Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what the latest Forspoken new update brings to your gameplay experience:
- Significant performance improvements on both PS5 and PC, targeting a more stable frame rate.
- A major visual overhaul with dramatically better ambient occlusion and lighting.
- Numerous quality of life changes, including new targeting options and menu settings.
- The patch notes reveal new gameplay content like additional parkour moves and consumables.
- Story pacing in early chapters has been adjusted for a smoother narrative flow.
- Despite improvements, some underlying technical issues and graphical quirks remain.
Introduction
When Forspoken first launched, it arrived with high expectations but faced criticism for technical hiccups and an empty world. However, Square Enix and developer Luminous Productions didn’t abandon the magical world of Athia. A series of patches have been released, culminating in a significant new update aimed at transforming the player experience. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to jump back into Frey’s adventure, let’s explore what these recent changes have brought to the table.
Main Features and Improvements in the Latest Forspoken Update
The team at Luminous Productions has been listening to player feedback, rolling out a major update for Forspoken that touches nearly every aspect of the game. According to Takeshi Aramaki, the Director of Forspoken, the goal was to meaningfully enhance the experience on both PC and PlayStation. The official patch notes detail a long list of adjustments designed to refine gameplay and boost performance.
These changes range from under-the-hood optimizations to tangible visual upgrades and new features. The updates address some of the most common complaints from launch, focusing on graphical fidelity, performance stability, and overall playability. Let’s look closer at the specific enhancements that make the game feel fresh.
Gameplay Enhancements and Performance Fixes
One of the most welcome changes is the significant performance boost. On PlayStation 5, areas that once struggled to maintain 30fps now run at a steady clip, and the 60fps performance mode is far more reliable during combat. PC players with recommended specs may see up to a 30% performance increase, making the fast-paced gameplay feel much smoother.
The visual presentation has also received a massive facelift. The patch notes highlight a complete overhaul of the game’s lighting and shadows, addressing a key criticism from launch. These improvements include:
- Dramatically better ambient occlusion, which adds realistic depth and shading to environments.
- Adjusted lighting intensity and reduced fog for clearer visuals.
- Higher internal resolutions in quality and performance modes on PS5.
- Various minor fixes that resolve crashes and other technical issues.
Thanks to these fixes, the game looks substantially better. The awkward, flat lighting of the original release has been replaced with a system that creates more convincing and immersive environments. While not perfect, it finally brings the graphics closer to what you’d expect from a current-gen title.
Storyline Adjustments and Quality of Life Upgrades
Beyond performance, Square Enix has implemented numerous quality of life improvements to make your journey with Frey more enjoyable. The updates address common frustrations with the game’s pacing and controls, allowing for a more fluid experience as you explore Athia and prepare for the In Tanta We Trust DLC.
These changes help streamline the adventure and give you more control over how you play. Some of the most notable adjustments to the storyline and gameplay include:
- Improved pacing in early chapters with trimmed transitions and shorter fades.
- Adjustments to the banter between Frey and Cuff to feel more natural.
- The ability for Tanta’s familiars to follow you and help find resources.
- New gameplay options like “Immunity to Own Magic” to prevent self-staggering.
While the core narrative remains the same, these refinements make a big difference. The early hours of the game feel less sluggish, and the added gameplay options allow you to customize the experience to your liking. These thoughtful changes show a dedication to improving the game based on player feedback.
Community Feedback and Ongoing Issues
The release of the latest Forspoken patch notes has generated a lot of discussion within the community. Player reactions have been largely positive, with many praising the significant technical improvements that make the game more enjoyable. Finally, the thrilling parkour and magic systems can be experienced without frustrating frame drops.
However, the updates haven’t solved every problem. While the major performance and visual issues have been addressed, some underlying technical issues and graphical quirks persist. The community has been quick to point out what works well now and what could still use some polish, providing a balanced view of the game’s current state.
Player Reactions to Recent Patch
Overall, player reactions to the new update for Forspoken have been appreciative. Many players who were disappointed at launch have returned to find a much-improved game. The smoother gameplay and enhanced graphics have been the most celebrated changes, with many feeling this is the version of the game they wanted all along.
The feedback highlights several key points that players have noticed. Here are some common sentiments from the community:
- Praise for the stable frame rates, especially during intense combat sequences.
- Positive comments on the overhauled lighting and ambient occlusion making the world feel more alive.
- Some criticism that the new ambient occlusion can look too heavy-handed in certain areas.
- Mixed feelings about changes to Frey’s hair, which now appears grayish in some lighting.
The consensus seems to be that Forspoken is now in a substantially better state. For many, the visual and performance boosts have made it a much more enjoyable title, even if it doesn’t erase all of the initial criticisms about its open-world design.
Remaining Bugs and Known Troubleshooting Tips
Despite the extensive patching and various minor fixes, some technical issues and graphical imperfections still remain in Forspoken. Players on both PC and PlayStation might notice certain visual quirks that weren’t addressed in the latest updates. These issues are generally less disruptive than the launch-day problems but are still present.
If you encounter visual inconsistencies, a good first troubleshooting step is to use the new brightness and contrast settings added in the patch to tailor the image to your display. Below are some known issues that still exist in the game:
|
Remaining Issue |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Crude Baked Lighting |
In some enclosed spaces, baked-in lighting can appear low-resolution, causing light to leak through walls. |
|
“Shiny” Materials |
Many materials, especially clothing fabrics, still look overly reflective or shiny, appearing unnatural. |
|
Distant Shadows |
Objects in the distance often lack any shadow coverage, which can break immersion. |
|
Water Reflections |
Reflections on water surfaces can be inaccurate, sometimes not matching the environment correctly. |
For a complete list of changes and official patch details, you can always check the game’s news page on Steam or the official Square Enix blog here.
Conclusion
The latest Forspoken update has brought a wave of exciting enhancements and fixes that elevate the gameplay experience. From improved performance to engaging storyline adjustments, players are sure to appreciate the attention to community feedback reflected in this patch. However, while many bugs have been addressed, certain issues still linger, highlighting the ongoing journey for developers and players alike. As you dive into the new features and improvements, remember to share your thoughts and experiences with the community. Your input is invaluable in shaping future updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I download and install the latest Forspoken update on PS5 or Steam?
On both PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, your Forspoken game should automatically download the new update. If it doesn’t, you can manually check for updates on your PS5 by pressing the options button on the game icon or by verifying the integrity of game files in your Steam library.
Which major issues have been fixed in the most recent Forspoken patch?
The latest Forspoken patch notes confirm fixes for major technical issues, including severe frame rate drops during combat and exploration. The update also resolved numerous game crashes, overhauled the poor ambient occlusion system, and implemented various minor fixes to improve overall stability and gameplay.
Are there new features or content added in the final update?
Yes, the final updates for Forspoken introduced new features ahead of the In Tanta We Trust DLC. The new update added fresh gameplay content, including a quick midair jump, a “Cuff Crush” move, and new consumables. It also added a “Very Hard” difficulty mode for players seeking a greater challenge.