After a dedicated three-year journey in development, meticulously incorporating player feedback and tirelessly addressing bugs, Longvinter has triumphantly exited its early access phase on Steam with the monumental release of version 1.0. The developers have proudly announced this significant milestone, unveiling a suite of updates intended to rejuvenate the gaming experience for both fresh faces and seasoned veterans alike.
The cornerstone of this transformative update is the introduction of oil rigs scattered throughout the archipelago. Players can now delve into the exciting new mechanic of extracting oil, refining it into fuel, and engaging in fierce battles against mercenaries from the notorious Longvinter Resources Incorporated (LRI), who dominate the vital supply lines. Complementing these new mechanics are thrilling events such as helicopter crashes, which offer players the chance to scavenge tactical gear, and an underground arena where combatants can vie for valuable rewards every hour.
The game world has been significantly enriched with the addition of new wildlife species, including lynxes, wolves, wolverines, foxes, moose, and goats. These creatures can now be tamed and utilized as mounts, adding a new layer of exploration and interaction. Alongside these animals, the update brings a plethora of new items to the game, ranging from hats that provide buffs, to combat vests, a variety of weapons, explosives, and an assortment of kitchen recipes. Players can also enhance their environments with interactive objects such as oil refineries, refrigerators, microwaves, power poles, and turrets. The update also includes significant adjustments to weapon balance, ensuring a more competitive and fair gameplay experience.
Looking to the future, the eagerly anticipated 1.1 update promises to introduce farming mechanics, a revamped tutorial tailored for beginners, options for apartment rentals, and the creation of shared communities. Furthermore, the developers have confirmed that Longvinter will expand its horizons beyond PC, with a planned launch on PlayStation in 2026, thereby broadening its accessibility to a wider audience of gaming enthusiasts.