Stormrock update: new map, rank system and progression reset
Quick answer
HGC Stormrock released on October 29, 2026. Update 0.26 also introduced Challenges, rank-gated shop items and 72 Steam achievements.
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What changes when you return
Stormrock is a released destination, not an unnamed future map. It takes contracts beyond the HSS Hawking into an outdoor planetary environment. The developer recommends exploring together on the first expedition: open ground does not guarantee safety, and it is possible to lose your route.
Before buying equipment, open the Challenges tab in the Pause menu. Groups of challenges advance your rank, and ranks progressively unlock shop items. A shop restriction may therefore be a progression requirement rather than a shortage of credits.
Why old progression disappeared
The 0.26 patch deliberately reset player progression to introduce the new system. The same update grants the Pioneer emblem to players who played before it; find emblems in suit customization. Rank appears on the main-menu ID card and session listing.
Read challenge requirements in the current build before chasing an achievement. Patch 0.26.4 fixed several completion issues, including Stormrock objectives not triggering and the Call me Rambo requirement. For navigation, distinguish HSS Hawking ship diagrams from Stormrock guidance rather than applying an old ship route to the new destination.