Hey everyone 👋

It’s been a while since the last update, and the game has grown quite a bit since then.
This patch brings one of the biggest gameplay additions so far — Hard Mode — alongside visual upgrades and new systems that make every run feel more intense and alive.

✨ What’s new in Patch 0.9.4?

🔥 Introducing: Hard Mode

Think you’ve mastered the run?
Now it’s time to prove it.

In Hard Mode, the death meter never resets — once the storm catches up, it’s over!
To support this new challenge, there’s now a separate Hard Mode leaderboard, so you can compete for glory without worrying about standard runs.

The mode also comes with:

• A dedicated Hard Mode main menu 🌌

• Enhanced UI visuals to clearly show if you are in Hardmode

• Enhanced general visuals to clearly show how close you are to the storm

• Tweaked balance and pacing

⚙️ Gameplay & Systems

• Player Camera Controls – Adjust the camera to better navigate obstacles and find your rhythm.

• Full Tutorial – A new in-game tutorial now walks (or runs) you through the basics, if you want.

• Death Meter Rework – It now waits 1 second before gradually decreasing instead of instantly resetting, creating a smoother experience.

🌪️ Visuals & Atmosphere

• The Storm Rises – The looming storm is now fully visualized behind you, growing closer as your death meter fills up.

• Dynamic Vignette Effect – A vignette effect now tightens as death approaches, adding more intensity.

• Pop-in Overhaul – Rebuilt how new tiles appear to eliminate jarring transitions and make the world feel more seamless.

🗺️ World & UI

• New Map Tile – One more map piece added for more variance.

• Control UI Update – Camera controls are now properly displayed.

💬 Join the Community!

Got what it takes to survive Hard Mode? Share your best runs, feedback, or ideas for new features on the official Discord:
👉 https://discord.gg/kYBEUHDYTc

Thanks again for playing Inertia — every bit of feedback helps push the game forward.
Now go test your limits and see how long you can outrun the storm :)