The latest patch for the Natural Selection 2 Beta is now available on Steam. If you have pre-ordered the game it should automatically update on Steam. If you would like to pre-order and get instant access to the beta, you can still do so here.

This patch mostly contains bug fixes, but an exciting visual change is a new area on ns2_rockdown. The ns2_rockdown map was originally created to test simple deathmatch style gameplay, but people have grown attached to it so we're experimenting with making it better for full NS2 gameplay. Let us know what you think about the new changes!

We also fixed a significant bug with some of the melee attacks; they were not properly using the engine's lag compensation system which made it very difficult to hit a moving target with a high ping. Special thanks to Matso, who developed a visualization package that made the bug very obvious. We've included this package in the game and it's a great aid for debugging.

Here's the complete change list:

Build 176 changes

• Added new area in ns2_rockdown
• Fixed potential crash when using melee attacks
• Fixed crash bug when a vertex buffer cannot be created
• Fixed bug where the Axe, Rifle Butt and Fade Swipe melee attacks weren't properly lag compensated
• Fixed script errors that could occur from the commander minimap
• Fixed bug where keybindings could not be changed without restarting the game
• Fixed an issue where ammo/medpacks could be built on
• Whip now faces the correct direction when attacking
• Changed players to not be able to attack when building a structure
• Fixed bug where some custom maps would not load the game rules properly
• Fixed bug where the background in the Editor was black
• Fix the warning "team number is outside range" on map load, and makes the random teamjoin actually random again (thanks Enceladus!)
• Added updated feedback page (thanks Enceladus!)
• Fixed an issue where the "This team has too many players." message would spam when you were joining that team (Thanks Enceladus!)
• Fixed issues with spawning infestation
• Fixed problems with Gorge health spray not healing structures properly and being totally over powered. Now it's just like NS1.
• Added the DbgTracer package which helps visualize targeting/projectile/bullets/melee attacks, use "trace" command with cheats on to enabled (Thanks Matso!)
• Added ability for players to eject a commander from the command station or hive (menu, voting system, alerts). Bring up menu with the "V" key by default
• Fixed issue where mature whips/crags that were not on infestation were not taking damage
• MACs will now look for something to do (build an unbuilt structure nearby) if they don't already have an order
• When drifters start playing their landing animation they can no longer take orders or be damaged
• Fixed an issue where welding a door could give the commander an endless stream of points
• Fixed bug where doors would play the close door animation twice
• Hives no longer spawn infestation until they are fully built

You can always keep up to date with what we're working on for the next patch with our real-time progress tracker and don't forget to follow our Twitter account.