2021/1/30 - Patch v8.4

v8.4 (aka the "You Feeling Special?" release) has been released to the installer. This is a biggun, strap in folks.

NEW FUNCTIONALITY: New Pilot Specializations exist, for both OpFor Factions and for Contract types. Pilots, after fighting a faction enough or doing a specific contract type enough, start to specialize at it. At 4/8/12 missions against that OpFor or on that contrac type, pilots gain benefits. It's like mech affinities, but for OpFors and contracts. A more detailed breakdown exists in the FAQ on Discord.

NEW FUNCTIONALITY: The Weapon Order Button now exists in the mechbay, next to the Store Mech button. The use of the Weapon Order button should be fairly clear, it lets you pre-define weapon order before you enter contracts and that order persists until you change it again.

NEW MECH: The Fafnir II, a non-canon variant of the Fafnir with a unique model and armor type, has lumbered into combat. The Steiners, predictably, field it.

NEW MECH: The Helios, a 60 ton bodyguard mech for heavier designs has lept into play. Find it with Liao, Davion, ComStar, Canopians, Taurians, and mercenaries.

• Another mech has been added to the Solaris VII store, the Prometheus.
• The Heat Sink Kits have had their names standardized.
• Various AC ammos have had their names standardized (Sabot is now HEAP, AP is now Fragmentation/Frag).
• HEAP AC ammo (previously called Sabot) was tuned downwards a bit, it was too strong.
• Pirates can now be employers in Chainelane/Tortuga/Circinus space, get your pirate on.
• MGs were rebalanced. Again.
• AMS now has a blue aura denoting its range.
• A few Clan Nova Cat worlds had their difficulties change to get a better spread of difficulties in their space.
• Some tanks have new models (Ontos, Gladius, Brutus).
• HVACs no longer damage themselves, they just jam normally but at a higher rate than previously.
• A few contracts should actually spawn mechs as targets instead of tanks.
• LAMs are quieter in transformed mode now.
• Hauptmann HA1-OA has a cigar again.
• The Stabilized Weapon quirks are more general now and largely more powerful.
• AoE Heavy Flamers crit chance was reduced.
• Precise Strike base bonus is now reduced.

IMPORTANT: v8.4 is an "update" update. Run the installer again to let it just update your files and you're set to go. The installer auto-updates the CAB and injects Modtek for you.

IMPORTANT: v8.4 is not a save-breaking update, your saves are compatible.

Reminder: This update, and others like it, are made possible by my Patreon supporters. Without their support, updates would come slower and be less impactful. If you feel like being a part of the support for BTA, you can find me here: https://www.patreon.com/bloodydoves