The world of Pacific Drive just got bigger and better with the latest Spring Update! This update introduces Expeditions, a fresh, dynamic way to experience the game. Expeditions begin right from Oppy’s garage, challenging players with ever-changing conditions and restrictions. These randomly generated routes ensure no two journeys are ever the same, making this new mode a dream come true for roguelite fans.
Expeditions: A New Challenge Awaits
While on an Expedition, players will encounter new Junction types that provide both assistance and obstacles. Among these new additions:
- Pit Stop Junctions – Safe havens where you can repair your car and send extra materials back to the garage.
- Anchor Locks – These require additional effort to obtain precious Anchor energy, which can be used as needed on your trip.
- Ida’s Exchange – A new traveling trader who offers rare parts, recipes, and exclusive garage cosmetics in exchange for resources.
Expeditions are available after reaching an early point in the main story. If you’ve already completed the core storyline, you’ll have access to Expeditions at a higher difficulty level. Meanwhile, new players will be introduced to Field Guide Quests, which provide valuable insights and objectives to help them learn the mechanics while exploring Expeditions. The best part? You can progress through both the main storyline and Expedition routes simultaneously!
Suspend Run: Flexibility Without Compromising the Challenge
One of the most requested features from the Pacific Drive community has been the ability to save at any point—and the developers at Ironwood Studios have delivered. While the game’s risk-reward gameplay loop is integral to its design, life happens, and sometimes you need to step away mid-run.
With the new Suspend Run feature, you can now pause your progress at any point within a junction and resume right where you left off. Previously, saves only occurred upon entering a new junction or manually in the garage. Now, players can suspend their game and return later without losing their trip’s progress.
Additionally, this update includes:
- An option to disable autosaving upon entering a junction, allowing players to manually manage their saves.
- A new Jumpstart option, letting players bypass the tutorial section when starting a new save.
New Content and Updates
Beyond Expeditions and Suspend Run, the Spring Update brings a wealth of new content and improvements:
- Upgraded tools – The Plasma Scrapper and Thermal Vacuum now have expanded functionality.
- An additional hour of music – 21 new tracks featuring both new and returning artists.
- 25 new collectible garage cosmetics, exclusive to Expeditions.
- New Fax Machine entries to uncover more of the game’s lore.
- HUD customization options, allowing for a more immersive and organized gameplay experience.
- New car cosmetics inspired by personalities from the Pacific Drive launch period streamer contest.
- UI/UX enhancements, performance improvements, and analytics updates, ensuring a smoother experience and paving the way for future content.
This update is a massive leap forward for Pacific Drive, offering more ways to play, greater flexibility, and fresh content to keep the experience engaging. As someone who has only tried the demo so far, I can’t wait to finally dive in and see everything this world has to offer. This game just keeps getting better, and it looks like I’m in for one thrilling ride!
