September 10, 2024

Article By: Seth Buus

Hello Terps! These are the official patch notes for version 20.24.0.9 of the University of Maryland. This is a follow-up update to the 20.24.0.9 release that adds in several of the upcoming public events and other scheduled changes detailed in the roadmap for the new season that just kicked off. In addition, several minor adjustments have been made and numerous bugs fixed based on your feedback. We hope you enjoy what this exciting new season ahead has to offer!

New Global Events for Season of Fall 2024: A Purple Line in the Sand

• NextNOW Fest 2024: The fall’s biggest jamboree is back, featuring even more side missions, rewards tracks, minigames, and advertising to discover! Just complete the PreviousEARLIER starter event to gain access to the real thing. We’ve also added even more voter registration stations across the map for you to use, so long as you’re going to vote for the things I want you to vote for, otherwise I think you’re silly and un-American and silly. Terps can explore the vibrant and diverse array of what NextNOW has to offer. Party up with your friends to enjoy events together or get competitive – climb up the Silent Disc-Glo leaderboards and prove that you look the goofiest to outside observers who can’t hear the music playing in your headphones.
• First Look Fair: Desperate for friends but unwilling to actually send any friend requests? Our annual First Look Fair gives clans and guilds a chance to put themselves on display. Wander the claustrophobic aisles of tables on the McKeldin Mall during the event and you might just find a group that catches your eye, but watch out for the Were-Rabbit!

World adjustments

• In keeping with the season’s theme, more obstacles have been removed from Campus Drive and the new Purple Line POI. We are still on track to release the Bethesda DLC and the accompanying fast travel system within six or seven major updates or so.
• Chance of scooter fires decreased from 0% to -20%, but please note that indoor locations are still no-vehicle zones.
• New item added to loot tables: UMD Hare Issue 3 (rarity Legendary). Grants a randomized but significant XP value upon reading. Can spawn in many common areas of the world. Go find it!
• Based on overwhelming player input for higher visibility while outdoors, the global render distance is temporarily set to a higher value. This will be reverted back to a low setting over this upcoming weekend to coincide with the return of the Severe Thunderstorm world modifier.
• The Severe Thunderstorm world modifier will return this weekend. This modifier is intended to reward exploration of indoor locations while also offering a unique challenge to players who run metallic builds.

Bug fixes and improvements

• Fixed an issue that prevented Walk Your Wheels Enforcement Patrols from spawning. The encounter is now guaranteed to occur for at least the first day following this patch.
• Preemptively fixed a bug that would have caused the outside air temperature values during the First Look Fair event to be 93 degrees Fahrenheit with 85% humidity. Note that there is still a minor chance of the Severe Thunderstorm modifier triggering.
• Cockroach spawn frequency slightly increased. Decreased. That’s what I said.
• Debuffed the academic motivation stat of all players so you have time to participate in our awesome new global events.

Happy fearless forwarding, Terps!

-USM Games Ltd.

Image Credits: Kenlynn Ingham