Reminder: Last Call for Playtest Invites!
Would-be couriers! This is your last call to join our closed playtest! Sign up at pacsgame.com
We’re happy to be proceeding on a series of small technical tests with a core group of fans in preparation for the closed playtest! If you’ve been selected to be a part of this group (aptly dubbed the Courageous Couriers) thank you for helping shape PACS into the best game it can be!
Vehicle Physics
PACS is a game about transporting and delivering goods across the post-apocalyptic wasteland. In this harsh world, your vehicles are your safe place. Your rock to rely on. They’ve been important for us to get right from day one. While the game visually has a touch more stylization than original trailers suggested, our plans for a grounded, realistic driving experience are unchanged.
Where rubber meets road… or rock… or mud.
The way that wheels interact with terrain and surface types is a key part of the driving experience. Feeling the traction of tarmac versus the slip of muddy conditions, the contact between tyre and rock as you traverse our rugged landscape. We’re focusing on making these feel as satisfying as possible, balancing driving realism with intended gameplay experiences whilst navigating the world.
Our wheels are set up to give us more detailed, granular contact between them and the terrain. This makes it possible to crawl over rocks more realistically, letting your tyres find contact and traction anywhere around the tyre so you can get up those sharp steps.
Tyre Telemetry
Horizontal slip, rolling resistance, rubber friction values, and more are all elements integrated into the physics of the tyres. We use curves to adjust these various values in realtime, based on speed, terrain, and damage level.. This gives us a high degree of control over how couriers will experience various terrain and driving conditions, with some more challenging than others.
Watch your weight…
The weight of vehicles also makes a difference, not only in frame, engine and mechanical parts, but also in the cargo your transport. Heavier vehicles and cargo need more powerful engines and the right parts to get through harsh terrain. All items you deliver in PACS have individual weight values, so think twice about your setup before accepting that delivery order for a massive tungsten cube…
(Mutant) Rat Attack!
Don’t be so naive to think that humans are the only living things to survive the apocalypse… depending on your definition of “Survival”. In the darker corners of our world, the most resilient of the animal kingdom have adjusted to their new life in the harsh irradiated wastelands, both in behaviour and in form. Keep your wits about you when scavenging from those old ruins and keep your PACS issued batton with you at all times…
FAQ
If you have any questions you’d like answered, join our community Discord!
Here’s some answers to questions we’ve heard so far:
Will dirt bikes/motorcycles be in the game? Unfortunately not. At least for Early Access anyway. Vehicle physics are enough of a challenge for us let alone two wheeled vehicles at the same time!
How good are the various devs at Studio316 at backing up trailers? No Comment…
Can you join open lobbies or do you have to join people you know? There will be options for players to spin up a public session for anyone to join if they wish. You can also create a friends only session and choose which friends to invite, or a solo session