hotfix · February 20, 2026
Icarus Update Introduces Genetics and Animal Husbandry
Icarus adds genetics and animal husbandry systems for all tames, remote whistles, and the Homestead DLC.
The Mendel update for Icarus brings genetics and animal husbandry to every mount and tame in the game. Developers also released the Homestead Cosmetic DLC pack, added remote pet control via whistles, overhauled the electric food trough, and pushed out a hotfix addressing various bugs.
Genetics and Husbandry
Every tamed animal and mount now possesses a genotype, phenotype, bloodline, and sex that affect stats and traits. Genotypes include attributes like Vigor, Fitness, and Toughness, rated from 1 to 10 with 3 as the baseline. Bloodlines grant new stats as creatures level up. Animal husbandry allows players to breed animals using serums crafted at the ranching station, producing juveniles that inherit attributes from both parents.
New Creatures and Talents
Pigs, rams, and bulls join the roster of available animals. Pigs dig up truffles, rams act as male sheep for breeding, and bulls serve as rideable mounts. A new genetics talent tree provides bonuses for rare genotypes, phenotypes, and bloodlines while increasing mutation chances during breeding. All players receive 10 free talent refund points to accommodate this tree.
Quality of Life and Balance
Players can use five new keybinds for remote creature control and whistles. Doors, railing gates, and fortification gates open while mounted. The electric food trough converts into an auto-crafting machine producing four types of animal gruel, and players can unclaim tames to give them to friends. Prime meats can no longer be created directly on the butchery bench.
Why this patch matters
The Mendel update deepens base building and animal management systems, giving players long-term progression goals for tames and homesteads.