TheDocCroc

I just got back into the game after it's debut (before first update) and love the mutations. Since you can only have 3 active at a time, I think it's necessary to have a few keybinds to different loadouts of mutations. An example would be to have fighting-based mutations active in one loadout, then with the press of a key (or a radial wheel for controller) you can activate a different loadout of mutations. This would cut out a fair bit of menu time and would be a nice QoL improvement, instead of having to go to the menu and deactivate/reactivate when you switch active mutations.

Also looks like we'll be getting a pillbug shield, and potentially armor dye.

I believe the hotbar could be turned into new dedicated slots. For instance, have the player start with 4 toolbelt slots, that can be upgraded with a new item/armor slot, the belt. 1. Tier 1: +2 slots to toolbelt, total 6 2. Tier 2: +4 slots to toolbelt, total 8 3. Tier 3: +6 slots to toolbelt, total 10 (New boss parts needed to craft) Whether the belt will be visible or not isn't an issue, though it'd be nice if it was. The starting slots could also be halved, making the total slots available with tier 3, 8. This could free potentially 10 inventory slots, saving room for more materials. I think it's a great way to add a bit more to the game, but I welcome all feedback. Thanks for your time!

For your #2, I think a belt slot would be perfect. Have the default hotbar be 4 slots, but aside from the main inventory. Meaning you need to craft better toolbelts throughout the game to get more slots, a tier 1 with +2 and a tier 2 with +4 slots added to the "hotbar". Also if there's ever a new boss added, the parts for it could be used to make a tier 3 belt that adds +6, for a total of 10 toolbelt slots, and 30 normal inventory slots.