BREAK ARTS III news & patch notes

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## ◆ Highlights

## ■ Match Overall

### New Additions

### Changes・Adjustments

### Bug Fixes

## ■ Controls・Effects

### Changes・Adjustments

### Bug Fixes

## ■ Customization

### New Additions

### Changes・Adjustments

## ■ UI・Display

### Changes・Adjustments

## ■ Tutorial・Help

### New Additions

### Changes・Adjustments

## ■ System・Graphics

### New Additions

### Changes・Adjustments

### Implemented other adjustments, changes, and bug fixes.

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Collision Disabling and Attraction to the Circuit

• Enables aggressive driving along the edges of the circuit
• Short-distance shortcuts are also possible, but come with deceleration
• Easier recovery when going off the circuit

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Hello Artists! The indie developer MercuryStudio here, working hard on the major update for BREAK ARTS III version 1.1.0.

*The footage shown is still in development. As I mentioned before, in order to keep this project going, I have to spend most of my time on another job. However, rest assured that progress is definitely being made!

Shield System

As shown in the footage, the latest version completely overhauls how shields work! Specifically...

• Shields now have their own durability value that varies

• Durability constantly recovers over time, so you need to deal high burst damage in a short period to break them

• While shields are active, no damage can be dealt to the machine directly

• Different types of projectiles deal different amounts of damage to shields

• Dedicated shield modules have been removed; shield strength is now automatically calculated from the total amount of Structure

This is how the system works now.

Emitter

Emitters have also undergone major changes. Previously, if you continued firing rapidly or performed an extremely powerful attack, the next attack would incur increased energy consumption and heat generation—a downside that often led to running out of energy or overheating at unintended moments, causing frustration during gameplay. In the latest version:

• Energy consumption and heat generation remain unchanged, but instead, exceeding the limit will render the emitter unusable

• If you choose an extremely high rate of fire, additional heat and energy will be required

Combined with the shield system changes mentioned earlier, we believe these adjustments will lead to greater customization freedom and enhanced strategic depth!As a side note, the display of emitters during customization has also been revamped! You can now see the parameters you need without having to go into the settings menu.

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X Facebook PLAYISM Website PLAYISM Publisher Page

Wallpapers Now Available

New Info on Version 1.1.0

Regarding Prize Distribution for the Mech Customization Contest

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Match UI Revamp

• Integrated surrounding information into the minimap, while keeping the focus solely on the locked-on target
• Displayed the target’s rank and status on the lock-on marker
• Fixed the position of player unit info and adjusted the display balance

Regarding the Mech Customization Contest Prizes

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Mech Design Category

Grand Prize:

Role-Playing Award:

Visual Impact Award

PLAYISM Award

People's Choice Award

Creator's Choice Award

Kisa's Choice Award (Special Judge)

Special Awards

Diorama Category

Grand Prize

Storytelling Award

Visual Impact Award

People's Choice Award

Creator's Choice Award

Kisa's Choice Award (Special Judge)

PLAYISM Award

Special Awards

Photographer of the Year

To all contestants,

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• Added new poses for Diorama Mode

• Improved transition from air to ground detection during high-speed movement.
• Slightly reduced processing load that occurs while charging a charge shot

• Fixed a bug where bullets (Shots) sometimes remained in the next match.
• Fixed a bug with the cursor movement on the Save/Load screen.
• Fixed a bug where the module selection effect remained visible when entering a match.
• Fixed a bug where energy cost and heat generation were calculated lower than intended when the game ran below 60 FPS.
• Fixed a bug where using DIFFRACTOR would incorrectly trigger attack-related screen effects.
• Fixed a bug where shield destruction did not work correctly when kicking a drone.
• Fixed a bug in Playtest Mode where attack drones would not target the player.
• Fixed a bug where Pallet 1 could not be selected.
• Fixed a bug where Conflict 1 could not be resized.
• Fixed a bug where certain effects on Structure 1 did not track properly.
• Fixed a bug where preset units could not be loaded.
• Fixed a bug where leg poses would not applied when loading a quadruped type units.

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• Applied a patch to address recent Unity security vulnerabilities
• Slightly increased the acceleration of burst shots, and adjusted their behavior so they only decelerate when there's a risk of overshooting the target.
• Adjusted the spacing between side poles in the Plains and Cyber Field circuits.
• Changed the behavior so that when an AoE Grenade is thrown directly onto the ground, its landing path is still displayed.

• Fixed an issue where proximity mines could be triggered by explosive shots even when they were outside the damage radius.
• Fixed an issue where the minimum valid damage radius value for missiles was set incorrectly.
• Fixed a bug where achievements for the last Grand Prix played could sometimes be unlocked based on multiplayer results.
• Fixed an issue where a player's height offset could be incorrectly referenced from another machine after a match.
• Fixed a bug where certain machine configurations could cause excessive jumping.
• Fixed an issue in multiplayer where the damage falloff for explosive shots was not functioning correctly.

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version 1.0.4

Hello, artists! We appreciate your patience. We are releasing an update to address several issues, as outlined below. Additionally, due to unintended methods identified in clearing Score Attack mode, we have made extensive adjustments affecting overall game balance. As a result, all Score Attack records will be reset on October 10. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

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• Added estimated impact points of AoE Grenade on the minimap.

• Added a safety feature that unlocks any modules, plugins, or other items used in a preset when the preset is loaded, if they have not been unlocked already.

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• Adjusted the performance of various shots. - Homing Shot: Slightly reduced emitter load (improving firing rate). - Railgun: Slightly increased damage and increased emitter load (reducing firing rate). - Missile: Increased emitter load (reducing firing rate). - Burst: Reduced damage, slightly increased energy consumption, adjusted projectile speed and homing performance to improve usability at close range. - Grenade: Slightly increased damage. - Paradox: Increased homing drift (reducing accuracy). - AoE Grenade: Reduced damage and slightly decreased heat generation. - Gravity Shot: Adjusted to be effective against explosive shots. - Piercing Shot: Increased energy consumption and heat generation. - Explosive Shot: Adjusted effective radius and minimum damage dealt.

• Adjusted the tendencies of the CPUs in Grand Prix \.

• Adjusted the performance of the Gatling-type barrel.

• Applied a slight delay to the reduction in usage load when the effective angle of detonators changes.

• Applied homing ability to the Kick and improved its accuracy.

• Changed the control of pitch angle while airborne to be determined by the unit’s weight instead of its turning capabilities.

• Reworked the overall ground interaction system to improve handling over uneven terrain.

• Adjusted the turning speed of the module that faces locked-on targets to be determined by the drive speed (improving accuracy).

• Holding down the detonator key no longer causes ground-based legs to perform continuous jumps.

• Adjusted the number of poles in multiple corners in a row in Ocean (Day) stage.

• Removed poles from the Ocean, Wilderness, and Plains stages during battle mode.

• Removed collision handling for guardrails in the Plains course.

• Added objects on the surface of the Moon.

• Reduced underwater drag.

• Slightly increased the maximum weight of the four-legged type lower frame and improved the ability to jump forward.

• Changed to automatically set plugins when modules capable of detaching and fusing are attached. - These plugins cannot be set unless the corresponding modules are attached.

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• Fixed an issue causing the charge status of various plugins to reset when the unit is heavily damaged.

• Fixed an issue where the unit became unstable at high pitch angles while airborne.

• Fixed an issue where the camera movement became unexpectedly intense when kicking.

• Fixed an issue where the score for destroying drones using a specific method in Score Attack mode was duplicated.

• Fixed some warning messages related to collision handling.

• Fixed an issue where unnecessary objects were displayed on the main menu after completing the machine design.

• Fixed an issue in the laser shot offset.

• Addressed an issue where the frame rate dropped significantly in the main menu on certain environments.

• Fixed an issue where machines failed to load due to data inconsistencies by removing the inconsistent data. - This resolves an issue where the game could not launch if there was a problem with the machine data.

• Fixed an issue where module weight was not displayed in Casual Design Mode.

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Hello, artists!

It's been a little over a week since launch and we're thrilled that so many of you are playing. We're currently working on addressing several critical issued, but are struggling due to insufficient data.

If you encounter any issues going forward, please provide detailed circumstances for the cause of the issue along with the following data to help us resolve them faster.

*Needed Data*

Data Location: C:\\Users\\(Username)\\AppData\\LocalLow\\MercuryStudio\\BREAK ARTS III

1. Player.log

\ Please launch ver1.0.3 at least once before providing your logs. Logs from previous versions contained private data like directory structures. Feel free to delete these logs if you prefer.

We generally request logs for all cases.

2. GeneralData.es3 + Machine/Arc999.es3

GeneralData contains settings and progress data and Arc999 is the save data for your autosaved unit.

Please provide these if the game fails to launch or actions which worked before no longer function.

3. .es3 files within the Machine or SubAssembly folders

Please provide the relevant save data if specific designs behave abnormally or fail to load.

* For security reasons, we can't accept compressed files.

* Each file may be obtained by other players if shared publically. Exercise particular caution when handling important data.

Please submit your data to the Steam thread, or community Discord server where BA3 testers are present.

Version 1.0.3:

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- Added a launch option to force windowed mode

- Added a Sea of Clouds like track to Test Drive

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- Resolution is now automatically reverted if the screen size is smaller than the saved resolution upon launching

- Temporary save data can no longer be copied and used locally in mmultiplayer

- Prevented loading of craft with locked parts

- Sea of Clouds checkpoints have been made larger

- Extended some slopes in Wilderness (Night)

- Adjusted difficulty for Grand Prix 7-1

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- Removed potentially sensitive content from player.log

- Fixed a bug where units equipped with Diffractor would cause infinite loading if a match ended without Diffractors ever being used

- Fixed a bug where duplicating barrels could enhance attack power

- Fixed an issue with plugin initialization on destruction

- Fixed an issue where using the plugin Sentry Mode would cause higher than normal Emitter load upon firing

- Fixed an issue where CPU names weren't displayed in online matches

- Fixed a bug where cancelling the attachment of a subassembly with specific configurations softlocked the Machine Designer

- Fixed an issue where only one purchase condition was considered when multiple conditions applied to a preset Architecture

- Fixed an issue where ground offsets for certain presets were incorrect

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I have released updates Ver. 1.0.2 and 1.0.2.2. The details of the updates are as follows:

Version 1.0.2:

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• Added explanation for lock-on fixation to the basic controls tutorial,

• Added pop-up keyboard support on Steam Deck,

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• Added Ocean graphics settings, decreased base setting from High to Normal,

• Lowered default settings when launching on Steam Deck

  • It's recommended to set the Scaling Mode to Sharp and the Sharpness filter between 0 and 1 for the best visuals.

• Optimized exploding bullet effects and slightly changed their calculation formulas,

• Improved particle initialization for effects other than Area Grenades,

• Slightly reduced memory usage by improving specular reflection maps,

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• Fixed an issue where predictive attacks were delayed after firing immediately after lock-on even on high Driving Speed units,

• Fine-tuned English localization,

• Fixed proximity fuse on Missile bullets,

• Fixed Course-Out assistance malfunctioning due to Course-Out specification changes

Version 1.0.2.2:

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• Added invincibility period immediately after respawning,

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• Fixed an issue where Save Thumbnails prioritized older images (e.g. demo version data),

• Fixed an issue where initial DIFFRACTOR activation failed after the Architecture using them is destroyed with them active,

• Fixed an issue where left click or the A button on controller couldn't be assigned in key configuration,

• Fixed an issue in 1.0.2 where the Multiplayer menu couldn't be selected,

• Fixed missing Bougainvillea description,

• Fixed an issue where loading failed when:

• A subassembly only contained a barrel,

• The subassembly included an amplifier connected to an emitter not part of the subassembly

I will continue to work on further improvements and refinements.

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BREAK ARTS III has finally launched!

To celebrate the release, we’re holding a two week limited-time launch sale. During this period, both the base game and the original soundtrack featuring 9 tracks from the game will be available at 10% off! In addition, a special bundle that includes both the game and soundtrack will receive an extra additional 5% discount. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy not only the game itself but also the music that brings it to life. 

On Steam News, we’re also running a series of guide articles that go beyond introducing the basics of the game, offering deeper insights such as advanced techniques for mecha customization. These guides will continue to be updated regularly, so be sure to check back for the latest tips and strategies. 

We’re also excited to announce a Mecha Customization Contest honoring player creativity!

The most outstanding entries will be featured on the official PLAYISM website, Steam News, and in a special livestream hosted by mecha-loving VTuber Kisa. Plus participants will receive in-game items that can’t be obtained anywhere else. Show off your best mecha or diorama creation!

Known Bugs:

We have identified the following issue occurring in Multiplayer PvP sessions:

• If either the host or guest disconnects during the sortie sequence, the remaining player will be stuck on the loading screen and unable to proceed.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to our players.

We are currently investigating the cause and working on a fix, which will be addressed in a future update once the issue has been fixed.

▼Contest Overview

Submission Period：September 19, 2025 – October 20, 2025 How to Enter：Choose one of the following methods:

① Post a screenshot along with the title of your work and a short message in the dedicated thread on the Steam Community. ② Post a screenshot on X（formerly Twitter）with both hashtags #BreakArts and #BA3Customs, including the title of your work and a short message.

Results Announcement：November 2025

Winners will be announced on the official PLAYISM Website, Steam News, and during Kisa’s livestream. In addition to the winning entries, many unique nominated works that didn’t make the final cut will also be showcased in Kisa’s program, your creation could be among them…!

▼Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged based on the following points: 

• Clarity of theme or message

• Creativity and overall design quality

• Composition and presentation of the screenshot

Awards will be primarily selected by MercuryStudio (developer), PLAYISM (publisher), and special guest judge VTuber Kisa. Some prizes, however, will be determined by community voting (based on “likes”), so we encourage everyone to participate and support their favorite entries.

Special Judge: VTuber Kisa

Greetings! I’m Kisa, a chill tea-party VTuber who loves mechas and delicious food! In my streams, I aim to provide a cozy, fun, and tasty haven, sprinkled with a touch of Kansai Dialect.

To celebrate the launch of BREAK ARTS III, I’ll be serving as a special judge for the Mecha Customization Contest! I’ll also be streaming gameplay, including commentary sessions and online battle matches where players can join in, so feel free to stop by and watch!

And above all, I’m looking forward to seeing all the machines packed with your quirks and passions!

Youtube Channel：

【How to Enter & Important Notes]

• When submitting your entry, please be sure to include a message describing the concept or theme behind your work. 

• For the Mecha Design Category, entries must include a screenshot showing the entire machine,  (video submissions are also accepted). 

• Multiple entries are allowed; however, duplicate awards within the same category will not be given.

▼Prizes

• Grand Prize (2 winners per category): Your winning design will be featured on the Steam Store page! In addition, a custom wallpaper of your machine will be created and distributed. 

• Category Award Winners: Special plugins with unique effects are currently being planned. 

• Participation prizes (all entrants): Special decorative module.

▼Additional Notes

• For entries submitted via X（Formerly Twitter), please ensure your account is set to public. 

• Winners will be contacted via DM or similar means to confirm your personal information required for prize delivery (information will not be used outside of this campaign).

• Prizes may be made publicly available at a later date.

• Submitted works may be used in future promotional activities.

▼Submission Example:

Submission Name：SIXPACK

Message：This Muscle is Art #BreakArts #BA3Customs

▼Contest Categories & Awards

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• Grand Prize

This award will be given to the most outstanding mech. We're looking for an overall sense of design and creativity.

• Role-Playing Award

This award will be given to the mech that best conveys your design and scene intentions.

• Visual Impact Award (For Impressive/Unique Mechs)

This award will be given to the mech shining with the most individuality. Show us your one-of-a-kind creations.

• Creator's Choice Award

This is a special award given by MercuryStudio. The developers would like to see mechs that go beyond their wildest imaginations.

• Kisa's Choice Award (Special Judge)

This award will be given to a mech selected by the special guest judge, the VTuber Kisa. Apparently she has quirky tastes in robot design...!

• PLAYISM Award

This award will be given to a mech selected by PLAYISM, the publisher of BREAK ARTS III. They are looking for a yellow mech, the same as their brand color.

• People's Choice Award This award will be given to the creation that receives the most likes from users. Attract as much attention as you can!

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• Grand Prize

This award will be given to the artist whose diorama has the greatest artistry. A truly artistic piece.

• Storytelling Award

This award will be given to the artist whose diorama has the best storytelling. One that will leave people asking for more.

• Visual Impact Award

This award will be given to the artist whose diorama has the most originality. "How was this put together?"

• Creator's Choice Award

This is a special award given by MercuryStudio. This award will be given to the most exciting diorama.

• Kisa's Choice Award (Special Judge)

This award will be given to a diorama selected by the special guest judge, the VTuber Kisa. "The scenario is the most important part, right?"

• PLAYISM Award

This award will be given to a diorama chosen by PLAYISM, the publisher of BREAK ARTS III. "Just start by using yellow!" "And a whole lot of it, at that!"

• People's Choice Award This award will be given to the diorama that receives the most likes from users. Aim for ten thousand likes.

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• Photographer of the Year

Awarded to the artist–or rather photographer I should say, who captures the single best shot. Show us what you’ve got.

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Thruster Types and Movement

Managing Energy and Heat

Pure Racing

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Basics of Architecture Customization

Unit Parameters

• Data Load: The total weight of the unit. Exceeding the maximum value will lower your Driving Speed. You can increase your maximum data load by using heavier lower frames.
• Structure: Your total HP.
• Shield: A defensive system that reduces structural damage. By default, shield reduces all damage taken to 20%, but if the incoming damage exceeds the shield's value, it will be destroyed and the unit will be directly exposed to enemy attacks.
• Energy Capacity: The total energy pool of the unit. Your thrusters and weapons draw energy from here.
• Energy Generation: The amount of energy the unit can regenerate per second.
• Heat Capacity: The maximum amount of heat the unit can accumulate before it overheats.
• Cooldown Ability: The amount of heat dissipated per second.
• Driving Speed: Modifies the speed of the unit’s movement and animations as well as the strength of its thrusters.
• Inertia Suppression: Determines how well the unit can control inertial movement in directions other than its current direction of movement.
• Lock-on Range: Determines the unit’s FCS’s maximum range.
• Lock-On Speed: Determines how fast the FCS locks on to enemies.

• Large number of accelerators (thrusters which provide coasting thrust) to increase top speed
• Several detonators (thrusters which provide a burst of thrust) to rapidly accelerate to top speed
• Enough energy and heat capacity to fully utilize the thrusters
• Adequate cooling to keep the unit from overheating
• No weapons since it won’t be participating in combat
• Minimal structure and shield to keep data load low

Motion and Paint

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What is BREAK ARTS?

Gamemodes and environments

Additional Modes

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• New purchasable machine architechture license

• Driving speed will now affect animations other than walking animations.
• Fixed an issue where certain machine presets didn't have fully set-up animations.
• Kicks will now only activate if your unit is closer to the opponent and aiming at the correct angle.
• Fixed a bug where the camera would move unnecessarily when you kicked an opponent.

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New Additions

• Added an option to adjust camera movement sensitivity.

Fixes

• Fixed a bug where the leg parts of grounded units could not be selected under certain conditions.
• Fixed a bug that caused the main menu to disappear.
• Fixed a bug where deleting objects in Diorama Mode would softlock the game.
• Fixed a bug where playing the tutorial with mouse controls only would softlock the game.
• Fixed a bug that caused the frame rate of the game to affect mouse wheel scroll sensitivity when zooming the camera in/out.
• Adjusted the cursor speed in the machine designer.
• Fixed a reference issue in the tutorial text.
• Fixed a bug that made parts of the UI inaccessible with gamepad controls.
• Fixed an issue where players could access and control the UI after designing a Diorama Mode-exclusive machine and then exiting.
• Fixed a bug where closing the pause menu with keyboard controls during a match would cause the UI to disappear.
• Fixed a bug where attaching a module to a unit and canceling during angle adjustment would prevent the player from reattaching the module.
• Fixed a bug that caused thrusters to not work properly when set to Toggle mode.
• Fixed a bug where visual effects would remain on the screen after the match ends.

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