Hi everyone, I’m back with a regular update. The main addition this time is a small in-game objective that gives players more purpose during exploration.

Earlier versions hinted that a rescue expedition is searching for you: now you can actively try to find them. You’ll discover clues throughout the levels, and the final point of this objective is dynamic, adapting to any path you take.

There’s also a new level start screen that explains more about the setting and the Backrooms for new players.

These additions are part of the recent Development Update focus on improving onboarding and the First-Time User Experience. So far, related metrics are improving, and this should be one of the last major steps before I shift focus back to new content such as additional levels and entities. I’ll share more details in the next development update coming in March.

Full patch notes:

• Added new "Find the Rescue Group" quest and Achievement

• Added new "Complete your Journal" extra quest

• New Objectives system

• New game start screen

• Added Rescue Group cinematic

  • Thanks to Philip Kingsley for the voice acting!

• Added new blocked door hint in Level 188

• Increased a bit Level 0 green light hints

• Improved Level 1 Exit close gate clarity

• Added new hint signs on Level 0 Exit

• Added some props to Level 0.87 Exit

• Added flashlight turn-on animation

Some changes that were not posted, released as patch v0.5.6.2:

• Increased Skinstealer respawn cooldown time

• Lowered Peripheral unlock time

• Fixed issue that prevented Entities from spawning in Level 1