The upcoming Space Engineers 2 Vertical Slice 2.3 update introduces wheels for rovers, enhanced automation, new weapons like warheads and rocket turrets, improved destructible components, and classic survival mode, alongside numerous visual and gameplay enhancements. Looking ahead, NPCs and co-op multiplayer are planned for late 2026, while advanced water simulation with realistic fluid dynamics and visuals is postponed to 2027, promising a more immersive and dynamic sandbox experience.
The upcoming Vertical Slice 2.3 update for Space Engineers 2, dubbed the Drive, Automate, and Detonate (DAD) update, introduces several key features including wheels for rovers, expanded automation blocks, and new weaponry such as warheads and rocket turrets. The wheels have been designed with bespoke physics to handle the game’s rugged terrain more effectively than in the first game, promising more robust and versatile rover construction. Automation is enhanced with an improved event controller capable of detecting a wider range of inputs and events, allowing for complex mechanisms like custom turrets and automated lighting systems. Additionally, mechanical blocks like hinges and remote control blocks are being refined, potentially improving ship control and automated navigation.
Combat in Space Engineers 2 sees significant improvements with the addition of warheads, rocket turrets, and destructible components that fracture realistically upon damage. Reactors, hydrogen tanks, and ammo containers now explode when damaged, adding to the immersive destruction experience. The visual fidelity of block fracturing has been enhanced to reveal detailed internal components and wiring, elevating the realism of damage effects. A decoy block is also introduced, likely functioning similarly to its predecessor but with potential enhancements as part of a future combat overhaul aimed at making battles more engaging and dynamic.
The update also brings numerous quality-of-life and visual enhancements. Classic survival mode will be added, offering a gameplay experience closer to the original Space Engineers with limited backpack building and resource gathering from planetary voxels. Players can toggle between new and classic ship control schemes, and options to disable super dampeners are available. Visual improvements include more varied flora, snow effects on trees, improved lighting that adds depth and vibrancy to planetary environments, and realistic damage effects on light panels. Wind effects are being experimented with to impact gameplay, particularly during storms, adding environmental hazards.
Looking ahead, the roadmap has shifted, postponing the water update to 2027 while prioritizing the Vertical Slice 4 update, which will introduce NPCs and co-op multiplayer by late 2026. NPC development focuses on dynamic movement and combat behaviors, including patrols, cover mechanics, and response to player actions like noise and visibility, promising more sophisticated AI interactions than in the original game. Early NPC teasers show basic navigation and behavior patterns, with plans for deeper faction systems and character interactions to enrich the sandbox experience.
Water simulation and visuals are undergoing major breakthroughs, with high-fidelity fluid dynamics allowing water to flow realistically through small gaps and around structures. Visual fidelity improvements have eliminated previous glitches such as unnatural water bubbles around submarines, achieving seamless integration of water surfaces with objects. The water planet Biblo showcases unique volcanic and polar regions, distinguishing it visually from Earth-like planets. Although the final water features won’t arrive until 2027, the ongoing progress suggests a highly immersive aquatic environment that will significantly enhance planetary exploration and gameplay.