E

EMPULSE Experimental Playlists — How They Work

Guide to EMPULSE Experimental Playlists: ADS testing, Sentinel map blockout, and how 1047 Games uses EPs for community-driven development.

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Experimental Playlists Guide

Experimental Playlists (EPs) launched in Update 2 (July 9, 2026) as 1047 Games’ system for testing major gameplay changes with the community before adding them to standard playlists.

Official EMPULSE trailer from 1047 Games — movement, mechs, and Freehold.

Why Experimental Playlists Exist

1047 Games stated they would rather ship rough features and evolve them with feedback than iterate internally until perfect. EPs are the core reason EMPULSE launched in Early Access — big ideas get tested in real matches, not behind closed doors.

Features that earn community support graduate to main playlists. Features that don’t get reworked or cut.

Update 2 Experimental Phases

PhasePlaylistStatusWhat It Tests
1ADS PlaylistLive since July 9Aim-down-sights on all weapons
2Sentinel PlaylistLive ~July 14Sentinel map blockout layout

ADS Playlist

  • ADS (iron sights) enabled on every weapon
  • Hip-fire accuracy reduced; ADS accuracy increased
  • Animations and balance are work in progress
  • Expect rough edges — feedback shapes final implementation

Full details: ADS Mode Guide · ADS Gameplay Guide

Sentinel Playlist

  • Blockout (greybox) version of new map Sentinel
  • Focus: layout feedback before art production
  • Larger than most current maps per 1047 Games pre-launch plans
  • Community feedback on Discord/Reddit shapes final Sentinel

Full details: Sentinel Map Guide

How to Access

  1. Launch EMPULSE
  2. Navigate to Play → Experimental Playlists
  3. Select ADS or Sentinel playlist
  4. Share feedback on Discord or r/Empulse

What to Feedback

ADS Playlist:

  • Does ADS feel right without killing movement flow?
  • Which weapons benefit most from ADS?
  • Animation polish issues
  • Hip-fire vs ADS accuracy balance

Sentinel Playlist:

  • Map flow and rotation routes
  • Spawn timing and choke points
  • Vertical routes for wall-run/grapple
  • Mode suitability (TDM, Intel, Control)

Future Experimental Content

1047 Games has confirmed ongoing EP testing for:

  • ADS refinement before main playlist integration
  • Sentinel art production after layout lock
  • Potentially larger maps and alternate mech types

Follow Roadmap and Patch Notes Update 2 for EP announcements.