Get ready for another exciting update: Thrive 0.8.0 is here! Packed with visual upgrades, this release introduces reworked 3D models for organelles, fresh membrane textures, and improved icons to enhance clarity and aesthetics. The dynamic environments also see significant changes, with more balanced compound changes and vent eruptions.
In the editor, two major tools make their debut. The organelle suggestion system offers strategic recommendations based on Auto-Evo, guiding players on which organelles will benefit their organism’s evolution. And the split order tab which gives you precise control over ATP production by letting you customize the sequence of organelle reproduction, adding a new layer of strategic depth to cell development.
As always the update is available for free with our launcher, or you can support development by purchasing on Steam or Itch.io. Additionally Thrive is on sale on Steam right now for 25% off, so this is the perfect chance to grab a copy if you don’t have one already. Or if you want to support monthly to allow continued Thrive development, our Patreon has a sale going on as well. There’s also a free preview of what the Patreon exclusive progress updates contain in this post.
Read on for more details, or visit the download page linked below to get the new version.
Thrive 0.8.0
See our patch notes for full details, or read on for some of the highlights.
Organelle Suggestion System
This update introduces the Organelle Suggestion System, a helpful tool that offers recommendations based on Auto-Evo analysis.
While in the editor, the system suggests which organelles to add to your organism in order to guide you towards optimizing its evolution. By analyzing your species’ needs and environmental conditions through the lens of auto-evo, it provides valuable guidance for both new and experienced players to make strategic decisions. While certainly useful it may make some seemingly unusual suggestions for now, as auto-evo itself can sometimes have a warped view on what makes a successful species at this time.
Organelle Split Order Tab
With this update comes a powerful new feature in the editor: the Organelle Split Order Tab which allows for greater control over the reproduction process in your cell!
The Split Order Tab gives players the ability to customize the order organelles split during the growth-phase, providing players with greater control over their cell’s life cycle. Players can optimize their organism’s efficiency and better plan for cell growth by determining what parts are reproduced at each stage of reproduction. This addition adds a layer of depth to the editor, allowing for a more flexible and realistic cell reproduction.
If you feel this might be too complex to handle, do not worry! Use of this feature is entirely optional and players can still enjoy the original experience of cell-growth by simply ignoring the feature.
Revamped Visuals for Membranes & Organelles
This update continues to enhance Thrive’s visuals with improved graphic effects and texture reworks!
Each membrane texture has been completely revamped. While 3D membranes have been in the game for a while, their textures were originally very similar which made differentiating membrane types impossible. Now, each cell membrane and wall has a distinct look which allows players to more easily identify what they may or may not be able to consume.
The organelle 3D models have also undergone a major overhaul, improving their design and granting a vibrant look to cellular life in Thrive.
Additional Features
- Reintroduced Mac builds of Thrive. Thrive is again playable on macOS but this is not official full support yet.
- Added sulfur chunks.
- Added an underwater vent eruption event that creates extra hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in the patch.
- Made nitrogen dynamic.
- Added two new multicellular loading screen artworks.
- Reduced base endosymbiosis time costs by one.
- Lowered hydrogenase ATP output by 10%.
A full list of changes is available in our release notes on GitHub.
What’s Next
As always remember to join us for our developer Thrivestream later today, where we’ll cover the changes in this release and answer any questions you might have about the future of development. We’ll also answer the usual question of what’s coming in the next releases.
You can also visit our feedback thread to give your thoughts on this update.