tidbit: the game has "hal??f a million words of dialogue."

If you're longing for another t??actical RPG, go ahead and set the date: May 19, 2020.

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Apocalyptico

During today's Inside Xbox presentation, inXile Entertainment released a new trailer for the latest entry in the classic turn-based strategy series, Wasteland. Wasteland 3, which was revealed back at E3 earlier this year, brings the scavenging, bartering, adventure and misery o?ne would expect from this post-apoc??alyptic series.

inXile has stated that Wasteland 3 will build upon the great, intense gameplay showcased in Wasteland 2, transitioning the action to the frozen lands of Colorado. Players will be able to build up an impressive base of operations, work with other players in co-op gameplay and unravel a "deep and engaging" storyline, completely wit??h a fully redesigned dialogue tree.

Wasteland 3 is scheduled for launch Spring 2020 on PS4, PC and Xbox O?ne.

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Paint the snow red

As we first told you last week, developer InXile Entertainment is working on Wasteland 3 and is looking for your help to make it happen. Its Fig campaign launched today and is already raking in the dough. The developer is looking to raise $2.75 million dollars on the platform to help cover what we've been told is an at minimum $?6 million budget. The reveal came with a few screenshots, but today we're seeing the game in action for the first time.

Outside of that guy's disgusting-ass e?ar holes, I'm ?digging the look of it so far.

If you're planning on backing it, doing so in the first 48 hours of the campaign will get you a free game, either STASIS or Underrail. T??hose who have donated to previous InXile campaigns will also receive a $5 discount on reward tiers.

The above clip wasn't the only video released toda??y. There's also the one below, featuring special effects and comedy straight out of bad 90s syndicated television.

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Looking to raise nearly $3 million

In 2012, the folks at InXile Entertainment turned to Kickstarter to finance the development of the critically acclaimed Wasteland 2. The next year, it returned to the crowdfunding platform to fund 2017's Torment: Tides of Numenera. Next week, the company will once again be asking fans to open their pocketbooks, this time in a Fig campaign for Wasteland 3.

Breaking away from the desert and city locals of Wasteland 2, this new entry in the isometric post-apocalyptic strategy series will be set in the snowy hinterlands of Colorado. You play as the last remaining member of Team November, dispatched to the icy tundra t??o build your reputation amongst hostile factions and deadly lunatics. In one of the several changes fans can expect from the sequel, you no longer have to go about it alone. With online co-op, you can tackle the frosty backwoods of the Rocky Mountains with a friend.

The press release announcing Wasteland 3 wanted to make it perfectly clear that you can play through the game by yourself and experience everything it has to offer. However, if you team up with a friend, you both have control of your own group of Ra??ngers, giving you the ability to split up and cover more ground. If you start a game with a friend, you can continue on without them, but decisions you make in the story will affect them when they log back in.

??Other additions to the sequel include an upgradeable vehicle that you can pimp out with weapons to assist you in battl?e, team-based attacks, and an expanded home base that will do more than just give you your next quest. It will now allow you to gather materials, reach out to other factions via radio, set up trade routes, research, and more.

On board for the project is concept artist Andrée Wallin, who worked on Wasteland 2 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. STASIS developers Christopher and Nic Bischoff are also assisting with the project and are responsible for the concept art seen in the gallery below. Writing duties will be covered by the Tides of Numenera team and will incorporate that game's revamped dialog? tree system.

If you want to help fund Wasteland 3, the Fig campaign will start October 5. The goal is to raise $2.75 million with $2.25 million of that possibly coming from accredited investors. There will also be opportunities for unaccredited investors as well as rewards for people who just want to give whatever money they can. So far there is no launch win?dow for the game, but when it does come out it will release simultaneously for Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

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