BigBox VR’s latest content drop adds new weapons, legendary weapon skins, and other killer unlockables.
Season One of Population: One is currently in full-swing on Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, and SteamVR headsets, offering fans of the popular VR battle royale experience a slew of free content, from new weapons and items to fresh map updates and additional social features.
The 10-week season kicked off February 25th with the game’s largest content drop to-date. This included new weapons such as the light machine gun, katana, and knife, as well as useful items like the Zone Grenade, a device which generates an artificial Battle Zone capable of forcing enemies out of key positions, and the Energy Shield Soda, a tasty beverage which generates additional shield protection.
While I’ve enjoyed using each of the above-mentioned weapons and items, the katana has been an absolute game-changer in terms of how I approach close-quarters combat. In addition to being deadly at close-range, the katana also doubles as an artificial shield, offering protection from incoming fire as you close the gap between you and your enemies.
I’ve also found the Zone Grenade to be incredibly useful when timed correctly. Too often have I found myself struggling to uproot stubborn campers; the Zone Grenade forces enemy squads out of hiding and into the open where you can finish the job with ease.
In addition to these free updates, Season One: Uprising also introduces a classic Battle Pass system. A common feature among modern battle royale games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Apex Legends, this optional $4.99 pass opens up access to a wide range of exclusive content, from new character and weapon skins to brand new customizations such as titles, sprays, and calling cards. You can also gift “Silver Seeker” to your buddies so they can unlock their own content via the new social store.
“The Season One update builds upon our Vertical Combat System to give players even more ways to play and create social connections, only possible in VR,” said Chia Chin Lee, BigBox VR’s CEO and co-founder.
“Season One: Uprising will challenge and reward both new and existing players,” said Gabe Brown, BigBox VR’s CTO and co-founder. “We’re incredibly excited to see how players will use the new environment, weapons, and features!”
As a longtime fan of the battle royale genre, I’m thrilled to see how much the game has progressed since its launch. With the arrival of Uprising and the new Battle Pass, Population: One has evolved into one of my favorite battle royale games (VR or otherwise); one that feels like its own unique experience rather than a bland clone of existing royale games.
Population: One is available now on Oculus Rift/Rift S, Oculus Quest/Quest 2, and SteamVR headsets for $29.99. Access to the ongoing Battle Pass costs an additional $4.99. Players can currently dive into War mode, a temporary game mode that pits two teams of nine against one another in all-out battles.
While I enjoy the classic squad-based gameplay, War mode has been a surprisingly fun alternative. Getting into massive 18-player gunfights feels incredible in VR, especially with Population: One’s unique “vertical-combat” system.
Moving forward, BigBox VR plans on adding an end-of-season tournament, private servers, and access to the interior of the Tower.
Feature Image Credit: BigBox VR
