PROTON VR 0.2 Update Brings Smarter Cyborgs and Inventory

PROTON VR Update 0.2 is a Steam Early Access patch released on November 9. It revises cyborg behaviour, adds an inventory, changes procedural levels and begins limited standalone-related testing, while leaving the game in development.

According to MIXED’s report, developer Sam Martins describes the new inventory as “Alyx-style”. It gives players places to carry items such as grenades and syringes. The comparison describes an inventory approach, not an official connection to Valve’s game.

Smarter enemies and revised combat spaces

The 0.2 update overhauls cyborg AI. Enemies can seek cover and act tactically as squads, changing how encounters develop. The update notes also adjust enemy difficulty values, including speed, perception and rate of fire.

Procedurally generated levels have been reworked. A rough wave-survival room is available for testing, and the weapon-customisation shop has been overhauled. The patch also adds a weapon-upgrade station and an item-store pedestal.

Those stations replace older arcade machines. Martins says the machines caused performance problems on standalone hardware. An Atomics-style objective has moved into the main procedural levels as an optional room, while the former standalone Atomics level has been removed.

Standalone support remains limited

The official Update 0.2 announcement presents Meta standalone support as part of the patch, but the available details do not establish a generally available Quest release.

Martins says players have reported running PROTON VR standalone on Steam Frame. Feedback remains limited, and he asks users to share their experiences. This is a developer report, not a Steam Frame Verified rating or a guarantee that the game will perform the same way on every setup.

PROTON VR has appeared on the Meta store as coming soon. The developer says a closed, invite-only beta is underway. That does not make the standalone Quest version generally available, and no Quest headset list, standalone release date or beta sign-up process is specified here.

Steam Early Access details

PROTON VR is a single-player, VR-only retro shooter in Steam Early Access. Its pixel-art science-fiction setting and replayable levels draw on the developer’s stated interest in 1990s action games and films. The Steam listing identifies Sam Martins as developer and Torstein Systems as publisher.

The Steam listing offers a demo and lists a €17.49 price. It supports SteamVR with Meta headsets and Valve headsets. The game includes more than 30 customisable and upgradeable weapons, and the listing describes standalone release as part of its longer-term roadmap rather than as an existing general release.

The same listing records 18 user reviews, with 88% positive. It identifies the game as inspired by classic 1990s shooters and movies, and describes a broader enemy roster including commandos, cyborgs, robots and zombies.

Known issues and changing equipment slots

Update 0.2 fixes level-loading freezes and performance drops in certain shops and when enemy bodies disappear. It also temporarily removes some shoulder and chest inventory slots, so returning players may find that their equipment layout has changed.

Martins says bugs remain and asks players to report them. Further content and refinement on the Steam Early Access page are plans, not finished features. Players should check the store’s headset and PC requirements before buying, especially when using a route other than PC VR.