Road to Vostok developer Antti Leinonen published the July SITREP on July 25, outlining progress across Builds 2, 3, and 4. The biggest near-term update is Build 2, which is roughly 75% complete and currently targeting September 2026, provided the remaining work and testing stay on schedule.
The developer shared the full development update through the official Steam SITREP, with new details on the Nomad faction, AI behavior, traders, shelters, maps, weapons, and special bosses.
Build 2 is getting a major AI overhaul
One of the central pieces of Build 2 is a new AI sensor system. Previously, enemies mainly processed information coming from the player, which meant they could not properly account for other targets. That approach would not work once friendly Nomads and more complex encounters enter the game.
The new system lets AI evaluate several possible targets and assign one as its current priority. Distance, damage received, and visibility or obstruction all factor into that decision. In a firefight involving the player and multiple hostile AI characters, enemies should be able to switch focus instead of treating the player as the only threat.
The sensor was also designed as a modular tool that is easier to test, adjust, and troubleshoot. An inspector view shows the available parameters along with the targets detected by the system and the one currently assigned as the priority target.
Nomads and Bandits will have more visual variety
Build 2 will also add three visual variants for each faction. Bandits currently have a single example known as Bandit_A, while the update will add variants such as Bandit_B and Bandit_C. Each variant will also have three color options, creating nine visual combinations for every faction.
For now, the system is mainly meant to make encounters less visually repetitive. The developer also plans to connect some gameplay elements to the different variants later.
Driver, his bus, and a new garage shelter
The new trader Driver and his bus are now complete. Driver will be tied to a new garage shelter located in the Highway area. Players will receive a key to unlock the shelter by completing his tasks.
Build 2 is planned to include around ten times more items than the current build, along with new AI animations. The developer shared a separate video of those animations on X.
Two new maps are also in development: Airfield in Vostok and Bridge in the Border Zone. The Airfield screenshot shown in the update was already described as an outdated blockout, so its current appearance may differ from the image shared in the SITREP.
Build 3 will add quests and more lore
Build 3 remains on track for Q4 2026. This build focuses on lore, quests, and a clearer progression structure. Grandma will join the trader roster, and every trader will receive a questline tab in the trader interface.
The quests will ask players to complete specific actions and missions in the world rather than simply deliver items. Questlines will unlock one another, starting with Generalist and continuing to traders such as Doctor. Existing trader questlines, with Driver as the exception, have already been designed, including their required unique assets.
Build 4 continues the weapon overhaul
Work on the Build 4 weapon overhaul is moving ahead, with a goal of creating around 50 weapons from scratch. The latest progress includes new weapons and modified versions connected to the planned upgrade system.
Three rare special bosses are planned
Road to Vostok will eventually feature three special bosses that do not belong to any faction. These encounters are intended to be rare events and will be connected to rare items.
The first boss, Bogeyman, is already in development. The developer said it should arrive with Build 2 if the schedule remains free of major problems.
September is the current Build 2 target
August is considered a very tight window because contractor work still needs to be finished. The AI overhaul will also require as much testing time as possible for balance checks and bug fixes.
That leaves September 2026 as the current target month for Build 2, which would keep the release within the planned Q3 window. A game show scheduled before the build’s release is expected to include the release date if everything stays on track. The developer also plans to film the event and Build 2 release-video introduction at IRL Area 05 during the following week.
Leinonen also said the Steam price should now be adjusted for the Polish audience. With AI work, new maps, a trader-linked shelter, faction variants, and the first special boss all in progress, Build 2 is shaping up to be a packed step for the solo survival shooter. Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
Road to Vostok
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