Hydroneer 2.0 Multiplayer Update is Out Now

The Hydroneer 2.0 Multiplayer update has arrived, delivering Steam Remote Play multiplayer and overhauls of several key systems in this sandbox crafting game.

Hydroneer was originally intended to get a multiplayer update some time ago, but that update was delayed in order to add some new features. Further complications with the physics engine slowed work down somewhat, but the day has finally arrived -- you can now play Hydroneer online with your friends.

What's New in the Hydroneer 2.0 Multiplayer Update?

The first major addition in the Hydroneer 2.0 Multiplayer Update is, well, multiplayer. You can play the game together with a friend using either local multiplayer or online multiplayer through Steam Remote Play.

Unfortunately, the online multiplayer still uses a split-screen -- complications with the physics engine made a traditional "server and client" multiplayer setup too complicated for Foulball Hangover to complete in a reasonable amount of time. One upside of this decision, however, is that your friend doesn't need a copy of the game thanks to the way Steam Remote Play works: you're essentially sharing a local co-op session over the Internet.

"The update has been in the works since January 2021, and it would be a lie if I told you we didn't have immense setbacks, from staffing issues to hitting roadblocks with the multiplayer development, we had to essentially start again in December 2021, throwing out a lot of work," read today's update. "With this, the final version of what we wanted multiplayer to be was completely changed."

"Due to technical limitations of physics engines, and our dedication to staying indie and not taking on outside investors, I decided the best move forward was to make the multiplayer aspects of the update as Steam Remote Play Splitscreen. We've been heavily testing this and putting it through its paces and I am personally very impressed with how far [it's] come since I last used it. If you've had the same discomfort of using it before, give it another try, you might be surprised by how smooth it is!"

Another key addition in this update is an overhaul of the Automation system. There is now a Tier system for machines (and tools, too). You won't be able to just buy machines, either -- you'll have to build them yourself using a massive, ancient anvil.

Fortunately, you won't have to wait a very long time to build machines -- you can get early access to a limited number of starter machines right across the road. Sorting out your resources is easier, too, with the addition of a new, water-powered Hand Sorter that's also available at the shop across the road.

Hydroneer Merch and Roadmap Revealed

In addition to today's Hydroneer 2.0 Multiplayer Update, Foulball Hangover had two more points to tackle -- the Hydroneer Roadmap and the sale of limited-edition Hydroneer merch.

The Hydroneer devs are also doing a merch drop -- you can buy a t-shirt, a pin, or a plush Cloutium Pipe (yes, really). Don't sit around too long, though -- this is a limited-edition merch run! You can check out the limited-edition Hydroneer merch on RobaRoba.

These are just some of the many changes that have come ot the game; you can read the full Hydroneer 2.0 Multiplayer Update patch notes for all the fine details. There's never been a better time to get into this great machine-building game -- you can buy Hydroneer for PC via Steam at the price of $9.99 or your regional equivalent.