Natural Selection 2

Ayumi, a new map remake based on NS1’s 'ns_ayumi', launched on December 9, 2022, introducing five Tech Points and ten Resource Points. This update also brought significant balance changes, including a reduction in the default match concede timer from seven minutes to three minutes and a decrease in the Alien tunnel re-drop cooldown from six seconds to three seconds.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Players in the same group are now color-coded in the lobby menu.
  • A sound notification alerts players when the lobby enters the "Waiting for Commanders" stage.
  • The map vote status is now displayed with a checkmark on each player's avatar during the Map Vote phase.
  • Players can view the opposing team’s roster during the Planning Phase.
  • The lobby search screen now displays the number of users waiting and playing.

• Performance Enhancements:
  • The listen server performance improved significantly with asynchronous server updates.
  • LuaJIT was updated and trace stitching re-enabled to enhance code performance.

• Other Notable Changes:
  • The internal architecture of Player and Commander Bots was completely refactored for improved behavior.
  • A new Gorge Bot was introduced, capable of building structures and attacking enemies.
  • Commander Bots received numerous new capabilities, and pathing improvements were made across all maps.

Natural Selection 2 introduced the Tanith map on December 16, 2021, an abandoned off-world chemical plant now part of the competitive map pool. This update also included a new Tanith Skulk skin, available after winning 30 rounds on the map. The year saw significant gameplay enhancements, including the launch of the Matched Play Beta v2 Progression System, which allowed players to unlock various assets and customization options.

• New Content:
  • Tanith: An off-world chemical plant map added to the pool.
  • Tanith Skulk Skin: Acquired by winning 30 rounds on Tanith.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Matched Play Beta v2 Progression System: Introduced a new progression system for unlocking assets.
  • Reconnect to In-Progress Matches: Players could reconnect after crashing.
  • Improved Shuffle Algorithm: Ensured balanced teams and kept Friends Groups together.
  • New Private Lobby Feature: Enabled matches with invited players only, disabling rewards.
  • Lobby AFK Kick Mechanism: Automatically kicked inactive players after one hour.

• Modding Improvements:
  • Steam UGC Mod System Implementation: Enhanced mod support by switching to the Steam UGC backend.

• User Interface Updates:
  • New Matched Play Rewards Menu: Added to track progress on rewards.
  • Death Screen Adjustments: Made smaller and improved visibility.

• Performance Fixes:
  • Improved Server Physics Calculations: Optimized for better performance during games.
  • Text Drop Shadow Rendering Fix: Resolved FPS losses related to text rendering.

• Map Adjustments:
  • Tanith Map Adjustments: Structural changes made to improve gameplay experience.
  • Biodome Map Adjustments: Adjusted various elements for better balance and flow.

Matched Play BETA launched on August 4, 2021, introducing a new system that allows 12 players to be matched by region and skill levels. This update also saw the integration of NS2+ mod features into the game, enhancing gameplay options. Additionally, the MINESHAFT map received a significant overhaul, including gameplay changes and a re-theming.

• New Content:
  • Matched Play BETA introduced for improved matchmaking.
  • NS2+ mod features integrated into the Advanced options menu.
  • Updated MINESHAFT map released with gameplay changes.
  • Expanded skins and customization options added to the menu.

• Gameplay Adjustments:
  • Matched play rounds transitioned to Warm up mode if commanders are late.
  • Penalized state changed to begin once waiting for commanders.
  • Cluster Grenades damage increased to maintain intended effectiveness.

• Balance Changes:
  • Adrenaline no longer increases maximum energy pool.
  • Gorge armor reduced from 75 to 50.
  • Grenade Launcher and Flamethrower damage scaled to upgrade levels.
  • Cluster Grenade damage reduced to 20% effectiveness against players.

• UI/UX Improvements:
  • Updated Armory UI to better reflect equipment effectiveness.

• Performance Enhancements:
  • Ambient Occlusion implementation reduced input lag and improved FPS.
  • Cosmetic skins optimized using a material hot-swapping system.

• Quality of Life Updates:
  • DLC skin sets updated to include missing lifeforms and weapons.
  • Scan range display added for Marine commanders before placement.

Natural Selection 2 introduced the METRO Map on June 26, 2020, marking a significant addition to the game and showcasing a unique urban environment. This year also saw the release of Hive Skill 3.0 on October 28, which introduced per team skill tracking, enhancing the gameplay experience.

• New Maps:
  • METRO launched on June 26, 2020, featuring a cityscape aesthetic and gameplay tailored to urban combat.
  • A new map called METRO was in the final stages of development on March 17, 2020, prior to its official release.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Darwin’s Thunderdome introduced on March 17, 2020, improved matchmaking by grouping players by region and skill level.
  • The Alien Egg Evolution mechanics were adjusted on October 28, 2020, introducing a softcap influenced by Nutrient Mist and Gorge Healspray.

• Balance Changes:
  • Significant adjustments were made on October 28, 2020, including Blink Speed Adjustments and Fade Movement Changes to enhance consistency and predictability in gameplay.
  • The maximum number of mines per marine was reduced from 2 to 1 on June 26, 2020.

• User Experience Improvements:
  • Major improvements to the Marine Flashlight were implemented on October 28, 2020, enhancing its effectiveness and visibility.
  • New Research Notifications were added to help players track their tech progress.

• Performance Fixes:
  • Critical engine optimization issues were identified on March 17, 2020, leading to improved loading times and overall stability.
  • Various map tweaks and fixes were also made to enhance gameplay and visuals on October 28, 2020.

Catalyst DLC Pack Update launched on April 26, 2019, introducing a new Sandstorm skin for the updated machine gun model. Additionally, two new maps were added: Unearthed, released the same day, and Origin, a remake of the NS1 map, which launched on September 19, 2019.

• New Content:
  • Limited Time Abyss Gorge Skin: Earn this special skin by playing five rounds on the new Origin map.
  • New Alien Commander Skin: Available for players on the new maps.
  • New Skins and Models: Various new skins and models were introduced in the Catalyst update.
  • Toxin Skins for Gorge Structures: Added skins for Gorge structures, enhancing visual diversity.

• Balance Changes:
  • Gameplay and Balance Changes: Extensive adjustments were made on April 26, 2019.
  • Various Character Tweaks: Adjustments included Drifter supply changes and health adjustments for Lerk and Onos.
  • Shotgun Adjustments: Changes to spread pattern and damage falloff for shotguns improved gameplay dynamics.

• Performance Improvements:
  • DirectX 11 Support Added: Transitioned to DirectX 11, enhancing graphical performance.
  • Removed DirectX 9 Render Option: Defaulted all clients to DirectX 11 to mitigate crashes related to the older rendering pipeline.
  • Client GUI Script Update Optimization: Reduced GUI script update time to enhance performance.

• New UI/UX Features:
  • New Main Menu Design: Modernized for better usability and accessibility.
  • Overhead Spectator Mode Enhancements: Improvements included player focus features and health bar displays.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Blocked Servers Management: Players gained the ability to block servers in the server browser, improving server management.
  • Quick Play Improvements: Enhanced Quick Play functionality to streamline the server selection process.

Catalyst Pack DLC launched on September 5, 2018, providing the largest skin pack ever released, featuring future custom skins and items. Notable updates also included the introduction of the Shadow Onos model and the Babbler Mine, which allowed players to place Babbler Eggs as mines that hatch on enemies.

• New Content:
  • Shadow Onos Model added on June 15, 2018.
  • Babbler Mine introduced on February 14, 2018.
  • New Commander skins and Haunted Babbler badge added on October 29, 2018.
  • Forge Shotgun and Flamethrower skins released on June 15, 2018.
  • Summer Gorge Shoulder Patch available until July 16, 2018.

• Gameplay Changes:
  • Alien upgrades received a significant rebalance on June 15, 2018, including reapplication of last used Skulk upgrades on spawn.
  • Egg and embryo HP changed to a flat 350 with healing possible on October 29, 2018.
  • Fade hitbox adjusted to be slightly smaller on September 5, 2018.
  • Gorge Tunnel build time reduced to approximately 8.5 seconds on September 5, 2018.

• Balance Changes:
  • Machine Gun accessibility improved by unlocking it with the Advanced Armory and reducing weight and increasing base damage on October 29, 2018.
  • Lerk resource cost increased on June 15, 2018, to reduce early game dominance.
  • Focus damage reduction implemented on June 15, 2018, to prevent one-hit kills on unarmored Marines.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Player skill tiers added on June 15, 2018, to help balance teams based on skill level.
  • New rotation nudging tool in the editor introduced on September 5, 2018.
  • Marine weapons drop expiration adjusted on February 14, 2018, ensuring dropped weapons near Armories do not expire.

Natural Selection 2 underwent significant changes during its fifth year since release, highlighted by the migration to a 64-bit architecture on October 6, 2017, which improved performance and memory management. The introduction of the Auto Crash Collector on the same date also enhanced stability by automatically uploading crash reports for diagnosis.

• New Systems:
  • Dedicated Spectator Slots: Added to improve server management and player experience.
  • Skulk Challenge Training Module: Launched to help players practice skulk wall-jumping skills with global rankings and badges.
  • Alien Commander Tutorial: A new tutorial was added, featuring hidden achievements and easter eggs.

• Gameplay Updates:
  • Gorge Bellyslide Improvements: Enhanced max belly sliding speed and control.
  • Reworked Spectator Slots: Spectator slots no longer count against player slots, allowing full 24-player servers.
  • Alien Egg Spawn Adjustment: Hives now spawn eggs more regularly, scaling with player count.

• Balance Changes:
  • Flamethrower Damage Adjustments: Damage increased in PvP, with changes to area effect and mechanics.
  • Biomass 4 Research Added: New research option for Aliens to enhance their capabilities against Marine strategies.
  • Contamination Requirements Adjusted: Now requires Biomass 10, altering early game dynamics.

• Seasonal Events:
  • March Mod Madness Tournament 2017: Announced a tournament for custom game modes with prizes.
  • ENSL.org Newcomer Tournament Announcement: A competitive tournament for players with special in-game badges.

• Performance Improvements:
  • Optimized Game Code for LuaJIT: Enhanced game performance and reduced input delays.
  • Job & Thread Scheduling Rework: Improved core utilization, slightly increasing overall performance.

The Infested Game Mode launched on October 27, 2016, introducing two unique gameplay experiences centered around repairing an air filtration system and managing a dangerous pathogen. Additionally, the new map Caged was released, offering a remake of the classic NS1 map with updated tech points and resource points.

• New Gameplay Mode: The Infested Game Mode added two distinct scenarios involving infected teammates and pathogen management.
• New Content:
  • Shadow Fade model/skin released on May 4, 2016, for Shadow Tier players.
  • New interactive tutorials for marines and aliens launched on April 29, 2016, enhancing onboarding for new players.
  • A new pre-game mode, Warm-Up, allowed players to access all tech without resource costs until certain conditions were met.
• Gameplay Improvements:
  • Implemented a new progression system on October 27, 2016, setting the stage for future enhancements.
  • Adjustments to Lerk movement mechanics and Onos cost were made, increasing strategic depth.
  • Improvements to hit detection and ragdoll dynamics enhanced overall gameplay experience.
• Seasonal Events: Sign-ups for the Natural Selection League Season 10 opened on September 19, 2016, encouraging competitive play.
• Visual and UI Enhancements: A revamped training menu was introduced on October 27, 2016, streamlining new player experiences, while a new Hive Status UI provided detailed information about each Hive.

Reaper Pack DLC launched on November 1, 2014, introducing new looks for all alien lifeforms in Natural Selection 2. Alongside this, the game received significant updates including the addition of the Derelict map on July 29, 2015, and various gameplay improvements.

• New Content:
  • Derelict Map: A new map set in a derelict biological research facility was added.
  • Customization Menu: A new menu for customizing player options was introduced on December 18, 2014.
  • Snowballs: Players gained the ability to use snowballs in-game, enhancing playful interactions.

• Gameplay Improvements:
  • Concede Vote Timing: Players could now concede after 7 minutes instead of the previous 10 minutes.
  • Marine Commander Structure Drop Info: Dropping structures now displayed the location name and status of the Power Node.

• Seasonal Events:
  • Halloween Themed Ready Rooms: Ready Rooms were decorated for Halloween, allowing players to throw candy.
  • NSL Season 7: The Natural Selection League opened signups for its seventh competitive season on August 25, 2015.

• Balance Changes:
  • Tunnel Health Increase: Mature tunnel health was raised by 10%, with maturity time increased by 15 seconds.
  • Reset Game Votes: Restrictions were placed on reset game votes to only allow them in the first 3 minutes.

• Performance Enhancements:
  • Load Time Improvements: Average map load times were significantly reduced, improving the experience for players on traditional HDDs.

Kodiak Pack DLC launched on May 1, 2014, bringing new camouflage armor for Frontiersmen, Exosuits, and Skulks, along with the Kodiak map, created by community mapper Loki. This update also introduced an Organised Play System, enhancing competitive play options for players.

• New Map: Kodiak: A new map, Kodiak, became available for all players on May 1, 2014.
• Skill-Tracking System: A new system to track player skills launched on August 5, 2014, improving gameplay feedback.
• Gameplay Adjustments: Various improvements included colored connections for Phase Gates and Gorge Tunnels and pre-defined Infantry Portal spawn points in Flow, enhancing strategic gameplay.
• Enhanced Modding Options: Expanded modding capabilities were introduced on August 5, 2014, allowing for more customization and creativity within the community.
• Balance Improvements: The team balancing system was improved with the ForceEvenTeams vote, utilizing skill ratings to create fairer matches.

Natural Selection 2 introduced new maps and gameplay features in its first year, including the notable Descent map launched on February 1, 2013. Players also gained access to snowball fights starting December 19, 2012, adding a fun, seasonal element to the game.

• New Map: The Descent map provided players with a fresh environment to explore and engage in battles.
• New Gameplay Feature: Snowball fights became a playful addition for players to enjoy during the winter season.
• Visual Update: The Ready-Room received significant visual enhancements, improving the overall aesthetic and immersion for players.