Research Story News & Patch Notes

Fixes - Fixed V-sync "On" setting not applied when first launching game. - Fixed 滩 character not rendering correctly. Changes - Crouching is disabled while you're mounted. Thank you for playing Research Story! Miki

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Hello Researchers!

One year ago, Research Story reached 1.0. I am incredibly grateful to every single person who has supported the game and our journey 💗 To celebrate our first year of full release, the v1.2 Carefree Creatures & Anniversary Update is officially live for all players and the game is 20% off till Jul 30, 11 PM PDT! A big thank you to everyone who has played the beta and shared your valuable feedback and bug reports! Stay till the end for some exciting news about the Switch release! https://youtu.be/7OJqU4WJWok

v1.2 Carefree Creatures Highlights

✨ 2 New Creatures: Meet the Rideable Capybaras! ✨

{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/ad22f2f1130c18b570435c01741d48bd7c7a49d5.gif Introducing a new research tier to your journal: Mythic Creatures! This category houses unique, rare species that exist all year round. Our very first entry is the "Summit and Shallows Vol. I" book, featuring two new rideable friends:

The Claypybara: Found daily wallowing in the mud of the newly uncovered sub-area, the Clayey Shallows (right next to Theo's cliffside cabin!). Taming them provides a steady daily source of Clay on your farm. Keep an eye out on rainy days (or during Winter's new Flurry Frost weather) for its rare, glossy Shimmer variant!
The Mossybara: An adorable guest that has a chance to relax at the Summit Hot Spring during the day. (Rumour has it a Shimmer version can be found resting under the stars at night...)

I’ve also added a Journal Index Page listing all 97 researchables so you can easily track down which entries you are missing!

🏡 6 New Farm Buildings for Automating Creature Care!

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Clay Silo: Refills Auto-feeders and troughs automatically at the end of each day.
Creature Enrichment Areas: Build the new Grassy Playground, Cavern Den, Desert Oasis, or Tundra Reserve to permanently stop creature happiness decay on your farm.
Magical Spa: Late-game building that gives a passive daily happiness bonus.

🌾 Silt & Advanced Soils

The opening of the Clayey Shallows introduces Silt - a new harvestable material. Collect it from the shallows floor to craft advanced soil modifiers:

Catalyst Soil: Crops grow ~30-50% faster (Requires Silt).
Bountiful Soil: Increases overall crop yield (Requires Silt).
Stasis Soil: Crops can grow in any season.

{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/b512b0c02e202d13cefa4d3c82fc289ca425c380.gifTomatoes in Winter? No problem!

🎁 Anniversary Gifts!

All players, new and returning, who have completed their first year in-game will find a special package in their mailbox on or after 1 Spring Y2. It features exclusive decor:

🐾 Sproutkitten Plushie & Sproutkitten Cushion
🧱 Archive Wallpaper & Archive Flooring
🏆 The Golden Quill Statue

🎮 Other New Features

The "Relaxed" Game Mode: Toggle this at any time in your options to stop animal happiness decay, lower shop prices, and prevent harsh environmental debuffs in the deep mines.
Permanent Fast Travel: Visit Hueon to purchase the permanent Return Medallion and Mines Medallion, or craft one-use scrolls after unlocking the Mines.
Streamlined Crafting: Fixed-ingredient recipes now pull directly from your inventory automatically.
Lots of community-requested QOL: See ingredients before crafting using Feed Crafter/Bait Press. See fertiliser output when holding a valid material. Crates and pots in the mines can now be broken using a Scythe!
And more!

Full patch notes here.

📘 Research Story is Coming to Nintendo Switch! 📕

I have one final surprise to celebrate our first year: Research Story officially launches on Nintendo Switch on August 27, 2026! 🎉🎉🎉 If you want to play on the go or share the news with a friend, the store page is officially live. Wishlist the game on the Nintendo eShop today to help support our upcoming Switch launch! {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/aa1f27eeb354f9d18bf457aac09a94bc906e5ff4.png

🗺️ Looking Ahead: The Future Roadmap

Now that v1.2 is officially out, I want to share some of my thoughts for our next major update, especially based on some player requests that are still at the back of my mind: 💗 The Romance & Relationships Update:

More post-marriage content
More dialogue and cutscenes
Possibly a new romanceable candidate or two

Thank you for an amazing first year. Hop into v1.2 (and onto our new Capybara friends), and let me know what you think! 😊 Miki 🤍 {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/1f349ddc7473d90d765e2ec0899b30730538f2d3.png

New Content

🎠2 New Creatures with Rideable Mount Feature!

Claypybara: A mud-loving creature found in the new Clayey Shallows sub-area. Taming them provides a steady daily source of Clay.
Mossybara: A companion rumoured to relax only at the Summit Hot Spring. Taming one gives you energy perks.
These two capybaras are rideable mounts!
Added Archive Book: Summit & Shallows Vol. I for the research of these creatures.

🏡6 New Farm Buildings to automate creature management

Clay Silo (3000G, Clay x75): Stores all types of Feed. Automatically refills Auto-feeders and troughs at the end of each day.
Grassy Playground (4000G, Fiber x75)
Cavern Den (5000G, Rocks x50)
Desert Oasis (6500G, Sand x50)
Tundra Reserve (8000G, Ice Cubes x50)
Magical Spa (10,000G, Regular Mana Cell x15). Intended for late-game, passively increases all researched creature happiness by 0.3 daily.

Items

🐱Creature Management

Yummy treat: Increases creature bond by 1. When fully bonded, recharge perk use by 1.
Yummy treat cooking recipe: Sold at Caravan after 15 Summer Y1.
Auto-feeder crafting recipe: Sold in Alfie's shop.
Mount Whistle: Sold at Mushroom Forest vendor.

🌾Crop Management / Farming

Added Silt (Material).
3 soil types to improve farming (unlocked after Research Level 3 and 23 Summer Y1):

Catalyst Soil: Crops grow ~1/3 faster.
Stasis Soil: Crops grow in any season.
Bountiful Soil: Increases crop yield.

🍄Decor

Festival decor: Cherry Blossom Mat, Sunflower Mat, Night Sky Mat, Snowflake Mat.
Mushroom Forest-themed decor: Woodyshroom Table Lamp, Red Candle, Purple Candle, Shroomling Figurine, Shimmer Shroomling Figurine, Mossy Cushion, Mossy Cushion (Teal), Mossy Cushion (Pink), Mushroom Cushion, Mushroom Cushion (Purple).
1st Year Anniversary Celebration Items: Get items via mail after completing the first year in Shimmerbrook! (All new and returning players will receive the items on/after 1 Spring Y2):

Archive Wallpaper, Archive Flooring
Sproutkitten Cushion, Sproutkitten Plushie
Golden Quill Statue

🏃More Fast Travel Options

Return Scroll (teleport to outside house, one-use) + crafting recipe: Unlocked after reaching floor 20 in the mines.
Mines Scroll (teleport to Mines, one-use) + crafting recipe: Unlocked after getting the Mines Teleporter.
Return Anchor: Return Scroll will teleport to the Return Anchor instead of in front of the house.

✨End-Game Items

Return Medallion (teleport to outside house, permanent item): Sold by Hueon.
Mines Medallion (teleport to Mines, permanent item): Sold by Hueon.

🧘Game Modes and more Gameplay Options

Game Modes can be changed at any time while playing. Existing game options such as longer day lengths, more base energy, never faint etc. remain as toggleable options.

Added "Relaxed" game mode:

Lowered prices for regular items and tool upgrades.
Animals never lose happiness even if you miss feeding/patting.
Protected from the harsh environment in the deeper mines (no speed/energy debuffs).

Added "Pause time indoors" option.

Added "Track NPCs before Green Hearts" option.

⭐️QOL Features

Easier Crafting: Crafting recipes with fixed ingredients have been streamlined. Ingredients are taken from the inventory automatically, without the player needing to add them to the Crafting Tab.
Added a Journal Index Page.
Feed Crafter & Bait Press now show which chests and ingredients will be used when crafting.
Composters now indicate fertiliser type output when the player is holding a valid fertiliser material.
Added icon prompts for when the player is submitting a Research Scroll to the archive, showing where the scroll should go.
Added visual feedback for correct items on puzzle pedestals.
Crates and Pots in the Mines can now be broken using a Scythe.
Added signboards for all establishments.
For upgraded Hoe/Watering Can/Trowel, show a more obvious indicator when switching grid range when away from the farm soil.
Added a map objective marker for when Layla's Purple Heart event is available.
\ Added white tile indicator when holding Seeds/Soil Modifier.
\ Added tools' info when the tool wheel is open and a tool is equipped.

📖Balancing Changes

Added Gold to all book completion rewards in the Archive and increased item rewards for completing books:

Flowers & Herbs Autumn Vol. I
Vegetables & Fruits Autumn Vol. I
Nocturnal Creatures Vol. III
Cave Creatures Vol. I
Aquatic Creatures Vol. III

*Note: This is added due to player feedback regarding book completion rewards, to add a regular way to obtain gold, and to support players with the new mid-end game items added in this update. For returning players, you’ll receive a retroactive gold stipend based on your prior progress in the Archive via Mail the next day.

Leafy Furball can now be used for the Spinning Wheel.
Raccoons and Shroomlings now eat all types of Feed.
Adding Birch Leaves to a Dehydrator gives 2 Dried Leaves.
Clay is now a common drop from Wooden Crates/Stone Pots in the mines.
Increased Relationship Points received for festival participation and completing Job Board requests.
Shimmering Plume selling price increased to 110G.
Increased mushroom spawn chance in the Mushroom Forest.

🟡Other Changes

Added "Flurry Frost" weather that happens about once a week in Winter with bigger snowflake particles.
Added a vendor in the Mushroom Forest that appears on Sundays and on rainy days.
Added more information in the item description for Sprinklers.
Improved daily NPC dialogue system with a dialogue line rotation system. When speaking to NPCs, different daily dialogues can be seen more often in all their daily routines as they are less dependent on location. Also added some NPC daily dialogues.
Potent Mana Cell crafting has been shifted from the Basic tab to the Magic tab.
Added an ice box in the Ice Cream Festival that gives 6 free Ice Cubes.
\ Added grass clutter.
\ "Add to research" hint icon now bobs subtly.
\ NPCs receiving Loved Gifts, Favourite Food, or seeing a Favourite Creature now displays heart particle effects.
\ Made some changes to mail sprites from certain NPCs/groups.

🎮Other Controller Improvements

Improved detection priority for Creature Pens and troughs.
Added navigation glyphs for Fishing Map.
The game can now detect more types of controllers (e.g. PS5 controllers) without third-party apps.

🐛Fixes & Optimisation

Fixed Teagan not showing up on Map when foraging in the Garden Path/Mushroom Forest.
Fixed occasional bugs where chests are not sorted correctly when pressing the sort button.
Fixed "Unexplored" not showing on map when Mushroom Forest is first unlocked.
Fixed unable to interact with Creature Pens if Bell tool is equipped but not active.
Fixed sometimes animals show as "not fed" in the Creatures tab incorrectly and similar desynced information.
Attempted to fix a rare Preserver + Powered Chest item duplication and item loss bug.
Fixed a rare crash when going down the mines in the lava floors while there are followers.
Further improved save system to prevent corrupted files if the computer crashes during a save. In such a case, the previous save acts as a fallback.
Fixed having a "heavy-sounding" Journal Open SFX when flipping through the journal, when it should be a page flip SFX.
\ Fixed a controller issue where players could accidentally trigger both Bed and Wardrobe menus simultaneously.
\ Fixed only having "start" option for casual hangouts (instead of start/wait).
\ Fixed some string wrapping issues.
\ Major optimisation changes to reduce lag on older hardware, especially for late-game farms and areas with many trees.

Research Story is having its deepest discount ever - 25% off for the Steam Summer Sale! The sale will end July 9, 10am PT.

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Also...

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The Capy’s out of the bag! The upcoming v1.2 update features a couple of adorable new rideable mounts! 🐴✨ Here’s a sneak peek of us riding one 🌸

If you want to play v1.2 early, hop on over to our beta branch using the carefreebeta code. More details on what the update includes is in this post. The official release date for v1.2 is 22/23 July.

Hello, Researchers!

In my last dev update, I mentioned that the upcoming v1.2 update would be a smaller (mostly QOL) patch. Well... I'm happy to say that there's a bit more to it than that :) As we approach our 1st year anniversary, I wanted to add some new content to the game and share an early preview for it. If you want to access the newly added content, you can join the v1.2 beta now!

🔍 How to Join the Beta:

Right-click Research Story in your Steam Library.

Select Properties > Game Versions & Betas.

Type carefreebeta into the Private Versions field and click Check Code. (❗️ We highly recommend backing up your save files before playing). {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/e7f1d609ff282accf18fd2b4bde38032965ea7e0.jpgOne of the biggest tedium in the mid-late game is taking care of your many creatures. Introducing 5 new farm buildings to automate creature care!

📋 Beta Highlights:

🌿 Better Creatures and Crops Management:

Creature Enrichment Areas

Magical Spa

Soil Modifiers

💨 Fast Travel Scrolls & Medallions:

✨ Streamlined Crafting & QOL:

Scythe

🧘‍♂️ "Relaxed" Game Mode:

🎁 Increased Archive Rewards:

🤫 ...And More?

There's a brand-new Archive Book in the game: "Summit and Shallows Vol. I". Rumour has it that a special new species has migrated to Shimmerbrook. Will let you find them on your own - be sure to check the muddy lowlands and keep an eye on the Summit Hot Spring! These creatures have a big impact on how it feels to play the game - any guesses why? :) You might also find a new vendor somewhere in the Mushroom Forest... {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/8edba3044ebe05af65ddc96a09c5e1078584c070.gifNew Journal Index to keep track of your progress easily! Please keep in mind that this v1.2 Beta is a Work in Progress. Over the next few weeks, I will be fixing bugs and adding to the build based on your feedback before the official late-July launch! See detailed patch notes here.

📅 What’s Next?

In a few days: Research Story will be participating in the Steam Summer Sale with a special discount! If you have friends waiting to jump into the game, that will be a great time to grab a copy.
22/23 July (Anniversary Day): The official launch of the v1.2 Carefree Creatures Update! Everyone launching a save on or after this date will receive exclusive Anniversary Decor in their mailbox to celebrate our first year together.

Please share any bug reports and feedback in our Discord or by using our bug report button on the bottom right of Main Menu. Hope you enjoy the beta and all feedback is very much appreciated! 💗 Miki {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/1f349ddc7473d90d765e2ec0899b30730538f2d3.png

- Fixed a rare bug where Theo does not send mail about the Chest recipe after meeting him. Thank you for your bug report! Miki

v1.1.17 - Fixed an issue where Theo can continue to work on a Farm Building long after it should have been completed. Thank you for playing Research Story! Miki

Hi Researchers!

It's been a while since the last update (v1.1) and I'd like to share with you about what I've been working on.

Working on Switch Port

Good news - I managed to get the game approved by Nintendo, get a devkit for Switch 1, and start working on the Switch 1 port. This is where I've been spending most of my time on, besides hotfixes for the PC version whenever possible. Preparing for the port involves learning and meeting specific requirements for the platform. On top of that, I had to greatly optimise the game and rewrite parts of my code so that it can run well on the console. Some examples include "culling" objects off-screen and minimizing texture swaps. I'm also doing another full playthrough of the game to make sure that players can play from start to end. All these tasks add up quickly. I foresee taking a while for the port to be approved (since it's my first experience and I'm likely to miss certain things). Once I can confirm that the game build is approved, I'll make a more official announcement about the port! 🎉

Next game update (v1.2)

In the meantime, I want to start work on the next game update for Research Story. A few things have been on my mind lately: #1) Having a "Relaxed" mode with things sold at cheaper prices (due to varied player experience on the balance of the game), and #2) Some QOL changes (e.g. easier crafting). I'll share more once I've made more progress. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/9fd3ca05ad7b4c7e46a990448e17357fb2c34be7.jpgSelecting Game Mode for a new game. Existing games can switch modes at any time. v1.2 will be a smaller update in terms of content since I'm also working on the port. There are some player requests that I wish to add in future updates: more romanceables, more non-romanceable stories, more post-marriage content etc.

Thank you for your continued support!

We recently passed 18,000 copies sold - that's super awesome! I want to thank each and every one of you in being a part of what makes Research Story possible. Whenever the going gets tough, I'm always reminded that there are people out there who enjoy the game. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart! A few from the community have also created language mods for the game - huge thanks to the translators! French mod (Nexus link) by Nizy Japanese mod (Steam post) by ↫❖𝒞𝒶𝓈𝓉𝓁ℯ❖ If you'd like to further support the game, please consider leaving a review to support the algorithm. I read pretty much all the reviews, both good and bad, and take notes from there as well. Thank you :) Miki {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/1f349ddc7473d90d765e2ec0899b30730538f2d3.png

- Fixed a rare crash on load for some old (Early Access) saves. Thank you for playing Research Story! Miki

v1.1.15 - Fixed an uncommon bug where creatures, creature pens, crafting stations etc. cannot be interacted with sometimes, after unequipping a Hoe. Thank you to those who have let me know about this bug! I hope this fix resolves the "unable to interact" issue fully. If you still encounter any bugs, please let me know in the Steam forums/via the "Report a bug" button on the Start Menu, and I'll look into it. - Miki

Fixes - Fixed unable to pick up wall decor when placed behind the fireplace. - Fixed unable to pick up placed items in the bottom right corner of certain areas, such as the Meadows, Cliffside, and Lakeside. Changes - Added an icon in the Journal to indicate if a shimmer has been tamed before. - Vallee's Sunday routine at the Tavern ends earlier, so that she wouldn't be late for her Green Heart event. --- I recently received a bug report about a possible crash while using the hotbar to place a feed (on a controller) - but am unable to replicate it. If anyone is also facing the same issue, please send a report with your save via the "Report a bug" button on the bottom right of the Main Menu, immediately after the crash. It'll be very much appreciated! - Miki

- Fixed torch having no placement collision. Torches previously misplaced on the Shipping Box will be destroyed. - Fixed rare crash when loading some saves. - Reduced deadzone of toolwheel. Thank you for playing Research Story! - Miki

{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/50ed020cf5a03d0660fda7af02e67b44b10eacfb.png GamesAid is a UK-based charity that acts as an umbrella to support a number of smaller charities that help disadvantaged and disabled children and young people. As part of the charity sale, Research Story will be 20% off and part of the sales made from 2-8 March 2026 will go directly to GamesAid. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1629830/Research_Story/ Read more about GamesAid here. This is the first time Research Story is part of a charity sale, and I feel proud! As always, thank you all for your support! - Miki

Just one fix in this patch: - Fixed unable to add mana cell to Drill. Thank you for your reports! If you run into any bugs, you can submit a bug report via the "Report a bug" button at the bottom right of the start menu. Miki

v1.1.11 Some key fixes and several balancing changes: Fixes - Attempt to fix uncommon bug where the cutscenes at the Garden do not play properly. - Fixed an uncommon crash when opening a Porter Chest while facing a path. - Fixed Mana Cell exploit when using it with the Drill. Balancing - Shiny Chestnut and Roasted Chestnut can now be used as alternate ingredients for crafting Nutty Bowl and Nutty Bait. - Removed potato research requirement for triggering Lisa's Purple Heart Event. - Increased Coal spawn rate in the Mines. - Increased Charcoal's fueling rate from 2 -> 3. - Reduced potion prices slightly. - Increased Drill speed. - Reduced Drill crafting cost (5 iron bars -> 2 iron bars). Thank you for playing Research Story! 🤍 Miki

v1.1.10 - Fixed a bug where crops cannot be harvested/removed when withered that affected some players. - The hint for the second creature of the creature puzzle was edited for clarity. Thank you for your reports and feedback! Miki

v1.1.9 - Fixed crash when adding item to Signs while the Axe is equipped. - Fixed player customisation glitch in the moment right after closing tutorial cards in the Knowledge tab (if player is holding an item). - Some grammar and translation fixes. Thank you for playing Research Story! Miki

- Fixed greenhouse not loading farm tiles properly for some players. - Fixed greenhouse sprinklers not working for some players. - Fixed Auto-tappers appearing on Woodyshrooms. - Fixed a few visual bugs where the Interact glyph shows up unnecessarily during Festivals. Thank you for playing Research Story! Miki

Minor fixes in this one: - Fixed collision box error for two secrets. - Fixed some missing localisation errors. Miki

- Fixed sprinklers not working on the farm (broke in the last patch, v1.1.6). --- I'm sorry for my mistake and the inconvenience caused. This shouldn't have happened and I'll be more careful in the future! Please make sure to update to the latest version (restart Steam or verify file integrity) before playing. Thank you for your patience. Miki

Fixes - Fixed being able to skip during the tutorial while the Shipping Bin UI is open, causing a freeze. - Fixed occasional blinking visual bug for watering can level when reloading game. - Fixed Sprinklers not working in the Greenhouse sometimes. For affected players, please enter each of your Greenhouses once to reload the bugged crops so that they can continue growing. Changes - A Timid trait on a Dragonling now ignores other Dragonlings (i.e. Dragonlings can be housed together without penalty for Timid Dragonlings) Localisation Fixes - Fixed English text for "Fish" and "Produce" in Collections tab. - Fixed text wrapping error for NPCs with many rest days, in dialogue options, and in Equipment tab of Wardrobe. - Fixed text on the General Store Shop's sell page. - Fixed a missing dialogue option in Remus' Green Heart cutscene. Thank you for playing Research Story, and for your bug reports! If you run into any issues, please let me know using the "Report a Bug" button on the bottom left of the Main Menu (along with your affected save file). You can also reach out to me on Discord/Steam forums. - Miki

- Fixed crash when trying to move a Farm Building while it is raining. - Fixed some localisation errors. Sorry about the crash and thank you for the bug reports! - Miki

Some minor fixes: - Fixed unable to pick up utensils (e.g. Bowl & Whisk) from tables. - Fixed some localisation errors. Thank you for playing Research Story! Miki

- Fixed debris spawning on animal pens and tilled soil. - Fixed some typos (Theo's dialogue). Thank you for your bug reports! If you have any feedback or run into any issues, please let me know via the "Report a bug" button in the Main Menu or in the Steam forums. - Miki

A few smaller fixes: - Fixed indestructible stumps. - Fixed Auto-tapper glitch. Thank you for playing Research Story! - Miki

A couple of hotfixes from the latest update: - Fixed crash when collecting a creature track after abandoning its research. - Fixed sprinklers sometimes not watering crops as intended. Please let me know if you run into any other issues. Thank you for playing Research Story! - Miki

{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/95600c0ecbed322d06a589595c46e62f811578b6.png Hello Researchers, the v1.1 update is now live! It's just in time for the upcoming Steam's Winter Sale - Research Story will be discounted. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped test in the beta. I hope you enjoy the new content and QOL updates. Happy Holidays! - Miki {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/a5e0b69427b07767bb360600b86c1f7722786564.gifPreview of new decor items

v1.1 Update Changelog

Features & Content

Wallpaper & Flooring - Added Wallpaper & Flooring feature. - Added 20 wallpaper items. - Added 20 flooring items. - Wallpaper can be bought from the Carpenter’s Shop and Flooring can be bought from the Mason. There are also unique sets found in the Mines. Decor System rework - Reworked decor/placement system: placement is more lenient and accurate (based on collision of the placed object, rather than the grid). More Decor - Added 62 decor items: - 10 Wall Lamps - 6 Sofas, 6 Long Sofas - 12 vertical long paintings/tapestries - 6 Dressers - 4 Cushions - Black & Pink versions of the Sink, Privy, and Bathtub - 4 Hanging Plants, 2 Wall planters, 4 flower pots - 2 wall bookshelves More Decor Interactions - Small decor (e.g. frog plushes) can be placed on Wall Shelves. More Rotatable Decor - These items can now be rotated: Sofas, Buffet Tables, Dining Tables, Round Table, and Tables. Heart Event Tracker - Added a Heart Event tracker in the friendship page, where you can find requirements for available Heart Events. - The NPC preferences page (loved gifts, favourite food etc.) now shows the item/creature names when navigated to. Misc additions - Added game tips in loading screen - Added a Wishing Box at the Mining Outpost (unlocked after upgrading to Iron Trowel). Use 1 Gold Bar to wish for a specific type of decor loot in the Mines. - Crafting/Cooking recipes sold in shops now show a recipe preview.

Balancing and progression changes

- The “Beginnings of Bestiary” quest now is slightly more directed.

Players must observe a creature before they can obtain feed for taming. This change doesn’t affect most of the existing saves. If you have a save where you’re in the middle of the quest, you may get 3 additional seed bowls from Rhea.
Only chickens will spawn in the day on the first in-game day.

- Adjusted some requirements for triggering cutscenes (making it easier to trigger certain cutscenes). Kipp and Lisa’s Purple Heart cutscenes no longer require completing several research-related quests.

Technical improvements

- Added support for Borderless Fullscreen. - The game is now able to recognise a switch in audio output while running. - Chests can now be placed in front of signs (previously, signs could be placed behind chests but not the other way round). - Some of the input buttons show up as a glyph instead of in plain text. - Options > Controls now display glyphs instead of plain text. - Minor optimisation.

Minor changes

- Expanded Wooden Bowl’s description. - Updated Comfortable Sofa sprite. - Updated Standing Sink sprite. - Targeted white tile that shows up when equipping certain tools now also shows while indoors. - While moving a Powered Chest, eligible crafting stations will be indicated. - Minor improvements to creature information and pen UI - Improved navigation in creature information UI

Fixes

- Fixed Oven and Stove not showing up in Mason’s shop sometimes. - Fixed some rare instances where story dialogue gets cut off by other dialogues. - Fixed an issue related to Vallee’s and Eira’s overtime at the Archive after the final puzzle is completed, if either of them were married to the player (added dialogue to recognise the overtime). - Fixed being able to place decor on the player on any paths. - Fixed being able to place decor such as water lanterns and tappers on any paths. - Improved/Fixed collision checks being too strict for some decor items, such as Dining Tables and Chairs. - Fixed unable to move Creature Pen immediately after assigning a creature. - Fixed Watering Can getting filled to full when reloading a save. - Some fixes for grammar errors in text.

Localisation Updates

- Fixed some Simplified Chinese localisation errors. - Fixed some character naming inconsistencies: -- Vallee's name is standardised to 瓦莉 (instead of 瓦利/瓦莱) -- 雷亚 -> 瑞亚 -- 云习 -> 希芸 -- 凯尔 -> 基尔 -- 芝麻 -> 胡麻 -- 子 -> 紫 - Fixed some inconsistency in item naming (研究卷轴：野生堇紫 -> 研究卷轴：野生紫罗兰)

Modding Support

- Added support for adding language mods for the game. - Fonts: Added ASCII range to some fonts that were missing (to include more letters with diacritics). {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/1f349ddc7473d90d765e2ec0899b30730538f2d3.png

- Fixed Zuri's epilogue mail only being sent the following Winter if completing the puzzle caves after 25 Winter Y1. Thank you for playing Research Story! Miki

Hello, Researchers!

I've been working on the v1.1 update which includes a major QOL feature (Heart Event tracker) as well as a decor system upgrade.

Preview:

{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/77ed22d4a9c5d15d137557644eb9980c704275dc.gifHeart Event Tracker displays the next available Heart Event cutscene. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/4f68adca6704c0155a76026eddae82cbb7b106bf.gifImproved decor system, with better placement detection and more rotatable furniture. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/a5e0b69427b07767bb360600b86c1f7722786564.gifNew Wallpapers and Floorings, along with 60+ new decor items added. The game also underwent a necessary techincal upgrade that will help with the long-term maintenance and improvement of the game. With this upgrade, borderless fullscreen and switching audio output while the game is running is made possible. Modding support for additional languages is also implemented. See language mods documentation here. If you're interested in modding the game, head over to our discord! I wanted to share the v1.1 beta with interested players, as a preview, and to fix bugs that may have surfaced due to the technical upgrade. It'll also help with testing potential mods. All testing of the beta and bug reports are very much appreciated. Once the beta is stable, it'll be officially released. As always, thank you for all of your support! <3 - Miki ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Accessing the v1.1 beta

To access the v1.1 open beta, right click Research Story in your library and go to Properties.

Under Betas, use the code researchstoryopenbeta and opt into the open-beta-v1.1

After updating the game, you should see that your version (top left of main menu) is v1.1_beta_ IMPORTANT: Please backup your save(s) before trying the beta build, as it is still under development and can be unstable (saves can break!). Furthermore, games saved in this version will not be compatible with previous versions of the game. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40811669/843bcc23f6a671439777d284baf6d16d2498df0f.png ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The patch notes for v1.1 beta are compiled below:

v1.1 Decor Update and Heart Event Tracker

Features & Content

Balancing and progression changes

- The “Beginnings of Bestiary” quest now is slightly more directed.

Players must observe a creature before they can obtain feed for taming. This change doesn’t affect most of the existing saves. If you have a save where you’re in the middle of the quest, you may get 3 additional seed bowls from Rhea.
Only chickens will spawn in the day on the first in-game day.

Technical improvements

Minor changes

Fixes

Localisation Updates

- Fixed some Simplified Chinese localisation errors. (Translation for new texts for v1.1 will be rolled out during the beta).

Modding Support

Repost of the v1.0.18 patch notes as the previous one was wrongly featured as an event when it is just a bugfix: - Fixed rare crash during Yan Yan's Green Heart cutscene after choosing the third option. Thank you for playing Research Story! Miki

Research Story news & patch notes

Research Story news & patch notes

Hello Researchers!

v1.2 Carefree Creatures Highlights

✨ 2 New Creatures: Meet the Rideable Capybaras! ✨

🏡 6 New Farm Buildings for Automating Creature Care!

🌾 Silt & Advanced Soils

🎁 Anniversary Gifts!

🎮 Other New Features

📘 Research Story is Coming to Nintendo Switch! 📕

🗺️ Looking Ahead: The Future Roadmap

New Content

🎠2 New Creatures with Rideable Mount Feature!

🏡6 New Farm Buildings to automate creature management

Items

🧘Game Modes and more Gameplay Options

⭐️QOL Features

📖Balancing Changes

🟡Other Changes

🎮Other Controller Improvements

🐛Fixes & Optimisation

Research Story is having its deepest discount ever - 25% off for the Steam Summer Sale! The sale will end July 9, 10am PT.

Also...

The Capy’s out of the bag! The upcoming v1.2 update features a couple of adorable new rideable mounts! 🐴✨ Here’s a sneak peek of us riding one 🌸

Hello, Researchers!

🔍 How to Join the Beta:

📋 Beta Highlights:

🤫 ...And More?

📅 What’s Next?

Hi Researchers!

Working on Switch Port

Next game update (v1.2)

Thank you for your continued support!

v1.1 Update Changelog

Features & Content

Balancing and progression changes

Technical improvements

Minor changes

Fixes

Localisation Updates

Modding Support

Hello, Researchers!

Preview:

Accessing the v1.1 beta

v1.1 Decor Update and Heart Event Tracker

Features & Content

Balancing and progression changes

Technical improvements

Minor changes

Fixes

Localisation Updates

Modding Support

Steam news for Research Story