Ships at Sea developer Misc Games is hard at work to make their ship sim the most realistic simulator ever to grace the digital seven seas. To prove this, update v0.7.5 introduces players to a new and improved Sonar system that is all about precision and realism.
The sonar update in v0.7.5 adds a variety of new features that make it much easier to locate and identify fish thanks to a variety of different modes in which shipwrights will be able to use the reworked system. Those different modes are History Sonar, 360 Sonar/Area Scan, and Forward Sonar.
History Sonar allows you to track fish beneath your vessel, which is likely the one you’ll use the most, though Foward Sonar is also very useful, allowing you to detect fish and obstacles in front of your ship.
If you want a full panoramic scan of your surroundings to target school of fish around you, then you’ll be using 360 Sonar/Area Scan. In this Steam post, Misc Games highlights everything players can expect using the History Sonar:
- Mode: Clearly indicates which sonar mode you are using.
- Map Integration: The map display will now be moved to the sonar, providing players with all the necessary navigation and fish-tracking information in one interface.
- Max Depth: Displays the total depth being scanned. You can adjust the total depth being scanned to focus on specific areas, helping you target the most relevant zones for fish detection.
- Water Surface: The very top of the display represents the water’s surface, helping you orient yourself as you track fish activity.
- Seabed: This shows the precise location of the seabed, which is crucial for understanding the topography beneath your vessel.
- Fish Zones: The most critical part of the display indicates the area where fish are commonly found. This zone is located between the water surface and just above the seabed.
- Fish species indicator: If you’re new to sonar or find it difficult to interpret raw sonar data, you can activate the fish species indicator. This feature will show you the types of fish detected, making it easier to understand what’s below your vessel.
- Zoom in/out: The History Sonar will also feature a zoom in and out option, allowing you to target the most relevant zone.
- Adjust the screen brightness: For optimal visibility, no matter the time of day or sea conditions.
Since it launched in 2023, Ships at Sea has been hard at work, adding new content to the game monthly. Since the beginning of August alone, there have been three different significant additions to the game: tier 2 cranes, MacDuff partnership, and tier 3 fishing vessels.
While they haven’t specifically designated a roadmap or full release date, Ships at Sea is available now on Steam in early access for PC players. It starts at $24.99 and is discounted to $19.99 until October 21, 2024.