Theseus11

Overview The Bio-Build System allows players to design simple outposts and have ants or other tamed insects construct them over time, using stored materials and pheromone instructions. These outposts serve as forward operating bases, observation towers, or mini-shelters across the yard — all built without the player lifting a hammer (or pebble axe). --- How It Works 1. Blueprint Placement Players use a new tool called the Insect Architect Wand to place a special outpost blueprint. Think of it like a ghost structure with insect-readable instructions. These blueprints are more limited than full player bases — typically small structures like: Resource outposts Guard towers Storage shelters First-aid stations Turret nests (spitting bugs or bombardiers as mounted defence) 2. Assigning the Workforce Only insects from a tamed or allied colony can be assigned. Worker Ants are the primary builders (quick but limited strength). Beetles can carry heavier materials (slower but durable). Spiderlings can spin and reinforce web-based buildings (low load, but unique defensive bonuses). Each bug type has building specialisations — e.g., ants for wooden/plastic structures, beetles for metal/stone parts, spiderlings for webbed walls or scaffolding. 3. Material Delivery The player loads materials into a nearby Insect Supply Crate. Alternatively, the player can mark nearby stockpiles with pheromone beacons for insects to harvest from, if they’re within range. The build progresses in stages — materials are consumed gradually, and insects take time to construct based on complexity. --- Construction Timescale A small resource hut might take 2 in-game hours. A reinforced watchtower might take a full in-game day. Players can speed this up by assigning more insects, feeding them treats, or unlocking faster construction traits via queen favour or research. --- Strategic Use of Outposts Outposts come with a limited set of functional modules: Auto-repair stations Basic crafting stations Insect hatching pods to restock defensive insects Observation perches for spotting enemy movement Portable scent markers for expanding your pheromone network --- Upgrades and Customisation Once built, players can return and upgrade structures: Reinforce with sap-and-resin Add insect-based traps (e.g., larva-jaw snares) Install bug-powered turrets (beetle-pults, anyone?) Upgrades unlock via progress with the Ant Queen, reputation with other bug factions, or finding rare blueprint scrolls hidden in the world (like behind a paint can guarded by a stinkbug overlord). --- Risks and Balancing Outposts can be attacked if they’re too close to enemy territory. If too many insects are assigned to build, your main colony’s productivity suffers (you can’t have 50 ants building IKEA shelves and also expect them to defend your main base). Some bug types have “building fatigue” — overwork them and they’ll rest (or protest with a tiny banner that says “Bug Off!”).

Ant Queen Taming and Colony Control Ant Queen Encounter: Deep within a sprawling underground mega-colony lies the Ant Queen. She’s not just chilling — she’s protected by elite soldiers and only reveals herself after the player proves their worth. Taming Mechanic: Rather than a simple feed-and-befriend system, taming the queen involves a multi-stage questline: Defend the colony from hostile invaders (e.g. Termites, Spiderlings, or a new apex predator like a Mole Cricket). Gather rare materials: Royal Jelly, Fermented Nectar, Pheromone Glands, and Queen’s Amber. Once Tamed: You gain access to the Ant Communication Pheromone Device — a craftable tool that allows you to issue logistical commands to your colony. You now have influence over ant task management, including resource delivery between bases. --- Ant-Powered Resource Transport System Ant Caravan System Base-to-Base Logistics: Players construct modular Ant Dock Stations at each base, consisting of: Pheromone Post (used to identify base location) Ant Platform (launch/arrival point) Drop-off/Pick-up Storage Caravan Mechanics: Worker ants transport items from an outbound crate at Base A to an inbound crate at Base B. Caravans are visible in the world, walking real paths between bases. Delivery times are based on: Distance between bases Active route hazards Ant breed and upgrades Example: A 400cm route might take 10 in-game minutes. Upgrades (such as better-fed ants, faster breeds, or shortcut trails) can reduce this time by up to 40%. --- Risk and Strategy Visible and Vulnerable: Ant caravans physically travel between bases. They can be attacked by hostile insects or ambushed en route. Players can assign soldier ants to escort the caravan or build pheromone decoys to lure enemies away. If a caravan is destroyed: Resources are lost. You’ll receive a notification or marker showing where the last known caravan was attacked, allowing you to investigate and potentially recover some materials. --- Dedicated Logistics Storage New Container Types: Outbound Ant Crate: Where players load items for delivery. Inbound Ant Crate: Where ants automatically deposit delivered resources. Optional Add-ons: Queue Manager Terminal: Lets players queue items for future shipments or set delivery priorities. Routing Beacon: Used to manually set or modify delivery paths to avoid known danger zones. --- Progression and Upgrades As you expand and upgrade the colony: Unlock new ant breeds (e.g. faster Red Ants, stronger Black Ants, hybrid transporters). Construct Ant Express Paths — raised, reinforced trails that improve speed and offer mild protection. Develop pheromone route markers to increase efficiency and avoid backtracking. --- Bonus Mechanics Ant Mail System: Send small items or notes to other players via ant courier in multiplayer mode. Colony Mood System: The queen responds to how well you care for her colony. Happy queen = faster, more efficient ants. Neglected queen = slowdowns, random misroutes, or even strikes (ants refusing to work until you improve conditions). Royal Chamber Expansion: Expand and customise your colony. Breed task-specific ants like Haulers, Builders, Guards, or even Scouts for route patrol.

Theyve already planned some buggy progression. Although i do think this would be cool, maybe stick to evolutions you'd expect to see from each creature IRL, Fire ants have stingers so bring fire ants back for the stingers but Red & black ants do grow wings in their life cycle during mating season

That may happen for a while still with it being a game preview, happens alot with most games that offer early access. Still a long way away from the finished product. Still alot of fun considering

Another build improvement ive noticed is the hitbox for the pebble foundations isnt flat. When placing anything on the floor its only level in certain places. Trying to line up storage boxes neatly is just impossible. I do like the uneven texture for looks but i think a flat hitbox would help out a lot. Also please add half sprig/acorn fences and railings for the half stars and half floors

New game modes - Nightmare mode : arachnophobia unleashed Full horror experience with horrifyingly detailed bug models, jump scares etc? Bug life mode? Play as an insect Ants - teamwork & strength Aphid- speed & sneakiness Spiderling - venom & wall walking Wasp - flying & high pitched rage Unique bug missions - raid food, build nests, avoid kids

Probably already thought of some of these but thought id leave it here just incase theres anything not already planned

Dynamic weather Rain - floods tunnels/temporary puddles to swim. Wind - affects projectiles and flying creatures Vertical layering? Expand digging mechanics for burrowing etc. Squirrel invasions? Bird attacks etc Micro vehicles - acorn boats ladybug wagons? Worker bugs - Resource transport, night light fireflies and auto repair bugs? Smart building system - Blueprint memory for builds, Customisable items (flags, signs, trap doors) Tiny tech -Walkie talkies for long range comms, Bug sonar radar, motion sensing alarms? Mini chemistry set? Mini quests/bug diplomacy, Bug reputation unlocks secret items? Base seige events with different bugs and opportunities to recruit a bug army for defence? Kid invasion events? Full size kids sneaking into park who think its funny to stomp bugs squish ands and burn with magnifying glass - ominous thuds and shaking grass - have to hide, evade or set traps? (Fake dog barking traps to scare mud bombs to cause slips, slingshots to blind and decoy insect army made with items found in park?) Seasons? Spring - baby bugs and pollen storms? Summer - high bug activity, heat exaustion risk? Autumn - decaying leaves, fog, increased worm activity Winter - survival mode, bugs hibernate, food vanishes, water freezes, winter craftables (sleds / snowball launchers) Plenty of easter eggs to find Dog zone? Stray dog wanders into park to avoid, potential to befriend it to have it bring gifts?