Major Vehicle Driving – Physics Improvements & Performance

This hotfix introduces a significant improvement to the vehicle driving and physics system. The main focus of this update is stability, control, and realism, with special attention given to vehicle behavior on slopes, inclines, and during low-speed maneuvers.

Over the past updates, I’ve been closely monitoring player feedback and in-game behavior, and this patch addresses an edge case that could previously cause frustration while driving.

Thank you for every report — your feedback constantly pushes the game forward! 💛

Check out the full patch notes! 📋🚀

🚙 Vehicle behavior on slopes & inclines

• Reworked how vehicles behave when releasing the throttle on slopes. Vehicles will now hold their position more naturally instead of aggressively rolling downhill.

• Added engine braking simulation when no throttle input is applied, resulting in smoother deceleration and better control on uneven terrain.

• Significantly improved vehicle stability when stopping on inclines, reducing unintended movement.

⚙️ Transmission & torque improvements

• Improved the automatic downshifting logic, allowing the vehicle to better react to terrain changes and maintain control.

• Fixed reversing uphill — vehicles now correctly apply enough torque to move backward on slopes without stalling or sliding.

🛑 Low-speed control & braking

• Added a dynamic light braking system at low speeds to prevent unwanted sliding when releasing movement input.

• Eliminated the issue where vehicles could “slide” or drift slightly after letting go of the drive key.

• Added a fully functional handbrake system, including:

  • a dedicated key binding,

  • a visual animation clearly indicating when the handbrake is engaged,

  • improved stability when parking on uneven ground.

Steam post imagePERFORMANCE settings Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz

You can already notice a significant difference in shadow rendering, post-processing, lighting, as well as overall image sharpness and grain. I’ve also eliminated the issue with “dark shadows,” which could occur when selecting the lowest graphics settings.

🎮 Gamepad support improvements

• Added a dedicated braking input for gamepads via GamepadFaceButtonBottomPress, improving driving comfort for controller users.

• Added tutorial information to the vehicle UI for both keyboard and gamepad controls.

Steam post imagePERFORMANCE settings Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz

🛠 Physics & vehicle reset fixes

• Fixed multiple issues related to vehicle reset and recall:

  • vehicles sliding unexpectedly after reset,

  • cars spawning above the level,

  • wheels getting stuck in the air due to physics inconsistencies.

Steam post imagePERFORMANCE settings Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz

I recommend trying the preset graphics [PERFORMANCE] options — they’re carefully balanced between visual quality and performance cost.

🚗 Overall result:

• Much smoother uphill starts and stops

• Noticeably improved control and responsiveness

• More predictable and realistic vehicle physics

• No more uncontrolled rolling or sliding

• A more stable and enjoyable driving experience across all terrains

Steam post imagePERFORMANCE settings Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz

🛠 PERFORMANCE & UI OPTIMIZATIONS

• Optimized GPS performance on the minimap.

• Optimized the display of bonus information for resource deliveries and beer.

• Optimized the display of item point values on the junkyard plot.

• Optimized the display of required tool icons on restoration items.

• Optimized all icons, including:

  • Workers

  • Plot status

  • Breakdowns

  • Crates on the plot

• Optimized appearance signals for items spawning on the plot.

• Optimized achievement notification signals.

• UI, HUD & Map Improvements

🖱️ Input & Interaction Improvements

• Optimized left mouse button (LMB) clicking behavior.

• Optimized LMB interactions while interacting with objects on the plot.

• Optimized vehicle interaction when collecting vehicles onto the tow truck.

• Optimized the fuel refilling process.

• Optimized tablet usage and the resource market interface.

🧍 Player & NPC Optimization

• Optimized player character animations.

• Optimized overall player character performance.

• Fixed an issue where hand animations could freeze while jumping.

• Fixed an issue where hand animations could stop during manual item collection on the plot.

• Optimized NPC rotation to face the player.

• Optimized NPCs standing on the map that provide quests.

📦 Systems, Data & Loading

• Optimized resource data saving.

• Optimized quest loading.

• Fixed a bug where money could be collected from all lockers instead of only selected ones.

🌍 World & Environment Performance

• Optimized stuttering issues on the overpass.

• Optimized electric cables within the plot area.

• Optimized walkways on the overpass.

Check out our previous game updates!

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Massive junkyard hugs from your favorite rust whisperer —

Junkman Adrian 😎🛠️💛