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Deathloop's First Big PS5, PC Update Improves AI & Fixes Crashing
Deathloop developer Arkane Studios has released the first major update for the game on the PC and PlayStation 5, and it includes improvements to NPC AI, crash fixes, and more. The latest game from the Dishonored series developer launched September 14, 2021, and received generally positive reviews. Unfortunately, even though the studio is a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media, which was acquired by Microsoft earlier this year, the Deathloop isn’t available on Xbox.
When Deathloop was first unveiled, there was understandably some uncertainty concerning how well Arkane Studios would make use of its time loop content for both its story and gameplay. While games like Returnal featured a similar concept in a much simpler package, Deathloop incorporated persistent story elements which made it a bit more complicated than Returnal's comparatively simple roguelike structure. Fortunately, Arkane Studios was able to make both its time loop-based story and gameplay work well.
On October 14th, Arkane Studios announced the availability of Deathloop’s Game Update 1 on the Bethesda website. The patch, which is around 5GB on the PS5 and 11GB on PC, mostly includes improvements to the game’s performance and stability, better NPC pathing and reactions, a connection quality indicator, enhancements to audio, and fixes to several issues. Platform specific changes include support for NVIDIA DLSS, Sony DualSense controller audio, quality settings for the game’s fog, and more for the PC, while the PS5 version will feature improved controller vibrations and an HDR calibration screen, among others. The full patch notes can be found below.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1448657415612760068
Deathloop Game Update 1 Patch Notes
PlayStation 5
- Added HDR calibration screen to UI options
- Improved performance and stability when ray tracing is turned on
- Improved NPC pathing and reactions to the player
- Added an indicator of poor connection quality in the upper right of the screen (resembles a speedometer with an exclamation point)
- Improved the content of PS5 Activities & Game Help systems
- Improved vibrations on DualSense controller
- Improved audio mix quality
- Fixed laser mines, turrets and fireworks behavior for both Colt and Julianna players
- Fixed unlock issue with “Oops” and “Deathday Suit” trophies
- Fixed issue that could cause Colt’s progression to be reset even if player chose ‘no’ on confirmation
- Fixed crash issue when a player unlocks a feat using Havoc while playing as Julianna
- Fixed Aleksis Dorsey reactions, making him easier to identify among his party guests
- Fixed issue that was causing assassinations to glitch sometimes while playing as Julianna
- Julianna’s actions no longer directly unlock trophies for Colt
- Julianna players will no longer hear radio conversations meant for only Colt
- Fixed issue with leaning inconsistency (inputs will no longer be ignored sporadically)
PC
- Fixed issues that were causing dropped frames and hitches in camera movement
- Added support for NVIDIA DLSS
- Added support for Sony DualSense controller audio
- Added an indicator of poor connection quality in the upper right of the screen (resembles a speedometer with an exclamation point)
- Improved performance and stability, especially with ray tracing
- Improved NPC pathing and reactions to the player
- Improved audio mix quality
- Fixed laser mines, turrets and fireworks for both Colt and Julianna players
- Fixed issue with mouse wheel. Using the mouse wheel to switch between weapons will now work properly and will not cause weapons to be dropped.
- Fixed unlock issue with “Oops” and “Deathday Suit” achievements
- Fixed issue that could cause Colt’s progression to be reset even if player chose ‘no’ on confirmation
- Fixed crash issue when a player unlocks a feat using Havoc while playing as Julianna
- Fixed Aleksis Dorsey reactions, making him easier to identify among his party guests
- Fixed issue that was causing assassinations to glitch sometimes while playing as Julianna
- Julianna’s actions will no longer directly unlock achievements for Colt
- Julianna players will no longer hear radio conversations meant for only Colt
- Fixed issue with leaning inconsistency (inputs will no longer be ignored sporadically)
Deathloop players on the PC look to be getting a bit more than those on the PS5 with the new update, considering the aforementioned support for both NVIDIA DLSS and Sony DualSense controller audio. While the latter addition is relatively minor, support for DLSS will allow players on PC to get better performance without needing to significantly reduce graphical quality, assuming that they’re using a compatible graphics card. At least console players will be able to improve their immersion with better HDR calibration as well as improved controller feedback, and the improved NPC behavior will likely be a boon for players on both systems.
Regardless of the platform, the fixes that the update brings are certain to improve the overall experience of players and make an already good game better. Hopefully, Arkane Studios is able to continue fixing the problems that are currently plaguing the game on PC; these issues led to Deathloop having lower reviews on Steam, which is a problem that can hopefully be rectified with good post launch support.
Deathloop is currently available on the PS5 and PC.
