1.3.0.4 Public Beta Update Available

[MaximKI]

Hi everyone,

Please try this new beta and let us know if it helps your game. We encourage you to start a new game as there may be changes that only take effect upon starting a new game.

To facilitate frequent beta iterations as needed, this beta is only available for now on Steam and GOG. All Matrix customers also have a free Steam key available (through your My Page) which can be activated if desired to install DW2 via Steam and test this Beta there.

On Steam, you can switch to it by going to Distant Worlds 2 in your Steam Library, right-clicking on it, choosing Properties -> Betas -> then choosing the latest beta branch from the drop-down list and allowing Steam to update your game. If it updates correctly, you should see the latest beta version listed as your version in-game on the bottom right.

On GOG, you can switch to it by going to Distant Worlds 2 in your GOG Library, selecting Distant Worlds 2, then clicking on the button next to "Play" that looks like two horizontal lines with small offset circles, choosing Manage Installation -> Configure then picking the latest Beta from the Beta channels drop-down list and allowing GOG to update.

The Core game engine has been upgraded to use newer versions of Stride and .NET. We now include .NET in the game executable, so no additional external .NET redistributables are required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you still experience crashes with 1.0.6.4 or later, especially crashes in battle, please try the new DXVK rendering option in the game settings. This can be found under "Rendering Mode", which can be switched from DirectX 11 to DXVK. DXVK is only guaranteed to work with the SDR (Standard Definition Rendering) option in your game settings. It may work with some HDR (High Definition Rendering) settings, but we do not advise trying those at this time. The DXVK option willl likely resolve many issues caused by driver bugs or incompatibilities.

If you try this setting and the game does not launch, please note the command line option in the changes below to switch back to DirectX 11. (To force DirectX on launch, add --use-dx11 as a command-line argument to DistantWorlds2.exe)

Changes in 1.3.0.4 (May 12th, 2025)

CRASH FIXES
- fixed rare crash when starting area weapon blasts in a scene
- fixed rare crash when generating a new game

FLEETS
- further improved fleet responsiveness when intercepting incoming enemy fleets
- fleets intercepting incoming enemy fleets will now coordinate with each other so that more distant fleets drop off when closer fleets are available to intercept
- fleets attacking creatures are now more careful about evaluating other threats at same location and will not auto-assign attack when breaches retreat conditions (assuming location is visible and threats are known)
- fleets and ships now more careful when evaluating Hive threat for attack
- improved fleet willingness to refuel prior to repairs when necessary

FUEL TANKERS
- fuel tankers in fleets will now consider refuelling their fleet ships even when inside dangerous nebulae (e.g. ion storms) that they are not designed to handle, as long as the tanker is already at the same location as the fleet and is not disabled

ALLIANCES
- fixed empire offers to end wars with alliances not properly displaying Alliance Vote screen to consider offer
- fixed empire offers to end wars with alliances not being properly evaluated when diplomacy is automated