Patch 1.02b has rolled out for Total Chaos, targeting specific combat frustrations and progression blockers that have plagued survivors on Fort Oasis. The update focuses heavily on tightening weapon mechanics and ensuring the game's performance holds up when the screen gets crowded.
Combat Consistency and Spear Fixes
There are few things more frustrating in a survival horror game than timing a perfect block and taking damage anyway. For melee-focused players, the most significant change in this update is the fix for spear weapon parries. Previously, the hit registration could be unreliable, leaving players vulnerable even when they reacted correctly. This patch tightens that window, making the spear a much more viable defensive option against the horrors of the colony.
Preventing Soft-Locks in Chapter 6
Progression blockers are immersion killers, and Trigger Happy Interactive has addressed a major one in Chapter 6. A new Harpoon Gun has been placed in the level specifically to prevent potential soft-locks. If you were previously getting stuck without the necessary firepower to advance, this addition ensures you have the tools required to push forward without restarting the chapter.
How does this affect performance?
Survival horror relies on atmosphere, and nothing ruins dread faster than a frame rate drop. Patch 1.02b includes optimizations specifically for high enemy counts. If you noticed stuttering or lag spikes during intense encounters involving Protectors, Knife Wielders, or Miners, this update should smooth out those sequences. The developers also resolved bugs where these specific AI archetypes would get stuck in the geometry or cause sudden performance dips.
Visual and Narrative Polish
The update cleans up several visual glitches, specifically addressing pop-in issues with environmental objects like wood pallets and Cora's toys. On the narrative side, players aiming for the "good ending" will no longer be ambushed by Final Forgotten ones in the Epilogue if they met the correct conditions. It’s a small change, but one that preserves the narrative payoff for players who put in the work to save everyone.