Phoenix Point has received a major free Firebird update timed to coincide with the game's fifth anniversary on Steam. Snapshot Games used the anniversary as an opportunity to revise key systems and remove elements that artificially stretched the campaign and overwhelmed the player with routine.
The main emphasis is on the pace of progress and progression. The time for all research has been reduced by 20%, and the construction of key facilities by 50%. The cost of producing ammunition and building basic premises has been reduced by 20%. The developers openly admit that the previous model often drove players into tedious cycles of resource scarcity, rather than encouraging meaningful planning.
Significant changes have been made to the shelter defense system. Now it takes into account not only the strength of the attackers, but also the difference between the attack and defense of the shelter, so that battles should become more logical and predictable.
The update also brought a number of quality of life improvements. The production screen has become clearer, ammunition is now displayed next to the corresponding weapon, and the crafting queue has become easier to sort. Partially used magazines no longer "disappear" - a separate interface has been added for them.
In addition, the developers have removed the hidden source of Pandoran amplification: enemies no longer receive evolution points for defeats and base destruction.
The influence of Firebird extends to DLC as well. In Blood and Titanium, the cost of repairing cybernetics has been halved. Legacy of the Ancients has been simplified by removing processing stations and time costs for excavations. Festering Skies now gives the player more control over the behavior of the Behemoth, and Corrupted Horizons has received reworked acherons that are no longer able to dominate with a single button.
Separately, Snapshot Games emphasizes the contribution of the Terror From the Void mod. Many of the update's ideas were inspired by it. The developers collaborated with the authors of the modification, so the patch is fully compatible with TFTV, other large mods and campaigns, as well as with current saves.
The full list of changes can be found at the following link.
In honor of the anniversary, Phoenix Point also received a temporary 60% discount on Steam - the game is now available for 186 rubles instead of 465.