Starship Troopers: Extermination is getting a notable update with patch 1.5, releasing on June 23rd, 2025 at 10 AM PT. This update brings a major change to the popular Hive Hunt mode, a brand-new prototype weapon called the Morita II, fresh cosmetics, and a long list of tweaks and bug fixes that improve gameplay and performance. If you want to chat with other troopers about this patch, the official Discord is the place to be.
Update 1.5 Patch Notes
- 16 Player Hive Hunt: Hive Hunt missions now support up to 16 troopers, quadrupling the previous 4-player limit. This change is a response to the bugs’ increased aggression. The new gameplay element involves carrying and escorting Timer Operated Atomic Device Canisters (T.O.A.D) to hive cores to destroy them permanently.
- Morita II Rifle: A new prototype weapon available at level 16 for all classes. The Morita II is a burst-fire rifle with an underbarrel grenade launcher and extensive weapon mods, including a fully automatic firing mode and an experimental plasma launcher helpful against Tigers.
- Stinging Fury Supporter Pack: Adds a new cosmetic palette for weapons, armor, and visors, plus a distinct profile banner and icon to personalize your trooper’s look on the battlefield.
- Horde Mode: Rounds are now timer-based instead of depending on the number of bugs killed.
- Quick Player Filtering: You can now filter matches by mission type and difficulty, making it easier to find games suited to your preferences.
- Galactic Front Updates: Intel has been removed as a currency for Company Ops purchases. A rotating selection of Company Ops will be available every 6 hours during active Galactic Fronts.
- PC & Steam Deck Improvements: Virtual keyboard fixes, increased font size on Steam Deck, and upgrades to upscalers including DLSS 4 and FSR 3.1.3a (or FSR 4 on supported cards).
- Ultra Dynamic Sky: X-11 Dynamic Sky has been added for enhanced atmospheric effects.
- Spotlight Mechanics: Spotlights can now be reinforced and overcharged by Engineers, boosting light intensity and allowing operation even when damaged.
- Resource Canisters: Troopers carrying resource canisters now have icons visible on the tactical map and HUD.
- Sky Marshall and Rico Visuals: Character images updated to animated sequences using AI-powered facial animation and lip-sync for better immersion.
Armory Tuning
- Morita XXX Sniper Rifle: Added Short Scope (2x) at level 6 and Explosive Rounds ammo mod at level 8, improving crowd control and close-quarters combat.
- TW-2-R Sp.L.I.T Shotgun (Slug): New Heavy Slugs ammo mod at level 7 and Short Scope (2.5x) sight mod at level 8 provide more versatility.
- FU-17 Flamethrower: Added hit markers for very important and resisted damage, flames now pierce through bugs, slowing effect applies to Fire Warriors and Inferno bugs, and ammo capacity increased from 300 to 400.
- Speed Stim Fabricator: Movement speed boost doubled to 30% for 15 seconds but no longer stacks. New visual effect added.
- Lure Grenades: Reduced bug targeting priority and max attracted bugs from 10 to 4 to balance their crowd control power.
- Nuke Detpack: Now attracts nearby bugs and minimum damage increased from 750 to 1100, providing Demolishers with better defensive and offensive options.
Known Issues
- Low settings cause missing visuals on underbarrel reloads.
- Weapon mod UI sometimes shows incorrectly when switching weapons.
- Sound issues when charging plasma underbarrel while in MG emplacement.
- Dead Engineers with canisters leave permanent icons.
Bug Fixes and Quality-of-Life Changes
- Chat messages no longer show as “MUTED” after unmuting.
- Fixed DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG crash on Intel ARC cards.
- Engineers can no longer build on unintended utilities.
- Inactive shock beacons can now be picked up after planting.
- Players no longer get stuck below maps or in death loops on respawn.
- Various fixes for animations, collision, UI text, localization, audio cues, and gameplay bugs.
- Console fixes include better sound behavior, crash fixes on PS5, consistent DLC naming on Xbox, and improved UI navigation.
Wow, that’s quite a list! The shift to 16-player Hive Hunts sounds like it could change how groups coordinate and plan. Do you think this will make the missions more chaotic or more fun? And that Morita II rifle looks like a solid addition for tactical variety.
