This was fixed by the latest 1.2.177372 hotfix patch. I think it was caused by the staff navigation bug with staff only doors.

Graxer
Newcomer
2 months ago
Mar 8, 2025, 12:31:57 PM
Step by step of the bug
Step 1
Using my save file start an expedition
Step 2
If it doesn't break, start another one after that, it only works occasionally
Step 3
My save file is already looking at a member of staff that is frozen by the bug in Passwater Cove
General information
Category
Sub-category
Gameplay
Features/Mechanics
Platform
Distribution
Game version
Steam deck
Steam
Hotfix - 1.2.177126
I am having a problem in Passwater Cove where almost every time I try to start an expedition the staff that I am trying to send just freeze where they are and don't leave. The staff end up in a state where I can't pick them up because they are supposed to be leaving, but they are doing nothing and their needs are depleting.
Sometimes I can cancel the expedition to unfreeze them, but other times it acts like the helicopter has already left even though it hasn't and only lets me cancel the expedition by destroying the helipad in the foundations menu.
After doing this to unfreeze the staff, starting another expedition usually freezes the staff in exactly the same way. Occasionally it doesn't though.
I am using the latest version of the game at the time of writing, which supposedly includes patches to the helicopter bugs that others have reported (besides staff disappearing, which isn't my problem).
In the save I have attached to the report I am currently looking at a frozen security guard in the Passwater Cove museum, so you should be able to see the issue.
Here is a link to the save. The uploader on this bug report doesn't allow zip extension files to be uploaded even though it suggests they can be:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UBLQXrWpwaexvDKdJ7v17EzKRUykzDmO/view?usp=drive_link