Info about ASTRONEER: Glitchwalkers:

Official game description:
Travel to the Aeoluz system in pursuit of a grand threat in Astroneer: Glitchwalkers.
The Glitchwalkers DLC is our first ever expansion to Astroneer, offering a new space to explore as well as new narrative, gameplay, and mysteries to uncover. Be warned, this content will test the skills you have honed in the base game of Astroneer. Once you step through the portal to Aeoluz, you are starting a brand new save with an entirely new progression.  
**IMPORTANT NOTE:** _There is required base game progress to get into this expansion_. Once players have completed the mission “A Core Concept” in any save in Astroneer, a new mission called “Is This Thing On?” will become available in the Mission Log. Complete that subsequent mission chain and then use the brand new Glitchwalkers main menu to launch down to Aeoluz and start a new Aeoluz specific save.
**New Horizons Are Calling**
----------------------------
Aeoluz, a brand new planet, is our biggest and most complex to date. New biomes and challenges await any Astroneer brave or foolish enough to set foot on this uncharted world. This planet will provide much more of a challenge, as your foe has re-written the very rules of this world to stop you.
**Face Off Against A New Foe**
------------------------------
A rogue Astroneer has wormed into the system and taken control, threatening against any interlopers who may interfere with this unprecedented power grab. This foe is modifying this new planet to stop Astroneers from interfering with their plans. Expect unfriendly terrain, well placed defense hazards, and digital interference along the way.
**Brand New Glitched Storms**
-----------------------------
Glitched Storms have appeared in the solar system, players will have to prevent themselves from getting hacked by these digital tempests to give themselves any chance of succeeding in their mission. Storms have also been added to the base game for everyone to enjoy! These are not the storms of old (early access players might remember our old dust storms) but instead an entirely new system.
**New Tech Tree, Modules, and Gameplay**
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Astroneers must draw on their training and quickly adapt to their dangerous new surroundings. Bl!tz has hacked and reset your catalog, forcing you to work together with a mysterious benefactor to get access to the tools you will need to survive.
**Additional unnanounced content and free updates to the base game**
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In addition to the expansion, all players will continue to see narrative, gameplay, and various improvements added to Astroneer.

Release date: Nov 13, 2024

Categories: Open-World Exploration, Resource Management, Base Building, Survival, Cooperative Multiplayer, Environmental Simulation, Crafting, Narrative Adventure

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair / Traditional DLC Only; summary: The reviews discuss the value, content, and optional nature of an Astroneer paid DLC. Some criticize it for reusing assets or lacking enough new content, while others consider it worthwhile. No review reports in-game microtransactions, loot boxes, gacha pulls, battle passes, paid power, paid convenience, currency obfuscation, or a real-money shop. The evidence is limited to a traditional paid DLC, so the score remains in the fair range under the audit rules.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $15.00 - $25.00
  - Reasoning: The provided reviews focus on paid extra content rather than the base game, so they only weakly indicate the community's base-game price expectations. One reviewer accepts the price when the content adds over a dozen hours of gameplay, while others call it a waste of money or say it is only acceptable on sale. This suggests a price-sensitive community that expects a low-to-mid USD base-game price and would resist premium pricing, but direct base-game evidence is absent, so the range is broad and confidence is low.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 17.5h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The DLC completion time is supported by one reviewer describing a 15-20 hour slog after only 6-8 hours of real content, and a Turkish review estimating about 20 hours solo or 9-10 hours co-op for extra gameplay; a Russian review also says it can be completed in half a day. I use the midpoint of the 15-20 hour slog as the practical solo completion estimate. No review gives a clear separate story-only completion time or typical session length, so those are left null. Endgame is 0 because reviews explicitly say there is no reason to return after beating the DLC and nothing to do once it is over.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reports largely describe Glitchwalkers as slow, gated, repetitive, and tedious, with many players never reaching a fun state; a minority report gradual enjoyment or initial fun that later fades.
  - Stance: Never clicks
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: slow and gated progression; repetitive missions and objectives; tedious terrain and navigation; bugs, crashes, and multiplayer issues; poor in-game tutorial or guidance for starting the DLC; forced playstyle and reduced open exploration
  - Unlock drivers: unlocking the large rover to clear later storms; soil canisters that simplify drilling and resource needs; same-planet materials that remove interplanetary travel; bursts of unlocks tied to the new planet; applying existing Astroneer knowledge to remixed progression; progressively superior equipment that offsets repetitive mission challenges
  - Conditions: playing co-op with friends versus solo; prior Astroneer game knowledge; expectations for a remixed, repeat-progression DLC; tolerance for slow, gated progression; single-player PC versus multiplayer or console issues; reaching late-game vehicle unlocks; multiplayer stability and bugs
- Player Archetypes:
  - Hardcore Veteran Challenge Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Finding a fresh, harder challenge after burning out on the base game
    - Playstyle: Plays hardcore-style runs, makes strategic research decisions, and seeks new twists on familiar systems
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: veteran player; hardcore players
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Chill Co-op Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Relaxing, low-stakes exploration and shared chaos with friends
    - Playstyle: Casual co-op sessions, exploring at an unhurried pace and avoiding grind or stress
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: casual
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Disillusioned Bug-Weary Buyer (no buy)
    - Motivation: Wanting more quality Astroneer content but being repelled by constant bugs and broken progression
    - Playstyle: Attempts solo and co-op play but abandons runs after softlocks, glitches, and lost progress
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: No Man's Sky
  - Completionist Progression Grinder (no buy)
    - Motivation: Fully completing and progressing while keeping all unlocked blueprints and rewards
    - Playstyle: Grinds research and blueprints, hunts achievements, and wants persistent progression between bases
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: completionist
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Stunning Visuals and Biomes (weight 0.18): The new planet and its biomes are visually striking, with diverse and fresh environments that enhance the experience. The beauty of the planet is frequently highlighted.
- Massive New Planet Impresses (weight 0.17): The new planet is enormous, with scale that feels both impressive and occasionally overwhelming. Its size is a major highlight, offering vast exploration opportunities.
- Base Game Praised (weight 0.1): The base game is described as good, well-developed, relaxing, and intuitive. Its solid foundation contributes to the overall enjoyment of the DLC.
- Enjoyable Replay Experience (weight 0.08): Reviewers enjoyed returning to the game to play the DLC, often having a blast while revisiting familiar mechanics. The DLC adds a compelling reason to replay.
- Shared Co-op Access (weight 0.05): Only one player needs to own the DLC for everyone in a co-op session to access its content. This feature is praised for making multiplayer more accessible.
- Resource Scarcity Adds Strategy (weight 0.05): Limited access to items and resources forces players to think strategically about printing and upgrades. This mechanic adds depth to the gameplay.
- Music Always On Point (weight 0.05): The soundtrack is consistently praised as good and fitting for the game. Music enhances the overall atmosphere.
- Cute and Simple Story (weight 0.05): The story is described as cute, simple, and building on existing lore. It adds a charming narrative layer to the DLC.
- Solid Glitchwalkers Content (weight 0.05): The new Glitchwalkers content is fairly solid, with no game-breaking issues reported. Players appreciate its stability and quality.
- Captivating Caves and Biomes (weight 0.04): The DLC captivates with new biomes and huge caves, adding exciting exploration elements. These features stand out as highlights.
- Beautiful Starting Planet (weight 0.04): The new planet provides an interesting and beautiful starting point, allowing players to begin from scratch. Its aesthetic appeal is noted.

Common complaints:
- DLC lacks new content (weight 0.33): Many reviewers feel the DLC offers almost no new content, mechanics, or story continuation compared to the base game, with some saying it adds nothing fundamentally new. The lack of new elements makes it feel like a recycled or empty addition.
- DLC requires separate save file (weight 0.26): Players are surprised that the DLC cannot be accessed from their main game save and requires starting a completely new save on a separate planet with reset progression. This separation prevents any transfer of progress, items, or blueprints from the base game.
- DLC not worth price (weight 0.26): Reviewers frequently mention that the DLC is overpriced for the amount of content provided, with some calling it a waste of money. The price is seen as unreasonable given the lack of new features and the small scope.
- DLC disconnected from base game (weight 0.17): The DLC is completely isolated from the main game, not building on existing progress or interacting with the base experience. This disconnection makes it feel like a separate, inferior game rather than an expansion.
- New storm mechanic is boring (weight 0.14): The new storm mechanic is widely criticized as boring, static, and uninteresting, lacking the excitement or danger of the original storms. Many find it to be pointless filler that adds nothing fun to the game.
- Storm visibility is terrible (weight 0.12): In storms, visibility becomes so poor that players cannot see anything, making driving and navigation extremely frustrating. The visual effects are described as harsh and obstructive.
- DLC progression starts from scratch (weight 0.08): Within the DLC, players must start over with limited blueprints and no items, including bytes, and cannot return to the base game. This complete reset is frustrating and limits the experience.
- DLC is buggy and poorly designed (weight 0.08): The DLC suffers from numerous bugs, including surface texture issues that cause players to fall through the ground while driving. Poor game design choices further detract from the experience.
- Ending is lazy and disappointing (weight 0.08): The ending of the DLC is described as lazy, abrupt, and anticlimactic, leaving players feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. It fails to provide a satisfying conclusion to the experience.
- Traversal on planet is difficult (weight 0.08): The planet in the DLC is massive and its terrain architecture is awful, making traversal nearly impossible on foot or by rover. Many biomes are hostile to movement, adding to the frustration.
- DLC feels like early access (weight 0.08): The DLC feels unfinished and more like an early access release or a free update rather than a full expansion. It lacks polish and a clear vision, feeling rushed and empty.
- Instructions and progression unclear (weight 0.08): The instructions for completing quests are incomplete or too vague, and mission progression is unclear. It is also unclear when specific researches unlock, requiring tedious scrolling through a clunky UI.
- Execution is very poor (weight 0.08): The overall execution of the DLC is described as very poor, with many aspects feeling poorly implemented. This general dissatisfaction reflects a lack of polish and attention to detail.
- DLC gated behind base game (weight 0.07): The DLC cannot be accessed immediately after purchase; players must progress significantly in the base game to unlock the portal. This gating is a major disappointment for those wanting to jump straight into the new content.
- Progress resets upon portal entry (weight 0.05): Entering the portal to the DLC unknowingly resets all progress back to the beginning, forcing players to start from scratch without warning. This reset is a harsh and unexpected consequence.
- Vehicle gets stuck easily (weight 0.05): Vehicles frequently get stuck on natural objects and ground roughness, and there are no tracks or mobile respawn options. This poor vehicle system adds unnecessary difficulty and frustration.
- DLC is regular Astroneer with one mechanic (weight 0.05): Reviewers note that 95% of the DLC is just regular Astroneer with a single forced mechanic, feeling like easy mode with little innovation. It fails to differentiate itself from the base game.
- Side missions unavailable in DLC (weight 0.04): Players lose access to side missions for the galastropods and EVA when playing the DLC, further isolating it from the main game. This omission reduces the overall content available.

Gameplay feedback:
- New massive planet added (weight 0.35): The DLC introduces a supergiant planet, much larger than normal planets, with diverse biomes and a vast surface to explore. This planet serves as the primary setting for the DLC's content.
- DLC uses separate save file (weight 0.2): The DLC creates an independent save file upon entering the DLC area, keeping it fully separate from the base game's saves. This allows players to start fresh without affecting their main game progress.
- Storms as new mechanic (weight 0.16): Storms add a new layer of danger and complexity, affecting visibility and requiring upgrades to endure. Players must navigate these environmental hazards while exploring.
- Separate world disconnected from base (weight 0.14): The DLC takes place in a separate universe or world, disconnected from the main game, often on a new planet like Blitz. This standalone experience offers a fresh narrative and setting.
- New biomes on Aeoluz (weight 0.08): The DLC planet Aeoluz features new biomes and subterranean levels, expanding exploration variety. These biomes introduce distinct environments and resources.
- Continues main story (weight 0.08): The DLC extends the main story with a side story and an ending sequence, providing narrative closure. It picks up after the base game's conclusion.
- Co-op mode available (weight 0.06): The expansion supports co-op play, with only one player needing to own the DLC. This encourages multiplayer collaboration in the new content.
- All resources on one planet (weight 0.06): All resources and gases are gathered from a single planet, each located in its own specific area. This centralizes resource collection and simplifies logistics.
- Harder standalone experience (weight 0.06): The DLC is described as a harder version of the base game, essentially a standalone hard mode. It offers increased challenge for veteran players.
- Adds new items and mechanics (weight 0.06): The DLC introduces new craftable objects, items, and mechanics that expand gameplay possibilities. These additions provide fresh crafting and interaction options.
- Layered planet with firewalls (weight 0.06): The DLC planet features multiple layers separated by firewalls, with immense gaps between them. Players must navigate these vertical strata to progress.
- Puzzles in vaults and gateways (weight 0.06): The DLC includes puzzles for vaults and repairing gateways, adding mental challenges to the exploration. These puzzles are integrated into the story and progression.
- Storm data collection quests (weight 0.06): Quests involve collecting storm data to unlock new areas and better gear, requiring players to venture into storms. This ties into the puzzle and upgrade systems.
- DLC for Astroneer (weight 0.06): This is an expansion for the game Astroneer, playable on an existing save. It builds upon the base game's mechanics and universe.
- Resource gathering core gameplay (weight 0.06): The DLC involves resource gathering and collecting for development, maintaining the core loop of the base game. Players must gather materials to progress.
- Separate game mode experience (weight 0.06): The DLC functions as a separate game mode with a focused story and remixed progression, not just an expansion. It offers a distinct way to play.

Performance notes:
- Vehicles disappearing and physics bugs (weight 0.09): Vehicles constantly evaporate or disappear, and the shoddy physics engine has even caused player deaths. Items like the QT-RTG may also fall through the planet when dropped.
- Frequent crashes and save loss (weight 0.05): Players report crashes near the end of the story and instances where the game crashed and deleted the save file. These issues cause severe disruption and loss of progress.
- Falling through map and textures (weight 0.05): Textures fail to load, leading to players falling through the map. Invisible walls and gravity issues also contribute to these problems.
- Multiplayer bugs and netcode issues (weight 0.05): In multiplayer, friends occasionally fall through the floor due to slow or failed world loading, and netcode issues cause further instability. These problems hinder cooperative play.
- Poor performance and world generation (weight 0.05): Generation and performance are very bad, and having a single large planet is quite performance intensive. This leads to lag and other performance-related issues.
- Camera and DLC bugs (weight 0.05): Camera bugs are prevalent in the DLC, and the camera frequently fails to cooperate with the terrain. These issues affect gameplay and immersion.
- Freeze after glitch portal anchor (weight 0.03): Receiving the glitch portal anchor causes the game to freeze and become unplayable. This is a critical progression blocker.

Recommendations:
- DLC not recommended for purchase (weight 0.36): Many reviewers strongly advise against buying the DLC, citing it as nonsensical, disappointing, and not worth the frustration. Some even plan to skip future DLCs.
- Mixed feelings on value (weight 0.19): Opinions on whether the DLC is worth its price are divided. Some find it worth the money, while others consider it overpriced and not worth a penny.
- Only for veteran players (weight 0.18): The DLC is recommended for experienced players who have completed the base game and are looking for a new challenge. Newcomers are advised to play the base game first.
- Recommended for devoted fans (weight 0.16): Those who deeply enjoy Astroneer and have invested many hours may appreciate the DLC, especially if they want more of the core mechanics.
- Not a base game expansion (weight 0.14): Players expecting additional content on top of the base game are often disappointed. The DLC is described as a separate experience rather than an expansion.
- Lack of new content (weight 0.1): Many reviewers note that the DLC adds little new content or mechanics, making it feel half-baked and not worth the money.
- Not for newcomers or dropped players (weight 0.09): Those who haven't played the base game or dropped it are advised to avoid the DLC, as it requires understanding of base game concepts.
- Repetitive and grindy gameplay (weight 0.09): The DLC is criticized for repetitive tasks, chore-like traversal, and excessive grinding, which detracts from the experience.
- Technical and balance issues (weight 0.08): Technical problems such as instability, imbalanced storms, and navigation frustrations are cited as reasons for not recommending the DLC.
- Neutral or mixed opinions (weight 0.07): A few reviewers have neutral or mixed feelings, neither strongly recommending nor condemning the DLC.
- Better with friends (weight 0.06): Playing co-op is suggested to enhance the experience, while solo play can become suffocating and grindy.
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.06): Some reviewers suggest waiting for a discount or only buying if it's on sale, as the full price may not be justified.
- Hardcore challenge appeal (weight 0.06): The DLC is recommended for hardcore players seeking a challenge, with harder gameplay and fewer unnecessary quests.
- Positive but with reservations (weight 0.04): Some recommend the DLC but with caveats, such as needing to read descriptions or being prepared for frustration.
- Should be free or part of main game (weight 0.04): Some believe the DLC should have been free or included in the main game, as it feels like cut content.
- Good as first DLC (weight 0.04): Some view it as a decent first DLC, not perfect but still acceptable for what it is.
- Support developers instead (weight 0.04): Some suggest buying cosmetics to support the developers rather than purchasing the DLC, as it may not be worthwhile.
- Poor business practice (weight 0.02): One reviewer considers the paid DLC a poor business practice, suggesting it should have been part of the main game.
- Prefer solo release or planet discovery (weight 0.02): A reviewer would have preferred a solo release to allow natural planet discovery, indicating a desire for a different approach.
- Positive for all ages (weight 0.02): One reviewer recommends the DLC for audiences of all ages, indicating broad appeal.

Other player notes:
- DLC is affordable (weight 0.21): Reviewers frequently note that the DLC is inexpensive, with a price point around $10. This low cost is often cited as a positive aspect, though some consider it only worth that amount.
- Standalone storyline experience (weight 0.13): The DLC offers a new storyline separate from the main game, providing a different experience. It functions as an independent addition rather than a direct continuation.
- Requires base game progress (weight 0.1): Accessing the DLC requires advancing significantly in the base game or even completing the main story. This gating mechanism means players must invest time in the base game first.
- Separate save data (weight 0.09): The DLC requires a separate save file, independent from the base game's save data. This creates a distinct side story that splits save progress.
- Addition to Astroneer (weight 0.09): The DLC is an expansion for the game Astroneer, often compared to the vanilla experience. It builds upon the existing game world.
- Co-op friendly ownership (weight 0.08): Only one copy of the DLC is needed for co-op play, allowing friends to join without purchasing it. This makes multiplayer more accessible.
- Short completion time (weight 0.07): Players report completing the DLC in about 6 to 20 hours, with co-op times around 8 hours. This suggests the content is relatively short compared to the base game.
- Short mission line (weight 0.05): The DLC's mission line is very short compared to the base game and adds little important new lore. This is a common criticism among players.
- Single planet focus (weight 0.05): Unlike the base game's planet hopping, this DLC focuses on a single planet and removes space travel. This change in scope is noted by reviewers.
- No new major mechanics (weight 0.05): The DLC does not introduce new technology, crafting systems, or large mechanics, and is not revolutionary. It adds content without significant gameplay innovations.
- New planet and story (weight 0.05): The DLC adds a new planet, story elements, and some new crafts, expanding the solar system with one additional planet. This provides new exploration opportunities.
- Lacks Workshop support (weight 0.05): The DLC does not have Steam Workshop support, limiting modding capabilities. It is also not considered a traditional expansion for the base game.
- Separate game mode perception (weight 0.05): The DLC is positioned as an expansion but is described as more like a new game mode. It is not a traditional expansion for the base game.
- Named Glitchwalkers (weight 0.04): The DLC is titled Glitchwalkers, as consistently referred to by reviewers. This is the official name of the expansion.
- Reviewer base game completion (weight 0.04): Some reviewers have 100% completed the base game Astroneer, often with friends. This indicates a high level of familiarity with the game.
- Purchased after announcement (weight 0.04): The DLC was often purchased after seeing an announcement or trailer. This suggests marketing efforts influenced purchasing decisions.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.31): Players are deeply disappointed by the DLC's lack of new content, such as only one planet, no new technology, and a repetitive grind, which fails to meet community expectations for an expansion. The story is short and anticlimactic, and the DLC is disconnected from the base game, with progress not carrying over and a separate save that resets research. Many feel it is not worth the price and does not enhance the original game.
- Frustration (weight 0.24): Frustration arises from numerous bugs, glitches, and poor performance, including crashes, save losses, and vehicles falling through the ground. The repetitive grinding, difficult terrain, and clunky mechanics make progression feel like a chore, with unclear quests and forced story progression. Technical issues in co-op and the inability to access DLC content smoothly exacerbate the irritation.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Players enjoy exploring the new planet with its interesting biomes and resources, as well as the fresh progression system that unlocks familiar items in a new way. The challenging content, especially with friends, and the creative storyline provide a refreshing experience despite some issues.
- Anger (weight 0.05): Anger is directed at game-breaking bugs that cause loss of progress, such as save resets and inability to use Megatech equipment in the new world. The DLC's low quality and overpriced nature, combined with perceived developer greed, infuriate players. Some feel the design is malicious and disrespectful of their time.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Satisfaction comes from the fun experience after mastering the difficulty, the resource-rich single planet, and the powerful unlocks that streamline progression. Building an overpowered rover and gradually unlocking items provides a sense of accomplishment, and the DLC is seen as a worthwhile addition.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): The DLC is considered boring due to repetitive gameplay, empty planets, and uninteresting missions. The storm mechanic and hacking technology feel like time fillers, and there is little to do outside the main plot, leading to a lack of engagement.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance stems from storms that obscure vision, locked quality-of-life features, and game-breaking bugs like item duplication. The separation of DLC from the main game and artificial slowdowns in research further irritate players.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is fueled by new canyon landscapes, the inspiration to create, and the challenge of accessing different storms. The initial exploration of a new solar system and anticipation for future content also generate excitement.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from unclear mechanics, such as how to open the vault or use ruby, and a lack of guidance from the tutorial. Players are puzzled by the DLC's purpose, progression, and unexplained deaths.
- Regret (weight 0.02): Regret is expressed over buying the DLC, as it is seen as a waste of money and poorly executed. The time spent feels wasted, and some would have preferred not to play it at all.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Awe is inspired by the scale of the caves, stunning biomes, and the breathtaking design of the planet and its core. The visual grandeur leaves players impressed.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction comes from losing progress halfway through, the DLC feeling cheap and unimaginative, and minimal rewards for the original save. It does not feel like a paid expansion.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is shown for the large planet and storm focus, and the DLC's challenge is well-suited for hardcore players who enjoy difficult content.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise is felt at the beauty of the development and the controversy surrounding the DLC, which players did not expect.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is based on the harsh penalty of losing hours of progress from one mistake and the terrible terrain and storms that make movement a nuisance.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy comes from enjoying the views, building a mobile base, and having a blast replaying the game to experience the DLC.
- Anxiety (weight 0.01): Anxiety is induced by the planet's beauty, paradoxically making players want to finish quickly and forget the experience.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is felt because the DLC is considered the worst they've played, and if this is the future of Astroneer, it is disheartening.
- Upset (weight 0.01): Upset is caused by ugly missions and mechanics, and the DLC not offering the refreshing experience expected from the Astroneer formula.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is triggered by missing the Early Access sandbox experience without long stories and remembering the old storms from alpha test.}