This update to the beta test includes a number of new systems, Editor updates, and changes to the look and feel of the game interface.

There are still several features and improvements coming to Heart of the Swarm, and this is not a final pre-release patch. Please read the full patch notes and related articles to learn all about what’s available in the beta test.

GENERAL

• Groups
  • Players who wish to associate casually and in larger numbers than Clans can now create and join Groups, with a designated chat channel, a News tab where stories can be posted, an Info tab where officers can post a brief description of the Group, and a Members roster. For more information on Groups, check out our first look at the feature.
• Unranked Play
  • On the Multiplayer screen, players can now select Unranked Play to engage in matchmaking with the ranking system suspended.
• Players Near Me
  • Recognizes other StarCraft II games running on the player’s network, making it easier to chat, play, and make friends with nearby players.
• AI Communication
  • Players can now issue orders to AI partners.
  • This is a preliminary implementation of this feature, and we will be adding to it over the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on our Heart of the Swarm Beta Discussion forum for further updates.
• The StarCraft II Arcade is now available in the Heart of the Swarm Beta.
• Leveling
  • The number of levels for each race has been increased from 20 to 30, for a total of 90 attainable levels per character.
  • The overall XP required to reach max-level has been increased.
  • All XP previously earned has been reset to zero. Thanks for your continuing feedback, and please keep it coming!

USER INTERFACE

• Maps that appear in the Custom Games section now include all of the same Game Info pages as the maps available in the Arcade (Overview, How to Play, Patch Notes, Reviews).
• In-Game UI Polish
  • Decal art has been updated to appear brighter and more visible.
  • New Victory/Loss sequences now play at the end of a game.
• New options added to aid newer players in the Options > Controls menu:
  • Team Colored Life Bar
  • Always Show Worker Status
  • Simple Command Card
  • Show Current Order Indicator
  • Select All Larvae
  • Display Experience Points
  • Enable Enemy Unit Selection
• The Help section has been revised and updated.

GRAPHICS

• Physics updates
  • New ragdoll physics deaths have been added on many units.
  • Physics effects have been polished on many existing units.
  • Performance has been improved.
  • Physics-triggered sounds have been added.

EDITOR

• Many new features, updates, and improvements to the StarCraft II Editor have been made throughout the beta test. Please see our Comprehensive Editor Updates List in the Beta Discussion forum.

BALANCE

• A new set of balance changes have been included with the release of Patch 2.0.2. For more info, please visit the Balance Update threads  in the Beta Discussion forum.

BUG FIXES

• A full list of documented game and service bugs can be found in our Known Issues sticky in the Beta Bug Report forum.