Hello, Hunters!

It’s been a full year since CONVRGENCE entered Early Access — and what a journey it’s been. Over this time, the game has received countless fixes, improvements, and, of course, plenty of new content. But there’s still so much more to come!

We’ll go over the highlights of the first year and what lies ahead in an upcoming dev diary, but today I’ve got a brand-new anniversary update for you!

• Added a new boss – Kim, the bandit leader.
  He can be found in the Forest location, but only the most experienced hunters should engage him. Kim always travels with a squad, is armed with an AK and grenade launcher, and his helmet can’t be penetrated even by sniper rifles.
  
• Added a new enemy – the boar.
  Boars can also be found in the Forest, in areas previously occupied only by wolves.
  
• Added the RGO impact grenade. Can be found in raids or purchased from Truffle.
  
• Added ammo cans (hold 3x more than regular boxes). Can be found in raids or purchased from Truffle.
  
• You can now eject rounds/shells from the revolver and sawed-off shotgun with the press of a button.
  
• Bandits now throw not only dynamite, but also grenades in combat.
  
• A new "Roadmap" button has been added to the main menu. There, you can view major features from past updates and future development plans.
  
• Two new achievements added for killing Kim.
  
• By popular request, I’ve also added the Supporter Pack 2 — a new set of cosmetic items for the most dedicated fans. Unfortunately, due to some technical issues, it will become available a little later.

• The stealth mission, which became too difficult after the recent bandit AI update, has been replaced with a new task — killing the Alpha Demon.
  
• The Improved Detector and Compass have swapped places in the shop. The Compass, which shows the direction to the extraction point, is now available at reputation level 2.
  
• Truffle now speaks slightly louder.
  
• Bandits can no longer go into a heavily wounded state from a stealth knife attack.
  
• A surrendered or critically wounded bandit can now be finished with a single headshot, even with a helmet.
  
• AKM firing sound has been changed.
  
• Wolves are now more likely to attack as a full pack.
  
• Wolves now move more realistically over uneven terrain.

Attention! In this update, the AK save system has been partially reworked — it's now possible to loot them from the boss and store multiple at once. During the transition to the new system, some attachments on AKs that were already hanging on the wall may be lost. From now on, saving should work reliably.

• Fixed crossbow bolts occasionally passing through enemies.
  
• Fixed a bug where Truffle could sell a regular fuse disguised as an artifact.
  
• Fixed swapped subtitles in some of Truffle’s dialogue.
  
• Fixed a bug that allowed infinite loading of revolver and sawed-off from a box.
  
• Fixed a bug that allowed the “Lone Wolf” achievement to trigger even when raiding with the dog.
  
• Fixed an incorrect displayed point cost for unlocking the Finka knife.
  
• Fixed a bug where the “Pickpocket” achievement might not unlock.
  
• Fixed a bug where a med syringe falling out of a bandit's pocket could lose its cap.
  
• Fixed a bug where a grenade falling from a bandit's pocket could lose the pin too early.
  
• Fixed a bug where APS fire mode was not saved correctly in raid.
  
• Fixed a bug where demons near campfires could ignore the player.
  
• Fixed a bug where reload tips for drum mags (Saiga and AKM) might not disappear.
  
• Fixed a bug where leaderboard rewards might not unlock.
  
• Fixed a bug where the AK found in the hunter’s stash wouldn’t save behind the player’s back.
  
• Fixed a bug where the PPSh bolt wouldn't move when firing.
  
• Fixed a bug where you could break Zakharich's intro/tutorial by returning to the shooting range too early.
  
• Fixed a bug where animal hides were not damaged by explosions.

Various other minor improvements and fixes.

To celebrate the anniversary, the game is 25% off, and Supporter Pack 1 is 20% off — both discounts last until May 6. Happy CONVRGENCE day hunters!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2609610/CONVRGENCE/
https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/42080/CONVRGENCE_Supporter_Edition/

- Revolver, Mosin rifle, and sawed-off shotgun can now be reloaded by simply bringing an open ammo box close, rather than having to spawn individual rounds.
- Fixed a bug where the damage effect (red screen tint) could get stuck and remain until the player healed.
- Fixed a bug that prevented the use of underbarrel UV flashlights when holding a weapon in the left hand.
- Fixed a bug where the same bandit conversation could loop endlessly in different locations.
- Fixed a bug where leaning over a car trunk could launch the player upwards.
- Fixed missing textures on the rear part of one of the cars.
- Fixed a bug where enemy muzzle flashes could be seen through walls.
- Some other minor fixes.

- Fixed a bug where grenades looted from bandits could spawn without a pin and detonate immediately.
- Fixed a bug preventing the PP-9 from being held with both hands after reloading.
- Fixed a bug where the PPSh’s dirt level was not displayed in the hideout.
- Fixed a bug where the cleaned state of the PPSh, sawed-off, and Mosin rifle was not saved after being cleaned.
- Fixed a bug where lasers/flashlights on weapons mounted on the gun wall would turn on by themselves.
- Fixed a bug preventing the Mosin rifle’s bolt from being grabbed after being placed on the gun wall in the hideout.
- Fixed a bug where Truffle could open his crate earlier than intended, before finishing his introduction.
- Fixed a bug where two military crates could spawn inside each other in the Underground Facility.
- Cigarettes now extinguish in barrels :)
- Various other minor fixes.

- Fixed a bug where bandits could see the player through walls.
- Fixed a bug with invisible military crates where only the lid was visible.
- Fixed bugs with invisible doors and drawers on certain interactive objects.
- Fixed a bug where the Mosin rifle’s bolt could be positioned incorrectly.
- Fixed a bug with incorrect ammo count display inside a Mosin rifle looted from a bandit.
- Fixed a bug where new wound visual effects could break the rendering of some textures and UI elements.
- Fixed a bug where coughing could persist even after stopping a bleed.
- Fixed a bug where Truffle could give away certain items for free.
- Fixed a bug where Truffle was selling some items at cost price without his markup.
- Fixed a bug where the PPSh, Sawed-off, and Mosin rifle did not disappear after dying in a raid without insurance.
- Fixed a bug where after purchasing level 3 storage, access to the second tab was restricted.

- Fixed a bug with incorrect weapon slot positioning in raid for left-handed players.
- Fixed a bug that prevented unlocking the "Hammer Time" and "High Noon" achievements.
- Fixed a bug where artifact damage could cause bleeding.
- Fixed a bug where Truffle would call the player over too early.
- Fixed subtitle mismatches in some of Truffle’s voice lines.
- Fixed a bug where Truffle could offer the wrong quest item for purchase.
- Fixed incorrect sell prices for drum magazines after purchasing them from Truffle.
- Yellow tutorial sticky notes in the hideout have been placed back in their proper locations.

The bandit AI overhaul, which began late last year with the addition of ragdoll physics and numerous AI bug fixes, is now complete.

• Bandits now behave more dynamically and realistically in combat: they reposition, take cover, retreat under heavy fire, and flee from grenades.
  
• The last surviving bandit in a group can now surrender and drop their weapon.
  
• Instead of always dying instantly, bandits can sometimes fall wounded to the ground.
  
• Bandits now have a more diverse loot pool, including high-reputation weapon magazines and valuable consumables.
  
• Bandits wield a wider variety of weapons, including new additions to their arsenal.
  
• They are now divided into classes based on their weapon type, each with unique combat behavior. For example, snipers never close the distance, while shotgun-wielding bandits aggressively push forward.
  
• Bandits can now miss shots at long distances. The greater the range, the higher the chance of missing. Other factors, like target movement speed, also affect their accuracy.
  
• Tracer rounds are now visible from bandit gunfire to make firefights more readable.
  
• New voice lines added for bandits to match their improved combat behavior (changing positions, retreating, surrendering).
  
• Numerous bug fixes and other AI behavior improvements listed in other sections.

Please note that this overhaul primarily focuses on making bandits behave more realistically rather than significantly increasing their difficulty. Bandits are just one of the planned human enemy factions in the game and are meant to be among the easiest opponents.

However, for those looking for a greater challenge, basic difficulty settings have been added, adjusting enemy damage dealt and received. More advanced difficulty customization will be introduced in future updates.

• Two new weapons: the Mosin-Nagant and IZh-43 sawed-off shotgun, both lootable from bandits.
  
• New gun rack above the table for additional weapon storage.
  
• Bleeding mechanics added – wounds now have a chance to cause bleeding, with duration based on difficulty settings.
  
• Bandages introduced along with a new bandaging mechanic.
  
• Tutorial updated to include a bandaging step.

A new underground trader has set up shop at the base! You can read more about him in the latest development diary.

• Truffle sells rare items that were previously only available as loot in raids, such as drum magazines or underbarrel UV flashlights and other rare attachments.
  
• He also stocks quest items needed for active missions, so if you're having trouble finding a specific item, Truffle has got you covered!
  
• His inventory is limited and refreshes daily, so be sure to check in regularly for the best deals!

• Your dog can now take damage in combat, and enemies can attack it.
  
• If critically injured, it will require medical assistance to recover.

• Over 100 new voice lines for Zakharich, including unique commentary on your purchases.
  
• New bandit dialogues revealing more about the game’s lore.
  
• Weapon slots now move up when crouching and can no longer clip through the ground.
  
• New visual effects for damage and critical health.
  
• Enhanced muzzle flashes.
  
• Blood splatter effect on screen when attacking with a knife.
  
• New passageway opened in the base leading to a lower floor.
  
• New competitive season started. Leaderboards have been reset (previously earned leaderboard rewards remain unaffected).
  
• 13 new Steam Achievements added.
  
• Additional optimization improvements.

The bandit boss was originally planned for this update but has been delayed. He is now expected to be introduced next month.

• PPSh handling reworked to improve comfort and consistency with other long guns.
  
• PPSh mechanics adjusted to better reflect real-world behavior.
  
• PPSh price reduced from 4,500 to 3,000 rubles.
  
• PPSh magazine price increased from 500 to 600 rubles.
  
• Ammo pack size for PPSh/Tokarev increased from 45 to 60 rounds.
  
• Ammo boxes can now be stored in large belt slots.
  
• Left-handed mode adjustments: Crossbow quiver, offset foregrip, and canted red dot now face the correct direction.
  
• Throwing knives now have a swish sound when swung.
  
• Cigarettes moved to Reputation Level 2 instead of Level 1.
  
• Increased ammo availability from bandit loot.
  
• PDA now displays whether a laser/light is for the primary or secondary weapon.
  
• Zakharich no longer repeats the same phrase multiple times when selling items.
  
• Increased spawn rate for PPSh drum magazines (previously much lower than AKM and Saiga drum mags).
  
• You can no longer buy items from the trader until completing the initial tutorial.
  
• Insurance moved to the first stand instead of being off to the side of the door.
  
• Crossbow bolts and quiver now unlock at Reputation Level 3.
  
• Headlamps worn by bandits now cast dynamic shadows.
  
• Limb damage for all enemies reduced by 50%.
  
• Bandits now take longer to detect a crouching player.
  
• Crouching now completely silences footsteps and slows movement speed a bit more.
  
• The missing hunter from a quest now has the correct appearance (previously looked like a soldier).
  
• Bandits no longer throw dynamite if they are too close to the player.
  
• Bandit combat dialogue no longer repeats excessively.
  
• Bandits now move faster while repositioning in combat.
  
• Molotov fire effects improved. New burning animations added for bandits.
  
• Player now takes damage when standing in fire.
  
• Finka Knife leaderboard requirement increased from 10,000 to 12,000 points (previous rewards remain unaffected).
  
• Updated icons for several older achievements.
  
• Winter is over! Snowfall has stopped in all locations.
  
• Removed sound cue that played when a bandit first spotted the player.
  
• New preference questions added to the initial settings survey.

• Fixed a bug where combining real-life crouching with joystick crouch could clip the player through the ground.
  
• Fixed a bug where real-life crouching wouldn’t work properly for stealth detection.
  
• Crackers pack no longer disappear after selling it.
  
• Fixed leaderboard pages displaying incorrect supporter status.
  
• Fixed an issue where a removed hybrid sight prevented collimators from being mounted on the Saiga.
  
• Fixed missing collision on certain fences in the Garage Cooperative area.
  
• Fixed missing collision on a blue tractor in the Garage Cooperative area.
  
• Fixed fog boundary issues in the Forest.
  
• Fixed a bug where a dead bandit’s weapon could remain in his hands.
  
• Fixed an issue where scanned item descriptions could extend off-screen in the PDA.
  
• Fixed PPSh and TT-33 dirtiness timers being much longer than intended.
  
• Fixed a bug where equipping the revolver too early could break the tutorial.
  
• Fixed an item duplication exploit in the sapper armor’s special pocket.
  
• Fixed missing reload hints for looted PPShs.
  
• Fixed rare cases of item grab indicators appearing too small.
  
• Fixed a duplicate APS stock bug.
  
• Fixed some items appearing incorrectly in slots and drawers.
  
• Fixed a bug where bandits didn’t detect the player using a headlamp or weapon laser in the dark.
  
• Fixed a bolt duplication bug for the crossbow.
  
• Fixed incorrect bandit movement speed while retreating backwards.
  
• Fixed a material issue with the Taiga-1 knife.
  
• Fixed leaderboard rewards not being granted for players ranked below 1,000.
  
  
• Some other minor changes and improvements.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2609610/CONVRGENCE/
https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/42080/CONVRGENCE_Supporter_Edition/

Only a few weeks remain until the release of the Major Update 0.5.0, which will arrive in the first half of March. But I can’t leave you without news this month — so it's time to bring back the long-forgotten dev diary format!

The main focus of this upcoming update is the bandit AI overhaul. Let’s be honest — since the game’s release, enemy behavior has left much to be desired. Bandits could sometimes fail to notice the player standing right next to them or, on the contrary, act like aimbots, shooting from across the map and even through cover. It didn’t help that they all carried the same weapons with a limited loot pool and, upon death, occasionally clipped through the environment. And when it came to combat, “mobility” might be too generous of a term — they often stood rooted in place while shooting.

This will soon change. Bandits will gain access to new weapons, dividing them into different subclasses — each with its own combat behavior. Their loot pool will also become more diverse: you’ll be able to find magazines, compatible with your top tier weapons, and valuable consumables in their pouches. Their combat tactics will feel much more realistic: they’ll change positions, take cover, avoid direct fire, miss shots at long distances, run from grenades, and more. I’ll share further details in the patch notes.

Worried that the game might become too difficult, especially with the addition of the bleeding mechanic? Don’t worry! Along with the AI overhaul, difficulty settings will also be introduced, allowing you to choose the challenge level that suits your playstyle.

But Update 0.5.0 isn’t just about the bandit overhaul. In addition to other features I’m keeping under wraps for now, the update will introduce two new key characters who were teased in the last sneak peak. Meet: Truffle and Kim!


From its earliest days, the Chernokamensk Anomaly Zone has drawn all kinds of people like a magnet. Some fled there to escape their problems, others sought adventure, and still others came hoping to make a fortune. At some point, Truffle joined this influx.

No one remembers exactly when he arrived at the hideout — his activities blended so seamlessly into the daily life of its inhabitants that it seems like he’s always been there. Yet, one person was less than thrilled by his arrival: Zakharich. The trader fiercely defended his territory and was even prepared to use certain “persuasive” measures against his competitor. But at some point, Zakharich unexpectedly backed down, and they peacefully divided their spheres of influence.

Of course, contraband goods had found their way into the Zone long before Truffle arrived. But under his watch, the supply network expanded significantly. How exactly it operates remains a mystery, though rumors suggest that the local criminal underworld, led by Kim, plays a key role. Naturally, such activity did not go unnoticed. The military soon took an interest in Truffle, yet somehow, he managed to slip through their fingers unscathed.

Despite the questions surrounding his business, everyone uses Truffle’s services — hunters, scientists, and even the military. He knows how to find common ground with anyone, maintains his composure, and never picks fights. Some of the hideout’s residents even joke that if demons could talk, Truffle would find a way to strike a deal with them too.


Since the military eliminated the previous bandit leader, the gangs had scattered across the Zone, posing little threat. Sticking to small groups, they only dared to ambush hunters in relatively safe areas. But recently, things have changed. Bandits have been spotted deeper within the Zone, acting bolder and more ruthless — and rumor has it that they now have a new leader: someone named Kim.

Whether it's his real name or a nickname is unknown, but stories about him are already circulating throughout the Zone. Some hunters believe Kim is nothing more than a fabrication invented by the military to scare off newcomers. This theory seems plausible since bandit activity surged precisely when the influx of newcomers began. Zakharich tried to gather information about Kim through his network of informants, but the results were inconclusive.

Some sources claim Kim is a fugitive convict, while others suggest he was once a member of Torch — a reconnaissance unit formed from volunteers of the Chernokamensk special forces. The truth remains elusive: the military has no access to prison databases beyond the Zone’s borders, and Torch disappeared without a trace, with no word from its members in years.

Whatever the truth, one thing is certain: under Kim’s leadership, the once-disorganized gangs have quickly transformed into a formidable force that even the military must now take seriously.


That’s all for now, Hunters — but there’s much more to come! The closed beta test for Update 0.5.0 is just around the corner, and I invite anyone interested to join our Discord server to be among the first to try it out: https://discord.gg/9t79QCHvPc .


And if you’ve yet to explore the Chernokamensk Zone, now’s the perfect time!

Until February 28, the game is available at 25% off. Plus, you can also get it as part of a bundle with Bootstrap Island — owners of one game will receive an additional 15% discount on the other.

Don't miss the chance to expand your VR library with two of the most popular indie VR games of 2024 — at a great price!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2609610/CONVRGENCE/

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/42080/CONVRGENCE_Supporter_Edition/

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/50570/Best_of_Indie_VR_2024/

Hello, hunters!

The major update 0.5, scheduled for the first quarter, will not only deliver the long-awaited overhaul of bandit AI but also introduce new content and mechanics. You'll find some clues about the upcoming features in this image. What do you think they could be? And who are Kim and Truffle mentioned in the note?

Join our Discord to stay up to date with all the news and be the first to know about updates. I regularly share more detailed insights on what I'm working on there and host exclusive beta tests for major updates before their release: https://discord.gg/9t79QCHvPc .


You can get the game at a 25% discount until January 20th. Happy hunting!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2609610/CONVRGENCE/

- The Holiday Event has concluded, but don’t worry if you missed out on any rewards. They’ll return during the next holiday season!

- Fixed a bug where the UV grenade dealt too much damage to demons.
- Fixed an invisible wall blocking entry into one of the containers in the Forest.
- Fixed missing collision with certain walls in the Garage Cooperative.
- Fixed a bug where 9mm ammo can appear with a winter camo texture.
- Fixed an issue where players could get stuck in Urban Camo on the PMM, Saiga, and APS without being able to switch to other skins after unlocking Winter Camo.
- Fixed a bug where the dog could be teleported to the roof of a house in the Forest village.
- Fixed an issue where a canted red dot removed from the AKM or SVD would reappear after entering a raid.
- Fixed a bug preventing the Hybrid sight from being mounted on the AKM after removing a 6x scope.
- Fixed a bug with some magazines having infinite ammo.
- Shotgun ammo boxes now produce the correct sound when shaken.
- Torches in the Underground Facility can now light dynamite sticks, cigarettes, and Molotov cocktails.
- Rats are no longer immune to explosions.
- Improved performance on the Forest location.

- Some other minor tweaks and fixes.

- Fixed a bug where some non-interactive decorative buildings, meant to spawn outside the playable area in the Garage Cooperative, could appear inside it and overlap other objects.
- Fixed a bug where the UV grenade would not damage demons already in a stunned state.
- Fixed an issue where the Urban Camouflage from the Supporter Pack could display as Winter Camouflage.
- Fixed missing collision for trash inside vehicles, which could cause bandit bodies to clip into them after death.
- Fixed a bug where the crossbow would be unlocked at the start of a new game if it had been obtained in a previous playthrough.
- Starting a new game no longer resets previously selected player height settings, belt positioning, or hand angle adjustments.

- The range at which enemies can hear the player's walking and running sounds has been increased.
- Added several new decorative objects that can spawn outside the playable area in the Garage Cooperative.

Other minor fixes and adjustments.