Squad, the developer of Kerbal Space Program is continuing its trend of making certain mods unnecessary by bringing the core of their functionality into the main game. Years after adding an engineer-like delta V tracker, satellites, and the ability to mine and process fuel in space, Squad is now adding a number of exciting features in the Breaking Ground DLC. It includes the ability to conduct new experiments, build ships and probes with robotic moving parts, and build new, enhanced moon and planet bases.
Some of the most impactful mods in KSP over the past few years have been ones that enhance gameplay. Whether that's with the addition of moving parts like gantry rails and propellers, or base-like structures, Squad wants to bring some of that into the core functionality of the game and Breaking Ground does just that.
On the science front, you'll be able to build science bases — with their own dedicated module, not just the Science Module with legs — and you'll be able to conduct new and exciting "seismic surveys," which involves crashing ships and probes into planets and moons and then seeing what gets thrown up by it — just like real scientists!
Craters, volcanoes, and meteors will now be present on certain planets and you'll be able to grab samples of them. You can even use rovers to do it for you, with new abilities thanks to the addition of movable robotic parts. Spider-like walking bots can now be built in the game, as well as more enhanced robotic arms equipped with drills for sample collection. There are also pistons, hinges, and rotors for creating some much more advanced vehicles. Including prop planes, which will make Eve ascents infinitely easier.
Breaking Ground is set to debut on May 30 with a price of $15, but even if you don't buy it, the base game will get a free update to add new action group options, and for Kerbals to carry certain cargo in their own personal inventory.