- Devlog - Overhaul Update Recap - 12 July 2025
Hey everyone!I just dropped a full devlog video walking through all the major features, improvements, and design changes.From revamped AI and level progression to new weapons, mechanics, and a massive visual upgrade, this video breaks it all down. ▶️ Watch it here:Even if you have already been playing, you might discover some new systems or mechanics you didn’t realize were added!Thanks again for all your patience and support! It’s come a long way, and I’m excited to keep sharing more behind-the-scenes updates soon. 💬 Discord: https://discordapp.com/invite/vutD5y4 📣 Crunch Element X: https://x.com/CrunchElementVR 📣 Dev Account: https://x.com/blakezonca
- Overhaul Update - 27 June 2025
The Overhaul Update is now officially live on the default branch of Crunch Element! After nearly a year of rebuilding and redesigning core systems from the ground up, this update marks the beginning of a new chapter for the game.The old version of the game has been moved to the “legacy” branch. To access it: Steam Library → Right-click Crunch Element → Properties → Betas → Select legacy from the dropdown.What’s NewThis update is a new foundation for Crunch Element. The mission structure, objectives, progression systems, networking, and enemy AI were rebuilt based on player feedback, and support a scalable framework to build on moving forward.While new modes and content are coming soon, this update introduces the systems that will drive them. Here’s what’s live:New & Improved Gameplay Features✅ New Contract System – Missions are now structured as multi-stage contracts with modular object…
- The Overhaul Update is now on the experimental branch! - 18 June 2025
The Overhaul Update is Live on Experimental!After nearly a year of rebuilding core systems, the Overhaul Update is now available on the Experimental Branch of Crunch Element on Steam!This update is a foundational rewrite of the game—from mission structure to NPCs, objectives, and progression systems. While it’s not a full release yet, it sets the stage for what’s to come.🚧 How to Access the Experimental BranchTo opt into the experimental version:Right-click Crunch Element in your Steam LibrarySelect Properties > BetasChoose experimental from the dropdownThis build is under active testing—expect bugs and balance issues, but also tons of new systems and content.📜 Changelog, Trailer, & Official Release Coming SoonA full changelog, trailer, and default branch update will arrive once we collect feedback and finalize polish. This experimental release is your chance to help shape the game be…
- Crunch Element - Progress Recap - 11 February 2025
It’s time for an update! Over the past several months, we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, completely overhauling Crunch Element with new features, gameplay improvements, a sprinkle of lore, and a fresh coat of explosive chaos. We’re not just talking about tweaks and polish—this is a huge transformation, bringing new mechanics, visuals, enemies, tools, and an improved experience to every mission. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s been added: New & Improved Gameplay Features ✅ New contract system – Stages, objectives, and contract progression have been reworked for a more structured and immersive experience. ✅ Progression system - earn XP after every stage and level up to unlock new gear to create your perfect loadout. ✅ New enemy AI – Smarter, deadlier foes with improved behaviors, better animations, and dynamic responses. Enemies now call out threats, take cover, investigate suspici…
- The New Rogue Mode Update is Finally Here! - 15 October 2022
Rogue Mode Summary Start with a minimal kit, acquire weapons and attachments along the way, and survive as many rounds as possible with ever increasing difficulty! Mystery Boxes Spend credits at the Mystery Boxes located in every level to acquire new weapons during a run! Upgrader Drop your weapon in the upgrader located in the truck and level up your loadout during a run! Enemy AI Rework A complete overhaul to the enemy AI system has finally been done. This fixes many bugs with the old system, introduces more engaging gameplay, and improved performance to support more enemies per map! Wandering - Enemies now wander around the map. Difficulty - A Difficulty setting has been added for freeplay stages and enemies become progressively more difficult in rogue mode. Investigation - Enemies now investigate suspicious activity and combat areas. Performance - Performance of the AI has been impr…
- Fix update 7/18/2022 - 19 July 2022
Hello everyone! Thanks for sharing your feedback on the Discord server, which has allowed us to resolve pressing issues like the ones below. Stay tuned for more! Change List - Implemented a magazine ammo count indicator (look closely at the top of a magazine) - Fixed issue where players would be thrown out of map when climbing - Improved enemy target tracking - Fixed issue with using teammate backpack sockets - Fixed issue where movespeed would be different for different players - Fixed issue with espionage objective not spawning - Fixed issue with glock spawning in the wrong magazines - Fixed syringe bug - Updated session end screen to allow players to select the next deployment - Updated terminals to be less janky
- Content Update 6/4/2022 - 4 June 2022
Crunch Element is pleased to announce the release of a new update! Magnified optics are finally here along with a new health syringe, bug fixes, and more! As always, please ping me with your feedback and bug reports in the Discord channel so this game can get even better! If you are enjoying the game so far, consider leaving a review on the store page. It goes a long way towards helping more people find out about the game! New 1-6x LPVO Optic This variable optic allows for quick target acquisition at 1x magnification while also enabling long range shots at 6x magnification. Scope magnification can be adjusted by pressing the trigger while hovering the scope. New 4x Optic This fixed-zoom scope is a classic optic providing 4x magnification for both close and medium range encounters. New health syringe The new health syringe can heal up to 100 hitpoints so you can quickly get back into the…
- A new update is here! With guns... lots of guns. - 9 April 2022
Another update is here! Adding more secondary weapons was highly requested, so two new handguns are here along with the first shotgun! Many high priority bugs have also been fixed thanks to your feedback! Changes - Added S12 Shotgun - Added 1911 Pistol - Added X18 Automatic Pistol - Updated Operations shop to show items that are related to the player's inventory for ease of use - Updated grabbing of weapon slides to be done with trigger, and grabbing rifle magazines with grip to avoid grabbing the wrong object - Fixed issue with non-host players not being spotted by enemies - Fixed issues with certain maps having the out of bounds triggers too close to the spawn - Fixed issues with occlusion culling on certain levels - Increased brightness in hideout and sandbox - Added Hideout graffiti tags - Added Kickstarter plaque in hideout
- Major Content Update! - 1 March 2022
Crunch Element's largest content update is now here! 10 new stages have been added for a total of 21 maps to hone your CQB skills! In addition to new maps, significant performance optimizations have been done making the overall experience much smoother. This update also comes with a few other things, so your feedback will important for features like the new radio comms system and further testing of climbing, C4, and the MP9. Changelog - Added 10 new maps! - Huge performance improvements - Implemented radio comms (press trigger by neck/shoulders) - Increased jump height - Made backpack more accessible near shoulders - Updated Vive turning to be touch based - New color grading - Added ambient sounds - Updated category of C4 to be a secondary item - Updated magazines in primary weapons to be able to be grabbed out of gun - Added icons to recycle-ables - Changed model of enemy loot - Added…
- New Update! Climbing, new movement system, and new items! - 17 February 2022
The new update is finally here! This new update brings many exiting new features based on the priceless feedback received. Included in this update is a rework of the movement system, a new climbing system, and two new items: the C4 charge and the MX9! Changes - Created a new C4 explosive - Created the new MX9 submachine gun - Implemented climbing - Added ledge-assist when climbing up walls - Updated movement to be more responsive - Reduced default movement speed and added sprint button - Added session leaderboard tracking kills, assists, deaths, and objectives - Added fall damage and fall sounds - Updated movement to use touch instead of press on Vive controllers - Updated weapon damage colliders to ignore player hitbox - Fixed issue with certain parts of weapons having collision when holstered - Fixed occasional black screen issue in procedural mode - Fixed issue with players able to i…
- Hotfix Update 12/31/21 - 31 December 2021
Hello everyone! A quick hotfix update has gone out addressing the most pressing feedback after the recent update. Stay tuned for more! Changes - Updated two handed weapons to take first hand into account when aiming - Increased enemy awareness of players - Updated shield to use dedicated grab points - Reduced weight of shield - Updated intel spawn that was hidden on mission 8 - Updated hands on remote players to no longer lag behind a weapon they are holding - Removed Nolt board. Please use the Discord for future feedback! Want to be featured on Crunch Element's social media accounts? Post a gameplay clip on the Discord server for a chance to have your clip shared!
- Operations Update! - 17 December 2021
The Operations update is finally out on the default branch! Throughout the year, the experimental branch was where most of the updates went out to. This is finally changing now that the default branch has been updated! So what's new? Operations Mode Operations is a new flagship mode that strings together a series of designed scenarios. Salvage loot found in levels to buy more items, health, ammo, and explosives along the way! Your progress is carried from one stage to the next until you die or complete all the missions in the Operation. Currently 3 stages are chosen from the scenario pool, but this is subject to change. You can also play these designed scenarios individually as a challenge! Master your tactics on the 10 unique scenarios featured in the Operations mode. Mix up your approach, try new gear, and see how smoothly you can operate... New scenarios are constantly being added! I…
- Operations Mode Hotfix Update #2 - 14 December 2021
A new experimental build is out! This one's mainly hotfixes based on feedback, but an important one to test! Why? Because the default branch will shortly be updated along with many new players coming in to play the game for the first time. That means your testing is more important than ever in order to spot any game-breaking issues that come up. Be sure to let me hear your feedback over at in the Discord. Onward and upward! Changes - Fixed issue with truck canvas using the HMD as the UI pointer - Updated starting enemies to not attack the objective if they are far away - Fixed issue with rifle recoil heavily going to the side - Fixed issue with multiple player listings loading when player leaves - Implemented graceful disconnect handling from hideout - Fixed issue with loading back into the same hideout causing voice connection issues - Fixed issue with visual artifact appearing on red…
- Operations Mode Hotfix Update - 13 December 2021
Hello everyone! A new update is out on the experimental branch. Going forward, please use the experimental branch for testing since the test_interaction branch will be deleted! This updated is mainly fixes based on feedback, but there are some new stages thrown into the mix as well. If any other bugs come in or you have some ideas you think would improve the game, I'd love it hear it over on the Discord! I'm looking forward to finally getting the default branch updated after a few more fixes are in place. Enjoy! Changelist: - Added Stage 6 - Added Stage 7 - Added Stage 8 - Added AK suppressor - Implemented options for truck destinations after a mission is complete - Implement joystick swap option (left hand mode) - Updated bindings for all controllers (Oculus and Vive now have correct bindings) - Implemented proper scene handling when a player disconnects - Fixed issue with hands gettin…
- The new "Operations" update is ready for testing! - 24 November 2021
Calling all testers! The new operations mode is out on the test_interaction branch! It’s so experimental it’s not even on the experimental branch! Sit this one out if you’re not feeling so “experimental”. (Note: Some people might have issues with bindings if they are going directly from the default branch. To fix this, use a custom Steam binding until the default branch is updated. Ask around in #testing-discussion Discord channel) Check out a detailed discussion in the latest devlog! https://youtu.be/sUDsj0L3CtQ What’s the big deal? It’s the first community testing of handmade levels, inventory persistence, multiple objectives, new attachments, economy, loot, and much more! It’s not a matter of if something breaks, but what breaks. Breaking the build and updating the Nolt board is the only way the game gets better! Please send all testing feedback and bug reports here For back and fort…
- Progress Update! - 29 October 2021
Hello everyone! It's been a while since the last Steam announcement, but that doesn't mean things have been quiet behind the scenes. Far from it in fact. Throughout this year, many prototypes were made, ideas tested, and systems developed all with the purpose of making Crunch Element all it can be. In short, Crunch Element is going back to the basics, focusing on what makes it unique: destruction in a CQB setting. What does this mean? Higher fidelity interaction, a bigger focus on gear + attachments, and handcrafted levels that enable consistently enjoyable gameplay. See the latest devlog for an in depth discussion about progress this year. Some ultra-experimental stuff is on the test_interaction branch which is used for testing these new systems. A top priority for the end of this year is getting everything synced up and rock solid on the main branch. If you want to put your testing ha…
- Claymores, shields, and AI improvements! - 30 January 2021
Hello everyone! Your feedback has been super valuable throughout the whole process so thank you! Quite a bit has been added over the past few weeks including a riot shield, claymores, AI improvements, and much more! Check it out now on the default branch. For specific bug reports and feature requests, please use the feedback board here. Features - Added Claymore mines - Added riot shield - Added enemy ambient barks - Added chance for hostile claymores to spawn - Added credits in hideout - Increased enemy awareness to player footsteps - Updated enemies so that they hear player footsteps when close - Updated enemy corpses to stay - Added new enemy headshot sound - Added new enemy hit sound - Updated claymores to explode when damaged - Added a select fire switch to AK-20, MK18D, ISR-556, and MPZ (activate with left dpad or double tap detonate on Oculus) - Added bolt release for slide-lock…
- Enemy breaching, barricade rework, and a new explosive item! - 10 January 2021
Hello everyone! Things have been busy as the most pressing roadmap items were being tackled. Enjoy this new update which includes many fixes, but also some exciting additions such as enemy breaching, the new impact grenade, and more! Check it out now on the default branch. Features - Added the new impact grenade! This is the perfect sidekick for swiftly busting through barricades and interior walls - Reworked the barricades and added door barricades! Barricades are much more polished and sync properly over the network - Enemies now breach through barricaded doors! Thing twice before you activate the objective... Fixes - Reworked how destruction is handled over network - Fixed issue with enemies grouping up and meleeing - Updated truck rotation to be level so that the play area is never tilted - Increased door frame height - Updated hand poses on grenades to feel more natural - Balanced…
- The Crunch Element Discord has been updated! - 29 December 2020
Hello everyone! I just wanted to let everyone know that the Discord got a complete overhaul! Come drop in to participate in giveaways, give feedback, squad up with teammates or receive help on a problem! Hope to see you there! https://discordapp.com/invite/vutD5y4
- First week update recap! - 28 December 2020
Hello everyone! It's been just over a week since the initial early access release, and I'd love to take the time to go over the changes that have been made so far. I'd also like to thank everyone who has been giving quality feedback on the feedback board. Your feedback has been instrumental in making sure the right tasks are being worked on, and I appreciate your patience as I tackle the most pressing items while still keeping things exciting and on-target in accordance with the early access roadmap. Most of the changes so far address the most common feedback which is performance, gameplay, and quality of life (settings). Performance has been significantly increased and will be constantly improving down the line. Performance Updates Average CPU frame time in compounds has been reduced by 25%! This breakthrough now allows huge compounds to be made with little performance hit, making the…
