Matrix Games

Back in December last year, we launched our Squadron Leader Game Mode, which lets players step into the shoes of a WWII leader and manage a squadron through a 30-day single-player campaign, learning how to combine different pilot traits, when to send people on leave, and how to rebuild a balanced crew after casualties.

Squadron Leader quickly became one of the most played and appreciated parts of our Early Access journey, and ever since, we’ve been thinking about how to take it to the next level.

Today, with the Pilots & Squadron Update, we’re expanding on that foundation, adding deeper improvements to both the squadron and pilot layers.

What’s New in the Pilots & Squadron Update?

We’ve introduced a number of systems and mechanics that shape how pilots behave, grow, and impact your squadron:

• Newly created squadrons will be populated with pilots of varying experience levels and sortie counts.

• Pilot traits improve and worsen according to each pilot’s experience, readiness, and morale. 

• Every pilot now has experience, readiness, and morale states that adjust according to individual and squadron performance.

• Veteran pilots will see improved leadership abilities, while inexperienced pilots will struggle in leadership roles.

• Pilots will become rusty without regular combat sorties.

• Pilot and squadron morale will fluctuate in coordination with success and failure.

• Pilot wellness states (like Rusty or Veteran) generate positive or negative modifier traits.

• Traits influence base performance and can be improved or worsened over time.

• A “Sortie History” interactive calendar tracks the results of every mission flown with detailed statistics and match replay files.

The Pilots & Squadron update deepens strategic decisionmaking in the Squadron Leader game mode, and the new mechanics will help players tell a more rich and emotional story of each squadron. Pilot Trait modifications are another important building block for our in-development Channel Defense Campaign. We will continue adding new pilot traits and trait modifications in each update on our road to leaving Early Access.In addition to Squadron Leader mechanics, this update is packed with improvements to Scramble VFX and bug fixes. As usual, you can find the full changelog below

Change Log

v0.16.004
Pilots & Squadron
August 28 2025

Squadron Leader:

• Pilot traits modify according to pilot states (Experience, Readiness, Morale, etc)
• All coordination and leadership traits include modifiers
• Pilot sorties are counted and displayed
• Pilots now have Readiness and Morale states
• New Squadrons will be composed of pilots of varying experience levels
• Sortie History section presents a calendar of all SQL dogfight results and replays

Misc Enhancements:

• Bigger aircraft explosion VFX
• Exploding aircraft will eject live debris components
• All VFX will subtly animate during paused gameplay (planning/review)
• Added Delayed Entry of escort aircraft to Dogfight Generator
• Improved bailed pilot models and animation system
• Pilot and crew animations properly rewind
• New pilot and crew animations
• Pilot name tags added to all aircraft in 3D world of a dogfight

Fixes:

• Selected aircraft will not change when transitioning from Simulation to Planning phase
• Almanac UI bug fixed
• After Action report fixes
• Toggling ghost view will not reset camera zoom level

v0.15.024
PATCH
June 25 2025

Squadron Leader:

• Do-17 introduced much earlier in SQL schedule
• Fighter escorts introduced much earlier in SQL schedule
• SQL mission schedule rebalanced
• SQL will not spawn the same mission twice in a row
• SQL runs feature "priority missions" at specific day/time slots
• Pilot stamina regen bugs fixed
• Pilots will not regain stamina when returning from hospital
• Missions will no longer spawn with 20 enemy airplanes

Enhancements:

• Zoom memory added to Tactical Mode
• Target selection added to Tactical Mode
• Delayed Escort tactical marker enlarged