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.