Last update we made some major changes to PCE's codebase, completely refactoring how user items are loaded and moving to a newer type of server configuration. We tested these changes thoroughly before the update went live, but unfortunately still encountered some unexpected issues.
We're deeply sorry for the connection problems people have been experiencing since the update went live and hope that today's patch addresses the number one issue:
SERVER STABILITY
Our programmers have been working flat out to fix problems with PCE's game servers. Reverting the whole game to an earlier patch would have caused even more problems, so instead they had to surgically add a fallback solution that used the original netcode setup.
The most common issue was players getting stuck or disconnected when a server rotated to a new map. For matches made using Host Game we actually managed to resolve this completely on the new Steam networking setup, but haven't found a solution for dedicated servers just yet.
For now, dedicated servers will default to the old system which should ensure stability. We'll keep an eye on things but with any luck it will be okay for now. We apologize again for how long it's taken to get the patch out, though we do have a little something to say sorry with...
FREE CODES
Hell's bells!
We're bringing back free item codes for PCE, and from now on this will be how most new "free drops" get added to the game. These codes will never expire, use them at your leisure.
The Meltdown Code includes several items, both human and dinosaur.
Enter the code below on the in-game store to receive your freebies...
4311283112
FULL CHANGELOG
Version 3.3.4
SERVER FIXES
by default, dedicated servers use the older networking setup for now
fix for endless loading when trying to join dedicated servers
fix for getting stuck unable to load main menu if economy fails to connect
possible fix for being unable to join servers via Steam friends / commandline
another possible fix for "ghost" players preventing you rejoining a match after disconnect
IN-GAME HOSTING FIXES
fixed for mass kicking on map change / round end after a few rounds in Host Game
fixed being unable to join a dedicated server after being in a player-hosted match
Host Game matches still use the newer Steam sockets setup and are more secure
resolved audio issues for player-hosted games:
fixed clients hearing the host's guns at max volume all over the map
host can now hear other player's looping weapon sounds (SMGs, assault rifle, etc)
host no longer hears third person weapon sounds coming from their own guns
host no longer hears flamethrower sounds when chainsawing
host can properly hear their own flamethrower now
fixed weapon stop / start sounds not playing for host
fixed issues with dual wielded weapon audio in 1st person / for hosts
MAP CHANGES
visual and layout tweaks to Railyard map, fixed exploits
updated train sequences on Railyard to be more consistent
fixes for cobwebs in the underpass, tweaked steam damage
made various optimizations to Railyard assets and level
collision fixes to Contingency map, updated door damage triggers
possible fix for GTTC Docks Point C forcefields letting dinos inside after capture
fix for AI not being able to get through one of the side alleys on VisitorCentre
lighting tweaks and shader optimizations to VisitorCentre
fixed lighting not being built on Sandstorm Valley map
added more spawns to the other side of Sandstorm Valley
removed Sandstorm Valley from default TDM rotation
cleaned up the Basic Testing level a bit
OTHER CHANGES
fixed server and client log spam that was affecting performance
added safety checks throughout the code for null references
added new weekly challenge - Fireworks Show (get 15 kills with dynamite)
LOOKING AHEAD
New playables, new weapons, new looks..
Assuming that servers are good now, we'll be deploying new patches to the PCE Open Testing beta shortly. These will add the new sandbox classes along with several new gameplay features.
For the competitive side, we have the Dual Repeaters entering testing for release this summer. Other new weaponry such as the Flame Slicer for Pyro and Spear Launcher for Trapper will be coming later on. Their models and animations are mostly ready and we're excited to bring them into the game this autumn.
We're also investigating an update to the public SDK toolkit (Extinction Editor) which will include all of the content added to the game since 2022, alongside assets for the upcoming sandbox mode, plus various editor fixes such as mappers being able to build lighting again.
Finally - we're targeting Meltdown Part 2 for the end of July (but it is not set in stone yet).
Aside from more summer items, it will be a major update that brings the last of the major changes across from the PlayStation version.
We're hoping that it won't take super long to port those to PC and make sure things are solid. You can of course check out how it's progressing in Open Testing over the next few weeks.