HIGHLIGHTS
- Enhanced lighting and visual effects
- Numerous improvements and fixes
We're excited to announce another major update!
The PC players now get to enjoy the definite Wreckfest experience with visual enhancements such as next generation bloom and screen-space sun shafts, parallax occlusion mapped skidmark decals, improved ambient lighting with spherical harmonic probes and more detailed shadows, not to mention dynamic dirt on vehicles and higher density foliage. We're confident to say that wrecking has never looked so great but in case you're sporting a more low-end rig, no need to sweat since you can tweak the quality of the more taxing enhancements or disable them completely in the game's Settings menu. While at it, we've also updated the networking code and squashed related bugs. Hurray!
Please note that since this update marks a major upgrade on PC introducing some file system related changes, it's possible that updating the game might not work without hitches. In case you receive the dreaded "data mismatch" error after updating, please verify the integrity of the game's files by navigating to the game's library page, selecting first Manage > Properties, then the Local files tab and finally clicking the Verify integrity of game files... button.
As always, we're also actively working on improving the gameplay experience based on the feedback so this this release contains numerous other improvements and additions as well. For example, the frustrating launch delay on PS5 is now gone and loaner vehicles work properly on PC whenever a host restriction is in place (please note that you do need an actual host in the lobby), but we invite you to check out the complete summary of items fixed or improved below.
RELEASE NOTES
Game version
PC: 1.278436
TOURNAMENT
- The second Wrecking Madness seasonal event starting on 6th of July features multiplier coins that will multiply your score for a while once collected.
- The Dirtshot bundle is now correctly received the first time purchasing it.
SYSTEM
- Implemented enhanced lighting and effects.
- Launcher now offers a choice of graphical presets that matches those in-game.
- More robust save data handling.
- Improved memory handling.
- Improved file system.
MULTIPLAYER
- Updated Steam Networking API to the latest version and improved networking error resiliency.
- Corresponding loaner vehicles are now eligible whenever there's a non-loaner vehicle restriction in place.
USER INTERFACE
- In Paint Shop, pressing (A) now confirms the selection and changes to the next tab.
GAMEPLAY
- The front wheels no longer detach as easily when using the Extreme damage mode.
- Exhaust now deforms along with the rest of the vehicle body when using Extreme damage mode.
- Sweeper can be now tuned in the tournament mode even when not owning the DLC.
- Step Van gearing tuning options are now in correct order for real.
- Bumper Car (TL) no longer appears in the garage.
- Improved Speedbird GT competitiveness.
- Fixed Speedbird GT license plate normal map.
- Removed plate from the Speedbird GT right side door.
- Only base Speedbird GT roll cage now has a window net.
- All Speedbird GT paint styles and liveries are now displayed correctly.
- On Wrecking Playground, the free camera is now allowed to go higher.
AUDIO
- General: Updated Wwise SDK to version 2019.2.9.
- Modding Package: Update project to Wwise SDK version 2019.2.9.
- Modding Package: Update audio mix bus layout to match the in-game Wwise configuration.
- Modding Package: Add new example objects and assets for basic engine loops. Enable in-game 'Example Car' (under mods) to edit and mod your own!
- Modding Package: Add new example objects for simple vehicle RPM-based synthesized sounds.
- Modding Package: Update documentation for a new tutorial flow, improved readability and additional content.
- Mixdown: Adjusted audio mixing chain to use Wwise Mastering plugin introduced with SDK version 2019.2.
- Mixdown: Re-calibrated output levels so that in-game audio settings of "all 80%" results in average loudness of about -16 LKFS.
- In-game: Increased AI vehicle volume in free & trackside camera views.
- In-game: Added more dynamic variety to vehicle contact sounds.
- In-game: Fixed a bug where AI vehicle wheel hub collisions would trigger player collision sounds.
- In-game: Fixed an issue where vehicle wheel landing sfx would play on chassis contact.
- In-game: Fixed an issue where car window crack and break sounds would play even if windows were not damaged in a collision.
- In-game: Fixed virtual voice leaks with some exhaust backfire sound effects.
- In-game: Fixed incorrect 3D positioning of some player damage sounds.
- In-game: Fixed issue where time penalty notification sound would sometimes play in post-race screens.
- In-game: Implemented a generic acoustics simulation (non-vehicle model specific) of stripped-down vehicle interior in cockpit camera view.
- In-game: Fixed Ambisonics channel order configuration issue with source sound assets for wind ambience.
- Vehicle Damage: Implemented camera angle based automation of loudness and tone for damage sfx of each subsystem (brakes, engine etc.). F.ex. damage sound of engine pistons will appear more sharp and pronounced on hood/bumper cam etc. etc.
- Wrecker: Fixed audio sync issue with single and grouped Bumper machines.
- Wrecker: Machine mixdown balancing tweaks.
- Race: Added faint wind and distant traffic noise ambiences. Configure in-game music volume to 0% to play these sounds.