Star Trucker News

Hey all,

As you’ve likely noticed from the previous blog posts, there’s been a lot of work going on for the next update. A combination of balance tweaks, features and the groundwork for future updates.

We’d reaaaally hoped this update would be in your hands by now but there’s been a lot of tricky hurdles along the way. Such is the way of game dev.

Good news is that the update has been with the Raw Fury QA team for a couple weeks and we’ve had a final thumbs for rolling out!

This update will exit warp on Tuesday, June 10th.




[h2]Damage Calculations[/h2]

I’ll save the full (and pretty long) list of changes for the upcoming patch notes but one reason this update has taken longer than intended was the rework of collision calculations.

Here’s a very high level overview of what this involved…

• We updated the collision calculations so that changes in linear and angular velocity have a greater influence on the damage output. This means you’ll be less likely to take damage from glancing blows with NPCs / debris.
  
  
• We overhauled the code that prevents collisions being reported multiple times by the game engine (despite a single impact). This should do a better job at stopping rogue damage being applied.
  
  
• We resolved issues where the mass of debris wasn’t always scaled appropriately. This means the size and weight of debris should now be more closely linked.
  
  
• We fixed some problems around multi-trailer damage propagation and fixed a bug where the monitor screen displayed the wrong damage values until a save was reloaded.
  

The result of these changes is a more consistent and fair damage report. It’ll also make it much, much easier for us to tweak damage balance and resolve any impact related issues going forwards.

Please keep in mind that colliding with static scenery (like a space station) or crashing into NPCs at high speed will still result in major damage but overall you will find you take less damage from most impacts.


[h2]Resting Up[/h2]

Another feature that ended up being a bit more work than we initially expected is the ability to use your cab bunk to skip time forwards.

This is super handy for Just In Time jobs (e.g. turning up too early for a delivery) and has plenty of potential for future gameplay features too.




It’s worth keeping in mind that your truck systems will continue to deplete unless you’ve docked with a station (which now provide free oxygen, gravity and power to prevent any drain on truck components).

Oh, and be careful where you park. Local authorities will ticket any trucks they find drifting in restricted areas or that have been docked for too long...




[h2]Survey Superstars[/h2]

Lastly we want to say a massive thanks to everyone who responded to our survey about the future of Star Trucker. The response has been incredible and there have been so many great suggestions.

We’re going to keep the survey open for a little while longer so if you haven’t seen it and would like to make your own suggestion please use the button below.




[h2]Back in a Bit[/h2]

That’s about it for this post. I know it’s fairly short but the next one will be a big-un and should drop around the same time as the update and patch notes.

10-10 until then.

- Monster Dave

Howdy all, it’s time for another update on all things Star Trucker!

Firstly a massive thanks to everyone who pre-ordered the vinyl soundtrack. The response has been amazing! Production should start soon and we’re super excited for everyone to get their copies.

Those of you with a keen eye might have also spotted a little feature tease within the album artwork 👀

[h2]Cover Art Wallpapers
[/h2]

If you didn’t, take another look at this wallpaper and see if you can spot what it might be before I explain later in this post…

Desktop 3840x2160 // 2560x1440 // 1920x1440 // 1920x1080

Mobile 887x1920 // 1080x1920 // 1440x1920




[h2]What’s in the Works[/h2]

As always there’s a lot going on at the Monster HQ. Here’s a super quick run-down of just a few of the things being worked on right now…

Extended Controller Support
Work continues on support for joysticks, wheels and HOTAS setups. Things are shaping up nicely but we have one or two more hurdles to get past before we can spill all the beans on this feature.

Job Refresh
We’re also in the middle of various tweaks and refinements around procedural jobs. The main focus is making the Just in Time jobs less frustrating but we’re also looking to spruce some other elements too.

Reward Balance
While working in this area we’ve also been adjusting rewards and skill bonuses. The goal here is to make the progression feel a little more balanced and fair, especially in the late game.

Free Play
We’ve also been testing a Free Play mode. This would disable side jobs but allow you to start the game with all truck features enabled and the entire galaxy unlocked. Some achievements might be unavailable in this mode but we feel it will be appreciated by those who want to focus more on hauling and less on story.

More Options
Allowing players to enjoy the game however they want has been a pretty core thing for us, be it roleplaying as a trucker or trying to survive the harshness of space - so alongside Free Play we’ve also been looking at ways of disabling systems such as power consumption and system degradation. Hopefully we’ll be able to roll some of these new options out soon.

Cargo Pack
We also have a new DLC pack in the works. This will feature a new set of trailers, corporations and cargo.

Remember, DLC sales help us to continue investing in free updates and features so we’re super thankful to everyone who’s supported us by picking up a pack or two ♥





[h2]License to Reveal[/h2]

Looping back around to the feature tease from earlier, you might have noticed the truck on the cover art features a license plate!

This is something we’ve wanted to add for a while and nicely rounds off our suite of exterior customizations for the time being.



You’ll be able to equip and modify license plates at any Body Shop in the galaxy.

Some designs are unlocked via cold hard cash while others become available after completing mini challenges.

There’s also two shapes, a boxy look similar to plates found across the US and an elongated European style, both can be customized with up to 8 characters.




[h2]The Future[/h2]

Alongside all of this (and more!), we've also been thinking about what’s next for Star Trucker. Our gut is telling us to add a deeper meta game while layering up new haulage mechanics…However we’re super keen to hear from the community on what matters most to you with regard to the longevity of our not-so-little-anymore indie game.

To that extent we’ve set up a little survey you can access via the button below. If you can spare a couple of minutes we’d love to hear your preferences and suggestions!




[h2]Round Up[/h2]

Alongside these features, work continues on a whole bunch of other cool new things that we’ll talk about in more detail soon. Until then, thanks again for sticking with us and taking time to read our monthly meanderings. It means a lot!

Peace out!

--Monster Dave

Howdy folks,

We’re super hyped to announce that the Star Trucker soundtrack is now available for pre-order on vinyl!

Thanks to the amazing team at Laced Records, the original soundtrack has been specially mastered for heavyweight vinyl and will be housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve featuring some fantastic new artwork.

What's even more exciting is that this double vinyl album will be available in both standard and limited edition variants!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Standard Edition[/h2]

Black heavyweight vinyl: Preorders are open here:

• US Store
• Rest of World Store
  

[h2]Limited Edition[/h2]

Heavyweight splatter vinyl, in orange & white and light & dark blue: Preorders are open here:

• US Store
• Rest of World Store
  

[h2]Digital Soundtrack[/h2]

Not only that, but as of today the soundtrack is also available on all major music platforms! Head on over to the following link to find it on your preferred store…

• Star Trucker (Original Soundtrack)

We're thrilled to finally be able to share this news with you all. It's taken a lot of wrangling to make both the vinyl and full digital release a reality and we're thankful to everyone who's helped get this over the finish line.

Rock on and drive safe,

- Dan and Dave Monster

[h2]Miscellaneous[/h2]

• Added a new "Dillon" hood ornament for purchase with in-game currency
  
• Hi-fi will now revert to default station if there is an error selecting a custom station
  

[h2]General Fixes[/h2]

• Fixed issue with incorrect temperature format shown on map screen
  
• Fixed issue with DualShock glyphs being too small when injected into strings
  
• Fixed issue where external zoom controls were not working as intended on some platforms
  
• Fixed issue with the Silent Spark paint job having unwanted visual artefacts
  
• Fixed issue with incorrect German string for "pick-up"
  
• Fixed issue with some strings not localizing correctly on map screen
  
• Fixed issue where under specific circumstances multi-trailers could be partially destroyed
  
• Fixed issue where under specific circumstances spawned cargo was not showing a POI marker
  

[h2]Quest Fixes[/h2]

• Game will attempt to resolve progression blockers if a quest has been completed but not acknowledged
  
• Fixed issue where quest cargo could vanish under specific circumstances
  
• Fixed issue that could result in quest cargo spawning multiple times
  
• Fixed issue with "Ghost Gold" failing to trigger correctly
  
• Fixed issue with "Deep Sweep" failing to end correctly
  
• Fixed issue with "Deep Sweep" failing to show beacons after player recovery
  
• Fixed issue with "Fragile Ego" where Red Eddie would comment on non-quest trailers taking damage
  
• Fixed issue with "Cache Grab" getting stuck if tasks are completed out of order
  
• Fixed issue with "Cache Grab" final task completing out of order
  
• Fixed issue with "Charmed Relief" cargo combining early and blocking progression
  
• Fixed issue with "Charmed Relief" cargo not spawning under specific circumstances
  
• "Fragile Ego" will attempt to recover cargo if accidentally destroyed
  
• "Perfect Timing" will attempt to recover cargo if accidentally destroyed
  
• "Job Hunt" will attempt to recover cargo if accidentally destroyed
  
• "Dead Weight" will attempt to recover cargo if accidentally destroyed
  
• "Charmed Relief" will attempt to recover cargo if accidentally destroyed
  
• "Green for Green" will attempt to recover cargo if accidentally destroyed
  
• "Shady Business" will attempt to recover cargo if accidentally destroyed
  
• "Meltdown" will try to recover cargo if accidentally destroyed
  

Balance tweaks and job refinements continue with the hope of making it into the next update. We thank you for your patience as our tiny team continues to work hard on improving your Star Truckin’ experience.

As usual, please report any issues and oddities you encounter to the Raw Fury Support Desk and be sure to check the Latest News page for information on future patches and developer updates.

- Dan & Dave ( aka Monster and Monster )

Happy new year truckers! We hope you had a fantastic festive break and that 2025 has started in an excellent fashion for you all.

We have a short update this month as we get back up to speed after some much needed downtime.

[h2]Quality of Truckin’ Life[/h2]

For the last couple of months we’ve been trying to track down and squash some gnarly issues that have been difficult to replicate. This has been a bit of a slog but we’re getting there and a January patch already addresses a handful of these issues.

Next month we hope to roll out a range of quest fixes. We’re hopeful this should resolve some fairly rare but super frustrating bugs in which quests could get stuck or quest cargo could vanish.

[h2]Dillon[/h2]

We’ll also be sneaking a new hood ornament into the next update. Dillon was originally under consideration as the corporate mascot for ‘Star Break Truck Stops’ but that job eventually went to Skip the Pig. So instead we’re giving him his time to shine as a curled up chrome critter for the front of your cab.



[h2]Spring Things[/h2]

Alongside some QoL patches we’re also working towards a bigger update for the spring.

This update will mostly focus on procedural jobs, balance, rewards and progression. We know there’s a fair few things in these areas that can be improved upon ( looking at YOU just in time jobs ) and we’re keen to address as much as we can over the next couple of months.

This is also why we’ve yet to roll out further tweaks to XP rewards and progression. After some initial tests and discussions we decided it would be best to adjust these in conjunction with the refinements to the job system to help progression feel a bit more balanced ( especially in the late game ).

[h2]Travel Sick[/h2]

There have also been reports that the camera momentum is making some players feel a bit queasy. For those affected you’ll be glad to know we’ll also be adding new options for reducing / disabling camera momentum ( Both seated and external camera ) in the larger spring update.



[h2]Goin’ Nuclear[/h2]

We’re also happy to announce that we’ve recently been working with our indie dev friends Nuclear Candy to get through various new tasks. Now that they’re up to speed on the Star Trucker project they’ll be getting stuck into a couple of new features including HOTAS and joystick support.

As we’ve mentioned previously, this is no small undertaking. Star Trucker has several control modes, each with their own quirks and challenges and although we did some ground work while implementing the custom control bindings there is still plenty to do.

However ( and you’ll have to take our word on it ) our initial experiments have shown us that driving with a HOTAS setup is a lot of fun! So we’re excited to start working on this feature in earnest and seeing how players find driving a Star Truck using more tangible controls.

[h2]Back to Work
[/h2]
Although a fairly short post I hope it shows that we’re still hard at work on Star Trucker updates and are continuing to keep an eye on the many comments from players across various socials and platforms.

Once we get through these backlog tasks it’s gonna be a new year chock full of features and truckin’ fun so we hope you’ll stick around for what should be an exciting and productive 2025!

- Monster Dave