Up until now, combat in Jump Space has revolved entirely around firearms. But with the game’s first major content update, players are getting a thrilling new way to take down robotic enemies. Melee weapons have officially entered the fray, including a bullet-deflecting blade that sounds like a galactic lightsaber! Developer Keepsake Games has also introduced several new sectors and exciting modifiers to inject fresh life into its fast-paced, chaotic missions. And, as is tradition for any multiplayer game worth its salt, a Halloween-themed event has also kicked off.
This is a pretty meaty update for Jump Space, especially considering its impressive launch with 430,000 copies sold on Steam, according to Keepsake. That’s no small feat given the competitive landscape for new co-op games. The game smartly combines the ship-and-shooter elements seen in titles like Star Citizen and Starfield, but distills them into a more accessible and snappy co-op experience, which explains its wide appeal.
Fittingly titled the Vendor Update, its hub area now boasts — you guessed it — new vendors! Addressing player feedback about losing rare, high-quality weapons, Bozze now offers a randomly rolled selection of guns that players can purchase with in-game credits. His inventory refreshes every time you load into the Hangar hub. Additionally, Vosk has set up shop, allowing you to buy Artifacts that provide valuable upgrades for you and your crew before missions.
Melee weapons make their grand debut in this Jump Space update. These new options offer more powerful alternatives to simply punching robots and allow you to block incoming attacks to minimize damage. They provide genuine strategic utility, not just a cosmetic change. One standout is the Heatblade, which lets you channel your inner Skywalker by deflecting enemy fire right back at them with impressive accuracy, allowing you to fulfill those space samurai parry dreams.
Beyond new combat options, eight new zones are now discoverable during missions, and sector modifiers have arrived to add variety to existing areas. For example, the Materia Remnants modifier fills a sector with large clouds of the precious material, making it a highly lucrative destination. Other modifiers, like High Legion Presence, are designed to ramp up the difficulty by throwing more enemies your way.
The new update also ushers in a Halloween event, as expected. Bozze offers a special quest to collect pumpkins during your runs. Deliver enough to him before Monday, November 10, and you’ll earn an event-exclusive cosmetic that transforms your helmet into a jack-o’-lantern. While it might not be the most original Halloween event, it certainly gives players something fun to chase.
The new Jump Space update is available now. If you’re eager to explore the galaxy and leave a trail of destruction, you’ll find even more great experiences in our guide to the best space games. Our best FPS games list is also packed with fantastic shooters, many of which you can enjoy with your friends.
If you’ve been enjoying Jump Space or are tempted to jump in soon, feel free to share your thoughts on our community Discord server.