Returning to Selaco after a long break might feel like playing a different shooter. Altered Orbit Studios has released The Machines of War, a free update that introduces 19 new campaign maps. However, the additional levels are only part of a much broader transformation.
Available since November 13, 2026, Chapter 2 arrives after more than two years of development. Alongside new story content, the update reworks combat, movement, lighting and even the original campaign.
Selaco gives returning players more reasons to revisit its campaign
Inspired by classic first-person shooters, Selaco entered Steam Early Access on May 31, 2024. Its second chapter adds roughly six to eight hours of additional gameplay and 16 new achievements to Dawn’s adventure.
The story continues immediately after Chapter 1, with Dawn facing a relentless War Machine determined to hunt her down. Fortunately, she will have some company during certain parts of the campaign. Players can also instruct this new companion to remain behind whenever necessary.
Anyone who has already completed the opening chapter can jump directly into the new levels. Nevertheless, starting another playthrough might be equally tempting.
Altered Orbit Studios has remastered Chapter 1 with improved lighting, additional dialogue and new set pieces. Consequently, familiar locations now offer fresh reasons to explore them again.
Smarter enemies change how players approach firefights in Selaco
More aggressive enemies do not necessarily make a shooter more interesting. Giving those enemies greater independence, however, can change how players approach an encounter.
As part of its previously announced tactical enemy AI overhaul, the studio has completely rebuilt its artificial intelligence system. Hostile soldiers can now patrol environments before a firefight begins.
As a result, players can avoid immediate confrontation, observe enemy positions or prepare an ambush. These possibilities give preparation a greater role alongside quick reflexes.
Meanwhile, Skirmishers, Tanks and Incinerators expand the enemy roster. The update also introduces more than twice as many enemy combat voice lines.
These changes make positioning and equipment selection particularly important in Selaco. Sometimes, finding a better place to fight could prove more valuable than simply carrying a powerful weapon.
The Machines of War introduces new ways to fight and explore
Beyond its campaign content, the expansion introduces several mechanics that affect how players move, manage resources and approach combat.
According to Altered Orbit Studios’ official launch notes on Steam, this is the game’s most substantial update to date.
Among its most notable additions and improvements are the following:
- New weapons: A heavy machine gun capable of firing explosive rounds and a jetpack equipped with a mounted machine gun.
- Heavy Ordnance: Players can collect miniguns and rocket launchers during combat, although these weapons cannot be stored or replenished.
- Deployable equipment: Sentinel Drones, Mini-Turrets and Mobile Cover introduce additional tactical possibilities.
- Improved lighting: Every level features baked raytraced lighting without requiring dedicated raytracing hardware.
- Better performance: Technical optimizations accompany the visual improvements.
- Reworked movement: Sliding and dashing are now faster and more reliable.
- Permanent upgrades: Supplements provide lasting improvements, while gravity manipulation is available on demand.
- Additional customization: A new Mutator system expands the available gameplay options.
- Navigation assistance: Optional guidance helps players find their way through the campaign.
- Requisition menu: Credits can be exchanged for ammunition, grenades and weapon kits.
In particular, Heavy Ordnance introduces an interesting resource management decision. Since these weapons cannot be replenished, choosing when to use them becomes part of each encounter.
Furthermore, soundtrack owners will receive the new music at no additional cost. These tracks are scheduled to arrive next week.
The Steam discount makes this a good time to discover the shooter
To celebrate Chapter 2, Altered Orbit Studios has temporarily reduced the game’s price on Steam. Selaco is available for $16.74 instead of $24.99, representing a 33% discount for two weeks.
The developer has also addressed players who recently purchased the game at full price. Anyone who bought it within the week before launch can contact Valve to request a refund of the difference.
November is proving particularly interesting for fans of retro-inspired shooters. The release of DERELIKT and its PS1-inspired science fiction horror offers another interpretation of classic FPS design.
Meanwhile, Selaco remains in Early Access on PC. The Machines of War expands its campaign while giving existing content a substantial makeover.
Ultimately, the update offers something beyond an extended adventure. For returning players, even previously completed levels could become an opportunity to discover different ways of fighting.
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