The Overhaul Update is now officially live on the default branch of Crunch Element! After nearly a year of rebuilding and redesigning core systems from the ground up, this update marks the beginning of a new chapter for the game.

The old version of the game has been moved to the “legacy” branch.
To access it:
Steam Library → Right-click Crunch Element → Properties → Betas → Select legacy from the dropdown.

What’s New

This update is a new foundation for Crunch Element. The mission structure, objectives, progression systems, networking, and enemy AI were rebuilt based on player feedback, and support a scalable framework to build on moving forward.

While new modes and content are coming soon, this update introduces the systems that will drive them. Here’s what’s live:

New & Improved Gameplay Features

✅ New Contract System – Missions are now structured as multi-stage contracts with modular objectives, story integration, and reward progression.
✅ Player Progression System – Earn XP, level up, and unlock gear to shape your loadout and playstyle.
✅ Smarter Enemy AI – Enemies now coordinate, investigate, call out threats, flank, and take cover. Behaviors are more dynamic and lifelike than ever.
✅ New Enemy Types – Face off against a variety of Cultist units: bomber enemies, turrets, and riflemen. Enemies can now drop from the skies or emerge from tunnels.
✅ Compound Alert System – Compounds now shift between stealth and high-alert states with dynamic music, security levels, and enemy responses.
✅ Massive Performance Gains – Hitboxes, physics, destruction systems, and lighting have all been rewritten for higher frame rates and VR responsiveness.
✅ Hideout Rework - The hideout is now more expansive with a ship hangar, contract terminal, and a cantina to relax with friends!

New Player Tools & Gear

🔑 Keycard System – Unlock secured areas, crates, and even turrets.
🛠️ New Hacking Stations – Interact with enemy tech to disable defenses, open doors, and progress objectives.
🎯 New Ammo Types – Equip tracer rounds, slugs, and special projectiles to suit your tactics.
🔍 Scanner Attachment – Spot enemies and hidden points of interest.
🧠 FPV Missile Headset & Airstrike Grenades – Take over a missile and guide it in first-person for precision strikes, or throw an airstrike grenade to trigger a bombing run. These are hidden in certain stages, but may be built on in the future.
📡 Tablet-Controlled Grenade Turrets – Drop automated turrets and rain fire from afar.
🛡️ New Armor System – Armor choices now directly impact survivability and movement.
🧰 Item Mod System – Enhance your weapons and gear with passive modifiers like faster reload, stealth bonuses, or explosive power.
🎭 Hat System – Unlock cosmetics to express your style while blowing holes in cultist fortresses.
🎒 Pouch-Based Ammo System – Overhauled inventory for smoother, more intuitive VR ammo management.
💣 Timer-Activated C4 Charges – Time your explosives with precision.
🔨 New Breaching Hammer Charge – Hold to build power and shatter entire walls with force.

World & Immersion Upgrades

🎨 All-New Art Style – Environments, enemies, weapons, and effects completely reimagined for a gritty tactical sci-fi VR feel.
🧱 Custom Shaders – Real-time gameplay feedback through stylized hits, impacts, and effects—from bullet pings to wall fractures.
🌟 Fully Precomputed Lighting – 100% baked GI and directional lighting for massive performance boosts across systems with improved visuals.
🚀 Player Ship Replaces Truck – Start every mission aboard a dropship that handles arrival and extraction.
🎧 New Sound Design – Hear the difference with enhanced impact sounds, voice lines, alerts, and graze zones as bullets fly by.
🎮 Overhauled UI & HUD – New hand menus, objective tracking, mission selection interfaces, and feedback systems. If you prefer a more hardcore experience, you can disable the HUDs in the settings.
📡 Real-Time Transmissions – Missions now feature in-world NPC transmissions for briefings, updates, and story progression.
🖥️ Security Cameras – Watch your six. Cultists now monitor their compounds with cameras that report intrusions.
🎢 Ziplines & Elevators – Navigate vertically and escape quickly with new traversal tools.
💥 Massively Improved Destruction – Every explosion, wall breach, and shattering event is smoother, more immersive, and more satisfying.

📣 Join the Mission

Found a bug? Have a suggestion?
Submit it here:

https://crunchelement.featurebase.app

Follow on Twitter/X for real-time updates: @CrunchElementVR

This update is just the beginning. Stay tuned for patches and announcements about the future roadmap. New modes and content are planned!

The Cultists are mobilizing. New missions are on the horizon. And your loadout is ready.

See you in the hideout,
— Blake