Junkyard Simulator News

[p]Hey, Junkers!🔧😄[/p][p]It’s time for another big wave of improvements! This update brings you a completely revamped tutorial that guides new players in a much more intuitive and accessible way. Thanks to this, your start in the world of scrap will be easier, clearer, and — most importantly — more enjoyable! 🚗[/p][p]But that’s not all! This update also delivers a solid batch of quality-of-life improvements and optimization upgrades that should noticeably boost the game’s performance on most devices. 🔧
I reorganized background processes, optimized the logic behind several systems, and fixed a number of issues you reported over the past weeks.[/p][p]Thank you for every report — your feedback constantly pushes the game forward! 💛
And this is only the beginning of the bigger changes I’m already preparing for you.[/p][p]Check out the full patch notes! 📋🚀[/p][hr][/hr][h3]Rebuilt Tutorial[/h3][p]The tutorial and its overhaul are a huge change in the game, because now, whenever you encounter a problem, you can simply press T and the tutorial will adjust to the action you’re currently performing.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]You no longer need to browse through a long list to find a specific mechanic, nor scroll through multiple videos to locate the one you’re looking for.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Now, while using any mechanic, you can press T, and you’ll instantly get all the key elements of that mechanic — with clear descriptions and step-by-step instructions on how to perform each action.[/p][p]You can also freely rebind this input to make it more convenient for you. We will continue adding new mechanics to the tutorial so it always remains fast, helpful, and easy to use. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Quality & Performance[/h3][p]We’ve optimized the game — and yes, we’re doing it constantly. This is an ongoing process that we’ll continue right up until the full release. We see a lot of potential both in improving area loading and enhancing the rendering engine.[/p][p][/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][p]PERFORMANCE settings
Spec: Resolution: 1920x1080 / Graphics Card: GTX 1070 / RAM: 32GB / Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 CPU @ 3.60GHz[/p][p]In the previous version, choosing that preset would accidentally disable global illumination. Now, global illumination works across all settings, and its optimization on the lowest preset has resulted in a 12 FPS increase. This means that even players with weaker PCs should now enjoy smoother gameplay.[/p][p][/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 options — they’re carefully balanced between visual quality and performance cost. Right after the New Year, I’ll release another optimization update that will further improve performance around the viaduct and during location loading.[/p][p][/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]Hotfix list 👇[/h3][p][/p][p]• Introduced a new, user-friendly tutorial system. From now on, you can press the T key at any moment to display a hint tailored to your current situation or the mechanic you’re using.[/p][p][/p][p]• Improved wreck indicators in Quests. During the Wreck Searching task, only icons related to the active Quest will be shown. After delivering the quest-required wrecks to the unloading zone, all other wrecks return to their normal visibility.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]• Fixed an issue where completing the Vehicle Inspection task by not moving prevented the informational widget about vehicle restoration from appearing.[/p][p][/p][p]• Resolved a problem where completing the Vehicle Inspection task by staying in place caused the vehicle-highlighting system to malfunction, leaving vehicles visible and potentially misleading players into thinking they already owned them.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]• Fixed a text display bug above the 2D blueprint inside the Crusher machine when creating a scrap cube. The text now displays correctly and wraps properly regardless of language or length.[/p][p][/p][p]• Blocked the ability to transport restoration vehicles onto the Two-Post Lift if a restoration of the 1950 pickup is already in progress on it.[/p][p][/p][p]• Restored missing yellow lamps in key areas of the map, including the Workshop and the Parcel.[/p][hr][/hr][p]We’re getting a ton of feedback from you — thank you so much for that! Below are some of the latest changes and fixes — there’s actually much more going on, but we don’t log everything because, frankly, we’re rushing to keep updates coming often.[/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]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]

[p]Dear Players! ❤️
I wanted to share a little update straight from me — right from the heart of the junkyard.[/p][p]As many of you know, my game has been in Early Access for quite a while now — but that’s completely intentional. I really want the game to be the best, most polished version it can possibly be when it finally leaves EA. I want you to feel proud of what you’re playing, and I want to feel proud that I made it for you.[/p][p]I’ve been working on it day and night (sometimes I think my coffee machine is starting to feel sorry for me 😅). At the same time, I’m always present in the community — reading everything, gathering feedback, investigating bugs, fixing things, testing… and occasionally asking myself, “why did this explode again?!”
Your reports and your opinions are absolute gold to me. Thanks to them, I can keep improving the game. 🙏[/p][h3]So what’s next?[/h3][p]You can check the roadmap to see what’s coming in the next few months — everything is laid out there.[/p][p]And after that… ohhh, that’s when the real madness begins:[/p][p]🚀 a big gameplay overhaul,
📖 a reworked story,
🌄 a new area,
🚗 pssst… I’m also preparing an evolution of the driving system,
✨ and a new tutorial, which I’m just about to finish.[/p][p]And that’s only a fraction of what I have planned. There’s still a ton of work ahead, and Junkyard will keep growing and evolving — nonstop.[/p][p]Thank you for being here, for supporting, for playing, for writing to me.
Seriously — without you, this game wouldn’t exist. We’re just getting started! 🚗🔥[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]And one more little request from me…
If you enjoy our crazy junkyard, if you’ve had a good time here, or you simply like the vibe of the game — I’d be incredibly grateful if you could nominate Junkyard Simulator for the “Labor of Love” award on the Steam Awards. [/p][p]It’s honestly the one category that fits this project perfectly. This game has been my long-term passion project — built with love, stubbornness, and occasionally a bit of joyful madness. Your nomination would be a huge sign that everything I’ve been doing — the sleepless nights, the updates, the fixes, and all the conversations with you — truly matters.[/p][p]If you’d like to support me and our whole junkyard world, it only takes a second to click, but it means the world to me. 🙏❤️[/p][p]Thank you for being here. We’re just getting started! [/p]

[p]Hey Junkers! 🎮⚙️[/p][p]We’ve just rolled out a small update focused on vehicle renovation fixes and interface improvements based on your feedback! 💪[/p][p]This patch addresses some minor but frustrating issues, improves the renovation workflow, and polishes interactions to make the gameplay smoother and more immersive.[/p][p]As always — thank you for your support and detailed feedback. ❤️
Your reports help us make Junkyard Simulator better with every update.[/p][p]Enjoy the update and happy scrapping, Junkers! 🧰🔩[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Full Hotfix Details[/h3][h3]⚙️ Gameplay & Mechanics[/h3]

• [p]Fixed the bug preventing automatic renovation of the V6 engine.[/p]
• [p]Added translations for the “APPROVED” label in all languages upon completing item renovation.[/p]
• [p]Removed the unwanted white border around the “APPROVED” button.[/p]
• [p]Added safeguards to prevent stock market information from overlapping with the current plot status during renovation.[/p]
• [p]Fix for the issue where the screen would freeze when playing with a gamepad and pressing the large map button before unlocking it from the quest.[/p]
• [p]Blocked the ability to add a waypoint when playing with a gamepad if the large map is not currently active.[/p]

[p][/p][p]We’re getting a ton of feedback from you — thank you so much for that! Below are some of the latest changes and fixes — there’s actually much more going on, but we don’t log everything because, frankly, we’re rushing to keep updates coming often.[/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][/p][p]Massive junkyard hugs from your favorite rust whisperer —[/p][p]Junkman Adrian 😎🛠️💛[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Also please support ːsteamthumbsupː 🙂 [/p][p][/p]

[p]Hey Junkers! 🎮⚙️[/p][p]I’ve just rolled out a new update packed with fixes, improvements, and a few quality-of-life tweaks based directly on your feedback! 💪[/p][p]This patch focuses on polishing gameplay stability, refining mechanics, and addressing small but annoying issues some of you have reported — from resource collection and vehicle renovation to map stability and save management.[/p][p]I’ve also added a few immersion upgrades, like the visible basket-holding animation (for all of you wide-screen players 😎), and separated autosaves between Story Mode and Sandbox Mode, so you can freely switch between them without any worries.[/p][p]As always — thank you so much for your continued support, detailed reports, and kind words. ❤️
Your feedback helps me make Junkyard Simulator better with every single update.[/p][p]Keep sending in your thoughts and ideas — I’m reading them all and adding the best ones to our to-do list. 🚀[/p][p]Enjoy the update and happy scrapping, Junkers! 🧰🔩[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Full Hotfix Details[/h3][h3]⚙️ Gameplay & Mechanics[/h3]

• [p]Fixed the issue with counting the amount of resources collected in the world using the hammer. The displayed value now correctly matches the actual number of resources stored in the furnace.[/p]
• [p]Added a safeguard to prevent the game from getting stuck when opening the Large Map.[/p]
• [p]Increased the time required to search scrap piles — it now takes 2 hours in-game.[/p]
• [p]Added a system to remember the state of opened vehicle parts. Trunks and hoods will now remain open for 2 in-game hours before automatically resetting.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where items would sometimes fall under a vehicle being searched, making them impossible to find inside the trunk or under the hood.[/p]
• [p]Secure the crate save system to prevent gray crates from remaining in the game area.[/p]
• [p]Add a fix that will automatically remove broken gray crates from the game if they appear in the player’s save file and interfere with gameplay.[/p]

[h3]🗺️ Map & Visuals[/h3]

• [p]Improved icon display when searching for vehicles to load onto the tow truck. Icons for all vehicles are visible from a distance, but once you approach one, the others will fade out to help you focus on the correct one.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where the minimap could freeze after visiting the store and withdrawing money from the ATM.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where the minimap could freeze after finishing the cashier dialogue (when showing products, indicating the ATM, giving change, or reacting to an exact payment).[/p]

[p][/p][h3]🧰 Interface & Interactions[/h3]

• [p]Fixed the text jumping issue while overwriting a save file.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where input was disabled when naming a save file if the mouse hovered over the center of the screen.[/p]
• [p]Added visible hand-holding animation for the shopping basket to improve immersion for players with wider screen ratios or increased FOV (the basket will no longer appear to float).[/p]

[h3]💾 Save System[/h3]

• [p]Separated Autosave files between Story Mode and Sandbox Mode. You can now freely switch between modes without worrying about losing automatic saves from the other mode.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]🧹 Optimization[/h3]

• [p]Increased the distance at which the optimization system removes dropped objects.[/p]
• [p]Extended the time before dropped objects are removed by the optimization system.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]🚗 Vehicle Renovation[/h3]

• [p]Adjusted all body renovation elements for vehicles to make progress easier to register, preventing situations where players struggle to find the final repair spot.[/p]
• [p]Extended the duration of the renovation hint spheres (activated by pressing the hint button) from 2 seconds to 5 seconds for better visibility.[/p][p][/p][p]+UPDATE[/p]
  • [p]Fixed V6 Engine Renovation:
    The renovation can now be successfully completed after restoring the element using the sandblaster.[/p]
  • [p]Improved Backpack Animation:
    The animation for putting an item into the backpack now lasts slightly longer, is more noticeable, and ends with an updated item count animation to make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed.[/p]
  • [p]Disabled Collision for the Black Cloth:
    Removed collision from the black cloth located under the item being renovated.[/p]
  • [p]Cleared Renovation Area:
    Removed obstructing objects around the renovation station to allow for smoother movement during renovation.[/p]
  [p][/p]

[p][/p][p]We’re getting a ton of feedback from you — thank you so much for that! Below are some of the latest changes and fixes — there’s actually much more going on, but we don’t log everything because, frankly, we’re rushing to keep updates coming often.[/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][/p][p]Massive junkyard hugs from your favorite rust whisperer —[/p][p]Junkman Adrian 😎🛠️💛[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Also please support ːsteamthumbsupː 🙂 [/p][p][/p]

[p]Hey Junkers! 🎮⚙️[/p][p]At your request, I’ve just added new stamina options! 💪
From now on, you can extend stamina by +1h, +2h, or +3h — and yes, there’s also an option to turn stamina off completely ( MENU > OPTIONS > GRAPHICS/GAMEPLAY ) .[/p][p]Now, I’ll be honest with you — I still believe that the fridge system, shopping, and refueling are all perfectly balanced around the 1-hour stamina cycle. [/p][p]But since you’re my wonderful community ❤️ and I truly appreciate all your support for my game, I decided to add these options so you can test and choose what feels best for you.[/p][p]👉 Personally, I recommend the 1-2-hour stamina — it already feels quite long.
For the more impatient ones, 3 hours are available too, and of course, the “no stamina” option as well. Just remember — with stamina turned off, your character will always stay at 100%, so there’ll be no need for shopping anymore. 😄[/p][p]Thank you all so much for your feedback and constant support — it really means the world to me and keeps me motivated to keep improving the game week by week! 🙏[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Full Hotfix Details[/h3][p]⚙️ Gameplay & Mechanics[/p]

• [p]Added an option to disable the Progress Bar Minigame. You can now turn this feature off in the Options menu. When disabled:[/p]
  • [p]No need to press the RMB combo while using tools.[/p]
  • [p]You can load vehicles onto the tow truck without using the hook minigame.[/p]
• [p]Added a new option in Game Settings to pause stamina depletion, allowing you to play without needing to eat.[/p]
• [p]Added stamina duration adjustment. You can now control how long it takes for stamina to drop from 100% to 0%.[/p]

[p]🎵 Audio[/p]

• [p]Fixed missing ambient music in Sandbox Mode.[/p]
• [p]Restored ambient music for players in Story Mode who previously didn’t have background music playing.[/p]

[p]🖱️ Controls & Keybindings[/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue where default keybindings (Radial Menu, Crouch, Vehicle Reset, Tablet) were still active even after assigning custom keys — preventing both keys from triggering the same action.[/p]

[p]🚗 Vehicles & Tasks[/p]

• [p]Adjusted the hangar viewing task so it now completes even if the player remains in place after being teleported to the location.[/p]
• [p]Relocated the Diamond and Gold Bar inside the Blue Car to easier-to-find positions, preventing situations where players couldn’t locate them before full disassembly.[/p]
• [p]Improved the tow truck loading task — other vehicles will no longer appear, preventing confusion about the quest’s correct target.[/p]

[p]🏪 Shops & Interactions[/p]

• [p]Blocked the ability to exit during the animation and summary phase of a successful shop payment, ensuring proper transaction completion.[/p]

[p]🗺️ Map & Renovation[/p]

• [p]Disabled access to the Large Map during the renovation of the Blue Car and Pickup 1950 to avoid unintended interactions.[/p]

[p][/p][p]We’re getting a ton of feedback from you — thank you so much for that! Below are some of the latest changes and fixes — there’s actually much more going on, but we don’t log everything because, frankly, we’re rushing to keep updates coming often.[/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][/p][p]Massive junkyard hugs from your favorite rust whisperer —[/p][p]Junkman Adrian 😎🛠️💛[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Also please support ːsteamthumbsupː 🙂 [/p][p][/p]