Hey folks,

Welcome to another Beta Build Cycle!

This update brings big changes to early-game flow, loot balance, controls, and sets the foundation for future story mode content. While a new save isn’t strictly required, we’d really appreciate it if folks started a fresh playthrough for this cycle. A lot of the updates target the early experience, and feedback from clean saves helps us dial things in more effectively and get a better read on how the changes feel for players.

Thank you for all the feedback during the beta cycle—and as always, we appreciate your continued support.

Reminders:

Centralized Patch Notes:

• Every time we release a new Preview Build, we’ll edit this post to include the latest changes by day.
  
• You can track the progress of the update in one place.
  

Translations:

• Translations will only be added once the entire update is complete.
  

Feedback and Bug Reports:

• To keep things organized, we've set up a dedicated subforum on Steam specifically for the public beta branch.
  
• All feedback, suggestions, and bug reports should be posted in this subforum. This helps us and the community moderators keep track of everything in one place. Again, we will only intake issues, suggestions, and feedback when posted to the new subforum—so please head there to post!
  

How to Access the Steam Public Beta Branch for The Infected:

1. Open Steam
   Launch your Steam client and ensure you’re logged in.
   
2. Go to Your Library
   Locate The Infected in your game library.
   
3. Right-Click on the Game
   Right-click on The Infected and select Properties from the drop-down menu.
   
4. Navigate to the Betas Tab
   In the Properties window, click on the Betas tab on the left-hand side.
   
5. Choose the Beta Branch
   Under "Select the beta you want to opt into," choose beta- Beta Branch.
   Wait for the Update.
   Steam will now download the beta version of the game. Once the download is complete, you’re all set to launch the game!
   

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V23 Preview Build Notes

Build 1 -April 7th

Additions:

• Save file stats now appear in both the main and in-game menus.
  
• New tutorial system added.
  
• New quest journal system added.
  
• New quest journal UI added. (This is where quests will live for future story mode updates.)
  
• New keybind for opening the quest journal.
  
• Added Sandbox vs. Story mode option in the game settings. (Story mode not yet implemented.)
  
• Added trader tech that allows crafting of Electrical and Mechanical Parts. (25,000 coins)
  
• Added "Take All" shortcut when looting POI containers. (Default key: T)
  
• Full Controller support added.
  
• New footstep sounds added.
  

Changes:

• Players now start at random locations.
  
• The ATV no longer spawns by default at the lighthouse.
  
• The ATV now spawns fully repaired at a random POI.
  
• Reduced number of Gas Barrels found at POIs. They no longer respawn.
  
• Significantly reduced number of bandages and medical items found at POIs.
  
• Bolts now reload automatically after each shot. No need to press R.
  
• In-game UI icons updated (i.e., interact prompts) to better support controllers.
  
• Crocodiles will now ignore swamp trees when moving.
  
• AI now has a chance to dodge incoming player attacks.
  

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed issue where upgrading a ceiling ramp to cement would incorrectly turn it into a foundation ramp.
  
• Fixed issue where multiple ore types could be toggled on extractors while powered off.
  

As a heads up:

• This patch includes foundational systems for future story integration.
  
• We’re still working on polishing controller support, UI elements, and some deeper balance tweaks—those will continue in upcoming betas.