Wasteland 2 Post-funding Update #45: New Beta Build Live

The latest post-funding update for Wasteland 2 coincides with the release of a new beta build that adds a significant number of improvements and bug fixes to the title, including a long-awaited UI overhaul. First of all, a quick look at the “high profile” section of the patch notes from the official Tumblr of the title:

High Profile Updates:

Brand new icon based inventory, character sheet, skill screen and support UI elements

Huge combat pass. Animations (tons of new death and damages), SFX, VFX, AI all greatly improved.

Added destructible cover

Surgeon and Field medic have been greatly improved. Now when using the skill, a list appears with all useable items

Quality Settings check on game load.

Added Mechanical Repair Skill

Introducing grenadiers and heavy weapons AI experts

Added Prison map

Added reactivity state where both Highpool and Ag Center can fall.

Multiple improvements have been made to the save game system which were causing save games to not load

Multiple engine optimizations have been made to increase performance.

Multiple compatibility fixes.

Then a little bit on the new pledge upgrade options for backers who want to join the beta late:

Jumping on board

We have launched our limited-time add-on option for existing Wasteland 2 backers. This $10 add-on will be available for purchase for a limited time, and will give access to Wasteland 2’s beta. It does not include the other extras from the Steam digital deluxe edition. To purchase this add-on, log into your Ranger Center account, you will find it under the backer store tab.

Torment backers: If your tier included Wasteland 2 and you didn’t already get the beta as an add-on, you are eligible for this $10 add-on as well. Log in to your Torment pledge management account and the add-on will appear in the Torment store listing. This applies only to tiers that include Wasteland 2. Please contact us via the system if you run into any problems.

We manually import PayPal pledge data into our system. We will increase the frequency of these updates but please be aware it can still be a few days before your pledge is registered. When it is registered, the key will show up at the bottom of your “Donations” tab, on either system. Please note the system is only set up to provide one key per account, and will not process multiple purchases from a single backer.

In other news: we had to close the Wasteland 2 backer store shortly after the beta went live for procedural reasons, but as you may notice the store is back up now! The tiers have seen some adjustments as we’re moving forward and closer to the final release price: the basic digital tier is not $35, the digital deluxe edition is only available on Steam, and the basic boxed edition is $65.

I don’t think I’ll play Wasteland 2 again until its official release, but I might check some stream or Let’s Play to see how the new UI is working out. Speaking of which, feel free to let us know your opinion on this latest, hefty update (3.3 GB on Steam).