Public Beta 1.3.7.9 Now Available
Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2026 1:46 pm
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 will 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 1.3.7.9 (September 24th, 2026):
CRASH FIXES
- fixed rare crash when loading game while diplomacy screen is open
- fixed rare crash when rendering weapon blasts
- fixed crash/hang when independent colony becomes empire and generates new flag with color tint
GALAXY GENERATION
- when use pre-expanded game start, ensure that any independent colonies that get integrated into an empire also properly acquire any pre-existing facilities or artifacts at the colony
USER INTERFACE
- fixed faulty filter index in Research Locations list (showing locations for wrong research bonus)
- ensure 'Show Me' button on message relating to an independent colony now properly opens appropriate relation in Diplomacy screen
DIPLOMACY
- greatly increased cost of Artifacts in diplomacy trade deals
FLEETS
- ensure manually assigned fleet missions (e.g. Unload Troops) are not overridden by auto-assigned attack missions, even when enemy target is within engagement range
INVASIONS
- changed default invasion stance for invasion fleets and fleet templates to Invade Immediately (was Invade When Clear) so that fleets do not wait excessively before invading colonies with defending bases
- now show weapon count for weapon facilities in tooltip summary
- reduced invasion defense factors from weapon facilities, planetary shields and fighter bases (i.e. consider them weaker than previously when evaluating how they contribute to colony invasion defense). Thus automated invasion fleets are now more inclined to invade these targets
INDEPENDENT COLONIES
- fixed independent colonies that become empires not properly taking ownership of planetary facilities (were remaining independent)
PIRATES
- pirate ships now more willing to undertake raids against enemy targets, no longer constrained by tactical range
SHIP DATA
- added a number of minor ship hull fixes
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 will 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 1.3.7.9 (September 24th, 2026):
CRASH FIXES
- fixed rare crash when loading game while diplomacy screen is open
- fixed rare crash when rendering weapon blasts
- fixed crash/hang when independent colony becomes empire and generates new flag with color tint
GALAXY GENERATION
- when use pre-expanded game start, ensure that any independent colonies that get integrated into an empire also properly acquire any pre-existing facilities or artifacts at the colony
USER INTERFACE
- fixed faulty filter index in Research Locations list (showing locations for wrong research bonus)
- ensure 'Show Me' button on message relating to an independent colony now properly opens appropriate relation in Diplomacy screen
DIPLOMACY
- greatly increased cost of Artifacts in diplomacy trade deals
FLEETS
- ensure manually assigned fleet missions (e.g. Unload Troops) are not overridden by auto-assigned attack missions, even when enemy target is within engagement range
INVASIONS
- changed default invasion stance for invasion fleets and fleet templates to Invade Immediately (was Invade When Clear) so that fleets do not wait excessively before invading colonies with defending bases
- now show weapon count for weapon facilities in tooltip summary
- reduced invasion defense factors from weapon facilities, planetary shields and fighter bases (i.e. consider them weaker than previously when evaluating how they contribute to colony invasion defense). Thus automated invasion fleets are now more inclined to invade these targets
INDEPENDENT COLONIES
- fixed independent colonies that become empires not properly taking ownership of planetary facilities (were remaining independent)
PIRATES
- pirate ships now more willing to undertake raids against enemy targets, no longer constrained by tactical range
SHIP DATA
- added a number of minor ship hull fixes