The world of Bootstrap Island just got a whole lot bigger. The PC VR survival game has received its biggest content drop yet with the release of the Riverlands update, introducing a sprawling new biome that promises fresh challenges and deeper immersion.
Marking the fourth major update since its early access debut, Riverlands brings a vast, uncharted wilderness that surpasses all previous biomes in size. This lush new region is rich with flowing freshwater sources, steep and rugged terrain, and new deadly wildlife lurking in unexpected places.
To reach the Riverlands, players must first conquer the fearsome Jungle Overlord. Once inside, they’ll encounter new threats like electric eels and a cunning, alligator-like predator that stalks from the riverbanks. But it’s not all danger — survivors will also discover new tropical fruits to harvest, and a musket sling to aid in defense. In a particularly raw twist, fish can now be consumed alive, pushing survival realism even further.
The update also adds fresh layers of immersion with new musical scores, enhanced graphical settings, and other presentation upgrades that polish the overall experience.
Fans have been eager for updates since Maru VR revealed their early access roadmap. Looking ahead, the upcoming Visions update will introduce psychological effects like hallucinations and haunting flashbacks, bringing a deeper mental challenge to survival. Following that, the full release is expected to unveil tribal inhabitants who rely on body language for communication — a unique twist that removes traditional dialogue and forces players to read visual cues to interact.
The game is currently available in early access and aims for a full release in Q1 2026. More post-launch expansions, including new lands and mysteries to uncover, are already in the pipeline.
With each update, Bootstrap Island continues to evolve into a richer, more unpredictable survival experience — and the Riverlands may be its most exciting chapter yet.
