Keen Software House has released Vertical Slice 1.2 for Space Engineers 2 via Steam Early Access, bringing a series of enhancements aimed at refining ship control, construction, and character movement. The update introduces new systems and visual improvements designed to make the game more intuitive and immersive for players.
One of the more notable additions is the new off-centre third-person camera, providing clearer visibility whether players are on foot or piloting ships. The camera can now be toggled between left, centre, and right perspectives using ALT + V. A reduced minimum camera distance has also been implemented, improving control in confined areas.
A key feature of this update is the replacement of torque-based ship rotation with a target-based grid control system. This change allows ships to rotate smoothly towards target points using mouse input, improving precision regardless of a ship’s size or mass. On-screen indicators now assist in maintaining orientation and heading, making flight more accessible and accurate.
For builders, the paint gun tool now includes undo and redo functions, enabling quick reversals of recent colour changes. Copy/paste functionality has also seen improvements, with enhanced visuals helping players better identify selected blocks and placement previews – particularly useful in intricate builds or when working within limited space.
Additionally, Jetpack 2.0 introduces a brief charge-up for boosts, along with a charging indicator, updated audio, and visual effects such as camera shake. These enhancements make movement feel more dynamic and responsive.
