Fallen Earth patch v1.8 is now live! This update introduces the Terminal Woods territory, Nuclear Blast Radio, economy improvements and two new chat channels. If that wasn't enough, Terminal Woods also includes an all-new ecosystem, 50 new missions, new camps and encounter areas, recipes and gear, achievements, bosses and a PvP zone.

To coincide with the announcement, the Fallen Earth team has added the Trashy the Hermit Crab pet to the game's store. He costs $12 and comes with five storage slots, since he's happy to carry your stuff.

Fallen Earth patch v1.8 is scheduled to go live on Thursday, Mach 17! Here are the highlights straight from the announcement:

New Territory: As we head towards Sector 4, clones will soon be discovering the area of Terminal Woods, which at half the size of a full Sector includes an all-new ecosystem, 50 new missions, new camps and encounter areas, recipes and gear, achievements and PvP zone. Terminal Woods also introduces all-new bosses, including four Scavenger bosses and six World bosses!

Nuclear Blast Heavy Metal Bunker Bar: Located in heart of Boneclaw, this newly uncovered bunker bar will feature over a dozen hit tracks from Nuclear Blast Record’s artists on the Wasteland’s very own Nuclear Blast Radio (NBR)!

Economy Improvements: We’re working on some ongoing improvements and in patch 1.8, we’ve revised component and recipe costs and adjusted node drop-rates on resources.

New Social Channels: Two new chat channels will make it easier to locate groups and socialize in game.

Players are invited to celebrate Mardi Gras this weekend in Fallen Earth! The events are being hosted by three clans, and it all kicks off tonight. Here's the schedule:

• Wednesday, March 9 at 9 p.m. EST: Lyssa's Coffee Hut at New Flagstaff cooking facility
• Thursday, March 10 at 9 p.m. EST: Invicta Bike Rally at Beauville's Tavern in New Flagstaff
• Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m. EST: Mardi Gras Parade at Embry Main Street
• Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m. EST: Mardi Gras Bunker Bash at the Depot 66 bunker bar
• Sunday, March 13 at 8 p.m. EST: Topless Night at The Rack at Oilville Triage and Tap

Enjoy some partying in the wasteland!

More state of the game addresses for you all to devour! This time around, one of Fallen Earth's designers / writers took to the forums to talk about some of the new content coming up in the near future, most notably being a number of changes to the Terminal Woods and the introduction of Alpha Country. In addition to giving out information on this new content, Marie "Aro Sei" Croall also addresses some key community concerns, like player requests for housing, blood sport improvements and upcoming raid content. All in all, it's a great read to get to know how Fallen Earth is going to be evolving over the next few months, so go take a read!

Big fan of death metal?

No?

Well, according to Fallen Earth, you really should be. Apparently the death metal band, Kataklysm, is setting up to tour North America, and the guys and girls over at Fallen Earth have managed to get them to agree to an interview! So if you want to get a question in for the band, Kataklysm, be sure to submit your related questions to the Fallen Earth team by Tuesday, March 8th!

If you've ever wanted to try out Fallen Earth, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to dive into the wasteland. The game is currently 55% off in the Fallen Earth store, which means you can pick it up for $8.99 through Sunday, Feb. 27. That price includes 30 days of free game time.

In addition, purchasing the game through the Fallen Earth store will earn you a free in-game item! You'll be able to choose between an All-Terrain Vehicle and a Classy Feathered Top Hat.

Ready to roll the wastes in style? Fallen Earth has announced that wastelanders will have 2 new ways to get around: the Flame Rider motorcycle mount (pictured) and the Striped Speedster mount.

The Flame Rider is available in the Fallen Earth Online store for $20 and provides 600 health, 162 armor use, 200 dodge, 56000 stamina, 500 fuel efficiency and 14 slots.

The Striped Speedster is available from in-game Rewards Merchants and offers 1000 health, 219 armor use, 219 dodge, 152000 stamina, 250 fuel efficiency and 36 slots. Players can find Merchants in Watchtower, New Flagstaff, Trader's Flat and Los Alamos.

The Fallen Earth team has released a new batch of screenshots from patch 1.8, including some images that feature the new Terminal Woods area. Check them out in our gallery to see what awaits you in-game when the update goes live next month.

Patch 1.8 is currently on the test server and includes skill and mutation changes, Scavenger Bosses, a large content area on the way to Sector 4, several economy changes and the addition of Nuclear Blast Radio.

Fallen Earth's most recent update, patch 1.8, is now on the public test server. Fans are urged to jump in and try out all new content.

Not on the PTS? Check out the full post on the official Fallen Earth page to learn how to get in. A copy of your characters from the live server as of 6 am EST on February 16 will be waiting for you on the PTS.

Looking to score some epic swag from Fallen Earth, Alienware and Nuclear Blast Records? Never before has there been a more hardcore partnership out there to bring you swag. The Fallen Earth Epic Gear Giveaway is putting your apocalyptic knowledge to the test! Now through March 16 fans must answer 16 multiple-choice questions (relating to all 3 companies) correctly to get automatically entered to win! One grand prize winner will recieve:

• Apple iPad
• Alienware TactX Headphones
• Alienware Sling Bag
• Nuclear Blast Prize Pack including an LTD guitar and more…
• Fallen Earth Gaming Mousepad
• Fallen Earth Decal Set
• Fallen Earth in-game Item

20 additional winners will receive:

• Alienware Arena Drawstring Backpack
• Alienware Drink Koozies
• Fallen Earth Gaming Mousepad
• Fallen Earth Decal Set
• Fallen Earth in-game Item

So head on over to the official entry page now for your chance to win!