[PTS] Dec. 12, 2019 - PTS Update

[PSNews]

Nanite Systems Operatives

Players will be able to play NSO even without membership on PTS for this update.

SR-200 - New Sniper Rifle

• NSO characters can now find the SR-200 bolt-action sniper rifle in the Depot for 1000 Certs or 699 DBC. A Fully Loaded bundle is also available for 899 DBC.
• The SR-200 embodies the long-distance stopping power of a traditional bolt-action, while retaining versatility through balanced reload speed and attachment variety.

Javelin - New Vehicle

• NSO characters now have access to the Javelin light transport and reconnaissance unit.
• Maglev technology allows the Javelin to hover along the ground and easily traverse difficult terrain.
• An open rumble seat allows for one additional passenger, and while it is not innately equipped with weaponry, it has access to a variety of defensive and utility options.
• This vehicle is in a prototype state, and will see significant iteration as time passes.

Defector - New Infantry Class

• NSO characters now have access to the Defector infantry class.
• The Defector acts as a "MAX unit" with the same implied restrictions (long revive time, healed by repairs, cannot enter certain vehicles.)
• While more agile than a typical MAX unit, it also has less resistance to damage.
• It is fitted with a grenade launcher as a primary weapon that overheats with heavy use.
• It has access to two Utilities, the first turns the unit into a walking time-bomb, and the second creates a bubble shield that protects nearby allies.
• This unit is in a prototype state, and will see significant iteration as time passes.

Winter Event

• Auraximas is back, and it's colder than ever. Snowman show their frosty faces, BioLabs have frozen within and without, and a new Directive is all lined up for those cool enough to complete it.
• The Auraximas winter event officially lasts from Dec. 18, 2019 through Jan. 5, 2020, but is available on PTS right now.

New Winter Directive

We've added another Seasonal Directive line with new rewards! (And Cold Heart has gotten a buff, as noted in the Misc. Changes, Fixes, and Additions notes.)

• Tier 1 Reward - 250 Certs, Holiday Hat
• Tier 2 Reward - 500 ISO-4
• Tier 3 Reward - Merry Mess Camo
• Tier 4 Reward - Cold Heart Implant, "Abominable" Title

Snowmen Abound

• Snowmen (and Stonemen) now appear on the battlefields of Indar, Esamir, Hossin, and Amerish! These snowmen grant bonus experience, so be sure to spare some bullets for these festive foes.
• If you've been especially nice this year, you may also happen upon the elusive Golden Snowman that will reward you with a shiny gold hood ornament and a ton of bonus experience!
• Additionally, all players can now find deployable Snowman Soldiers in the Utility slot of their infantry classes. Snowman Soldiers can act as makeshift cover, and also contributes to Directive progress by soaking damage.

BioLabs receive a seasonal makeover.

• Power fluctuations have been wreaking havoc on the BioLab control apparatus. Be sure to dress warm.

A.S.P. Respec

• You can now purchase an A.S.P. Respec Token in the Depot under the Boosts and Utilities category.
• Purchasing this token will refund any A.S.P. points you have already spent.

Misc. Changes, Fixes, and Additions

• Platoons can once again enable squad recruitment outside of Alpha squad.
• Various bug fixes related to the World Map screen.
• Improved the World Map screen to showcase lock states better and made other visual improvements.
• Players should no longer be able to clip beneath the ground while crouching rhythmically.
• Adjusted description for NSX Amaterasu.
• Improved visuals on shield impact and shield depletion particle effects.
• Fixed a typo in the Cold Heart description that stated it reduced cooling by 30%, when it was functionally 20%.
• Cold Heart now also passively applies its 20% cooldown speed to heat-based tools, like the Engineer's Repair Tool, at all times.
• NSX, Mayhem, Exceptional, and Bounty directives have all been moved to a new "Specialty" directive tree.
• Exceptional II now uses the same completion numbers per tier as Exceptional I (2/3/4/5) and has been reduced from the 5/5/6/6 implemented in the November update.
• NS and NS-A Commando melee weapons now properly track weapon medals.
• NSO Flash ATV now has access to the Mineguard cert line.

Source: Test Server: Announcements

[PandaFraHelvete]

Tier 4 Reward - Cold Heart Implant, "Abominable" Title

COLD HEART?? are you fucking kidding me?
why not something useful??
why not something cool?

nah cold heart for NC...

on the bright side, I look forward not to put any effort on this event

[Fallengud]

"Platoons can once again enable squad recruitment outside of Alpha squad."
Finally

[Stummeursel]

Tier 2 is important the rest not

[MrFFF]

"Cold Heart now also passively applies its 20% cooldown speed to heat-based tools, like the Engineer's Repair Tool, at all times." Think this can easily make the 2nd implant slot for a vehicle loudout