‘Onward’ Releases Update 1.13, Including a New Map + Night Vision Goggle Updates

Whether you’re a seasoned virtual soldier or a relative newcomer to Onward, there’s never been a better time to jump in the game. Today marks the release of Update 1.13, which brings with it improvements to Co-Op Modes, an all-new map, new options for Night Vision Goggles, and more. Check out the trailer on YouTube for a closer look (intended for mature audiences).

A major overhaul of the PvE game modes has made its way into the game. Bots will patrol areas and will no longer all attack a player directly at the first sign of trouble, opting instead to flank their opponent or take cover when under fire. In return, fallen bots are now persistent, and you’ll be able to loot them for precious weapons and equipment when supplies run low. In a final major shift, bots will all spawn at the start of a round in Hunt mode, instead of spawning in waves, allowing you to take a more tactical approach to your game.

Available in Free Roam and Social game modes, “FOB Basset” is a US military station located overseas. It has barracks, infirmary tents, rec rooms, a tactical practice course, and even a basketball court. 🏀 FOB Bassett has both a single hoop and a full court for games. Both locations keep score for two- and three-point shots with its own weekly global leaderboard. Basketball can also be good training for improving your grenade throwing skills.

Also new is the night-time variant of the Cargo map. One of the darker night maps in the game, it offers a realistic feel of being in a warehouse surrounded by high-stacked objects and limited sources of light. Night vision will be a necessity here.

Night operations are an important part of Onward’s military ops lore. The environmental lighting can have a dramatic effect on your overall gameplay and strategies. On the Night Vision front, players will find two new phosphorous color options, as well as an all-new digital variant with Update 1.13:

A variety of colors and two different display types let players choose a more comfortable and enjoyable way to play on night maps. Additionally, making a set default and not cost points in their loadout gives players added flexibility.

Downpour Interactive has also added IR Strobes—a blinking light on the helmet of your teammates so you can more easily identify them on the battlefield. The devs have also added a Parachute Flare to help with teamplay dynamics and strategies. Thanks to IR attachments and upgrades to existing laser sights on weapons, players have enhanced visibility to see where their shots are going to land as well as if an enemy is targeting them.

For those of you eager to jump in for the first time, the game’s tutorial has been overhauled, making several changes to how training is done. After you’ve passed basic weapons training, you can learn about the game’s many intricacies as you queue up for your first matches in the tent. Instructions are provided for you on the whiteboard for every game mode.

Whether you’re new to the game or a long-time VR tactical shooter fan, today’s update is sure to keep you coming back for more. Hop into Onward (again or for the first time) today, and let us know what you think of the update on the forums.