Your winners, after 790 votes: The MH-53 Pave Low and the KA-52 Alligator.

The MH-53 Pave Low. We're going to need a bigger helipad.

The KA-52 Alligator. Looking deadly.

Final Results

Thankfully it still fits in the hangar... kinda

Our champion of the MH-53 Pave Low reappeared in discord to settle our deal... One more helicopter-enthusiast soul captured.

The KA-52 "Alligator"

This one was fun to add. I'm being a bit generous by adding a chin turret to it, in order to fit in with our attachment system. I am considering what we could do with the nearly-fixed 30mm gun on its right side. Maybe some kind of special ability (read on for more...)

Taking 3rd and 4th place were the Eurocopter Tiger with 109 votes and the AH-56 Cheyenne with 102 votes. I really like these helicopters and I suspect they will be added at some point in the future.

We will be adding more helicopters over time, so if your choice didn't make the cut, don't worry.

Reminder: The Comanche is Already In The Game :)

Some of you asked for the Comanche helo, so here is a pleasant surprise for you- it's already in!

Idea: Unique Helicopter Functions

I've been reading your comments and a lot of you have been asking to differentiate the helicopters more. I agree- I think it's a good thing to explore.

The idea: Each helicopter has a special function that is unique. It would be triggered by a button press, and either is a one time use per mission, or has a long cooldown.

For example, the MH-53 Pave Low would be able to land and deploy a squad of special ops soldiers who will attack anything within a 200 meter range of your drop off point. Or as someone suggested, roll a massive bomb out the cargo door :D This could be a way to give some helos the door gunners that you guys have requested.

I want this grounded in the real identity of each helicopter, which IMO keeps it from being too arcadey. But that is one risk. I can't promise we will implement this, but I want to talk about it before it gets built- this is the point of early access, IMO.

Which abilities would you like to see? What would the Hind's unique ability be? That's one I have no ideas for yet.

Thank you to everyone who suggested this.

Both in Steam community and in reviews. (Discord usernames not included here since that's semi-private, but I see you guys too) This list isn't everyone but I tried to grab any recent comments or reviews.

Cowabummer, Cast-Iron Nephilim, Zuhdy, wallece, _GoldManV, Dreadnought, CommandDork, youngling_slayer212, Brother Egon, Chief Beef, kingNohair, Phoenix, 𝕰𝖛𝖔, ARGUS;SERN, kruesewind, UnluckyFriedKitten, Woozle, Buntkreuz, Mix-Master Phil, Themusterdstreak23, Jack Benny

Last Chance Sale Then Price Increase

We are launching our final sale before raising the game's price. Tell your friends who are still on the fence.

The sale launches today at 11am PDT. The game is 20% off and the sale ends in one week. On Tuesday August 25th, the sale ends and the game's base price will increase to $17.99.

Current owners are not affected by this change, and get Chapters 2 and 3 for free

As per our early access roadmap, chapters 2 and 3, plus other features are included for anyone who buys the game in early access. I also updated the Early Access section of the Steam page since it was out of date. Thanks for your feedback on that.

Thank You

Thanks for taking part in the vote and adding your thoughts. I read all the comments here and on our discord. My brain is constantly distilling your feedback.

We're entering the exciting part of Chapter 2 production where we start adding VO, finishing the campaign and doing a big balance pass. I'm really excited to show you all more soon.

Thanks

-Colin "cfinger" and the Cleared Hot team