Dev Update — Squad AI, New Map, and Gameplay Improvements
Operation Athena Patch Notes — March 29, 2026
Aggregated from Steam, cross-tracked with Battle.net coverage on GamePatchNote.
Hey Operators,
Here’s a quick development update to keep everyone on Steam in the loop. We’ve been putting a lot of time into a few core systems and new content, so we wanted to share what’s currently in progress.
Friendly Team AI
We’ve been working hard on a friendly squad AI system.
The command wheel and basic orders are already in the game, including the ability to send teammates to positions and order them to breach/open doors, but we’re currently expanding this into a more complete system.
The goal isn’t to make a super complicated mil-sim style command system, but instead to have squad members that feel like complimentary units that support the player without getting in the way.
We want them to be useful and responsive; keeping the gameplay smooth and easy to control.
Some of the things we’re working on right now include:
Improving how AI reacts during combat
Better room clearing behavior
More reliable breaching logic
Flashbang / frag usage during entry
Making breach and clear commands feel more natural
We want to get this system right, but we also don’t want to hold everything back waiting for it to be perfect.
The current plan is to release a V1 version of the expanded AI, get it into the game, and then continue improving it over time. This is a core part of the experience, so it’s something we expect to keep refining as development continues.
Drug Bunker Map
We’ve been working on a new map internally, currently called the drug bunker.
This is a brand new underground environment focused on tight concrete interiors and close-quarters engagements.
The map includes grow rooms, work areas and LOTS of connected interior spaces, with lighting playing a big role in how each area feels. Some sections are fully lit, while others are darker and more confined, which changes how you approach clearing it.
This is shaping up to be one of the most different maps we’ve built so far, both in layout and overall atmosphere.
New Gun Animations
We’ve started updating weapon animations to make handling feel more natural and less stiff.
This includes reload improvements, idle adjustments, and general polish to how weapons look in first person.
These changes are still in progress and will be added once they reach a point we’re happy with.
Environment Interaction Improvements
We’ve started adding more objects that react to gunfire, like soda machines breaking and certain props responding to impact.
Right now it’s only a small number of items, but we’ll be expanding this over time across more environments.
Other Work Behind the Scenes
Along with the bigger features, we’ve also been working on a lot of smaller things that don’t always show up in screenshots but still matter:
Sound tweaks and new effects
Bug fixing and cleanup
Multiplayer syncing fixes
A lot of this work isn’t flashy, but it’s necessary to make sure the game stays stable as we add more features.
More updates coming
We’re going to keep posting updates here on Steam so everyone can stay up to date without needing to be in the Discord.
Thanks for sticking with us.