Beta Branch Now Live! | Dev Blog #7

Hey Runagades,

We’ve started using the Steam Beta branch to test upcoming updates before they go live for everyone.

If you’d like to help us out (and get an early look at what’s coming), you can opt into the beta through your Steam library by going to the game’s Properties → Betas tab.

We’ll be using this branch going forward to test future updates, gather feedback, and make sure everything runs smoothly before release.

First Update Now in Beta

Our first major update is now available on the beta branch.

This update focuses on localization, alongside a range of quality of life improvements, balance changes, and bug fixes.

If you jump in, we’d especially love for you to try the game in your native language (if supported) and let us know if all letters and signs are in all the correct places.

We’re planning to keep this update in beta for about a week before pushing it to the main branch.

What’s New in The Beta Branch

New Content & Features

• New Track: Potatopez Dash (created by our community winner)

• Offline Play: You can now play without an internet connection

• AdjustedExpanded LocalizationAdded support for Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, and Indonesian

• Steam Deck Support: On-screen keyboard now opens automatically when needed

• AddedMod Support (Early)Initial groundwork for modding has been added (very early and not yet documented)

Gameplay & Balance

• AdjustedRail MomentumImproved momentum retention while grinding

• Grappling Hook:

  • Added spam prevention for downward grappling

  • Added separate input bindings for upward and downward grapples

Visual & World Updates

• Improved animations for:

  • Race starts

  • Finishes

  • Knockouts

• Minor environment updates in the world

• Removed the launch banner from the town square

Multiplayer & Crew

• AddedImproved SpectatingCrew members can now join a new race while spectating

• Crew Status UI: Shows which members are currently racing

• Spectator HUD: Finish checkpoint is now always visible

Fixes & UI Improvements

• Reworked Create-a-Challenge tool UX

• Added a dedicated keybind (R) to quickly restart a time-trial.

• Fixed incorrect player rotations at race/lap start in multiplayer

• Fixed broken checkpoints and finish lines

• Improved UI accuracy:

  • Fixed rounding issues on Time Trial results

  • Added player names to HUD for web players

  • Implemented dynamic fonts for better readability across all languages

Help Us Improve

If you run into any issues (or new bugs), please tell us. You can join our Discord to get in direct contact with us! Your feedback helps us make sure everything is solid before the update goes live.

Thanks for helping us shape Sprint City!

See you in the streets, Second Stage Studio