Satisfactory Celebrates One Year Since 1.0 Launch with Exciting Updates and New Features
One year ago, Coffee Stain Studios officially launched Satisfactory 1.0, marking the end of its Early Access phase and the beginning of a new chapter for the beloved factory-building simulation game. Since then, the game has continued to captivate a dedicated player base, with an average concurrent player count of nearly 20,000. To celebrate this milestone, the developers have rolled out a festive in-game event and unveiled a major content update currently available on the Experimental branch, promising exciting new features and improvements for all Pioneers.
Celebrating the 1.0 Anniversary with a Festive HUB
On September 10th, Satisfactory kicked off its 1.0 anniversary celebrations by decorating the HUB, the central social area where players can gather, trade, and relax. For two weeks, until September 24th, Pioneers can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with festive decorations, including pizza, candy, cake, and plenty of opportunities to dance and celebrate with fellow players.
The HUB decorations are more than just a visual treat-they serve as a heartfelt thank you from the developers to the community that has supported the game through thick and thin. For players who prefer to focus on their factory-building without the seasonal flair, there is an option to disable the event decorations by navigating to Options > Gameplay > Disable Seasonal Events.
Alongside the in-game festivities, the Community Managers released a special video message expressing gratitude to the players. This gesture highlights the close relationship between the developers and the community, which has been instrumental in shaping Satisfactory into the polished experience it is today.
Introducing Update 1.1: Controller Support and More on Experimental
Following the anniversary event, Coffee Stain Studios launched the first major content update since the 1.0 release: Update 1.1. Currently available on the Experimental branch, this update introduces several highly anticipated features and improvements, with controller support being the headline addition.
Players interested in trying out the new update should proceed with caution and back up their save files before switching to the Experimental version. The Experimental branch acts as a testing ground where new features and changes are polished before being integrated into the stable version of the game. This approach helps maintain a smooth and stable experience for the majority of players while allowing the developers to gather valuable feedback and fix any issues that arise.
Accessing the Experimental branch is straightforward:
- Steam: Right-click Satisfactory in your library > Properties > Betas > Select "Experimental"
- Epic Games Store: Download the Experimental version directly from your library
Controller Support: A Game-Changer for Console and PC Players
One of the most exciting aspects of Update 1.1 is the introduction of full controller support. Developed in collaboration with Fishlabs, a studio with years of experience in controller integration, this feature opens up new possibilities for how players can experience Satisfactory. Both Xbox controllers and Sony’s DualSense™ controllers are supported, allowing for a seamless and intuitive gameplay experience whether you’re on PC or preparing for the upcoming console release.
To enable controller support, players simply need to connect their controller and navigate to Options > Controls > General > Select Controls > Controller > Apply. This simple setup process ensures that players can quickly switch between keyboard/mouse and controller as they prefer.
The addition of controller support is a significant milestone for Satisfactory, as it not only enhances accessibility but also paves the way for the game’s imminent launch on consoles. This expansion will undoubtedly introduce the game to a broader audience and provide existing fans with new ways to enjoy their factory-building adventures.
Photo Mode Overhaul and Other Quality-of-Life Improvements
Update 1.1 also brings a major overhaul to the existing Photo Mode, a beloved feature that allows players to capture stunning screenshots of their sprawling factories and scenic alien landscapes. The revamped Photo Mode boasts a brand-new user interface and an expanded suite of settings, including a wide array of filters, effects, poses, and frames. This makes it easier than ever for players to immortalize their creations and share their progress with the community.
Beyond Photo Mode and controller support, the update includes numerous tweaks and fixes aimed at refining gameplay and improving overall stability. The developers encourage players to report any bugs or unexpected behavior on the official QA site (https://questions.satisfactorygame.com/), emphasizing the importance of community feedback in shaping the ongoing development of the game.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Satisfactory?
With the 1.0 anniversary celebrations and the 1.1 Experimental update, Coffee Stain Studios has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting and expanding Satisfactory. The introduction of controller support signals the beginning of a new era for the game, especially with the console release on the horizon. Fans can expect more content updates, quality-of-life improvements, and community-driven features as the developers continue to build on the solid foundation established during Early Access and the 1.0 launch.
For now, players can dive into the festive HUB, experiment with the new controller options, and explore the enhanced Photo Mode-all while eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this ever-evolving factory-building masterpiece.