Squad v8.2: Patch Notes and Highlights

Offworld Industries has rolled out Squad v8.2, a content-packed update bringing new weapons, significant balance adjustments, the highly-anticipated Friends List, and an array of bug fixes. Here’s an in-depth look at everything arriving in the latest update.

New Weapons

Four new weapons debut in Squad, enhancing gameplay variety and faction customization:

• USMC M39 EMR: Replaces the M38 rifle for the USMC marksman role.
• WPMC AUG Rifle: Replaces the M4 Simon Offense on WPMC rifleman roles. Previously featured as the F88, it now returns with updated availability.
• USA M110 Suppressed: A suppressed version of the M110 replaces its unsuppressed counterpart for USA Light Infantry and Air Assault Battlegroups.
• INS Mosin Carbine: Returns as part of a new Raider role for the Insurgents faction, adding nostalgic firepower.

Balance Updates

Faction and Vehicle Changes

Multiple factions received substantial vehicle adjustments to ensure more balanced engagements:

• USMC: Added LAV-25 IFVs to Motorized Battlegroups while shifting tank spawns in favor of amphibious AAVP vehicles.
• ADF: Adjusted PMV configurations and increased the number of ASLAV IFVs.
• MEA: Introduced the Iranian KLT rifle across roles, along with an additional marksman role equipped with an SVD.
• Insurgents: Enhanced motorized groups with Technical BMPs and shifted mortar configurations to improve accessibility.
• PLA: Updated camouflage patterns to include the striking "Starry Sky" woodland variant and tweaked Combined Arms Battlegroup vehicle layouts.
• Global Tank Adjustments: Increased respawn delays for tanks to 20 minutes (excluding select factions), providing a more tactical approach to vehicle engagements.

Weapon Role Reworks

Several roles underwent refinements to align with modernized loadouts and balanced gameplay:

• USMC Light Infantry: Modernized setup with increased reliance on the M27 IAR in various roles, supplemented by the versatile M17 pistol.
• Automatic Rifleman: Adjustments to recoil control and movement penalties across factions.
• Grenadiers and Marksmen: Updated equipment for MEA, USA, and other factions to ensure consistency with their intended playstyles.

Gunplay Adjustments

Squad v8.2 introduces weapon responsiveness improvements, focusing on weapon archetypes and their unique advantages:

• Machine Guns: Enhanced suppression effects and reduced sway for bipod configurations, especially for medium machine guns like the M240 and PKM families.
• Battle Rifles: Smoothed recoil curves and slightly reduced damage output to balance newfound controllability.
• Submachine Guns: Optimized for close-quarters combat with improved ADS speeds and reduced recoil.
• Pistols: Buffed to be the most agile weapon class, with improved sway control and stabilization.

New Feature: Friends List

After much anticipation, Squad players can now easily connect with friends:

• Accessible from the main menu.
• Allows players to track friends’ servers and join their matches with ease. This is just the first iteration, with plans to expand its functionality in future updates.

Quality-of-Life Enhancements

• Helicopter Recycling: Junkyard magnet cranes can now dismantle helicopters, offering Scrap rewards based on the type and health of the aircraft.
• Upgradable High External Walls: Wooden walls and gates can now be upgraded to stone using a hammer, improving defensive options.
• Modular Car Radios: Radios can now be installed in vehicles (with the Voice Props Pack) for a more immersive ride.
• Variable Zoom Scopes: The upgraded 16x scope offers adjustable zoom levels (4x, 8x, 16x), catering to versatile combat scenarios.
• Improved Vending Statistics: Enhanced vending machine stats now track metrics like total sales, best-sold items, and unique customers.

Bug Fixes and General Updates

Dozens of bugs and glitches were addressed, including:

• Fixed misaligned firing animations and incorrect reload sounds for various weapons.
• Resolved inconsistencies in vehicle spawns and map configurations, such as helicopters spawning sideways or in hazardous positions.
• Improved vehicle exterior audio attenuation and collision handling.

Map Updates

Several maps received gameplay and visual adjustments:

• Sanxian Islands: Fixed helicopter spawn issues and added new REDFOR Alliance battlegroups as voting options.
• Pacific Proving Grounds: Resolved mercy bleed conditions that prematurely ended rounds.
• General: Standardized faction vehicle layouts for Seed and Skirmish maps.

Twitch Rivals: Team Battle V

From December 9–13, 2024, Squad will host its yearly Twitch Rivals PvP event featuring 150 Twitch creators and a $100,000 prize pool. Watch the action unfold daily at 1900 GMT / 1400 EST and earn exclusive Twitch Drops for tuning in.

Looking Forward

Squad v8.2 delivers on player feedback with significant content and system improvements. From enhanced weapon mechanics to the introduction of a Friends List, this update sets the stage for a more polished and engaging experience. Stay tuned for more updates as Squad continues to refine and expand its tactical sandbox. Offworld Out!