Since its launch in March, The Walking Trade‘s developer, Microwave Games, has continued to support the game with frequent updates. The latest major content patch introduces a new coastal location called Drop Dead Docks. This update expands the game’s world map with a fresh point of interest focused on commerce and customization, alongside new mechanics and a wealth of decorative items.
Exploring the New Drop Dead Docks
The central feature of this update is the Drop Dead Docks, a coastal area where players can engage with new contract mechanics. These contracts challenge players to acquire, craft, and sell specific items, such as weapons or medical supplies, within a set timeframe. Successful completion rewards players primarily with unique decorative pieces to personalize their storefront. Contracts are randomly generated and can be re-rolled for an increasing cost or have their deadlines extended using in-game batteries, with costs resetting upon completion.
New Mechanics and Quality-of-Life Additions
To facilitate moving high volumes of merchandise, a new World Map feature has been introduced: the Mobile News Crew. Found near the Church, this crew allows players to advertise a specific item from their shop. By setting the promotion length and reach, players can generate a targeted influx of customers looking to purchase that promoted item, adding a strategic layer to store management. Beyond new locations and NPCs, the update adds over 75 new decoration items, including various lighting fixtures, and introduces new functional furniture like the Wasteland Chiller and Wasteland Chilled Counter. The Build Mode has been enhanced, allowing players to permanently secure certain decorative items, like plants, to already-secured shelves for more intricate customization.
Update Notes and Subsequent Hotfix
The Drop Dead Docks update brought a suite of improvements and changes. Key gameplay improvements include the addition of item tooltips on the UI for better clarity, the ability to secure previously unsecured decorative plants, and expanded space in the bedroom for placing items. A notable change is that the crafting recipe for the Bone Revolver is now obtainable as a reward from Drop Dead Docks contracts. Shortly after the update’s release, a hotfix addressed several issues. It resolved problems that could make the Drop Dead Docks inaccessible after loading a save and fixed bugs related to pallets breaking when security staff refilled turret ammo. The hotfix also adjusted gameplay balance by significantly reducing the base cost to extend active contracts from 5000 to 1000 units.
