Ships At Sea is a sim we haven’t covered before, but we think it’s a good fit with it being one of the newer ship simulators at the moment. The simulator is currently in early access, and has just received a huge update to v0.8.3. Let’s take a look at what’s included.
Updated Save System
The developers have now updated the save system, which the developers state was introduced so they can implement more complex features and resolve long-standing issues. There is, however, one downside to this system in which save files from the older version of the game are no longer compatible, however, the developers have created a special game branch that lets you upgrade your old save files and profiles to the v0.8.3 release. The steps for this provided by the developers are below:
- Switch to the branch v0.8.2 on Steam
- Password: ZeroEightTwo
- Load your old save in this version and save it again
- Upgrade to v0.8.3 and continue playing with your updated save
New Language Support
The game now supports Polish, Turkish, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese. In addition to these new translations, they have also updated the translations for German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian.
New Docking System
Players of the simulator in previous version are likely know that you could previously only moor your vessel at specific points around the map and at ports. However, v0.8.2 changes this by allowing players to moor anywhere they please around the map.
Additionally, harbors now also feature three distinct mooring types for different sizes of vessels. The developers note that in future updates, ropes will dynamically connect ships to shore, eliminating the current floating effect.
As a small note, the developers do make it clear that fixed markers remain at fish farms for now as placeholders to show that docking is possible, although the new docking system is active there.
Updated Crane Physics and Handling
Another area to see improvements in this update is Crane Physics and Handling. With the update, the developers have fixed issues where the cargo when using a crane behaved unpredictably, and/or clipped through the ship or port floor. In addition, Crane operations now generally feel smoother and closer to an actual cargo-handling experience.
Reworked Interaction System
The developers have also taken time to rework the interaction system so it feels more responsive, and clearer. Interactable objects are now easier to spot as there are new visual cues such as interaction dots and highlighters, along with updated tooltips. Additionally, you can toggle these options within the games settings.
Crew System
Brand new in this update is what the developers are calling the first version of the Crew System, which has been highly requested by players. This system is intially only available with the tier 3 fishing ship, and will allow NPC Crew Members to take over essentials tasks on the boat, such as:
- Hauling and hooking fish
- Gutting and sorting fish
- Baiting and preparing longlines
Importantly, however, they do not actually perform these tasks yet, as this will be coming in a future update. The developers do also note that this system is unavailable on Tier 1 and 2 boats due to the limited space.
Mast Crane Functionality
Tier 3 vessels are also getting another update aside from the Crew System, as Tier 3 vessels now also support unloading fish boxes using the mast crane. In addition, the developers have also added a smaller detail for realism, in that the small hatch under the bleeding box now animates when opening and closing.
The new system works as followed:
- Sort fish into boxes
- Head to the work deck and press the button to clear the space around the hatch
- Hatch opens and spawns fish boxes below
- Use the mast crane to unload them at the port (ship must be docked)
- The hatch will not open if crew or obstructions are in the way.
Passenger Transport Missions
Update v0.8.3 also brings passenger transport missions. Players can visit the office at ports (Røst, Værøy, Skomvær, and Mosken) where they’ll be able to accept a passenger transport mission. Passengers will meet you at the dock, and players can interact with them to guide them to the vessel. The developers note that this feature will eventually expand to include operating a kiosk on the Tier 3 service vessel, and full-scale ferry operations on the upcoming Tier 4 ferry vessel.
Something important to note is that this feature does have quite a few known issues which the developers have listed, and they state these will be fixed in upcoming updates.
- Passengers may clip or fail to re-board after visiting the shipyard.
- Multiple missions, combined with save/load, can cause incorrect counters, result in all passengers being delivered to a single port, or lead to premature mission completion.
- Mission rewards currently appear doubled.
Warehouses
Warehouses now feature unlimited storage at every port. These warehouses are managed by a NPC worker which is interactable, and will give you direct access to any stored cargo you have. One of the main features of Warehouses is that if you sell your boat while loaded with cargo during an active mission, cargo items will no longer be lost and instead get automatically transferred to your company’s warehouse.
Misc Updates
Last up are a couple of Misc updates which we’ve grouped together. First up, the developers have improved the longline setting, where the displayed line length decreases if the player zigzags or turns back towards the first buoy. Previously, the system had been measuring straight-line distance instead of the actual gear spooled out.
Rust build-up has also been adjusted across all ships, so that it accumulates more gradually than previously.
Full Changelog
And that’s all the major changes that have been released in v0.8.3 of Ships At Sea! Below you can find the full changelog provided by the developers.
Changelog v0.8.3.1510
- Added information in the help for crew management
- Fixed the issue with the crew that can get stuck on the ladder on Turbo
- Fixed missing translation in Weather Settings for storm
Changelog v0.8.3.1506
- Added logging for upgrading the save game crash
- Adjusted the rust modifier on all ships, it should take a lot longer for the boat to become rusted
- Fixed issue with radio not being interactable on Fixer
Changelog v0.8.3.1503
- Added passenger missions to Skomvær, Stavøya, Værøy, and Mosken
- Adjusted XP rewards for passenger missions
- Adjusted XP rewards for trash missions
- Added information in help for passenger missions, processing fish and unloading fish boxes at port
- Fixed the crash with the boat boarding component
- Fixed a crash when the mission was expiring during time skipping
- Fixed the issue with the client not being able to refuel the external fuel tank
- Fixed the issue with the jigger UI that duplicates and persists each time the jigger is equipped
- Fixed issue with mission completion window in co-op
- Fixed the issue with not being able to sell fish boxes at Værøy port
- Fixed issue with NPC crew not able to bait longlines
- Fixed issue with NPCs around ports appearing slouched
- Fixed issue with Skomcat sometimes being undocked after loading a savegame
- Fixed the issue with throttle control when viewing the map
- Fixed distance not showing correctly for cleanup missions after mission completion
- Fixed the missing icon for the place cargo
- Fixed missing nets after loading a save game
- Fixed some typos in the Norwegian language
- Improved light in ports and on ships
- Improved NPC crew reactions to tasks
- Improved NPC crew navigation to prevent getting stuck
- Improved passenger missions
- Removed XP for whale missions, this is just temporarily as there is some issues with how its handled
Changelog v0.8.3.1480
New Features
- Added crew hire in Værøy port
- Added dedicated fish unloading areas in Værøy and Røst port
- Added details to passenger transport missions
- Added save support for passenger transport missions
- Added the ability to start the engine while your vessel is docked at the moorings
Improvements
- Improved compass and markers with dynamic icons and clearer world markers for missions
- General improvements to lightning
- Improved NPC behaviour (no longer sitting in the air)
- Passengers are now correctly linked to their respective missions in multiplayer sessions
- Localized weather settings
- Increased passenger capacity on Skarven and Skomkat
- Increased number of passenger missions
- Increased distances for XS and Small cargo missions
Fixes
- Fixed a crash when loading a save game with partially delivered cargo
- Fixed a crash when the tracked mission was not replicated for the client
- Fixed several other crashes
- Fixed an error where a crew member could get stuck when using the hook
- Fixed delivery missions not saving inactive cargo
- Fixed client interaction issues where double input was required
- Fixed longlines taking the wrong amount of bait
- Fixed overlapping UI at fuel stations
- Fixed inventory operations when baiting longline buckets
- Fixed storm weather desync between the host and client after starting a storm
- Fixed missing delivery mission details in the company widget after loading a save game
- Fixed NPC passengers not spawning in port after loading a save game
- Fixed saving for partially deployed longlines
- Resolved an issue where fish habitat settings were lost after loading a save
- Fixed mission completion window showing incorrect rewards in multiplayer
Changelog v0.8.3.1463
New Features
- Handheld radio now cancels any ongoing towing or hauling actions
- Added animations for the lever on the bleeding box
- Added company warehouse – find a warehouse NPC in each port
- Added extension to the mast crane on Turbo
- Added fish unloading feature on Turbo (store button removed)
- Added indicators for interactable objects
- Added key binding for thrusters
- Added new supported languages: Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish, and Turkish
- Added a new mooring system to all ports and docking locations
- Added passenger transport missions
- Added reset key bindings button in Settings
- Added rewards for cleanup missions
- Added saving for weather state
- Added a setting to adjust or toggle highlighter and text indicators
- Added Simulator Hits radio channel.
- Added/fixed storm option in weather settings
- Crew tasks expanded: gutting fish, baiting and preparing longlines, and hauling longlines
- Circuit breakers can now trip periodically when overheated
- Grant XP for onboard repairs
Fixes
- Fixed crashes when changing settings or submitting feedback
- Fixed fuel consumption conversion in HUD
- Fixed sync issue with fish during net fishing for clients
- Fixed incorrect cargo type display in the shipyard
- Fixed the incorrect clock display on boats
- Fixed propeller placement on Skomcat (Tier 3 Service Ship)
- Fixed the issue where the player could get stuck in the Conquest (Tier 2 Fishing Boat) hatch
- Fixed the issue where clients could not gut fish or interact with the wheelhouse equipment
- Fixed the issue with boats rolling after loading a save
- Fixed Conquest (Tier 2 Fishing Boat) jitters when rigged with a remote control hauler
- Fixed the issue where the client could not see the Global Mission icon
- Fixed missing windows/rust on doors
- Fixed fish farm quantity/text errors in UI
- Fixed game speed resetting after multiple save loads
- Fixed handheld radio sometimes does not work
- Fixed inconsistency with shared XP between host and client
- Fixed interaction through walls while driving
- Fixed the jigger UI showing for all players in the session
- Fixed lobby info not displaying correctly
- Fixed the map being opened multiple times in the driver position
- Fixed issue where player could walk through door on Røster (Tier 1 Cargo Ship)
- Fixed missing XP when completing the boat rescue mission
- Fixed missing XP when loading a save with longline casting
- Fixed refuelling issue for clients
- Fixed throttle adjustments while viewing the map
- Fixed throttle delay in HUD for clients
- Fixed dual water cannon on Skomcat (Tier 3 Service Ship)
- Fixed XP showing as 0 for clients
- Fixed the Yarn Hook display issue
- Fixed whale watching marker
Improvements
- Improved boat spawning
- Improved crane and cargo physics
- Improved collisions on Turbo
- Improved crew appearance
- Improved docking at fish farms
- Improved fuel station UI and interaction
- Improved highlight interactors
- Improved mission reward system
- Improved port handling in missions
- Improved radar feedback when a mode change is not possible
- Improved inventory management and tracking
- Improved key bindings to support multiple actions
- Improved lighthouse save state
- Improved longline performance
- Improved physics when fish are stored in fish boxes
- Improved player feedback form and added additional fields
- Improved UI throughout the game
- Improved object and asset optimizations
- Restricted cargo pickup to players outside your company
- General performance improvements
- Updated and refined all localizations
- Updated save game system (note: saves from v0.7.5 are not compatible)
