Update 2025.21 – NPC Competitors, New Systems & Major Performance Upgrades

major update

Hidden Champion · build 20917046 · published

On SteamNotes only · this build shipped before we watched the app

Hey Hidden Champions,

this update brings some of the biggest gameplay and system changes so far – from fully functional NPC competitors to a completely new contract and save system.


IMPORTANT – SAVEGAME WARNING

⚠ Old savegames are NOT compatible with Update 2025.21!
Because of the new save system and major data changes, older saves will not load and will cause a crash.
👉 Please start a new game after updating.


New Features

  • Added NPC competitors with full player-equivalent capabilities and unique personalities

  • Implemented a new contract acquisition system

  • Added regional building auctions

  • Introduced a completely new, more robust and reliable saving system

  • New window management system supporting runtime Z-Order adjustments


Visual Improvements

  • Updated Contract Window design

  • Updated City Window design

  • Updated Statistics Window design

  • All redesigned windows now support an inactive state and improved focus handling

  • General UI polish for a cleaner, sleeker look

  • Added confirmation dialog when selling or removing an establishment


Performance & System Improvements

  • Massive turn performance boost

  • Massive database performance boost

  • Optimized city mesh performance

  • Improved Actor Info Widget using efficient distance calculations

  • Performance & stability improvements for the SaveSystem

  • Turn calculation no longer blocks the GameThread → no temporary freeze

  • Accepted contracts are no longer reassigned when slightly overdue

  • Better auto-selection of contract and shipping locations

  • Improved transport route calculation via enhanced cache logic

  • SharedAnimations for Pawns added to reduce overhead

  • Updated to Unreal Engine 5.6.1

  • Updated DLSS to 8.3.0


Fixes

  • Corrected names and locations of several South American cities

  • Fixed multiple multithreading-related crashes

  • Fixed issue where the Loading Screen remained open after loading

  • Fixed incorrect production efficiency for multiple factories on one site

  • Fixed cleanup issue where other players’ SaveGames were removed

  • Fixed PCG Forest intersecting with CityTokens


Reminder

This update requires a completely new playthrough. Old saves will crash the game.