The Finals season 12 update trailer released 1
Image: Embark Studios

The Finals has been gearing up for the massive Season 12 update for as long as I can remember, with developer Embark calling it the biggest update yet – and recent footage has backed up these lofty claims.

In three new YouTube videos titled "DYNAMISM UPGRADE", "MAPS", and "NEW LIGHT PLAYSTYLE", Gameplay Programmer Roman Smirnov, Senior Game Designer Tim Overvliet, Joakim Stigsson, and Matt Lowe sit down to give a brief overview of the new dynamic destruction, gameplay features, new map overhauls and a whole new way to play light coming in Season 12 on October 20th, entitled "Primetime".

In the "DYNAMISM" video, many new features that had been announced a few weeks prior were shown off, most notably:

  • Improved destruction, hinging walls, swinging buildings
  • Improved visual destruction, cracks, dust, more visual clarity in destruction

These are upgrades I think will be genuinely game-changing, making the environment around you change and bend like never before to create even more dynamic encounters you know and love from The Finals.

Moving on to the "MAPS" video, we see even more map changes that will directly link into the new dynamism update, with new buildings to destroy and fight inside (some of which I am extremely happy about). These changes include:

  • New meaningful traversal options for certain maps
  • New areas used to fill in previously empty space in maps
  • Reworked buildings

I am over the moon about both of these building changes in particular, and there are many more in the video that I simply don't have the room to show, so I highly recommend watching if you're intrigued.

In the third and final video, we are told about three new additions to light, forming the "infiltrator" playstyle; they are the following:

  • True sight specialisation: a reimagining of thermal vision (finally!) that is more reliable and spots enemies and their gadgets
  • Mimic Device: lets you take the form and properties of any prop in the level, meaning you can be thrown about by your team to stealthily reach high ground, or just hide from your enemies as a table or chair
  • Translocator: mark any object with the gadget, and then (when within range) instantly switch with that object at the press of a button
  • These 3 items are bundled into a new playstyle called the "infiltrator"

While I am not the biggest fan of playing light, I think these additions will make me start playing the pesky class. I am particularly excited about the mimic device, but I also have a feeling it may cause some division in the community.

I don't know about you, but I am probably the most excited I have ever been for a Finals season. Let me know if you feel the same in the comments below, or if you have any opinions on how this season is going to pan out.