Red Barrels has released a new hotfix for The Outlast Trials, targeting several gameplay issues and introducing micro balance adjustments to the recently added Invasion mode. This update fixes multiple problems reported by players, including imposter reward errors, XP reward issues, and inaccessible fuses. The patch also corrects spectator camera jittering and tweaks global invasion rates to increase the frequency of invasions in regular Trials, improving matchmaking variety for both Reagents and Imposters.
In addition to these fixes, the update delivers the first round of balance tuning for Invasion mode. Changes include refinements to stun effects, imposter retreat behavior, and execution mechanics to create a more deliberate risk-reward dynamic. The goal, according to the developers, is to encourage strategic decision-making while maintaining tension and unpredictability in player encounters.
Full Patch Notes
Bug Fixes
- Fixed an issue where Imposters received an “F” rating and no rewards if Reagents left the match.
- Fixed Rebirth not granting XP rewards.
- Fixed fuses becoming inaccessible during gameplay.
- Resolved camera jittering issues in spectator mode.
- Adjusted global invasion rates so players can be invaded more frequently in regular Trials (Genesis + Geister).
Invasion Gameplay Balance Adjustments
General Changes
- Reagents can now interrupt fatal slash kill animations.
- Early stab kills and execution interruptions now result in the victim being downed instead of instantly killed.
Stun Adjustments
- Decreased stun effect duration on player imposters.
- Increased base cooldown to 200 seconds (was 180s).
- Slightly reduced effect range against player imposters.
- Upgrade “Restore” cooldown reduction lowered to 50% (was 75%).
- Upgrade “Decreased Cooldown” effect lowered to 15% (was 20%).
Developer Comment:
When combined with certain Amps and items, the Stun Rig was overperforming as an offensive tool. These adjustments aim to maintain its intended role as a situational, defensive mechanism rather than a constant advantage.
Imposter Adjustments
- Imposters are no longer forced to retreat after downing a Reagent. Retreat only triggers after a confirmed execution.
- Executions can now be performed while preparing a stab; nearby alive Reagents will be prioritized.
- Reduced slash miss stamina cost to 20 (was 25).
- Increased retreat time to 20 seconds base (25 seconds upgraded).
Developer Comment:
This change balances the risk-reward system for imposters by removing automatic retreats after downing a Reagent. It also prevents unwanted retreat triggers during interrupted Stab Kills, ensuring smoother gameplay flow.
Community Feedback & Support
- For Twitch Drops and account linking details, visit the official Outlast Trials support page.
- Players encountering in-game issues can reach the support team via the official 18+ Outlast Discord Server.
- Feedback on the Invasion Experimental Therapy can be shared through dedicated surveys or general feedback forms.
The Outlast Trials is a first-person psychological survival horror experience set during the Cold War, acting as a prequel to the Outlast series. Players assume the role of “Reagents,” human test subjects enduring sadistic mind-control experiments conducted by the Murkoff Corporation. The game blends stealth, evasion, and teamwork as players navigate through deranged trials that test both physical endurance and mental stability. Developed and published by Red Barrels, the game launched on March 5, 2024, for Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
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