Major update 0.52 released for Arma 3 aplha

Developer Bohemia Interactive have just rolled out a brand new patch for the Alpha version of Arma 3. In addition to the laundry list of bug and crash fixes, the update incorporates a slew of enhancements and changes. Some of them include improved network performance, improvements to shadows and much more. Check out the full change-log below.

Since this is still the Alpha version, expect bugs and glitches to be prevalent for quite some time. The Alpha build of the game consists of a limited section of the main game on the island of Stratis 20 km², while the full game will cover a massive area of 290 km². The Beta version is only out in Q2 2013, while the full release arrives in the third quarter.

Here’s the scoop:

• Showcase SCUBA:
  • More forgiving alarm threshold
  • Added more hints
  • Improved scenario endings
  • More rockets for the launcher added
• Showcase Helicopters:
  • Performance optimizations
  • Few minor tweaks
• Showcase Vehicles:
  • More forgiving alarm threshold
  • Few minor tweaks
• MP: Escape from Stratis
  • Fixed: Mission success after resuming game
  • ‘Combat Get In’ module added
  • Respawn time is now 30 seconds (was 120)
  • Improved mission endings
  • New task appears when both choppers on the airfield are destroyed
  • New mission ending “all boats and helicopters destroyed”
  • Warning hint pops up when the group leader is AI controlled
  • Patrolling Ka-60 Black now unloads troops when under fire
  • More enemies at the airfield
  • Some new map locations populated
• MP: Headhunters
  • “Exfiltrate” task is now set as current after all targets are eliminated
  • The mission will now end when either all players are near the exfil marker or in a boat
  • ‘Combat Get In’ module added
  • Possible respawn desync in multiplayer fixed
• New scenario ending screen added
• Task notification visuals improved
• Seagull in “BIRD”, “GROUP” and “SIDE” respawn replaced by a basic spectator camera
• Scenarios-button now always available, even when there’s no content
• Added more entries into Field Manual
• Compass and watch re-sized
• Ka-60 minigun now rotates
• Ka-60 doors and glass made correctly penetrable
• MH-9 passengers can now see the tail
• Helicopter weapons tweaked
• Class names for Ifrits changed to be the correct ones
• Alamut and MX SW now have correct icons in command menu
• Countermeasures now stored in one magazine per vehicle
• Correct Alpha Lite logo in splash screens added
• Most windows in houses are now destructable
• Static weapons should be more durable, shouldn’t be targetable by guided missiles and shouldn’t be flippable by user action when destroyed
• Added more camoflage selections for vests and helmets
• Red faction uniforms have proper class names
• Changed priorities in action menu
• TRG iron-sights remodeled after feedback
• Collimator sights are now default primary on combined optics (Ctrl + RMB is the default switch)
• Camera shake on 6.5mm ammunition removed
• Server browser UI overlapping fixed in some places
• Squad URL is no longer automatically upper-cased (and thus broken)
• Editor loading took long when using MX rifles – fixed
• Added freelook in vehicles via default option
• Correct tracer colors have been distributed among factions
• Fish should be less inclined to travel on land

Changes to the Engine:

• Shadow improvements implemented
• Improved network performance (vehicles are no longer lagging as much)
• Fixed several game crashes
• Fixed synchronization of cargo poses in MP
• Fixed various inventory-related bugs and crashes
• Improved vehicle collisions
• Grenades can no longer be thrown under water
• Fixed airplane / helicopter camera shaking
• Default and Development versions have different numbering to prevent incompatibilities in multiplayer

The final version of Arma 3 is still a long way from release, but for those of you who can’t hold on to your horses any no longer, then you’re in luck. The Arma 3 Alpha is now available for testing purpose and those who haven’t received an invite can purchase it off Steam via its Early Access program.