The most significant addition in this version cycle is the expanded functionality of the car radio and portable cassette player.
According to the official changelog (condensed for clarity), here are the most impactful changes in v2024.10.17b:
Build Version: v2024.10.17b (Recent "Radio Update" Cycle) Developer: Genesz Engine: Unity Genre: Survival, Open World, Driving, Simulation
The Long Drive is a survival driving game set in a procedurally generated, post-apocalyptic desert. The core gameplay loop involves maintaining a dilapidated car (the Laika 601) while driving across an endless, random terrain to reach various destinations. The October 2024 updates (culminating in the 10.17b build) represent a significant shift in the game's atmosphere, focusing heavily on audio overhauls, radio mechanics, and subtle graphical enhancements that deepen the immersion of the "lonely road" experience.
One of the most celebrated stealth fixes in The Long Drive v2024.10.17b addresses the infamous rabbit physics. Previously, the rabbit—your only companion—would often clip through the car door or vibrate violently when the vehicle exceeded 100 km/h. The patch stabilizes its hitbox, though reports indicate sharp turns can still send the cage sliding across the dashboard. This is now considered a "charm" rather than a bug.
To master this specific build, adopt these strategies:
Yes. If you bounced off earlier versions of The Long Drive due to janky physics or frustrating item loss, v2024.10.17b is the perfect time to return. It respects your time while maintaining the eerie, unpredictable soul of the game. For new players, this stable beta is arguably the best introduction to Genesz’s weird, wonderful wasteland.
Just remember: the desert is empty, your engine is ticking, and the next gas station is 40 kilometers away. Drive long, and drive strange.
Have you tried The Long Drive v2024.10.17b? Share your road trip stories in the comments below.
V2024.10.17b update for The Long Drive is a part of the "Anniversary Beta" test branch, focusing on refinements to item interactivity, physics locks, and several visual bug fixes. This version is currently in the public beta test branch
, meaning it precedes a wider release to the main game branch. Key Changes & Features Headlight Interactivity
: All headlights and lightbulbs can now be turned on by hand even when they are not slotted into a vehicle. Note: Future updates plan to require batteries for this mechanic. Physics Improvements
: A thin "Physics Lock" was added around the metal bar to improve how it interacts with other objects and vehicles. Pumpkin Update
: The pumpkin item was improved, restoring the ability for players to manually turn it on and off. Combat & Destruction Fixes
Fixed an issue where explosive items, such as paint cans, would not explode when shot.
Fixed a bug where very weak guns were unable to destroy lightbulbs. Visual Bug Fixes
: Corrected a visual error where the lightbulb and large mirror "slices" (debris) appeared with a purple "missing texture" color. Context within the 2024 Beta
This specific patch is one of many incremental updates following the major Anniversary Beta Update (September 2024), which introduced: A completely new terrain generator and improved multiplayer synchronization New items like lightbulbs, big mirrors, and magazines.
The ability to save and load specific vehicles from different save files via the Developer Menu. Technical Status : Currently exclusive to the branches on platforms like Compatibility
: Beta versions frequently break old save files due to drastic changes in how parts and attachables are scripted. on Steam, or do you need help with specific vehicle builds using these new parts? The Long Drive - UPDATE V2024.10.17b_test and ... - Steam
The Long Drive - UPDATE V2024. 10.17b_test and previous patchnotes - Steam News. UPDATE V2024.10.17b_test and previous patchnotes
The update v2024.10.17b_test for The Long Drive is a beta-branch hotfix primarily focused on refining object interactions and fixing visual bugs related to light sources. Key Changes & Features
Handheld Lighting: Players can now turn on all headlights and bulbs by hand even when they are not slotted into a vehicle.
Note: The developer mentioned that batteries will eventually be required for this mechanic, but they are not implemented in this specific build. Physics Improvements:
Added a thin Physics Lock around metal bars to improve item stability.
The Pumpkin light source was improved and the toggle (on-off) functionality was restored. Combat & Destruction Fixes:
Fixed an issue where explosive items (like paint cans) would not explode when shot.
Fixed a bug where very weak firearms were unable to destroy light bulbs.
Visual Bug Fixes: Resolved a texture issue where bulb and big mirror slices appeared purple (a common "missing texture" indicator in Unity). How to Access This Version
Since this is a test build, it is not on the main game branch. To play it, you must opt into the beta through Steam: Right-click The Long Drive in your Steam Library. Select Properties > Betas. Choose the "upcoming version test" from the dropdown menu.
Warning: Be cautious with your existing game files, as updates in this period (specifically around October 2024) were noted to potentially break old saves and saved car configurations due to script changes. UPDATE V2024.10.17b_test and previous patchnotes
You might wonder why a specific version like v2024.10.17b is being highlighted. The Long Drive operates on a public beta branch system. The main “stable” version is usually a few steps behind the experimental builds. v2024.10.17b represents a stable beta release—meaning it has passed initial testing and is considered safe for most players to use without major crashes.
The “b” suffix is key. It indicates this is the second hotfix iteration of the October 17th build. The original v2024.10.17a had a critical bug where car batteries would spontaneously drain while the engine was off. v2024.10.17b patched that within 48 hours.