Unreal Engine 5 Update - Now Available on the Unstable Branch!
Hey ranchers,
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
Hey ranchers,
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
Hello Ranchers!
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!
Hello ranchers!
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!
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?
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
Happy New Year! | Small Patch
Hello Ranchers!
Happy New Year!! We hope you're having a great start to 2023. This small patch removes the Christmas Tree from the blueprints book and some 'unavailable' item listings in the stores. We have also fixed not being able to build plants inside houses.
We're excited to be starting work on the UE5 upgrade, for more details on what is coming next for Ranch Simulator here is the previous announcement: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1119730/view/3506644237690516106?l=english
Happy Ranching!
Hot Fix - Version 0.718
Hello Ranchers!
We have a small patch that fixes the way currency is displayed.
Have a Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays! The Ranch Sim Team
The long awaited, highly requested crop farming update is finally here! Read on for details on the update plus exciting news on the future of Ranch Sim!
Today's update adds three plots at the end of your Ranch, near the mountains, where you can plant crops and farm various seeds.
There are also 2 new vehicles to purchase from the car shop: the tractor and harvester, plus a number of attachments for each, available at the hardware store.
Drive the tractor to cultivate your land, spread your seeds and fertiliser, and transport the crops in a grain trailer once harvested.
Driving the harvester, you can harvest the various crops, using the appropriate equipment attachments (sunflower/corn/grain). Once crops have been harvested, you can empty the harvester into a grain trailer. Harvested grain can be used to fill up a granary to provide feed for your livestock - or you can simply sell it to make some extra cash.
We have come to the end of our previously announced roadmap, so it's time to share with you the exciting next steps for Ranch Sim!
Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade - Enhanced Visuals, Performance and More
Up next, we're taking the time to upgrade Ranch Sim from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5. This is a big undertaking development-wise, but one which will improve game quality in some key and exciting ways.
We estimate that the UE5 upgrade work will take between 6 - 8 months. Along the way, we will provide regular sneak peeks and news updates to keep you all in the loop! Here's some of the reasons we're excited about the engine upgrade, and we hope you are too!
Enhanced Visuals The engine upgrade will allow us to push visuals to the next level, with enhancements to lighting, environments and more.
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.
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
1 Dec 2022 Full Patch Notes
New: - Tractor, plus attachments: cultivator (to prepare the land for seeding), seeder, fertiliser trailer and grain trailer (to transport grain once harvested) - Harvester, plus attachments: sunflower header, corn header, grain header (to harvest appropriate crops) - Grain can be sold at the store, or used to fill the granary to feed livestock - 3 farming fields located on the ranch [warning: if you have any buildings here they will need removing to use the farm land. We have also lowered the ground so buildings or items left may be floating - please move those] - Christmas tree + decorations are back for December! Check the tree each in-game day for a present.
Happy ranching, happy holidays to those who celebrate, and keep an eye out for regular dev updates next year on the Unreal Engine 5 upgrade!
Thanks, The Ranch Sim Team
Hot Fix
Hello ranchers,
Lets try this again! The previous, temporarily removed patch had been redone and is live again - hopefully this time with no multiplayer issues. We spent a few days testing with a small group of volunteers on our Discord / Unstable Branch that all said multiplayer was working as expected.
This patch fixes an issue with invisible plants which could not be removed and the crop plot had to be demolished. The cause of this was saving and quitting the game with a plant that had died (due to the seed deteriorating), when loading, that plant was invisible. If you have an invisible plant from before this patch, you will need to demolish and replant it unfortunately.
Happy Ranching!
Hot Fix
Hello ranchers!
A small hot patch has just gone live that fixes an issue with invisible plants which could not be removed and the crop plot had to be demolished. The cause of this was saving and quitting the game with a plant that had died (due to the seed deteriorating), when loading, that plant was invisible. If you have an invisible plant from before this patch, you will need to demolish and replant it unfortunately.
