The 2016 release of Astroneer paved the way for a new era of space survival and building games, standing alongside No Man’s Sky. Years later, the game continues to engage its community with periodic resource collection events, maintaining a loyal and enthusiastic player base.
This month, Astroneer launched its first-ever DLC, Glitchwalkers, introducing a new planet and an array of challenging space adventures.
A Second Chance for Veterans and Hardcore Enthusiasts
Glitchwalkers is a DLC designed for experienced players seeking fresh challenges. Its content emphasizes restrictions and advanced gameplay, requiring newcomers to complete mid-stage mainline missions before accessing the DLC. This focus ensures a challenging yet rewarding experience for long-time fans.
Exploring the Largest Planet Yet
The core game already offered a robust exploration experience, allowing players to freely modify terrain using versatile tools. With seven planets of varying biomes and resources, the base game encouraged strategic planning of technology, power, and automation. Its multiplayer mode further facilitated cooperative gameplay, enabling friends to explore, research, and build together effectively.
Given the game’s 8-year lifespan, dedicated fans have thoroughly explored its existing content. To maintain the DLC’s longevity, the developers implemented a “soft reset” approach, requiring players to start with minimal resources and re-locking parts of the tech tree. This ensures that everyone, regardless of progression, begins the DLC on an even footing.
A Fresh Start With New Opportunities
Players can access the DLC after completing the mainline mission A Core Concept. Once entered, they cannot return to the original planets, losing access to all accumulated resources and tech points. While this reset might seem harsh, pre-DLC progress remains saved, preserving the main game’s advancements.
The new planet features abundant resources from all original planets, creating a one-stop hub for resource gathering. Its massive size and diverse terrain, including canyons, forests, and unique block structures, make it an ideal location for building new bases and homes.
Reclaiming Hacked Tech Amidst Electric Storms
The Glitchwalkers story revolves around thwarting the antagonist Lyn’s plan to destroy the planet. Early in the DLC, she “hacks” portions of the player’s tech, rendering them unusable. To restore functionality, players must venture into dangerous storms, using a new tool called the Ruby Shard to collect storm data and reactivate technology.
The gameplay mirrors the main game’s “unlocking terminals” mechanics, with storm zones labeled Alpha, Delta, and Zeta. These zones house the mechanisms locking the tech tree. Progress involves multiple steps, from unlocking storm-related safes to transforming collected data into keys, which are then used to power and unlock storm centers. While seemingly complex, in-game guidance ensures clarity.
Surviving the Storm: A Test of Strategy and Resilience
In storm zones, players accumulate a “hacker invasion” debuff, cutting off oxygen supplies and risking instant death if they don’t exit the area promptly. Progressing through these storms demands strategic planning, particularly in maintaining power for Ruby Shard tools using basic solar, wind, or small generators.
Each unlocked storm zone extends the time players can endure the invasion debuff, gradually restoring portions of hacked technology and facilitating advancement to subsequent challenges. For example, accessing deep underground areas requires creative solutions, as advanced vehicles and tools are initially unavailable, necessitating manual excavation and path construction.
A New Haven After the Storm
Upon clearing all storm zones, the DLC planet transforms into a haven with unlimited resources, offering a perfect setting for rebuilding or starting fresh. While compact, the DLC’s high difficulty and engaging mechanics make it a worthwhile addition for fans seeking new challenges.
A Thrilling New Chapter for Adventurers
Unlike the serene exploration of the base game, Glitchwalkers introduces a demanding, high-stakes adventure. Its storm-ridden dangers and tech-restricted gameplay push players to adapt and strategize, delivering a fresh and intense experience.
If you’re a veteran seeking a reason to revisit Astroneer, Glitchwalkers offers a perfect opportunity to reignite your passion for cosmic exploration.
