Fans of the looting horror game R.E.P.O. may be excited to hear the latest updates. An open beta build has been launched on Steam, accompanied by several enhancements since the initial release. As this is an open beta, no formal patch notes are available. However, this article will outline new additions from the developers and what they hope to implement before the official patch release.
Before we proceed, here’s a quick guide on how to access the beta build of R.E.P.O. on Steam:
1. Navigate to your Steam library.
2. Right-click on R.E.P.O. and select Properties.
3. Go to the Betas tab.
4. From the drop-down menu at the top right, change ‘none’ to ‘beta – beta branch.’
Once completed, your Steam library will display R.E.P.O. as the latest beta build and should update automatically. As previously mentioned, there are no official patch notes. Besides the developers’ YouTube channel for updates, the best way to discover what’s included in the latest beta build is to experience it first-hand or continue reading this article!
R.E.P.O. Matchmaking System
The introduction of a proper matchmaking system has revitalized the gaming experience. Players can create password-protected lobbies, with the host selecting the server region. Ideally, the player with better internet and a centralized hosting location between all players should create the lobby. Hosts can also remove undesirable players from their sessions.
A friendly warning from your friends at R.E.P.O.. Stay safe, and have fun!
Additionally, public lobbies are now accessible. If you find it challenging to gather friends or are in a sociable mood, consider trying out the new matchmaking system. R.E.P.O. is better with players, and the developers are aware. Players have highly requested this feature, and it significantly enhances the game’s longevity.
New Map
This update introduces a new map, The Museum (formerly known as Avant-Garde). The map features large, open rooms, presenting challenges in evading monsters and navigating around. Its expansive layout minimizes the chances of getting lost, but increases the odds of being seen by monsters. Take note of places to hide or paths to take to escape.
Soon, the walls of The Museum will be covered in similar thought-provoking art.
While there is limited cover available, the developers have addressed this by incorporating vertical elements into the map. Players will find stairs to climb and opportunities to jump higher with items to find at new heights. There are also interactive air vents, which may require assistance from a friend to access. Instead of hiding under a chair from a monster, consider seeking refuge by jumping high or escaping to a vent.
Health System Changes
Fans of R.E.P.O. may recall the health pack glitch that allowed players to regain health without purchasing a health pack. This unintended feature has been resolved, which left some players feeling penalized as they now need to buy health packs, limiting their ability to afford meaningful upgrades or useful items. It’s difficult to strike a balance between staying healthy and upgrading your semibot. It felt like an uphill climb that worked against the player by making later levels harder if the early ones weren’t played perfectly.
The new items scattered around R.E.P.O.’s latest map have a different feel from the others.
In response to players’ frustrations, the developers have implemented several adjustments. The healing provided by the health beam in the R.E.P.O. truck has been increased in the early levels, though it restores less health as the team progresses to higher levels. Monsters also scale with difficulty differently, so earlier levels shouldn’t be so punishing. Additionally, the prices of health packs in shops have been adjusted based on the number of players in the lobby.
R.E.P.O.’s Game Experience
R.E.P.O. has undergone scaling changes with the beta update. Below level five, enemies are easier to stagger, giving new players a better chance to escape or defeat monsters while learning the game mechanics without excessive difficulty. The beta build has also introduced new items to scavenge amidst the game’s horrors. Below is a brief overview of each item, its approximate cost, and its function.
| Item | Cost | Description |
| Boltzap | $18k | A crossbow with a stun effect. Can kill monsters, and one bolt can chain to multiple enemies. The monsters take damage and are knocked back, but get up soon after, so run away quickly. |
| Prodzap | $29k | A stunning melee weapon. Monsters are stunned for a few seconds and take damage when hitting the ground. |
| Duck Bucket | $7k | This item has only one use: To trap the Apex Predator. Place it over the duck and watch it fumble inside, unable to follow or attack players. |
| Pulse Pistol | $16k | Monsters hit by this are knocked back, stunned, and temporarily can’t move. This item can kill monsters, but its stunning capability is the reason to pick it up. |
Another additional feature in the beta build is facial expressions. No doubt, the developers have noticed the game’s popularity on social media, and this feature might be because of that popularity. It serves no purpose in gameplay and doesn’t make monsters react differently. For now, at least. Maybe the developers have some ideas for implementing monster reactions to expressions like voices and movement.
The numbers on your keyboard will display emotion on your semibot. Try different combinations!
Overcharge Mechanic
A new mechanic has been introduced in the beta build of R.E.P.O.. Previously, the most effective strategy for dealing with monsters was to slam them into surfaces or throw them off the map. With sufficient upgrades, a single player could eliminate any monster solo, a situation the developers did not intend. In other words, the monsters became nothing more than an annoyance while players casually shopped through the levels.
The new R.E.P.O. items have a unique style to them.
The overcharge system now limits the number of monsters players can carry. A red meter will appear around the cursor while picking up enemies, slowly filling. If the meter reaches 100%, your character will explode and be thrown back. While it may not be fatal immediately, it inflicts damage and could result in a perilous situation. Moving forward, watch the overcharge meter to avoid consequences for aggressive play.
The beta build for R.E.P.O. is currently available to all players who own a copy of the game. It’s thrilling to witness the changes the developers are implementing and refreshing to see them addressing community feedback. The facial expressions are a meaningless addition in terms of gameplay, but serve to make the game fun and lighthearted. It’s nice to see the developers are interested in making the game fun as a whole rather than limiting their focus on gameplay only. There are many features that the developers intend to add to the patch before pushing it live, so keep an eye on their YouTube page for updates.
