GHPC Update 20250401
GHPC Early Access has been updated to version 20250401.
This is a regular update, introducing new features, adjustments, and bug fixes.
We've got plenty more in the works for GHPC! As always, you can get additional info by visiting our Discord server and YouTube channel. Links are on the GHPC website.
[h2]RTS MODE[/h2]
This year's April Fools event features seven new missions across two new map options. These missions use a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) style interface. Rather than driving vehicles directly, you take a bird's-eye view of the battlefield and issue orders to your units.
Be sure to check the quick reference pop-up (F1 key) during a mission to learn the controls for the new mode! Additionally, you can instantly teleport the camera view to locations of interest by clicking the pop-up alerts on the left edge of the screen or double-clicking the unit count shield icons.
There is a full set of new voice lines for RTS units, and several of the missions feature custom voiced briefings and battlefield events.
Much like past April Fools content, the RTS missions are temporary and will be removed in a future update.
[h2]ENVIRONMENT OVERHAUL[/h2]
This update features multiple changes to the visuals and environment assets in GHPC. When combined, they significantly improve the baseline look and feel of the game.
[h3]PBR TERRAIN[/h3]
Our environment artists have reworked the terrain shaders to use the Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) lighting model, including specular highlights.
Previously, we avoided plastic-looking lighting artifacts by simply removing lighting effects from the terrain. This accomplished the goal, but it resulted in the scene looking oddly flat and dull in many conditions, in contrast with the visually responsive surfaces of the tank models. With the new shaders, everything in the scene should be more visually cohesive and interesting.
To accompany this new rendering mode, we've updated most of the environment models, with new trees, grass, crops, and dirt clods. We've also added a new wetness response, so the ground becomes shinier when it's raining.
[h3]RAIN IMPROVEMENTS[/h3]
Speaking of rain, the effects for precipitation have been totally overhauled as well. The visual rain effects are denser and more compelling, and there is new audio for both the overall rainy environment and the raindrops hitting the tank's surface.
If you're turned out in your commander view, you will also notice brand-new weather effects on your vehicle: the surfaces are shiny and wet, with animated raindrop impacts on the roof. Very immersive.
[h3]LIGHTING AND COLOR BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS[/h3]
As an enhancement to the other visual improvements, we've updated the lighting and color balance in the game. Major changes include a bluer sky and more vibrant overall tones.
We've also made a reduction in the harsh shadowing that was used on low-angled vehicle surfaces. The bounce lighting from the ground should be more apparent now, and the vehicles should look more suited to the scene around them. It will also be more possible to see things like number markings and camouflage on certain parts of the vehicles that were previously wiped out by shadows.
[h3]TANK TRACK MARKS[/h3]
A small but welcome change is the addition of tank track marks behind your vehicle as it crosses the ground. The effect should help underscore the fact that a 40+ ton vehicle is tearing its way through a random field that is very much not designed to stand up to it.
[h3]AUDIO AMBIENCE[/h3]
At long last, the terrain overhaul has brought back a missing feature: the sounds of wind and wildlife in the surrounding environment. These should be especially noticeable when you're near or inside forested areas.
[h2]GAME ENGINE UPGRADE[/h2]
Under the hood, the entire game has been moved to a newer version of the Unity engine. This will make various development processes more efficient, allow us to use newer and better custom tools, and unblock several upcoming features that are in development. It may also translate to small performance gains in the game itself.
There's still more, of course. Read on to see the full list of improvements!
[h2]CHANGE LOG[/h2]
(Screenshot credit: H4PY)
[h3]NEW CONTENT[/h3]
[h3]FEATURES AND ADJUSTMENTS[/h3]
[h3]FIXES[/h3]
Thanks for playing!
Note: The build was updated around 17:30 EDT to fix bugs with the campaign mode and the unit selection menu.
This is a regular update, introducing new features, adjustments, and bug fixes.
We've got plenty more in the works for GHPC! As always, you can get additional info by visiting our Discord server and YouTube channel. Links are on the GHPC website.
[h2]RTS MODE[/h2]
This year's April Fools event features seven new missions across two new map options. These missions use a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) style interface. Rather than driving vehicles directly, you take a bird's-eye view of the battlefield and issue orders to your units.
Be sure to check the quick reference pop-up (F1 key) during a mission to learn the controls for the new mode! Additionally, you can instantly teleport the camera view to locations of interest by clicking the pop-up alerts on the left edge of the screen or double-clicking the unit count shield icons.
There is a full set of new voice lines for RTS units, and several of the missions feature custom voiced briefings and battlefield events.
Much like past April Fools content, the RTS missions are temporary and will be removed in a future update.
[h2]ENVIRONMENT OVERHAUL[/h2]
This update features multiple changes to the visuals and environment assets in GHPC. When combined, they significantly improve the baseline look and feel of the game.
[h3]PBR TERRAIN[/h3]
Our environment artists have reworked the terrain shaders to use the Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) lighting model, including specular highlights.
Previously, we avoided plastic-looking lighting artifacts by simply removing lighting effects from the terrain. This accomplished the goal, but it resulted in the scene looking oddly flat and dull in many conditions, in contrast with the visually responsive surfaces of the tank models. With the new shaders, everything in the scene should be more visually cohesive and interesting.
To accompany this new rendering mode, we've updated most of the environment models, with new trees, grass, crops, and dirt clods. We've also added a new wetness response, so the ground becomes shinier when it's raining.
[h3]RAIN IMPROVEMENTS[/h3]
Speaking of rain, the effects for precipitation have been totally overhauled as well. The visual rain effects are denser and more compelling, and there is new audio for both the overall rainy environment and the raindrops hitting the tank's surface.
If you're turned out in your commander view, you will also notice brand-new weather effects on your vehicle: the surfaces are shiny and wet, with animated raindrop impacts on the roof. Very immersive.
[h3]LIGHTING AND COLOR BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS[/h3]
As an enhancement to the other visual improvements, we've updated the lighting and color balance in the game. Major changes include a bluer sky and more vibrant overall tones.
We've also made a reduction in the harsh shadowing that was used on low-angled vehicle surfaces. The bounce lighting from the ground should be more apparent now, and the vehicles should look more suited to the scene around them. It will also be more possible to see things like number markings and camouflage on certain parts of the vehicles that were previously wiped out by shadows.
[h3]TANK TRACK MARKS[/h3]
A small but welcome change is the addition of tank track marks behind your vehicle as it crosses the ground. The effect should help underscore the fact that a 40+ ton vehicle is tearing its way through a random field that is very much not designed to stand up to it.
[h3]AUDIO AMBIENCE[/h3]
At long last, the terrain overhaul has brought back a missing feature: the sounds of wind and wildlife in the surrounding environment. These should be especially noticeable when you're near or inside forested areas.
[h2]GAME ENGINE UPGRADE[/h2]
Under the hood, the entire game has been moved to a newer version of the Unity engine. This will make various development processes more efficient, allow us to use newer and better custom tools, and unblock several upcoming features that are in development. It may also translate to small performance gains in the game itself.
There's still more, of course. Read on to see the full list of improvements!
[h2]CHANGE LOG[/h2]
(Screenshot credit: H4PY)[h3]NEW CONTENT[/h3]
- Added temporary RTS mode missions
- Added new vegetation models
- Added new PBR terrain materials
- Added track ruts behind moving vehicles
- Rebalanced terrain and sky colors
- Added improved rain visuals
- Added new separate autoloader audio for AZ carousel (T-72) and MZ carousel (T-64/T-80)
- Added rain audio
- Added ambient wind and creature audio for forested areas
- Added new huge explosion effect for large amounts of ammunition detonating at once
- Added reload audio to some weapons
- Added MiG-27
[h3]FEATURES AND ADJUSTMENTS[/h3]
- Upgraded to new core game engine version
- Smoke is no longer black in thermal vision
- Added custom thermal signatures for particle effects
- Updated multiple visual effects
- Improved accuracy of AI gunners in tanks with advanced fire control systems
- Added intentional variation to AI gunner aim with machine guns for better effect on targets
- IFV gunners now use HE rounds against infantry
- Drivers can now help spot targets in front of the vehicle at close range
- Adjusted drag modeling on some ammunition to better match real-world firing tables
- Updated MG3 audio
- Improved the way some audio effects respond to camera perspective changes
- Reduced volume on some autocannon audio
- Reduced harshness of shadowing on low angled vehicle surfaces
- Increased chance of rainy weather in missions
- Gain in thermal optics is now adjusted for best contrast based on time of day
- Optimized performance of several systems
- Switched to an improved ambient occlusion method
- Number decals on fixed wing aircraft now randomize properly
- Increased turret throw force limit on some tanks
- Updated game credits
[h3]FIXES[/h3]
- Fixed excessive parallax offset in Leopard 1A1Ax primary gunsight
- Fixed Leopard 1A1Ax drivetrain components being unresponsive to damage
- Fixed an issue that prevented AI drivers from detecting vehicles and obstacles ahead of them
- Fixed multiple issues in AI driving behavior
- Fixed an issue where AI couldn't hit small targets due to optic parallax
- Fixed an issue that could lead AI gunners to fixate on strange scanning directions
- Fixed invisible tree trunk colliders existing in certain missions
- Fixed decals on Mi-8
- Fixed some artifacts in T-64 engine audio
- Fixed unwanted roll correction behavior on some optics
Thanks for playing!
Note: The build was updated around 17:30 EDT to fix bugs with the campaign mode and the unit selection menu.