Arrowhead recently announced the upcoming 1.08 update, scheduled for release on July 7. This major update is larger in scale than the emergency hotfixes deployed during the game’s launch week and requires thorough testing. The development team focused initially on fixing the most urgent issues and has since been working on optimizing the Skirmish mode, improving localization quality, and enhancing multiplayer stability.
Players can expect the following improvements and additions in the 1.08 update:
- Enhanced stability for both offline and online gameplay
- Fixes for significant memory consumption issues
- Optimized and repaired reconnection mechanisms
- Updated anti-cheat system
- New map layout options for custom matches and Skirmish mode, including small and large layouts for players seeking battles smaller than 5v5. The game will automatically select layouts based on player and AI count, but players can also force specific layouts.
- The tower defense mode, previously available in testing, returns with optimizations.
Since its release on June 20, Arrowhead has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and maintained an online player count never dropping below 10,000. The developers acknowledge no game is perfect but are encouraged by the passionate community feedback. They will continue to address major issues and optimize both client and server software.
To tackle the problem of players leaving multiplayer matches without penalty, the update introduces a timeout punishment system that gradually increases ban durations for repeat offenders. A surrender option is also planned. The anti-cheat system will see ongoing improvements to combat cheating effectively.
Regarding save functionality, the team recognizes this is a highly requested feature but notes its implementation is more complex than anticipated. They are exploring solutions to make the single-player campaign experience more convenient.
Additionally, plans to expand the game with new factions and DLC content are underway, though these details are not covered in the current announcement.