Space Engineers 1 is set to receive two significant updates this year, starting with the Prosperity update releasing on July 27th. This update focuses primarily on bug fixes, system improvements, and overall game stability, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the economy system. The update will also introduce new blocks and an endgame global encounter, featuring prototype blocks that players can obtain by completing challenging encounters. One highly anticipated prototype block is an improved O2 H2 generator that efficiently converts ice into hydrogen and oxygen, addressing the slow refilling issue on large ships.
The Prosperity update also showcases a new asteroid base global encounter guarded by satellites within a safe zone that players must disable to access prototype blocks. Inside this base, new blocks such as armored railing variants and a unique cockpit design will be available, along with other cosmetic and functional blocks including a server block with an interactive door and a possible vent controller variant. Additionally, new stair variants matching the updated railings will be introduced, enhancing build aesthetics and functionality.
Quality of life improvements are a major part of the Prosperity update. These include clearer wording on the store block interface, a new starting ship for space survival that uses hydrogen thrusters (allowing planetary landings), and a helpful ping feature that lets players locate lost ships via GPS markers. The services terminal has also been improved with UI tweaks, such as sorting options and a cooldown to prevent exploits related to storing ships under attack. Moreover, oxygen refilling mechanics have been enhanced to automatically refill oxygen bottles when the suit oxygen exceeds 100%.
Alongside Prosperity, two new blocks have been teased, including a small grid half-block collector and a potential new cosmetic light variant, expanding building options for players. Looking ahead to the end of the year, the highly anticipated Warfare 3 update will introduce combat NPCs equipped with weapons, adding a new layer of challenge to encounters. These NPCs are expected to feature in both existing and new combat scenarios, likely focusing more on ground combat and possibly introducing new hand weapons or interactive combat blocks.
Warfare 3 builds upon the previous two Warfare updates, which introduced ground and ship combat elements respectively. While no new ship weapons are expected, the update may bring prototype technology blocks or weapons, such as an advanced railgun, to complement the combat NPCs. Overall, Warfare 3 promises to deepen the combat experience in Space Engineers 1, making it a highly anticipated release alongside the ongoing development of Space Engineers 2. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates and detailed coverage as these major updates roll out.
