Downpour Interactive, a subsidiary of Meta, has branded this release as “the most significant update since the game’s debut in 2016.” This comprehensive update includes substantial graphical enhancements for all weapons and gear, the introduction of new weaponry, a fresh game mode, character model customization options, a remastered classic map, and the addition of an entirely new map.
Downpour has noted a “significant visual leap” in the weapons and equipment, with total overhauls in models, textures, and sound effects for everything ranging from firearms to drones and smoke grenades.
Thirteen new weapons have been integrated, including a pump-action shotgun and revolver distinguished by unique hand interactions:
MARSOC
- M870 (Specialist)
- Vector (Specialist)
- HK416 (Rifleman)
- HK45T (All Classes)
- M45A1 (All Classes)
- M27 (Marksman, Support)
- MR73 Revolver (Rifleman, Marksman)
Volk
- AK103 (Rifleman)
- Saiga 12 (Specialist)
- APC9 (Specialist)
- MP443 Grach (All Classes)
- Stechkin APS (Specialist, Support)
- RPK-74 (Support with drum magazine, Rifleman with molot magazine)
Additionally, two firearms have been removed from the lineup: the G3A3 and M1911. According to Downpour, the G3A3 has fallen out of favor with contemporary military forces and has been supplanted by the newly introduced RPK-74. The M1911, now rarely used in practice, has been replaced by the modernized M45A1.
In previous updates, all team members looked identical, but Onward Update 2.0 introduces 10 unique “operators” for each faction—totaling 20 characters—to help players personalize their in-game appearance.
The update also brings a new map named Overgrowth along with a remastered version of the beloved Downfall, both of which can be played in day or night settings. These maps not only feature enhanced graphics but also introduce climbable ladders, now also accessible in Shooting Range, FOB, and Bazaar.
Additionally, the Tanker map is now available in a daytime variant rather than exclusively at night.
Moreover, Onward Update 2.0 introduces a new co-op mode titled Retrieval and allows for additional AI adversaries to emerge in the Hunt mode once the initial 32 have been overcome.
Players can also expect numerous adjustments aimed at enhancing quality of life and realism, including improvements to bullet drop, scope zeroing, and the introduction of advanced scope technology.
Full Onward Update 2.0 Changelog
Headline Features
- Complete overhaul of all existing weapon models, textures, and associated visual and audio elements.
- Introduction of new weapon types, such as pump-action shotguns and a revolver.
- Newly added weapons include: M870, Vector, HK416, HK45T, M45A1, M27, MR73, AK103, Saiga 12, APC9, MP443 Grach, Stechkin APS, RPK-74 (Drum / Molot).
- All weapon attachments were revamped and new types introduced.
- Introduction of new weapon attachments like grippods, alternative iron sights, hybrid scopes, combo laser sights, and others.
- Complete character redesigns for MARSOC and Volk operatives.
- Twenty selectable operators with customizable arm band and lens colors, when applicable.
- Two new maps: Downfall Remastered (replacing prior map) and Overgrowth.
- New musical scores added throughout the game.
- Enhanced visual effects for bullet impacts and player damage.
- New server filtering options based on platform.
- Interactive ladders introduced in multiple maps.
Weapons
- Reworked ballistic trajectory mechanics, ensuring they are now independent of frame rate and accurately represent bullet mass, form, and drop over time.
- New alternative grip poses introduced for certain guns to facilitate overlap when using alternative magazines (e.g., RPK drum magazine in an AK-style weapon).
- New “trigger discipline” animations for the index finger on all firearms, resting on the trigger housing when the controller trigger isn’t engaged.
- All firearms support trigger animations when pulling the trigger, including alternate attachments like tasers.
- Tracer rounds now impact all bullets in the Shooting Range, rather than just every third round.
- Volk has been equipped with a unique stun gun.
- Stun guns were modified so players can now hack tablets regardless of being downed, provided they were hit by the stun gun.
- Bipods on certain LMGs are now accessible for gripping.
- Shotgun shell carriers were introduced.
Maps
- New daytime variant of the Tanker map introduced.
- The Shooting Range now includes a basketball goal and several hidden easter eggs.
- Ladders added to various rooftops in Bazaar.
- Functional ladders added to Shooting Range and FOB towers.
- Significant improvements in lighting and textures across various maps, notably Bazaar and Quarantine.
- Texturing and propping enhancements made to Shooting Range, Quarantine, Tanker, Suburbia, and Bazaar maps.
- Several skyboxes have also seen enhancements.
- Subway is now available in Assault mode.
- Night maps have a chance of adverse weather effects, like lightning or aerial flyovers.
Game Modes
- New game mode introduced: Retrieval, akin to the hard drive recovery mission in Mercenary Mode.
- Gun Game now utilizes random factions alongside faction-specific equipment.
- New “pump-action shotgun” mode added for One in the Chamber.
- Male and female VIP options added for Escort mode, matching player character choice.
- FFA modes implement character selections with random faction assignment.
- “Safe Spawn” feature allows players to respawn at random locations in Free Roam.
- Visible boundaries established in Subway for Assault mode.
- Co-op modes allow for the spawn of up to 512 bots, respawning past the initial 32, with ammo boxes replenishing.
Bots / AI
- Enhanced AI responsiveness to incoming fire for realistic reactions during travel.
- AI has transitioned from speaking Russian to English with a pronounced accent for better player awareness.
- Several new voice lines included for AI actions like throwing grenades and taking fire.
- AI features both male and female voice options.
Miscellaneous
- Visible Quest 3 controller display for Quest 3 users in tutorials.
- Updated visuals for all menu elements.
- Player vocalizations now feature both male and female variants.
- A new drawing board pen that randomizes colors every round.
- Competitive warning fixed when joining through playlists.
Bug Fixes
- Removed outdated Quest 1 optimizations that negatively affected character appearance.
- Fixed hand positioning when grabbing LMG lids from improper angles.
- Resolved potential game freezes during map transitions when players leave.
- Addressed issues causing brightness mismatches after leaving games during flares.
- Fixed various obstruction and collision issues in multiple maps.
- Corrected UI overlaps in server selections and manual inputs.
- Resolved issues with AI behavior when using cover mechanics.
Onward is accessible via the Meta Horizon Store for Quest headsets, Meta PC Store for Link & Rift, and Steam for all SteamVR-compatible headsets.