The Meritocracy Update for Whisper Mountain Outbreak introduces a significant meta progression system where players complete challenges, gain experience, level up characters, and unlock loadout perks that persist across runs.

A new Machete weapon arrives, offering fast close-range melee with two quick slashes after a fully charged attack, though it cannot knock back enemies.

A new Research Facility map features a reflective laser puzzle where players redirect beams through reflectors to progress, connected to the same energy/mining corporation tied to the calamity setting.

The update adds two new self-contained scenarios, The Scroll of Evil and Flesh in the Machine, each leading into a larger final map and expanding the game’s episodic structure.

An XP system converts in-run scores into experience, fueling the new leveling and Merit Points economy.

The Meritocracy Update is available for PC and accessible via the Friend’s Pass, representing the game's largest update since launch.

Players can complete Task Records to earn progression bonuses and extra XP, with each level-up awarding Merit Points used to customize starting items and bonuses for future runs.