X4: Foundations 7.00 Update and X4: Timelines now available

[Gregory]

Egosoft is excited to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated, major 7.00 update for X4: Foundations, along with the brand new expansion, X4: Timelines. These updates bring a wealth of new content and enhancements to the acclaimed space simulation sandbox game, offering both veteran players and newcomers an enriched gaming experience.

X4 Timelines - Vertical Capsule.png

Introducing X4: Timelines
IMMERSIVE SCENARIOS AND UNIQUE UNLOCKS
Embedded in a new X4: Timelines storyline, you'll find a wide range of scenarios in which you will experience the many different aspects of X4 gameplay. Playing these scenarios will also unlock new missions within the X4: Timelines storyline, and bonuses for your wider X4 sandbox universe - among them reimagined, classic ships from X universe history.

MYSTERIOUS NEW STORYLINE
You'll take on the role of Harper Donel, a trader in the border territories, who is not averse to risky deals. A fateful encounter not only changes your short-term plans, but shakes the foundations of your understanding of the universe, and everyone in it. Prepare to be immersed in a tale of intrigue and revelation.

X4: Timelines is more than just an expansion; it's a revolution in the X4 universe. Whether you're a seasoned space explorer or a newcomer to the galaxy, this thrilling new chapter promises to captivate you with its blend of mystery, adventure, and strategic gameplay.

Update 7.00 - Elevating Your Space Experience
(Please check out the complete changelog in our forum.)

With the latest update to X4: Foundations, players are invited to experience the most comprehensive evolution of the game yet, with enhancements spanning content, gameplay mechanics, usability, accessibility, and technical performance. This new chapter introduces a series of transformative updates and features designed to deepen the immersive experience of exploring the vast reaches of space, engaging in dynamic encounters, and navigating the intricate economies and political landscapes of the X4 universe.

A Wide Range of New Content
The universe of X4: Foundations grows more intricate and vibrant with the introduction of reimagined Teladi and Argon Capital Ships. These iconic vessels have been meticulously overhauled, featuring designs that add a new layer of depth and intrigue to space encounters. As commanders take the helm of these majestic ships, they'll find each battle and exploration endeavour imbued with a renewed sense of awe and strategy.

The expansion of the universe also introduces players to new sectors and landmarks, beckoning them to venture into previously uncharted regions. These fresh discoveries promise to expand horizons and opportunities, offering new adventures and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Complementing this expansion is the introduction of race-specific managers' offices, providing a unique cultural insight into the various factions populating the universe, and allowing players to further personalise their spacefaring experience. See the cosmos like never before with the new Observation Deck module, offering breathtaking views of the universe from the comfort of your space station.

New and Redesigned Xenon Ships
The 7.00 update will introduce several new ships to the universe, and we want to highlight a very special addition. We're thrilled to reveal the awe-inspiring, redesigned Xenon models PE and SE, which will gradually replace their previous models (P and S) in the open universe, just as the redesigned capital ships did back in 5.00.

Equally exciting is the debut of several Terraformer ships. These ships delve into the legacy of X: Beyond the Frontier (1999) to celebrate this year's 25th anniversary of the X series. These new models, reminiscent of their predecessors, can be encountered in the open universe. Get ready to explore these unique designs!

Flyable Xenon Ships for the First Time in X4
Hold on to your pilot seats, because there's more! With the 7.00 update, we are enabling you to actually fly selected Xenon ships. Both the redesigned Xenon models (PE, SE) and the new Terraformer models introduced in 7.00 can be boarded and flown, just like any other ship in your X4 fleet. Get on board to discover how they've been adapted for you to take control, offering a whole new perspective on the X universe.

Gameplay Innovations
In addition to all this new content, the 7.00 update also includes significant gameplay enhancements, such as the introduction of the "Existential Crisis" endgame challenge for veterans. This daunting confrontation pits players against a faction that spares no effort in its aggression, offering a thrilling new dimension of strategy and resilience.

A fundamentally improved and more intuitive external camera system also debuts, enhancing the way players view, and more importantly, interact with the universe, almost making it feel like a new game. Alongside this, AI improvements across the board make for a more dynamic and realistic universe. Ships now utilise Travel Mode more effectively, enter and exit it with greater consistency, and exhibit improved navigation through jump gates and in combat situations. These enhancements are complemented by reworked and expanded tutorials, ensuring both new and veteran players can fully engage with, and understand, the depth of the game's mechanics.

Usability and Accessibility Focus
With an emphasis on making the game more accessible and enjoyable for all, this update introduces enhanced button remapping and ready-made control profiles to match your steering needs in space. It also provides an FOV slider and new options for colour-blind players with customisable UI colours. Additionally, the update brings audio and text feedback for various actions to further assist players in understanding the game dynamics and making informed decisions. Furthermore, a reduced speed mode has been introduced for those who find the pace of the action a bit too hectic, allowing for a more controlled and leisurely gameplay experience. These features are designed to offer players the flexibility to tailor their gameplay experience to their preferences and needs.

The introduction of Visual Enhancement Goggles that let you zoom in on the action, along with a customisable radial menu for quick access to in-game actions, and reworked shaders in scan mode, further enriches player interaction and immersion. These improvements ensure players have the tools they need to navigate the complexities of space warfare and exploration with confidence.

Technical Advancements
At the core of the update are the significant technical enhancements made to the XTECH 5 Engine, delivering smoother and more stable gameplay. Players will notice the difference these improvements make, among them the temporal anti-aliasing that brings crisp visuals and the enhanced shadows that add depth and realism to the universe.

Updated Bundles
With the release of X4: Timelines, the X4: Community of Planets bundles on Steam have been updated to include the new expansion. Existing players can take advantage of the "complete your bundle" feature on Steam to receive a discount when purchasing X4: Timelines.

>> X4: Community of Planets Edition
>> X4: Community of Planets Collector's Edition

A Special Thank You to Our Community
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated players for their unwavering support over the years, and especially during the beta tests that have helped us enormously in the run-up to this day. Without you, none of this would be possible. We hope that you enjoy what we've been working very hard on over the past year, and can't wait to read your feedback. X4 is stronger than ever, and we couldn't be more excited to have reached this milestone. Your passion and commitment inspire us every day, and we are immensely grateful to have such a fantastic community.

[Gregg Hermetech]

When will it be available on GOG?

Ah, it's up now, but still only 6.20 for main game, will Timelines auto update my 6.20 to 7?

[Sao t'Lp]

Downloading right now. Cheers and congrats to you Egosoft

[alt3rn1ty]

When will it be available on GOG?

Ah, it's up now, but still only 6.20 for main game, will Timelines auto update my 6.20 to 7?

If you are running GOG Galaxy, and have bought Timelines on GOG, you should by now have an update to the game, and a second quick update installs Timelines.
If you use the manual installers though, they are all still at 6.20
viewtopic.php?f=180&t=463206
Its probably the usual GOG thing of they need to catch up.

Edit: Although .. I was on the Beta Channel for the 7.0 betas, and maybe updated because of that, so it could be different for anyone who was not participating.

[oskari]

Somebody forgot to add the 7-0 update. Cannot play if base game is at 6.2.
Im on steam.

[oskari]

So, if the game is still on 6.2, go to the section where you normally choose beta, there in drop down meny is 7.0 Legacy!

{this is not recommended - see below - CBJ}

[EGO_Aut]

Update to 7.0 and Timelines installed now
Tomorow evening i will try it

[CBJ]

So, if the game is still on 6.2, go to the section where you normally choose beta, there in drop down meny is 7.0 Legacy!

You do NOT have to do this. Just restart the Steam client and it will update automatically (unless you've disabled that). If you choose the 7.00 Legacy branch then you will not receive future updates.

[birdtable]

Nice to see in Top Ten Sales on Steam...

[Skeeter]

As i said on german stream thingy at ign, them orbs, make em cheap dlc companions with personality's like from portal - gold!!!

[Gregg Hermetech]

When will it be available on GOG?

Ah, it's up now, but still only 6.20 for main game, will Timelines auto update my 6.20 to 7?

If you are running GOG Galaxy, and have bought Timelines on GOG, you should by now have an update to the game, and a second quick update installs Timelines.
If you use the manual installers though, they are all still at 6.20
viewtopic.php?f=180&t=463206
Its probably the usual GOG thing of they need to catch up.

Edit: Although .. I was on the Beta Channel for the 7.0 betas, and maybe updated because of that, so it could be different for anyone who was not participating.

Thanks, yeah I wasn't beta testing, and I don't use GOG Galaxy, just the manual installers, and they are still at 6.2. Hopefully they'll update soon. I want to install 7 and play the new tutorials on that, before I buy Timelines.

[g04tn4d0]

So, if the game is still on 6.2, go to the section where you normally choose beta, there in drop down meny is 7.0 Legacy!

You do NOT have to do this. Just restart the Steam client and it will update automatically (unless you've disabled that). If you choose the 7.00 Legacy branch then you will not receive future updates.

I bought it on GOG a couple hours ago, but there's no sign of it or any v7 update files in my X4 section of my library. Are they lagging internally?

[CBJ]

For GOG users who are not using the Galaxy client, GOG have to manually prepare an installer package. This often takes them a couple of days, which means they are sometimes a little behind the automated release on Steam and on GOG Galaxy. We send them the files as early as we possibly can, but there is nothing else we can do about this additional delay. We're hoping that GOG will get those files prepared within the next 24 hours.

[Dj_FRedy]

Congratulations to the whole team for their hard work on this update and the release of the new DLC.

[g04tn4d0]

For GOG users who are not using the Galaxy client, GOG have to manually prepare an installer package. This often takes them a couple of days, which means they are sometimes a little behind the automated release on Steam and on GOG Galaxy. We send them the files as early as we possibly can, but there is nothing else we can do about this additional delay. We're hoping that GOG will get those files prepared within the next 24 hours.

Ah, that's what I was afraid of. Well, no biggie. I can wait a few more days. Thanks for responding!

[alt3rn1ty]

For someone who doesn't like racing (me), I quite like the racing in Timelines.
Beats the hell out of that awful race through the asteroid tunnels in X3 Reunion.

I ought to have a new in game name though, Gate Waltzer "Care for a dance Mrs Gate, we can waltz around in circles forever". Miss one at your peril, there have been a few blue atmosphere moments in my living room already, my wife is just giggling at me. Time for a Gin to hone the skills.

[alt3rn1ty]

As i said on german stream thingy at ign, them orbs, make em cheap dlc companions with personality's like from portal - gold!!!

.. Or, like Marvin the paranoid android from Hitchikers guide to the galaxy.
"Brain the size of a planet, and they ask me to get the door"
“Pardon me for breathing, which I never do anyway so I don’t know why I bother to say it, oh God I’m so depressed. Here’s another one of those self-satisfied doors. Life! Don’t talk to me about life.”

[TexSteel]

When playing on GeForceNow, the game client is launching before X4 Timelines finishes downloading. Unfortunately, you can't restart the client in cloud gaming options without ending the VM session; meaning it is impossible to play Timelines DLC in GeForce Now at this time.

[Zaihbot]

Currently it is not possible to buy the base game. There are only options to buy the base game AND Timelines (called Discovery Pack), the Community of Planets Edition or the Community of Planets Collector's Edition. And all the DLCs and sountracks separately. But there is no option to buy the base game without any DLC.

This is on both, Steam and GOG.

[CBJ]

When playing on GeForceNow, the game client is launching before X4 Timelines finishes downloading. Unfortunately, you can't restart the client in cloud gaming options without ending the VM session; meaning it is impossible to play Timelines DLC in GeForce Now at this time.

GeForce Now is another environment that we have very little control over. You can't play Public Beta versions there, probably for very similar reasons. However in the case of an update like this, it's probably just a case of waiting until their server images have caught up with the new version.