Selaco Chapter 2 release date: The Machines of War lands November 13

Selaco Chapter 2: The Machines of War comes out on November 13, and it is free for everyone who owns the game. The developers set the date in an official Steam announcement, calling it an expansion that has been in the works for more than two years. The post gives a date but no launch time, so check the game’s Steam news on the day.

Selaco Chapter 2 at a glance

• Release date: November 13
• Price: free update for Selaco owners
• Platform: PC (Steam), where the game is in Early Access
• Size: 19 new campaign maps, which the developers estimate at about 6-8 extra hours
• Patch notes and trailer: promised for launch day

What’s in the update

The subtitle sets the theme. The new chapter explores both factions’ backstories, and a machine that cannot be stopped chases the player through faster, more intense levels. For part of the chapter, protagonist Dawn gets an ally, who can be told to hold position for anyone who wants to play alone. Chapter 1 also gets a remaster pass with better lighting, reworked set pieces and new surprises.

On the combat side, the announcement lists:

• Enemies: new unit types, including Skirmishers, Tanks and Incinerators.
• Weapons and gear: a Minigun, an explosive-round Heavy Machine Gun, a jetpack, heavy weapons that can be picked up and dropped mid-fight, and deployables such as Sentinel Drones, Mini-Turrets and Mobile Cover.
• Weapon Kits: new kits including Dragon’s Breath, Storm Shield and Cluster Grenades. Each weapon can now hold two kits and swap between them in combat, and missed kits can be bought in Safe Rooms (ultra-secret kits excluded).
• AI: enemy behavior was rewritten almost from scratch, with a new Rally system and patrols, so players can sneak past or pick when a fight starts instead of walking into constant ambushes.

There are also technical changes. A new baked lighting system and a second-generation particle system aim to improve visuals and performance, and asset streaming cuts general VRAM use by 19%, according to the developers. Secrets are no longer needed for 100% completion; an optional Completionist mutator brings back the old rule.

What happens to your save

The changes are big enough that existing saves will not work with Chapter 2. Players who already beat the original campaign can jump straight to the Chapter 2 levels, although the developers suggest starting over because the remastered maps set up the new ones. Anyone mid-run can finish before November 13, switch to the ‘CHAPTER1’ beta branch in Steam to complete the old version, or simply start fresh. Weapon Kit progression carries over for everyone.

What we don’t know yet

The post does not give a launch hour or say when Selaco will leave Early Access. Full patch notes are due on November 13.