5 Biggest 1.0 Changes for Ready or Not

When most people think of tactical shooters, they imagine something like Valorant or Counter-Strike. That kind of competitive PvP game is great, but Ready or Not is another breed of FPS. It tasks players with taking on all the challenges that a real-life SWAT unit would, and its high-stakes realism makes for scenarios as thrilling as they are difficult. The game has been baking in early access for a while, but 1.0 is finally here, and it’s bringing big changes to the game. Whether you prefer ordering around NPCs or falling in line with your friends, here are the five biggest 1.0 changes for Ready or Not, in no particular order.

5. New Characters and Customization

Customization tends to be a fan favorite regardless of the game or genre, and Ready or Not is no exception. With the 1.0 update, players will finally have full command over their appearance in addition to their loadout. The game now offers a sizable selection of cosmetic options, allowing you to choose everything from boots, armor, gloves, and wristwear to voices, tattoos, and NVGs. It also features mod support, so if the new selection still isn’t to your liking, you can bring in whatever you’d like. The game is also adding over 175 new characters, including civilians, suspects, and other NPCs, so you aren’t the only one who will look different.

4. Overhauled Suspect and Civilian AI

AI is notoriously tough to get right, but in a realistic tactical shooter like Ready or Not, finding the correct balance is essential. 1.0 overhauls all civilian and suspect AI to increase realism and better match their behaviors to their changing circumstances. Changes include suspects trying to reposition in combat, taking unexpected angles, and surprising the player by remaining quieter. As for civilians, you can expect them to surrender more easily and make more realistic decisions overall. AI flinches have also improved, for an added dose of realism when the shooting starts, whether you play solo or co-op.

3. New Tablet System

To further increase the game’s already impressive immersion, the 1.0 update incorporates a new tablet system. This system moves previously non-diegetic objectives and UI elements to a Tablet, openable by pressing “TAB.” It might seem like a small change, but taking something that previously only the player saw and physically putting it in the character’s hands instead makes a big difference to the game’s feel. Combined with briefings, 911 calls, maps, and suspect lists, players will have more options than ever to interact with the gritty world of Ready or Not 1.0.

2. New SWAT AI

Thankfully, civilians and suspects weren’t the only ones to get improved AI in the 1.0 update. SWAT AI in Ready or Not also got an overhaul. The devs worked with a SWAT advisory team to make the AI as lifelike as possible, so it should feel more natural than ever before when your team clears rooms and executes their other duties. The new system includes new AI and team commands as well. That should make repositioning and arresting targets much easier, as well as communicating with your team if you play without a mic. Once you fix that pesky black screen, you’ll be ready to roll.

1. Commander Mode

Arguably the biggest of all the changes coming to Ready or Not in 1.0 is Commander Mode. This is a full-featured single-player mode that puts you in command of a police department. It’s a lot of responsibility: You’ll need to compose your own team from a roster of officers and carefully plan upcoming missions. What’s more, you’ll also need to care for your officers’ mental and physical health. Too much stress can remove an officer from the force just as surely as a bullet. Gluttons for punishment have yet another dish on the table: permadeath Ironman Mode, which will delete your save if you die.

Ready for Not is available for PC.