- Shale: Version 1.02 - 24 July 2026
1.02 Patch NotesFixed bug where thieves would sometimes not spawn on maps.Fixed UI bug that caused an empty item to generate in the 'Fuse' menu.Fixed issue with controller sometimes not recieveing input in hud.Fixed input latency caused on some machines, shooting should feel more responsive now.Fixed issue with music being cutoff.Fixed bug with some achievements not triggering. They should all now trigger the moment you acquire it. If however you're offline or somehow miss the trigger, you can go to your car anytime and it will refresh all your progress (except for ones that are not saved such as the 'perfect score' achievements).Improved balancing against enemies level 90+. Towards the end, all enemies become easier and maintain a relatively engaging fight.Thank you! ːsteamhappyː- pretzel https://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive
- Shale: Version 1.01 - 12 June 2026
1.01 Patch NotesUpdated controller input in settings to now include re-binding for fire, alt fire and dash to any of the shoulder and trigger buttons.Default controller input is now changed to right trigger for fire, left trigger for dash and right shoulder for alt fire.Controller graphic in settings updated.Fixed UI bug that caused the player to lose input and not be able to close the escape menu.Fixed audio bug on craft table.Fixed excessive audio layering on high level alt fire cooldowns.Fixed some quest items not dropping from some thieves.Fixed UI issue with fusing a barrel for alt fire. Pressing cancel and re-fusing can now re-roll what damage effect applies to it.Slightly increased chance for junker traders to have fused items.Slightly increased footstep sound volume for player.Thank you! ːsteamhappyː- pretzel https://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive
- Shale: Version 1.0 - 29 May 2026
Shale 1.0All content has been added to the game and it's time for full release! ːsteamhappyːJust want to start off by saying a big thank you to everyone that played and supported Shale in its early access phase. Here is the official release trailer!New Level and LocationThis is the final location called 'Outskirts'. Designed differently compared to the other locations. It focuses on looting and crafting, giving the player a slight break between the combat of the other levels. However, there are also some minor enemies in Outskirts too. But, all varieties can spawn randomly, resulting in some interesting encounters and combat between npc's.Also, unlike the other levels, the enemies in Outskirts will remain at base level and will not scale with your character level. I designed this to help show the player how far they are progressing with their offense and defense stats.ObjectivesI've fin…
- Shale: Version 0.90 - 27 March 2026
0.90 Patch NotesThis update is primarily for the starting integration of controller support. The framework has been set up and the game now partially includes support for gamepads!Currently with this update you are able to move around the map, fight and loot/buy/sell all with controller but any other menu/ui interactions need mouse for now. Full controller support will be included in the 1.0 release. So if you have a controller or SteamDeck please give it a try and let me know how your experience is.Going on from that, I am planning to release Shale in its full 1.0 release on May 30 which will be the next update and the final product. I will be continuing support for Shale after the release for any bug fixing and any issues that need addressing. See you then!Extra fixes this update.Multiple audio fixesEnemy balancing update lvl 90-100Beginning integration of final craftables recipe list…
- Shale: Version 0.87 - 28 February 2026
0.87 Update Notes This regular update includes fixes and quality of life improvements. All enemies now have health bars which appear after taking damageFixed audio error on loading screenFixed co-op health damage calculation errorAdded item levels to item previewsAlternate attack area of effect increased by 20%Various map collision fixesIn the process of finalizing all collectable Tapes and NotesPlayers will not be able to access any more until version 1.0The final count will be 50 Tapes and 25 NotesNext update planned for late March which will start implementing controller support. Enjoy! ːsteamhappyː https://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive
- Shale: Version 0.85 - 31 January 2026
0.85 Update NotesThe Level Cap has now been increased to the final cap of 100.As I'm workiing towards the major 1.0 release, the next few updates will slowly begin implementing some more complex systems such as controller support, all of the collectable Notes and Tapes, balancing the end game, the final craftables and recipe list, more audio improvements and a bunch of additional fixes. The 1.0 release will be the most significant improvement to the game as it will include a new location, full controller support, player objectives, achievements and much more. However there will be a few more minor releases until then. I will post an announcement when 1.0 is planning to be released and what exactly will be part of it. Thanks! ːsteamhappyːNotesThis major update includes:Nine new bosses and 15 new enemiesOne new car modelOne new character and backpack tintOne new weapon tintTwo new wheel m…
- Shale: Version 0.81 - 4 December 2025
0.81 Patch Notes- Added a new small introduction cutscene animation when starting up the game for the first time. For existing players you'll need to remove the settings save file in your appdata/local/shale save files to be able to view it.- Improved hit sound effects on some common enemies.- Removed Possessed pillar traps due to inconsistent results.- The weapon trader now provides less items.- Junkers now don't sell weapon items (only rare ones).- Reduced weapon items in locked containers by one. - Common containers don't drop weapon parts.(The reduction of weapon item drops across the game is because of a large future update which will introduce a larger drop chance with a new feature.)- Removed some UI issues when pressing the TAB key on keyboard.- UI fixes on crafting and level up.- Background music added to car loading screen.- A small tape icon now displays when picking up and l…
- Shale: Version 0.8 - 14 November 2025
0.8 Patch Notes- Six new music tracks- Amount of Shale to collect for skill point reduced 250 -> 200- Shale cost to generate skill reduced 50 -> 25- Improved impact visual effects on some common enemiesNext update planned for early December.Thank you! ːsteamhappyː- pretzelhttps://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive
- Shale: Version 0.75 - 31 October 2025
0.75 Update NotesThe Level Cap has now been increased to 75 and the initial loading startup has improved efficiency.The FactoryThis major update includes the addition of the factory location. The newly designed tile set will mean the player will move around the factory slightly differently to the previous varieties. The player will now travel between city, forest and factory until the 1.0 update which will bring the outskirts location. That final location will complete the map and enemy rotation.Locked ContainersI've completed the new locked container mini-game. This memory game is a quick and improved solution to my previous method which was just using currency. Now the player just provides time and skill to unlock rather than a binary choice. A button sequence is played which the player then has to repeat, if you input incorrectly the container will lock until you leave and try again.…
- Shale: Version 0.7 - 18 September 2025
0.7 Update Notes Another regular update including more content and a few fixes. Level cap increased to 70Added 15 enemies and 6 bosses for levels 55-75 (Next update will increase cap to 75)5 new player bodies and heads to unlock4 new character and backpack tints to unlock4 new car models and 6 new wheel models to unlock6 new car tints and 6 weapon tints to unlock5 new backpack models to unlock6 new weapon models to unlockSmall improvements to player movementFixed keybinding causing duplicate assign Minor changes to Shale drop ratesEnjoy! ːsteamhappyːhttps://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive https://discord.com/invite/bDb6BvqwN8
- Shale: Version 0.5 - 20 June 2025
0.5 Update NotesThe ForestThis major update includes the addition of the forest location. The newly designed tile set will mean the player will move around the forest slightly differently to the previous city variety. For all enemies, the player will travel between city and forest until future updates bring more locations. Visual EffectsI've also been working on improving the overall visual style of Shale to have more variety in color and light. Here is a small example of some of the changes.Other Content AdditionsThe Level Cap has now been increased to 50.1 new character, bag, car and weapon tint to unlock.1 new tape and note to discover.1 new car model and wheel type to unlock.1 new character body, head, bag and weapon model to unlock.3 new music tracks, enemies and bosses to encounter.Gameplay ChangesFirst respawn orb now spawns 10 shale.Second respawn orb now has small hazard that p…
- Shale: Version 0.42 - 4 April 2025
0.42 Update Notes Another regular update including more content and a few fixes. Level cap increased to 45 3 new common enemies for level 45 1 new tape and 1 new note to collect 1 new character body and head to unlock 1 new car model and 1 new wheel model to unlock 1 new car tint and 1 weapon tint to unlock 1 new bag model to unlock 1 new weapon model to unlock Fixed consumed thief collision bug Fixed acid bloater moving after death Fixed sacked backpack shape Fixed consumed flamer movement on player death Fixed ui bug on no items Fixed ui bug on scrolling Fixed respawn audio looping bug Enjoy! ːsteamhappyː https://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive https://discord.com/invite/bDb6BvqwN8 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2115340/Shale/
- Shale: Version 0.41 - 6 March 2025
0.41 Update Notes This regular update mostly includes more content and a few minor fixes. Level cap increased to 40 3 new common enemies for level 40 3 new bosses for level 40 1 new tape and 1 new note 1 new character body and head 1 new car model and 2 new wheels 2 new car and weapon tints 1 new bag model Acid bloater bug on death fix Mouse input ui on craft fix Create character body type fix Enjoy! ːsteamhappyː https://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive https://discord.com/invite/bDb6BvqwN8 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2115340/Shale/
- Shale: Version 0.4 - 15 February 2025
0.4 Update Notes Skill Points With this update I've finished off the levelling and skill system. Now once you level up or collect enough Shale (only by pickup), you'll be given a skill point which you can apply at your car. This process requires you to have at least 50 Shale and 1 skill point so you can generate your options and spending 50 Shale each time if you want to roll again. I've also added more options to choose from now including damage resistances, dodge cool-down, crafting XP boost and more. This point system has a maximum of 250 which eventually maxes out all stats. New Loot This update I've included some rare loot which can be crafted into expensive items that the player can sell. The full list is below but the main 3 items are a Generator, Lighter and Water Filter. You can also see the benefits of crafting and selling these as they'll help with costs for fusing items and…
- Shale: Version 0.33 - 30 January 2025
0.33 Patch Notes - Fuse UI now showing numbers above 1000 formatted correctly - Lighting and colours at the Players Car UI improved contrast - Colours of Tapes improved contrast - Corrupt Boss level 30 Shotgun accuracy improved - Possessed Enemy level 30 physics fix on death - Chance to spawn Possessed boss increased - Chance to spawn Possessed thief decreased - Enemy damage and health tweaks across most - Map travel now fixed loop of Forgotten > Corrupt > Possessed Thank you! ːsteamhappyː - pretzel https://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive https://store.steampowered.com/app/2115340/Shale/
- Shale: Version 0.32 - 17 January 2025
0.32 Update Notes - Level Cap increased to 30 - New level 30 Acid, Possessed and Consumed enemies - New level 30 Acid, Possessed and Consumed boss types - Hit and Critical Hit Marker added 0.32 Unlockable Additions - New "Sun Chaser" car model and 4 tints - 5 Player body models, 2 head models and 1 tint - 3 Wheel models - 3 Weapon models and 4 tints - 2 Bag models and 1 tint - Decrease damage radius on Acid Pump Hazard - Sound Improvements Minor update coming in 2 weeks fixing any new issues that may occur and enemy balancing. Thank you! ːsteamhappyː - pretzel https://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive https://store.steampowered.com/app/2115340/Shale/
- Shale: Version 0.31 - 28 December 2024
Patch Notes 0.31 - Map Travel now prevents rolling the same enemy that the player is currently on. - Corrupt Mine traps size scaled for visual clarity. - Corrupt Mine traps now also used in Possessed map locations. - Corrupt Shale Thief audio fix. - Corrupt Boss damage vfx location fix. - Corrupt Knife enemies now cause 10 damage. - Corrupt Sniper death audio improvement. - Corrupt Boss Shotgun difficulty increased. - Corrupt Boss shotgun audio improved. - Corrupt Boss phase emergency audio levels increased. - All Corrupt enemies now have a slight offset animation when taking damage. - All Corrupt enemies now play a sound effect when taking damage. - Acid puzzle boss drops slightly less Shale. - Acid small melee enemies movement and navigation fix. - Acid enemies and barrels now drop only 1 Shale. - Possessed level 0 enemies reduced health. - Possessed enemy arena types removed "pillar"…
- Shale: Version 0.3 - 19 December 2024
0.3 Update Notes The Consumed This faction of enemies are a crazy half-human half-machine, bullet, fire and explosive pack with some knives thrown in. This part of the update includes 6 enemies, 3 mech bosses, new tile sets and level layouts, 4 new music tracks, 2 fire hazards and a Shale thief. The Forgotten This new faction of enemies are a mutated acid throwing bunch. This part of the update includes 6 enemies, 3 'bosses' that are puzzles, new tile set and level layouts, 3 new music tracks, Shale barrels and 2 acid hazards. Additional Notes 3x New combat music. Fixed FXAA not working in some cases. Moved player camera back slightly. Feel free to jump in, try the update, and let me know what you think! ːsteamhappyː I'll be releasing a patch in the coming weeks. https://store.steampowered.com/developer/dystopiainteractive
- Shale: Version 0.22 - 31 August 2024
0.22 Update Notes NPCs New NPCs, friendly "Junkers" will now spawn around the map and the starting location. You will be able to trade with some of them. These traders will have 3 items (1 health, 1 junk, 1 weapon or armor) to trade but will also have a chance to drop a rare "Set" item that you can purchase for a low price. Alt-Fire Every "Barrel" weapon part has an Alt-Fire ammo type. You will now be able to use Explosive, Fire, Oil or Acid. But be careful as particular enemies are totally immune to certain ammo types and damage over time effects do not stack (Current enemies are immune to Acid and Oil). Explosive - Base damage Fire - Base damage + damage over time Acid - Base damage + damage over time Oil - Base damage + slow effect Re-spawn Introduced a new spirit effect that guides you to each orb. The orb pickup count has now been reduced to 2 while the spawn distance has been incr…
- Shale: Version 0.21 - 1 August 2024
Early Access is now live for Shale! With this initial 0.21 release I've added another boss at level 20. I've also added new fire modes for the receiver weapon part. Now there are semi-auto and burst fire modes via trading, looting or crafting and full-auto mode via the upgrade vendor. Enjoy! Just want to say thanks to all of you that played Shale until now and have given me some great feedback on your experience with it. I've put together the high level basic road-map for Shale and the biggest content updates I am planning for it. Of course this doesn't include patches, minor updates, improvements, changes and hot-fixes but I hope it gives a good idea as to where I'd like Shale to be at for 1.0 release. I'll make this road-map available in-game and in discord as well for anyone that misses it. Also if you have any questions about the road-map or Shale, feel free to post it here or on th…
