Exterminatus has been receiving Alpha updates at a fairly regular pace this year and we now have all the features in place that we would want in Beta release featuring the Chaos Legions.  Since more work goes into distributing and publicising Beta releases and re-packaging all the changes from the Alphas cna introduce new issue I like to put out a "release candidate", a sort of preview of what the next Beta could look like in order to iron out any of those issues.

This week i'm putting out Beta 9 - Release Candidate 1, featuring the Chaos Legions.


This is a Beta release that rolls up all the changes since the previous roll up back in July.  As such their is no patch available this week, just the installer and a 7Zip archive of the full mod.  It also installs tothe "ex" folder, rather than "ex_alpha"

The ModDB mirrors unlock at 12:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Release Canidate

• If you already have a copy of the EX beta, delete it.
• Run the installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Beta release canidate listed in your library.

Tweaks

• Improved lighting quality and tweaked mission text on csm_thunderhawk.
• Restored water features to ex_forge and improved performance.
• Added normal, specular and exponent maps to the imperial generator prop.
• Removed csm_trench from the default map cycle (it's still in the install if you want to play it).
• Removed ex_convoy from the install.

Bug Fix

• Fixed some of the Chaos Dreadnaught's animation glitches.
• Fixed a bug that was preventing the correct kill icons from being displayed.

Balance

• Buffed the reload speed of the Chaos Missile Launcher to match the loyalist version.
• Buffed the health of the teleporter generator on ex_compromised to increase the difficulty of rushing.

Future Plans
Depending on how testing of the release candidate goes we may go ahead and release Beta 9 on Christmas eve weekend.  Any screenshots, demos or videos of recent EX games you have could help promote Beta 9, please get in touch and share them with me.

The plan is still to move on to work on the space marine scout once Beta 9 has been released.  Then update all the marine chapter packs support the scout and the chapter specific battlecries Bulwark has already recorded.  Adding a new playable class will mean that game balance will almost certainly need testing and tuning.

This week I have received requests for Chaos skin packs and players that want to have a go at making their own marine skins.  Once the scout is in-game i'm planning on revisiting the PSD skin templates for the IMP and creating a new set of templates for the CSM.  Hopefully the ability to make DIY skin packs will see new skins faster then waiting for me to get around to it.

Once all that is done I look forward to taking EX out of Beta and making public the version 1.0 release.

Alpha 8.81 features new kill icons, updates to the maps ex_compromised, ex_forge and csm_thunderhawk.

As of the time of writing only hours remain in the vote for ModDB's mod of the year.  Please visit the EX mod page and give us your vote


All these maps make for a particularly large patch download this week in-case you were wondering.

The ModDB mirrors unlock at 15:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Tweaks

• Re-lit parts of ex_compromised.
• DontAsk4470 has finished his detail pass of ex_forge and it looks wonderful.
• Expanded csm_thunderhawk and moved the generator SOS objectives.
• Added custom kill icons for the Loyalist Dreadnaught's Powerfist attack.
• Added custom kill icons for the Chaos Plasma weapons.
• Added some new Militarium and Mechanicus themed door textures.
• Added some new advanced materials contributed by DontAsk4470.

Bug Fix

• Made several doorways on ex_compromised passable by dreadnuaghts that were previously too small.

Balance

• Nerfed the reload speed of the Chaos Missile Launcher to match the loyalist version.

Future Plans
I'm having trouble compiling both forge and thunderhawk, if you have advanced map compiler troubleshooting skills please get in touch, EX needs your help.

Ideally i'd like to ship the Chaos beta with as many Chaos maps as possible, but I don;t think that csm_trench can be polished up to a decent standard in a reasonable amount of time, so i'm thinking of pulling csm_trench from the rotation for the Beta.  Similarly Whitelighting doesn't seem to be developing ex_convoy, so it will also be left out of the rotation.  How do you feel about it?  Should we persist with these maps to try and bring them up to standard or is it better to get the next Beta out sooner?

Depending on the results of tonight's test and your feedback next weekend may see a release candidate for  Beta 9.

The plan is still to move on to work on the space marine scout once the CSM weapons are in-game.  Then update all the marine chapter packs support the scout and the chapter specific battlecries Bulwark has already recorded.  Adding a new playable class will mean that game balance will almost certainly need testing and tuning.

Once those are done I look forward to taking EX out of Beta and making public the version 1.0 release.

Alpha 8.80 features new kill icons, updates to the maps ex_compromised, ex_forge, the Chaos Missile Launcher textures and Clay_More's imperial wall lamp.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 14:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Tweaks

• Re-lit ex_compromised, added details, missions, cubemaps and a thumbnail for the level selector.
• DontAsk4470 has Re-lit ex_forge and added new textures, details and reworked many of the decor of many rooms and hallways.
• Added normal, specular and exponent maps to the Chaos Missile Launcher and fixed smoothing issues with the model.
• Added custom kill icons for the Chaos Dreadnaught's Chainfist attack.
• Added custom kill icons for the Aspiring Champion's Hand flamer.
• Added custom kill icons for the Chaos Terminator Combo.

Future Plans
Several maps still need more work before we can test a release candidate for Beta 9 and make a big hurrah about unleashing the Chaos marines.

The plan is still to move on to work on the space marine scout once the CSM weapons are in-game.  Then update all the marine chapter packs support the scout and the chapter specific battlecries Bulwark has already recorded.  Adding a new playable class will mean that game balance will almost certainly need testing and tuning.

Once those are done I look forward to taking EX out of Beta and making public the version 1.0 release.

Alpha 8.79 features a new weapon model and animations of the Chaos Havoc's Missile Launcher.  This version also incorporates changes to the way in which Dreadnaught and Terminator armour absorbs damage.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 13:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.79 Features

• New Missile Launcher model for the Chaos Havoc class.  The Missile launcher was modelled by Clay_more.  It will continue to work the same as the imperial version, the primary attack firing a wide area frag missile and the secondary attack launching a Krak missile that does more damage in a smaller area.

Tweaks

• Tweaked the details of how the Narcathium works as an offensive weapon.

Balance

• Buffed Terminator resistance to bullets and bolts from 0.2 to 0.52.
• Nerfed Dreadnaught resistance to bullets and bolts from 0.55 to 0.159.
• Buffed Dreadnaught resistance to fire by applying it's general armour modifier after accounting for the general marine resistance to fire.

Future Plans
The CSM missile launcher was the last chaos weapon waiting to be implemented. I think i'll spend a couple of weeks polishing up before we can test a release candidate for Beta 9 and make a big hurrah about the Chaos marines.

The plan is to move on to work on the space marine scout once the CSM weapons are in-game.  Then update all the marine chapter packs support the scout and the chapter specific battlecries Bulwark has already recorded.  Adding a new playable class will mean that game balance will almost certainly need testing and tuning.

Once those are done I look forward to taking EX out of Beta and making public the version 1.0 release.

Alpha 8.78 features a new weapon combo for the chaos terminator.  The chaos defence map ex-compromised has been fully textured.  This version fixes several bugs from alpha 8.78.  A handful of balance issues reported by players have been addressed.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 12:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.78 Features

• New combi-bolter and powerfist combination weapon warhear for the Chaos Terminator class.  Both weapon models were made by Clay_more.

The chaos terminator's combi-bolter is a combination of a boltgun and ... another boltgun.  The combi-bolter fires 2 bolts at the same time, rather than alternating fire like the more sophisticated imperial Stormbolter.  This makes it's use more like a shotgun, slowly doing large hits of damage rather than the rapid spray of smaller hits from the stormbolter.

Tweaks

• New version of ex_compromised by WhiteLightning, now fully textured.
• Tweaked the Chaos Dreadnaught player model.
• Tweaked the chaos heavy bolter firing animation.
• Tweaked the Baslisk's clipping to make it easier to get on the gun platform.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed the 3rd person chainsword appearing with white between it's teeth instead of transaprency.
• Fixed the Havocs animation when crouching with the heavy bolter.
• Fixed the Earthsahaker prop being non-solid and non-smoothed.
• Patched a hole in the Basilisk prop.

I still don't know who made that Basilisk prop.  If you sent me a basilisk please get in-touch.

Balance

• Buffed Terminator resistance to bullets and bolts.
• Buffed Dreadnaught resistance to bullets and bolts.
• Nerfed knife damage from 55 to 52, so it takes as many knife hits to kill a marine as chainsword hits.
• Nerfed meltagun damage from 18 to 12.

Future Plans
The CSM missile launcher weapon is the last one remaining to be implemented. The plan is to move on to work on the space marine scout once the CSM weapons are in-game.  

Once the scout is added all the marine chapter packs will need updating to support it and the chapter specific battlecries Bulwark has already recorded.  Adding a new playable class will mean that game balance will almost certainly need testing and tuning.

Once those are done I look forward to taking EX out of Beta and making public the version 1.0 release.

Alpha 8.77 features a new weapon combo for the chaos aspiring champion, a complete re-work of the CSM heavy bolter and some very big guns for csm_trench.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 12:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.77 Features

• New hand flamer and powersword combo wargear for the Aspiring Champion class.
• New Earthshaker Cannon prop (IG artillery piece).
• New Basilisk prop (an Earthshaker mounted on a Chimera chassis for mobility) .

The basilisk has been sat in my props folder for an embarrassingly long time.  My apologies to the contributor who made it, but I lost your name somewhere along the way.  If you made the Basilisk and want to claim the credit please let me know, so I can properly acknowledge your contribution.

Tweaks

• Re-worked chaos Heavy Bolter models so it's fired from the shoulder like the missile launcher.
• Added trophies to the CSM Terminator's rack.  These should be randomized each spawn.
• Polish and detail pass for the CSM Terminator textures.
• Polish and detail pass the CSM Dreadnaught textures.
• Added more cover and additional detail to csm_trench, now featuring the Earthshaker and Basilisk props.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed the Sawbones chainsword appearing as a chainaxe in 3rd person view.

Balance

• Buffed melta weapons so they do 20% of their maximum damage at maximum range.
• Nerfed melta weapons maximum damage by 20%.

Future Plans
The CSM missile launcher and CSM terminator weapons remain to be implemented. The plan is to move on to work on the space marine scout once the CSM weapons are in-game.  

Once the scout is added all the marine chapter packs will need updating to support it and the chapter specific battlecries Bulwark has already recorded.  Adding a new playable class will mean that game balance will almost certainly need testing and tuning.

Once those are done I look forward to taking EX out of Beta and making public the version 1.0 release.

Alpha 8.76 features a new models for chaos Raptor's Meltagun and Havoc's Heavy Bolter and new voice acting for the imperial and chaos marines.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 13:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.76 Features

• New chaos Meltagun model by Clay_more.
• New chaos Heavy Bolter model by Clay_more.
• New Ageis Defence line prop by Clay_more.
• New imperial and chaos space marine battlecries by Bulwark, edited and scripted by Dontask4470.

Tweaks

• Added more cover and additional detail to csm_trench, now featuring the new agesis defence line prop.

Balance

• Buffed flamer damage from 30 to 35.

Future Plans
Slow as progress may seem work on the Chaos Space Marines (CSM) is coming along faster than I predicted.   That said there are still several weapons for the CSM that still need to be added.  The plan is to keep adding these remaining weapons, before moving on to work on the space marine scout.  

Once the scout is added all the marine chapter packs will need updating to support it and the chapter specific battlecries Bulwark has already recorded.  Adding a new playable class will mean that game balance will almost certainly need testing and tuning.

Once those are done I think we're ready to leave Beta for a version 1.0 release.

Alpha 8.75 features a new Flamer model for chaos weapon specialist and a new map csm_trench.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 13:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.75 Features

• New chaos Flamer model by Clay_more and texture tweaks by Dontask4470.
• New chaos Bolt Pistol for the Specialist and Havoc.
• New chaos Plasma weapon effects by Dontask4470.  Pistols and guns now have different effects.  Need to check that kills show the correct icon.
• Early draft of a new CSM VS IMP trench warfare map csm_trench.  Mainly to see how the layout plays.

Tweaks

• Additional texture detail pass for the Raptor, Specialist, Aspiring Champion, Havoc, Chaos Terminator and Chaos Dreadnaught.
• Tweaked Powersword, Plasma Pistol and Plamagun materials.
• Tweaked a bunch of the old metal door textures.

Alpha 8.74 features a new Plasmagun model for chaos weapon specialist and a manned turret in ex_compromised.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 13:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.74 Features

• New chaos Plasmagun model by Clay_more.

Tweaks

• Updated ex_compromised with lighting from WhiteLightning.
• Enhanced Chaos Powersword, Plasma Pistol and Knife weapon skins by DontAsk.

Bugfix

• When a Sawbones heals a CSM the patient should now give an appropriately chaotic response.
• Added 3rd person model for the Sawbone's chainsword and boltpistol.  So he wont look like he's holding a chainaxe.

Alpha 8.73 features New chaos weapon models, chaos voice acting by Greyloc and two updated maps.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 13:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.73 Features

• New aspiring champion plasma pistol combo, thanks to Clay_more for the chaos plasma pistol and powersword models.
• New Container prop from Wikkyd, with imperial and chaos skins (not actually used in any maps yet).
• New sawbones narcathium, with voice acting from Bulwark, edited by DontAsk.
• New Chaos bolter sound effects by DontAsk.

Tweaks

• Updated Chaos voice acting by Bulwark, edited by DontAsk.
• Updated ex_compromised with lighting from WhiteLightning.
• Updated Chaos weapon skins by DontAsk.
• Tweaked Chainaxe combo animations.
• Tweaked the red-room objective on ichar_iv.
• Tweaked the kill notification code to show kill icons for the new chaos weapon variants.

Alpha 8.72 features custom wargear for the chaos Renegade class and Bulwark's custom Kill taunts for the chaos space marines.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 12:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.72 Features

• New Chaos space marine kill taunts by Bulwark (AKA Greloc), edited by DontAsk4470.
• New Chaos boltpistol and chainaxe models (first and third person) by Clay_more.
• New Chaos bolter (first and third person) models by Clay_more.
• New Choas knife (first and third person) models by Clay_more.
• New arch fence prop (inspired by recent 40k terrain kits) to fit in with existing fence props.
• New imperial cargo container prop to replace the HL2 "Northern Pertrolium" containers.

Tweaks

• DontAsk4470 has added new details and lighting to ex_hive.
• Improvements to the chaos Regenade textures (better specular and normal maps).
• New chaos weapon entities to use the chaos weapon models (this may result in missing kill icons).
• The imperial crate prop has been replaced, with a new, hopefully better one.
• csm_thunderhawk has been updated with more extensive outdoor areas.  The first two objectives
  have been moved.
• ex_ichar_IV has been updated to use the new container prop and the red-room objective has been
  re-worked.

Alpha 8.71 adds a new Chaos defence map called Compromised made by WhiteLightningTwister.  Work has started on getting the spacemarine scout and chaos weapon models in-game.  A number of tweaks and fixes have been made to ex_bunker.  ex_convoy by WhiteLightningTwister is back as a Tyranid defence map.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 12:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have EX alpha 8.69 or earlier, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Patching from Alpha 8.70

• If you already have EX alpha 8.69 or earlier, delete it.
• Copy your sourcemods/ex folder and rename the copy to sourcemods/ex_alpha.
• Extract the patch to your sourcemods folder, this should overwrite some of the files you just copied to ex_alpha.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alphas listed in your library.

Alpha 8.71 Features

• Chaos defence map called ex_Compromised made by WhiteLightningTwister.
• Chaos Dreadnaught view model by Clay_More, textured and animated by ChromeAngel.
• Spacemarine Scout player model by Wikkyd, textured by ChromeAngel.
• New arched wall light prop.
• New large, arched door, prop.
• New map texture from Clay_More.

Tweaks

• Krak and Frag missiles now have different kill licons.
• Reverted to the old bolter impact sounds.
• Added new models and textures to test lab 868.
• Added a second route out of the chaos spawn on ex_bunker.
• WhiteLightningTwister has modified ex_convoy as a Tyranid defence map.

Bug Fixes

• Dreadnaughts should take damage from melta weapons.
• Different Kill icons for Inferno Pistol and Powersword.
• The Inferno Pistol's Powersword now ignores armour.
• Fix doors in ex_bunker having missing bottoms.
• Fix gaps around the first forcefield in ex_bunker.
• Fix dreadnaughts getting stuck at the car park objective ex_bunker.

Alpha 8.70 rolls up all the changes from the last 10 alpha tests, including all the Chaos player classes and two Chaos maps.  Version 8.70 adds more chaos props, new kill icons, further improves ex_bunker and fixes bugs related to objective markers and bullet holes.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 12:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

After 10 alpha versions it's good to clear the decks and put out a fresh install, just to make sure everyone is playing with 100% the same content and has not missed a patch.  That is why there is no patch for this version, just full installs.  This version is intended to install to the sourcemods/ex folder where Beta versions are normally installed to, rather then sourcemods/ex_alpha as is usual with alphas.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX *Beta*, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see the new Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

This is the first full install of EX to feature all the Chaos classes.  All the classes have bespoke player model in this version.  There is more we can and do want to do with the chaos player models, consider these to be work in progress.


Even with the chaos player models done, they are still using identical weapons to the loyalist space marines.  Long time contributor Clay_More (who you may know as the creator of the biovore), has gone a long way to building an arsenal of chaos weapon models.  However all those weapons still need, rigging texturing, scripting and coding into the mod.

Since the last alpha version (8.69) was released the following changes have been made to Exterminatus:

Features

• New Anti-tank Barricade props by Clay_More.
• New Chaos Star prop (Giant, Large and regular sizes) by Wikkyd.
• New kill icon for the Barbed Strangler weapon.

Tweaks

• Improved the basic chaos chest texture.
• Made a font version of the Missile Launcher's kill icon.
• Enhanced more of the lighting in EX bunker.
• Added a loading screen and Thumbnail image for Bunker.
• Tweaked how Carnifex armour handles damage from the Tarantula.
• Dontask4470 has contributed a lot of updates to player and weapon sounds.

Bug Fixes

• Bullet holes are back!
• Tyranid objectives show the correct icon.
• Team menu shows the correct non-imperial team after switching maps.

Future Plans
With all the classes and player models in Chaos may look complete, but adding chaos weaponry and further refining the chaos player models are planned to be the focus of the next set of EX alphas.  The space marine scout class has not been forgotten about, it's still lacking a critical asset and I (ChromeAngel) have more enthusiasm for Chaos.  I will get around to working on the scout eventually.

WhiteLighningTwister, who has contributed a number of custom, experimental new maps since Beta 8.60 (ex_garage, ex_streets, ex_gardens) has more ideas to try out, I hope some will catch on as well as the his chaos favourite, ex_bunker.  DontAsk4470 continues to work on sound effects and improving his Source map making skills.

I have been approached by a coder offering to get EX running on Linux.  I am somewhat cautious about sharing the EX Source code i've been building up for the last decade.  It would certainly make it cheaper to host dedicated servers if EX ran on Linux.  Is there any appetite in the EX community for a Linux version?

Alpha 8.69 refines a wide variety of features, adds some new chaos props and a new map called Stronghold for testing.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 12:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.69 Features

• New Khorne Standard prop from Clay_More.
• New Tzeench Standard prop from Clay_More.
• New Nurgle Standard prop from Clay_More.
• New Slaanesh Standard prop from Clay_More.
• New imperial generator prop from Clay_More.
• New manual pages for the Chaos Legions (requires proof reading, for grammar, spelling and Chaos Lore).
• New map ex_stronghold, a domination style, chaos fortification, with custom textures by DontAsk4470.

Tweaks

• DontAsk4470 has laid the foundations for the next level of detail pass on the CSM textures by adding the same shiny shaders as used by the imperial team models.
• DontAsk4470 created improved textures for the Sawbones helmet and pauldron.
• Replaced most low-res, human, kill icons with scalable, font-based, kill icons.
• Tweaked ex_bunker to make the 1st objective easier to capture and the 2nd objective harder.
• Improved the lighting and effects on ex_bunker.
• Fixed translation issues on ex_bunker.
• Added new chaos props to csm_thunderhawk.
• Created a new MK III style helmet for the chaos weapons specialist.
• Add a visual kickback effect to the BP combo consistent with the stand alone BP.
• Gave WhiteLightningTwister a Hero tag for his contribution of ex_bunker.

Balance

• Nerfed Apothecary healing aura to only health them 20% as mush as other players.
• Nerfed missile launcher rate of fire from 1 second per shot to 1.5 seconds between shots.
• Buffed fex armour slightly.

The major feature that had been intended for last weeks build was not successful, without it there was not enough to be worth a whole new patch last week.  So this week's update is somewhat patchy, but fuller.

Clay_more continues to churn out chaos weapon model variants at a tremendous rate.

8.70 won't be called a Beta, because of all the work Chaos still needs, but it will be a roll-up, full install version, with change logs, ModDB and Reddit posts and a number of extra steps that I don't do for most Alphas.  So, unless something is terribly broken by this patch I plan to take another 2 weeks to work on Alpha 8.70.

Alpha 8.68 add the final a new chaos player model, the Raptor class.  8.68 also comes with some map bug fixes and a number of other tweaks as the development team move toward a new balancing and polishing phase.


The ModDB mirrors unlock at 12:00 GMT, if it's busy or not working the installer can be downloaded from 40ksource.com.  Please try the ModDB first.

Install the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer

• Navigate to the "Tools" section on your Steam games "Library"
• Install the "Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer"
• Run the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer at least once.
• You can exit once the menu has finished loading.

Install the latest Exterminatus Alpha

• If you already have a copy of the EX alpha, delete it.
• Run the alpha installer and follow it's instructions.
• Restart Steam.  You should now see both the Exterminatus Alpha listed in your library.

Alpha 8.68 Features

• New Raptor player model, raptor head contributed by Wikyyd.
• Added a new map entity ex_team_award.  This will enable  mappers to reward all players on a given team at once.
• New chaos prop from Clay_more, which can be seen on csm_thunderhawk.

Bugfixes

• Fixed a bug in the ex_capture_objective entities handling of it's Captured input.
• Still trying to get medics to hear themselves when they heal.
• Still trying to get killers to hear themselves when they taunt after a kill.
• Attempted to fix the stuck payload on ex_convoy.
• Prevent he payload being damage by marines on ex_convoy.
• Prevent imperials re-capping points on ex_bunker.
• Prevent imperials damaging shield generators on ex_bunker.

Tweaks

• Suppressed the pain sound from falling.
• Tweaked the veteran plasma pistol first person shoot animation.
• Tweaked the chaos dreadnaught aiming and idle animations.
• Tweaked the vent system on csm_thunderhawk.

Wikyyd and Clay_more are both working on weapon models for the Chaos team.  The current plan is to start  adding chaos weapons after Beta 8.70, which will present the Chaos line-up to the wider world.