- Vehicles no longer spin or react strangely when items or animals are placed in them
- Sleep animation fixed
- Correct icons for Oil well
- Can now use E when naming ranch or animals
Ranch Simulator
Unstable Update - 1.0
Unstable Update - 0.99
- Further UI Fixes and Adjustments
- Addressed an issue with selling items at the general or hardware stores
- Axe animation fixes
- Rifle can now be selected correctly when using a controller
Unstable update - 0.98
We have another update to the unstable branch for you today.
We have made some adjustments to the weather and extended the ranch area to encompass all the fields.
See below for the full changes and fixes.
Changes
- Further tweaks have been made to vehicles and trailers
- Chance of bad weather reduced
- Further changes made to UI for better controller support
- Extended buildable area for the ranch to encompass all farmable fields
Fixes
- Now able to scroll through items in cooler and basket (again)
- Purchased items no longer blend with the paint in the selling/buying areas
- Fixed lighting in more areas (Car dealership, houses, etc)
- Clients are now able to interact with prefab house items correctly
- You can now empty trailers manually (Seeder etc)
- Adjustments made to help prevent flying off when exiting vehicles (Not completely fixed)
Ranch Simulator Exits Early Access on 3 November!
We're delighted to announce that Ranch Simulator will leave Early Access and transition to v1.0 on 3 November 2023!
As you may have heard, we currently have the big Unreal Engine 5 update available on the unstable branch for community testing - if you haven't already, take a look at our previous announcement to see how you could be playing an early version of the UE5 update right now!
We continue to work on the update, making tweaks based on your feedback. We'll be releasing the final version of this update on the public branch when ready, and then we'll be transitioning to v1.0 on 3 November.
So What Happens Now? Are You Still Going to be Updating the Game?
Absolutely. We will be continuing to support the game after launch including with free updates and patches. The first post-launch content update we will release is the much requested pets update! Keep an eye out for news on your fluffy friends - we'll be adding cats and dogs to the game.
In the new year we'll reveal our post-launch roadmap. As always, we want to hear your thoughts and suggestions - make sure to join the Discord and let us know what you'd like to see added!
What's This About Save Data Compatibility?
We know that your ranch progress is important to you, so we want to be as clear as possible regarding save wipes. Please be aware that your old saves from the previous Unreal Engine 4 version of the game will not work with the new Unreal Engine 5 version. As a reminder, here's what we shared previously:
Previous saves are not compatible with the new UE5 version of the game. We don’t take this lightly, but to deliver the major enhancements this update brings it was simply unavoidable. Please also be aware that new saves from the current unstable version might not be compatible with further unstable versions of this update and the final version of the update which will go onto the public branch. Once the final version of this update is live on the public branch, we foresee no further save wipes.
For the time being the old UE4 version of the game is still available on the default branch so that you have the option to continue playing that with your existing saves if you choose. When the UE5 update moves to the public branch, a new branch will be created for the old UE4 version. Make sure to give your new saves different names from your previous UE4 save files to avoid accidentally overwriting them!
That's all for now, ranchers.
The Ranch Sim Team
Unstable update - 0.971
We have been hard at work addressing these issues and our second round of fixes is now here.
We have made some changes to the load/save game area in the menu. Save games will now track the version number they were last used with. Certain warnings will be displayed for incompatible or older saves, or saves created during the unstable testing campaign.
Previous unstable saves from version 0.95/96 should still load regardless of being marked as outdated. Once they are loaded and you save next time, this will update with the latest version number.
Fixes
- Headers are now able to be connected to the Harvester
- Fixed issues with the rifle reticule
- Hints which are viewed should no longer be displayed
- Hints should now have the correct buttons
- Fixed issues with scrolling through items in coolers
- Fertilizer trailer now works as intended
- Wild animals will no longer spawn in the ground
- Adjusted vehicle lights
- Moved the quest marker when visiting the hardware store for the first time
- Pour feed quest mark should now be closer to the ground
- Camera should be the right way when waking up
- Small pickup tail lights are no longer on all the time
- Can no longer clip through the walls of the green building near best burger
- Bees are now lower on their trees
- Oil rig production speed shouldn't be affected by game load
- Updated the map on bus stops
- Engine sounds for the large pickup are now correctly affected by volume controls
- Addressed an issue with the Oil Rig UI
- UTV now has slightly more power
- Best Burger multiplier screen should now always show
- Load game button on death screen fixed
- Fixed issues with character clothing not always fitting the character depending on their size
- Rain will now show correctly during storms
- Can no longer turn on table saws when still in their box
- Lighting in barn buildings adjusted
Unreal Engine 5 Update - Now Available on the Unstable Branch!
Ranch Sim’s big Unreal Engine 5 update is available now to play on the unstable branch! This is an early version of the update which we're rolling out for community testing - so expect to run into issues and bugs. (Feel free to stick to the public/default branch if you would rather play the update later on once it has gone through more testing and polish and has officially released!)
We need your help and want lots of you playing the unstable version and sharing your thoughts, feedback and bug reports as we continue to add to and modify the update!
Included in the current build…
- Enriched visuals (environments, lighting and more)
- Optimisation improvements
- New animal models
- New animations
- Oil production
- Enhanced horse movement
- New vehicle physics
- And more
Save Compatibility
PLEASE NOTE: Previous saves are not compatible with the new UE5 version of the game. We don’t take this lightly, but to deliver the major enhancements this update brings it was simply unavoidable. Please also be aware that new saves from today’s unstable version might not be compatible with further unstable versions of this update and the final version of the update which will go onto the public branch. Once the final version of this update is live on the public branch, we foresee no further save wipes.
For the time being the old UE4 version of the game is still available on the default branch so that you have the option to continue playing that with your existing saves if you choose. When the UE5 update moves to the public branch, a new branch will be created for the old UE4 version. Make sure to give your new saves different names from your previous UE4 save files to avoid accidentally overwriting them!
Accessing the Unstable Branch
To access the unstable branch, do the following:
- Load up Steam and head to your Library
- Right click on Ranch Simulator and then select ‘Properties’
- Head to the Beta tab and in the drop down select ‘unstable_branch’ (no password needed)
- This will then download the new build for you.
Unstable Patch Notes
- Lumen global lighting system (option for high end PCs, increases GPU resource consumption - recommended to be used in conjunction with DLSS)
- Improved version of the map, using all the features of the new engine
- New TSR anti-aliasing system
- New improved wolf model and animations
- New improved models and animations of roosters and chicks
- Ability to skip all introductory quests at the start of the game
- Ability to build an oil rig for additional passive income
- Improved performance with a large number of animals
- Now you can destroy the tent
- Added new horse locomotion with additional animations and movements (under development)
- Added gamepad control (key remapping and interface for the gamepad is not configured yet)
- Rain sounds are now muted indoors
- Reworked Animations
- New car physics
- The garage and old barn are now completely destructible
- New items icons in the store
- Increased cooler capacity
- Sound from rain and wind is now muffled indoors
- Leaves now fly in the air in a strong wind
- Added rainbows
Unreal Engine 5 Update - Unstable Version is Almost Here
Next week we will have the unstable version of the long awaited Unreal Engine 5 update ready for you to play! This version of the update will include...
- Enriched visuals (environments, lighting and more)
- Optimisation improvements
- New animal models
- New animations
- Oil production
- Enhanced horse movement
- New vehicle physics
- And more!
While you wait, we wanted to give you a new look at the update - please enjoy the following sneak peeks!
Watch out for news next week!
Thanks,
The Ranch Sim Team
Unreal Engine 5 Update - Progress Report!
Hey ranchers,
It's been a while since we posted an update so we wanted to keep you in the loop on our ongoing UE5 update work!
If all goes to plan, here's the timeline we're currently estimating:
August: Internal testing + bug fixes
In August, we expect to be at the point where we can test the build ourselves internally and get working on bug fixes!
September: Community testing
We're expecting that in September the update will be ready to release on the unstable branch, where we'll get as many of you as possible playing in order to get your feedback before the update goes live for everyone.
What's Coming in the UE5 Update?
In addition to enhanced visuals (lighting, environments, new animations) and optimisation improvements we are excited to reveal new details about the UE5 Update!
Oil Production
We'll be adding a brand new game mechanic and method of making money for your ranch. Get oil production up and running for an additional layer of passive income.
Controller Support
We want more people than ever to be able to play Ranch Sim, so we're excited to add full controller support as part of the UE5 update!
Enhanced Horse Movement and Training
With the UE5 update we will be enhancing horse animations and adding advanced horse training options! Look out for more details when the update launches!
Enhanced Visuals
The engine upgrade will allow us to push visuals to the next level, with enhancements to lighting, environments and more.
We've made some improvements to some livestock and animals, including wolves, chickens, roosters and chicks. The open world in Ranch Simulator will feel more alive as we are about to start work on creating new sound effects, animations and general signs of life!
Optimisation Improvements
Especially for larger ranches with more livestock, we expect to see notable improvements to framerate for some of you, depending on your PC and specs, once we have upgraded to UE5.
Currently we have improved the lighting and performance, and have successfully ran a test on the Steam Deck for the first time. The environments and lighting shown in these work in progress images are still subject to change.
What's to Come Following the UE5 Update?
Phew. We're not done just yet! We wanted to share with you a first look at pets, which will likely launch after the UE5 update. We can't wait to introduce dogs and cats for your ranch! 🐶🐱
Following the UE5 update, we also plan to add Steam achievements, and keep working on various gameplay improvements based on community feedback.
We're grateful for your patience and can't wait to show you all more and get the update in your hands. Let us know what you're looking forward to the most!
Thanks,
The Ranch Sim Team
Hop into Spring! 🐰 Small Easter Update + UE5 Upgrade Progress
Today we have a small update to celebrate the beginning of Spring, and although we are currently unable to make any changes to the gameplay due to working on the UE5 upgrade, we were able to add some cosmetics to the game!
From the character creator you can select Easter themed apparel, and from the general store you can purchase an Easter themed egg basket!
UE5 Upgrade Upate
I want to thank you all for your patience and understanding with the current work we are doing on the UE5 upgrade. Here's what we're working on:
Enhanced Visuals
The engine upgrade will allow us to push visuals to the next level, with enhancements to lighting, environments and more.
We've made some improvements to some livestock and animals, including wolves, chickens, roosters and chicks. The open world in Ranch Simulator will feel more alive as we are about to start work on creating new sound effects, animations and general signs of life!
Optimisation Improvements
Something we've been hearing loud and clear from you, the community, is that performance needs improving. Especially for larger ranches with more livestock, We expect to see notable improvements to framerate for some of you, depending on your PC and specs, once we have upgraded to UE5.
Currently we have improved the lighting and performance, and have successfully ran a test on the Steamdeck for the first time. The environments and lighting shown in these work in progress images are still subject to change.
New Content and Improvements - Pets, Controller Support, Achievements and more!
We're delighted to reveal what we have planned following the Unreal Engine 5 upgrade, including a number of community-requested features and enhancements:
- Pets - yes, we can confirm that dogs and cats are coming to your ranch! 🐶🐱
- Steam achievements
- Controller support
- Animation rework
- Various gameplay improvements based on community feedback
Happy ranching!
The Ranch Sim Team
Community Spotlight: Our Favourite Community Screenshots!
We hope you had a great holidays and new year. While we continue to work on upgrading Ranch Sim from Unreal Engine 4 to 5, we wanted to spotlight some of the beautiful, interesting and downright hilarious screenshots created and shared by you, the community.
If you haven't already, make sure to read our previous announcement on the Unreal Engine upgrade, which will enhance lighting, environments, performance and more!
Is This How You're Supposed to Ranch??
These frankly hilarious (and a little disturbing) shots made us laugh - these aren't your typical ranching methods!
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2902802042
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2417756696
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2537156011
The Beautiful Valley
The valley you all call home can be a picturesque place, and these screenshots capture the sheer beauty of the wilderness!
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2873006623
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2884501485
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2914299199
Oh Deer!
We've received sightings of rebellious deer visiting your ranches! These adorable animal appearances were caught on camera. Who fancies a knock on the door from a deer?
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2792010313
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2924711789
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2876630322
Remarkable Ranches
We loved these ranch setups. Hats off to you, ranchers!
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2903422090
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2877327416
Sick Air Time, Dude!
And finally we have an impressive off-roading snap - clearly ranching is getting a little extreme!
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2872165872
We hope you enjoyed this light-hearted look at community screenshots! Watch out for more news in the coming months.
Thanks,
The Ranch Sim Team