Junkyard Simulator News

Major Vehicle Driving – Physics Improvements & Performance

[p]Hey, Junker! 🔧😄[/p][p]This hotfix introduces a significant improvement to the vehicle driving and physics system.
The main focus of this update is stability, control, and realism, with special attention given to vehicle behavior on slopes, inclines, and during low-speed maneuvers.[/p][p]Over the past updates, I’ve been closely monitoring player feedback and in-game behavior, and this patch addresses an edge case that could previously cause frustration while driving.[/p][p]Thank you for every report — your feedback constantly pushes the game forward! 💛[/p][p]Check out the full patch notes! 📋🚀[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🚙 Vehicle behavior on slopes & inclines[/h3]

[p]Reworked how vehicles behave when releasing the throttle on slopes.
Vehicles will now hold their position more naturally instead of aggressively rolling downhill.[/p]
[p]Added engine braking simulation when no throttle input is applied, resulting in smoother deceleration and better control on uneven terrain.[/p]
[p]Significantly improved vehicle stability when stopping on inclines, reducing unintended movement.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]⚙️ Transmission & torque improvements[/h3]

[p]Improved the automatic downshifting logic, allowing the vehicle to better react to terrain changes and maintain control.[/p]
[p]Fixed reversing uphill — vehicles now correctly apply enough torque to move backward on slopes without stalling or sliding.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]🛑 Low-speed control & braking[/h3]

[p]Added a dynamic light braking system at low speeds to prevent unwanted sliding when releasing movement input.[/p]
[p]Eliminated the issue where vehicles could “slide” or drift slightly after letting go of the drive key.[/p]
[p]Added a fully functional handbrake system, including:[/p]
- [p]a dedicated key binding,[/p]
- [p]a visual animation clearly indicating when the handbrake is engaged,[/p]
- [p]improved stability when parking on uneven ground.[/p]

[p]PERFORMANCE settings Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz[/p][p]You can already notice a significant difference in shadow rendering, post-processing, lighting, as well as overall image sharpness and grain. I’ve also eliminated the issue with “dark shadows,” which could occur when selecting the lowest graphics settings. [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]🎮 Gamepad support improvements[/h3]

[p]Added a dedicated braking input for gamepads via GamepadFaceButtonBottomPress, improving driving comfort for controller users.[/p]
[p]Added tutorial information to the vehicle UI for both keyboard and gamepad controls.[/p]

[p]PERFORMANCE settings
Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🛠 Physics & vehicle reset fixes[/h3]

[p]Fixed multiple issues related to vehicle reset and recall:[/p]
- [p]vehicles sliding unexpectedly after reset,[/p]
- [p]cars spawning above the level,[/p]
- [p]wheels getting stuck in the air due to physics inconsistencies.[/p]

[p]PERFORMANCE settings Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz[/p][p]I recommend trying the preset graphics \[PERFORMANCE] options — they’re carefully balanced between visual quality and performance cost.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🚗 Overall result:[/h3]

[p]Much smoother uphill starts and stops[/p]
[p]Noticeably improved control and responsiveness[/p]
[p]More predictable and realistic vehicle physics[/p]
[p]No more uncontrolled rolling or sliding[/p]
[p]A more stable and enjoyable driving experience across all terrains[/p]

[p]PERFORMANCE settings
Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🛠 PERFORMANCE & UI OPTIMIZATIONS[/h3]

[p]Optimized GPS performance on the minimap.[/p]
[p]Optimized the display of bonus information for resource deliveries and beer.[/p]
[p]Optimized the display of item point values on the junkyard plot.[/p]
[p]Optimized the display of required tool icons on restoration items.[/p]
[p]Optimized all icons, including:[/p]
- [p]Workers[/p]
- [p]Plot status[/p]
- [p]Breakdowns[/p]
- [p]Crates on the plot[/p]
[p]Optimized appearance signals for items spawning on the plot.[/p]
[p]Optimized achievement notification signals.[/p]
[p]UI, HUD & Map Improvements[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]🖱️ Input & Interaction Improvements[/h3]

[p]Optimized left mouse button (LMB) clicking behavior.[/p]
[p]Optimized LMB interactions while interacting with objects on the plot.[/p]
[p]Optimized vehicle interaction when collecting vehicles onto the tow truck.[/p]
[p]Optimized the fuel refilling process.[/p]
[p]Optimized tablet usage and the resource market interface.[/p]

[p] [/p][hr][/hr][h3]🧍 Player & NPC Optimization[/h3]

[p]Optimized player character animations.[/p]
[p]Optimized overall player character performance.[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where hand animations could freeze while jumping.[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where hand animations could stop during manual item collection on the plot.[/p]
[p]Optimized NPC rotation to face the player.[/p]
[p]Optimized NPCs standing on the map that provide quests.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]📦 Systems, Data & Loading[/h3]

[p]Optimized resource data saving.[/p]
[p]Optimized quest loading.[/p]
[p]Fixed a bug where money could be collected from all lockers instead of only selected ones.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]🌍 World & Environment Performance[/h3]

[p]Optimized stuttering issues on the overpass.[/p]
[p]Optimized electric cables within the plot area.[/p]
[p]Optimized walkways on the overpass.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Check out our previous game updates![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p][p] [/p][hr][/hr][p]Massive junkyard hugs from your favorite rust whisperer — [/p][p]Junkman Adrian 😎🛠️💛[/p]

🧰 Hotfix – Vehicle Odometer Fix 🧰

[p]Dear Junkers! ✨[/p][p]Quick update on a bug discovered by one of our fans 💛[/p][p]⚙️ Vehicle UI & Driving[/p]

[p]Fixed an issue where the odometer on the Old Pickup was not updating and remained at 0 km/h while driving.[/p]
[p]The speedometer now correctly displays vehicle speed during normal gameplay.[/p]

[hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Thank you VelocitEX for reporting this issue — your feedback helps improve the game!🚗💛[/p][hr][/hr][p]Massive junkyard hugs from your favorite rust whisperer —[/p][p]Junkman Adrian 😎🛠️[/p][p][/p]

🧰Hotfix – Gameplay Polish, Quest Clarity & Tutorial Fixes!🧰

[p]Dear Junkers! ✨[/p][p]Welcome to the New Year 2026! Many of you asked for these fixes — and for you, dear Junkers… we always try to go the extra mile. ❤️
That’s why the hotfix is already live.[/p][p]Thank you for being with us, for your patience, feedback, and constant support. Even right at the end of the year, we’re still polishing the game and responding to your reports.[/p][p]We wish you a great start to the New Year and plenty of energy for everything ahead — both in real life and in the Junkyard!
And now… it’s update time 🚀[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Full Hotfix Details[/h3][h3]⚙️ Hangar Vehicle Sale Freeze Fix[/h3]

[p]Fixed a critical issue where the game could become stuck on the “Do you want to sell this vehicle?” confirmation screen when selling a car from the Hangar in Story Mode.[/p]
[p]Resolved a bug where the Yes / No selection UI would stop responding, leaving the confirmation window permanently visible while the player could still move the camera or character.[/p]
[p]This issue occurred consistently on some devices (including Lenovo Legion Go S) and required restarting the game — it has now been fully addressed.[/p]
[p]Improved input handling and UI state cleanup to ensure the confirmation dialog always properly closes after a selection or timeout.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]⚙️ Gameplay & Machines[/h3]

[p]Added smooth acceleration to the Crusher while moving the machine. When holding a movement direction, the Crusher now gradually accelerates up to a defined speed, and smoothly slows down after releasing the input.[/p]

[p]🗺️ Fast Travel & World Interaction[/p]

[p]Fixed an issue where the Fast Travel Board could lose the interaction widget (Press E), even though the player was standing within the valid activation area.[/p]

[p][/p][p]📜 Quest Fixes & Clarity[/p]

[p]Updated the in-world quest description for Quest 4 related to renovating 2 items.
The misleading text “Renovated items” has been replaced with the correct instruction “Renovate items”.[/p]
[p]Fixed the objective location marker for the renovate 2 items quest.
Previously, the marker incorrectly pointed to a storage container instead of the renovation workstation where the items were actually located.[/p]

[p]📘 Tutorial Improvements[/p]

[p]Unified the wording of “Tow Truck” in the wreck-loading tutorial so all languages now use the same, consistent term already used throughout the game.[/p]
[p]Fixed a missing space between the \[LMB] key hint and the following sentence on page 3 of the vehicle tutorial, improving readability.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Thanks so much for your support and help in developing the game — you are the best Junkmen we know![/p][hr][/hr][p]Massive junkyard hugs from your favorite rust whisperer —[/p][p]Junkman Adrian 😎🛠️💛[/p][p][/p]

🧰 Hotfix – Quest Safeguards, Tutorial Flow Improvements & Gameplay Fixes! 🧰

[p]Dear Junkers! 🎄✨[/p][p]We know we already shared holiday wishes with you last week — but hey, it’s Christmas and New Year time, so why not wish you all the best once again! 😊
Thank you for being with us, for your patience, feedback, and constant support. As we move toward the New Year, we’re still polishing the game and delivering hotfixes based directly on your reports.[/p][p]Wishing you calm holidays, a great start to the New Year, and plenty of energy for everything ahead — both in real life and in Junkyard!
Now, let’s get to the update. 🚀[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Full Hotfix Details[/h3][h3]⚙️ Quest Safeguards, Tutorial Improvements & Stability Fixes[/h3]

[p]Reworked Parcel Quest safeguards. If the player completed Parcel-related actions earlier than required by the quest, the Parcel Quest will no longer break or be skipped. Quest progress is now validated against the actual Parcel state (e.g. Parcel already purchased → Parcel purchase step completed).[/p]
[p]Secured Parcel purchasing in Story Mode. Players can no longer buy the Parcel before the appropriate quest step becomes active.[/p]
[p]Fixed a potential game block when entering a vehicle while opening the Backpack at the same time \.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]📘 Tutorial Improvements & Guidance[/h3]

[p]Fixed the sentence order in the tutorial explaining resource acquisition for the Stationary Crusher.[/p]
[p]Added guidance arrows for the Current Quest Objective tutorial.[/p]
[p]Added a new page to the Current Quest Objective tutorial, reminding players about the minimap, 3D markers, compass, and quest icon on the Large Map.[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p]

[p]Fixed an issue where paintable walls could appear on the Parcel without textures.[/p]
[p]Improved hint visibility when using the Parcel Computer:[/p]
- [p]Tab hint now animates to an orange color.[/p]
- [p]Arrow hint now animates to an orange color.[/p]
[p]Added a tutorial for picking up items during the trash-cleaning quest.[/p]
[p]Fixed an excessively large trigger range for hammer-destroyed item tutorials, which could block other expected tutorials from appearing.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p]

[p]Added a new tutorial for Fast Travel Boards.[/p]
[p]Added a new tutorial for the Upgrade Station.[/p]
[p]Added a new tutorial explaining the Backpack mechanics.[/p]

[p][/p][p] [/p]

[p]Added a tutorial prompt when standing near the Bluecar vehicle found in the world.[/p]
[p]Fixed a typo in a new tutorial:
“Two-Post Lift” → “Two-Column Lift” to avoid confusion with other machines.[/p]
[p]Improved the Upgrade Station tutorial so that, during the Tow Truck upgrade quest, the tutorial is visible from a greater distance rather than only at very close range.[/p]
[p]Unified the Tow Truck naming in the new tutorial to match existing language consistency.[/p]
[p]Added a tutorial for quests requiring selling resources on the market using the tablet. Pressing \[T] now explains the selling process in more detail.[/p]
[p]Added a proper tutorial after pressing \[T] during the Cart Reset quest, fixing player progression issues caused by misunderstanding the mechanic.[/p]
[p]Added a tutorial after pressing \[T] while standing near a wreck intended for Tow Truck transport, explaining both wreck mechanics and Tow Truck usage.[/p]

[p][/p][p]We’re getting a ton of feedback from you — thank you so much for that![/p][p]Thanks so much for your support and help in developing the game — you are the best Junkmen we know![/p][hr][/hr][p]Massive junkyard hugs from your favorite rust whisperer —[/p][p]Junkman Adrian 😎🛠️💛[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Please support ːsteamthumbsupː 🙂 [/p][p][/p]

🧰 Hotfix – Quest Progression, Tutorial Improvements & New Gameplay Guides! 🧰

[p]Dear Junkers! 🎄[/p][p]On the occasion of Junkyard Christmas and the upcoming New Year, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being with me and with the game for so many years — through every update, every fix, and every new stage of development. Your support, patience, and involvement truly mean the world to me.[/p][p]Thanks to you, Junkyard is still alive, growing, and gaining more and more character. Over this time, you’ve become more than just players to me — you’re a community that’s very close to my heart and one that motivates me every single day to keep going.[/p][p]I also want you to know that even now — during the holiday season — I’m still working on the game, adding fixes and releasing hotfixes based on your reports. Thank you with all my heart for every report, every suggestion, and every piece of advice. It’s you who help make the game better and better. 🙏[/p][p]I wish you peaceful, joyful, and warm holidays, full of rest, smiles, and good moments — both in front of the screen and away from it. 🎁
May the New Year bring you lots of health, happiness, fulfilled dreams, and plenty of positive energy. And from the Junkyard side — I promise there’s still a lot ahead: more updates, new content, and many surprises! 🚀[/p][p]Thank you for being here. Without you, this game wouldn’t make sense.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 💛[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Full Hotfix Details[/h3][h3]⚙️ Quest Fixes, Progression Safeguards & Vehicle camera[/h3]

[p]Reworked the vehicle camera system for looking around from the third-person view — the camera speed has been increased by 100% at the players’ request, and camera input lag has been eliminated.[/p]
[p]Fixed an issue where the Parcel purchase quest could become blocked if the player bought the parcel before the quest required it. The quest will now correctly detect prior completion.[/p]
[p]Fixed a potential quest block related to vehicle Failures when no Failure was currently active. The Failure quest will now automatically complete if no Failure exists.[/p]
[p]Fixed a Workstation purchase quest block that could occur if the player had already bought a Workstation in Area A. The game will now properly detect this and complete the quest.[/p]
[p]Fixed a worker hiring quest block. The game now checks whether the player already has a worker hired in Area A and completes the quest accordingly.[/p]
[p]Fixed a Goods Station purchase quest block. As with the Workstation, the quest will now auto-complete if the station was previously purchased.[/p]
[p]Fixed a Goods purchase quest block. The game now checks the player’s current Goods inventory when the quest requires a purchase—if the Goods are already owned, the quest will be completed.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]📘 Tutorial Fixes & Improvements[/h3]

[p]Fixed the Furnace tutorial display area. The tutorial trigger zone on the Parcel has been reduced, allowing players to freely access the Parcel Computer and enable the Parcel tutorial without interference.[/p]
[p]Fixed the Mini Crusher tutorial display issue. Standing near the Mini Crusher now correctly triggers its own tutorial instead of the Furnace tutorial.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]🎓 New Tutorials Added[/h3]

[p]Added a new tutorial explaining the Challenger vehicle renovation mechanics.[/p]

[p][/p]

[p]Added a new tutorial covering part dismantling mechanics during vehicle renovation.[/p]
[p]Added a new tutorial for bodywork and engine restoration mechanics at the renovation workstation.[/p]
[p]Added a new tutorial explaining the vehicle searching mechanics.[/p]
[p]Added a new tutorial for vehicle collection in the Hangar and selling collected vehicles.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p]

[p]Added a new tutorial for Fast Travel Boards.[/p]
[p]Added a new tutorial for the Upgrade Station.[/p]
[p]Added a new tutorial explaining the Backpack mechanics.[/p]

[p][/p][p] [/p]

[p]Added a new tutorial covering vehicle driving and all vehicle-related mechanics.[/p]
[p]Added a new tutorial dedicated to the Workshop mechanics.[/p]