Master The Finals 1.7.0 update with enhanced XP strategies, VoIP optimization, and competitive gameplay improvements
Update Overview and Major Changes
The Finals patch 1.7.0 introduces substantial quality-of-life improvements focused on communication enhancement and accelerated player progression. This comprehensive update significantly reworks core systems to foster better teamwork and reward engagement.
Embark Studios has implemented sweeping changes that transform how players communicate and progress through the ranks. The developers have clearly prioritized team coordination and reduced grind time, making this one of the most player-friendly updates to date.
For competitive players, these adjustments create new strategic opportunities while maintaining the chaotic fun that defines The Finals experience. The balance between accessibility and depth has been carefully maintained throughout all changes.
Enhanced Communication: VoIP Default Settings
Communication receives a major boost with VoIP now activated by default across all platforms. PC players will find Push To Talk as their default input method, while console users get Voice Activated as standard.
This strategic change follows successful implementation in update 1.5 for new players, where Embark observed measurable improvements in team coordination and match quality. Veteran players should immediately notice more cohesive team movements and coordinated strategies.
- Set VoIP to be enabled by default on PC, with Push To Talk set as the default input (existing players)
- Set VoIP to be enabled by default on console, with Voice Activated set as the default input (existing players)
- Dev Note: we want to encourage more teamplay in matches, and enabling VoIP for all players is part of that effort. Players can disable VoIP via settings. We previously made this change in update 1.5 for new players and saw positive results!
Pro Tip: Adjust your microphone sensitivity in settings if using Voice Activated on console to prevent background noise from disrupting communications. For PC players, binding Push To Talk to an easily accessible key ensures seamless coordination during intense firefights.
Revamped Progression System: Contracts & XP Boost
The progression system undergoes its most significant overhaul yet, with XP rewards dramatically increased across nearly every activity. Weekly Contracts now provide 4500 XP (up from 2000), while Weekly Goals jump to 9000 XP (from 4000).
- Increased the amount of XP given for Weekly Contracts from 2000 to 4500 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given for Weekly Goals from 4000 to 9000 (+)
- Reduced the number of Weekly Contracts that need to be completed to get the Weekly Goal from 8 to 6 (-)
- Increased the amount of XP given for opening a vault from 100 to 200 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given for starting a cashout from 100 to 300 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given for completing a cashout from 200 to 400 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given for stealing a cashout from 100 to 300 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given per coin delivered in Bank It mode from 50 to 80 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given for finishing in 4th place in a round from 100 to 200 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given for finishing in 3rd place in a round from 200 to 400 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given for finishing in 2nd place in a round from 400 to 600 (+)
- Increased the amount of XP given for finishing in 1st place in a round from 600 to 800 (+)
Strategic Insight: With the reduced Weekly Contract requirement (6 instead of 8), players can complete their weekly progression in approximately 25% less time while earning more than double the rewards. Focus on cashout-related activities for optimal XP efficiency, as these provide the most substantial boosts.
Common Mistake: Don’t neglect Bank It mode—the increased coin delivery XP (50 to 80) makes it a surprisingly efficient method for leveling, especially for solo players who struggle with cashout coordination.
Game Show Events and UI Improvements
The controversial ‘Dead Go Boom’ game show event has been temporarily removed from rotation. This decision reflects Embark’s commitment to balanced gameplay, particularly for melee-focused combatants who suffered disproportionately from the explosive aftermath mechanic.
- Disabled the ‘Dead Go Boom’ game show event
- Dev Note: We feel this event punishes melee users too much at present, so we’re disabling it for now. We’re hoping to return it to the game, after a re-work, at some point in the future
- Added a ‘play again’ button to the end-of-round sequence, allowing players in a party to quickly get into the next match
The new ‘Play Again’ button represents a significant quality-of-life improvement for party players, eliminating tedious menu navigation between matches. This feature streamlines the gaming session flow and reduces downtime substantially.
Advanced Tip: Use the brief post-match period while the ‘Play Again’ button is available to quickly discuss strategy adjustments with your team before queuing for the next match.
Advanced Player Strategies and Optimization
Maximize your efficiency with these professional strategies tailored to the 1.7.0 changes. The XP rework creates new optimization opportunities that can accelerate your progression dramatically.
XP Farming Priority List:
- Cashout Completion (400 XP) – Highest single activity reward
- Weekly Contracts (4500 XP) – Focus on completing 6 for bonus
- Cashout Stealing (300 XP) – High-risk, high-reward strategy
- Bank It Coin Delivery (80 XP per coin) – Consistent income source
- Vault Opening (200 XP) – Easy objective with good return
Communication Optimization: With VoIP now default, establish clear callout protocols with your team. Designate specific roles for information sharing—one player focuses on enemy positions, another on objective status, and a third on resource management.
Avoid These Common Mistakes: Don’t ignore the new VoIP settings—team coordination is now more valuable than ever. Never skip the ‘Play Again’ button when playing with a party, as the time savings accumulate significantly over multiple matches. Avoid focusing solely on kills—objective play now provides substantially better XP returns.
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » The Finals update 1.7.0 patch notes: Contracts & XP changes, VoIP, more Master The Finals 1.7.0 update with enhanced XP strategies, VoIP optimization, and competitive gameplay improvements
