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Skater XL News

Grab Mechanic Expansion Now Available In Beta

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In a step towards expanding freedom and control in Skater XL’s core gameplay, an update has just been released into public beta on Steam which makes some changes and additions to the grab mechanic.

You now have the ability to:

  • Grab the board at any time with LB / RB, including while riding, during manuals, grinds, power slides, mid-air, during flip tricks, during pop-outs and more. You can also hold grabs through transitions between these different game states. There are no constraints on when you can grab or when you need to release the grab.

  • Grab the board at any subtle angle you choose based on the angle of the board. There is a unique hand position and pose that will be created for any given board angle. Each hand can grab anywhere around the board including between-the-legs grabs, Seatbelts and Crails.

  • Grab and release the board with either or both hands independently to mix and combine different grabs.


Much like the original core gameplay, these new abilities are not programmed tricks or canned animations but a series of systems which create movements on the fly based on player input. This puts more creativity, style, and expression in the hands of the player.

* Please note that these are incomplete features in early development, containing bugs, rough edges and (some amusing) animation and body pose glitches. Due to the real-time nature of Skater XL’s gameplay and animation approach animation and pose cleanup can be complicated and often make sense to focus on towards the end of the process.

Also, as things progress during public development elements may be added, changed or removed in further builds.

We look forward to seeing what kinds of tricks and lines everyone comes up with!

Coming soon for consoles.

* IMPORTANT: Update features referred to in this post are located in the “Beta” branch of the game on Steam. This is a separate stream of development for us to publicly test early or experimental features in development.

You MUST opt in to play this version of the game by following the steps outlined here:

-In your Steam Library, right click ‘Skater XL’ and open Properties

-Select the ‘Beta' branch.

-Steam should start downloading this version


Skatepark of Tampa 2023 Pro Course refresh available now 🌴

Updated with fresh obstacles and artwork to recreate the skatepark's ever evolving look, the 2023 Skatepark Of Tampa Pro Course is available now in the Mod Browser on all platforms. Featuring walls covered with the original work of skate artist Matt McDole, and numerous updated park features mirroring what the pros will be skating, the 2023 course is faithful rendition of the iconic destination.

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Held annually since 1995, Tampa Pro has grown to become one of the most significant events in the skateboarding world. Over the years, it has attracted some of the most iconic skaters in history, including Tony Hawk, Eric Koston, Nyjah Huston, and many others.

With over 25 years of history, the park has been a gathering place for skaters, hosting countless events, contests, and demos. The Skatepark of Tampa has contributed to the growth and development of skateboarding as a global phenomenon, making the Skatepark of Tampa for Skater XL not just a chance to experience a legendary skatepark but also a piece of skateboarding history.

Some new things brewing for 2023...

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Minor Update 1.2.5.6

What is up Skater XL Players! Today we are stoked to be releasing a minor quality of life patch update on all platforms. As we continue to strive to make the Skater XL experience as smooth and responsive as possible, these updates are a very important part of creating a consistent experience across all platforms and PC specs.

Today’s update contains the following improvements and optimizations:

  1. Deep reworking of many art assets and systems to give frame rate improvements across all original 1.0 game maps. An average gain of +8 FPS Downtown Los Angeles +6 FPS in Easy Day Highschool on base model Xbox One, with similar increases on low spec PC's and base PS4 and all maps now running at 60+ except for DTLA (which averages 59FPS).
  2. New GPU efficient “Decal” replacement system implemented allowing re-inclusion of extra detailing texture layers, reflections etc. in original maps.
  3. Updated animated elements in some maps including vegetation and environmental features.
  4. Nickname in Multiplayer now locked to platform username to prevent offensive and inappropriate names
  5. Minor bug fixes including PS4 memory crashes, environment and online player SFX volume saved settings not applied on game start, and bug in Replay List Menu where highlight replay from mod map (that is not current map) preview image is not shown properly.


We hope you enjoy these improvements and we appreciate all the continued community support!

Support Board for Bros with the Tampa Pro Gear Collection DLC, Now Available!


Support Boards For Bros with the Tampa Pro Gear Collection Pack.

The Skatepark Of Tampa Pro 2022 Gear Collection DLC pack commemorates the live event with 5 new gear items for the standard customizable character in multiple colors, featuring the official artwork of the world’s longest running skateboard contest. Available now for purchase on Xbox and Steam.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to Boards For Bros, a non-profit organization committed to changing lives by refurbishing previously used skateboards and giving them to underprivileged youth.

The gear is visible to others in multiplayer and adds new looks not previously available. Look good and do good with your contribution to Boards For Bros!

Check it out here on Steam!

Pack Contents:
- Tampa 2022 Baggy Jean in light blue, dark blue and black
- Tampa 2022 Bucket Hat in camo, white and black
- Tampa 2022 Tank Top in white, black and heather grey
- Tampa 2022 Coaches Jacket in navy, maroon, black and camo
- Tampa 2022 Deck in white