Embark Studio has launched Update 2.1.0 for The Finals, which expands the Private Match mode, resolves numerous bugs, and implements various enhancements across the game. Season 2 of The Finals has injected fresh vitality into Embark's online shooter, a title that initially experienced rapid growth but later faced player decline. However, the second season has revitalized the core experience, resonating well with the gaming community.

The introduction of new content, such as the SYS$HORIZON map, offers a novel experience with a vibrant, glitchy, neon-themed visual design. Innovative tools like the Destabilizer, capable of momentarily erasing surfaces, coupled with existing items like the antigravity cube, Data Reshaper, and portals, introduce an element of unpredictability to matches, empowering players with more tactical freedom. Additionally, the newly introduced game mode, Power Shift, presents a distinctive gameplay encounter in The Finals, where two teams compete to control a platform that alters the game environment significantly. Despite the promising start of Season 2, Embark has now rolled out the initial update.

For many players, a highlight of this update is the fulfillment of Embark's commitment to expand the recently introduced Private Match mode. Initially launched as a basic feature in the major Season 2 update, Private matches now offer improved functionality with the addition of a map selector. Players can now choose their preferred arena when setting up these matches, enhancing customization. Furthermore, Update 2.1.0 addresses three bugs related to Private matches, including a softlock issue caused by players circumventing the Crossplay ON requirement.

Besides enhancements to Private Matches, Update 2.1.0 brings significant quality of life improvements through bug fixes and weapon balancing for the SA1216, GLitch Grenade, and Glitch traps. Additionally, security measures have been strengthened with the introduction of a new 3-strike ban system. The new Power Shift game mode in The Finals has also undergone general enhancements, with maps like Skyway Stadium and Monaco receiving adjustments to spawns, the inclusion of new arena elements like jump pads and zip lines, and various bug fixes.

The momentum appears to be back on The Finals' side, with players eagerly anticipating future updates to sustain the game's thriving community. One consensus among players is that the introduction of Power Shift further underscores why The Finals remains a standout title, showcasing impressive physics-driven gameplay mechanics.

The Finals Update 2.1.0 Patch Notes

BUG FIXES & ADDITIONS

Private matches

• Players now have the option to select the map at the start of a private match
• Resolved the issue of players getting stuck while attempting to join the game server after leaving a private lobby
• Fixed a bug where party members with different crossplay settings could encounter difficulties leaving private match lobbies
• Addressed a bug allowing players to bypass the 'Crossplay ON' requirement for private matches, leading to a softlock

Console

• Rectified audio-related crashes to enhance stability

Power Shift

• Monaco:
  • Adjusted jump pads to prevent clipping on streets at different settings
  • Added a short zip line near the cathedral's closed alleyway for smoother traversal
  • Refined spawn point placements and orientations

• Skyway Stadium:
  • Introduced a jump pad outside the construction spawn area
  • Tweaked spawns to ensure safer positioning away from edges

• General:
  • Corrected objective count score display on the summary screen

Maps

• Enhanced performance and polish on SYS$HORIZON
• Adjusted ceiling blocker collision to prevent player entrapment above the library using the gateway gadget in SYS$HORIZON
• Relocated a spawn point in Monaco's corner near the Hotels to resolve imbalance issues in certain game modes
• Fixed visual effects inconsistencies on trees in SYS$HORIZON and concrete fences in Seoul
• Addressed missing destruction effects on various assets in the tutorial

Weapons & Gadgets

• Resolved a bug causing erratic damage output when multiple explosives triggered simultaneously compared to melee damage multiplication
• Fixed recoil discrepancies on burst weapons for improved performance
• Rectified Gateway ammo refund issues when thrown into an APS
• Eliminated hovering objects post-transmutation
• Restricted transmutation on friendly carriables
• Enhanced zipline behavior for better alignment with player exit points and directions
• Improved dematerializer functionality for objects in close proximity during dematerialization/rematerialization
• Disabled equipping the mesh shield during defib revive

Art

• Updated shoulder-length hairstyles to prevent clipping
• Adjusted the ÖRF Sweater size to avoid obstructing ADS due to oversized sleeves

UI/UX

• Ensured social syncs are inclusive even if a user is already logged in
• Fixed a bug causing carriable objects to weigh more with an active Ping marker attached
• Corrected text errors in certain contracts and item tutorial videos

Audio

• Resolved seek-to-start time functionality issues
• Enhanced audio quality for the Season vignette video

BALANCE

Weapons

• SA1216
  • Reduced fire rate from 230RPM to 200RPM
  • Lowered damage per pellet from 7 to 6

Gadgets

• Glitch Grenades
  • Altered glitch grenades to activate upon impact with mesh shields and dome shields, bouncing on other surfaces

• Glitch Traps
  • Updated glitch traps to trigger upon impact with mesh shields and dome shields

SECURITY

• Strengthened prevention and detection measures
• Implemented a 3-strike ban system for enhanced security