Even as players continue to explore Peak`s recently introduced Mesa biome, the game has received a new update aimed at resolving several technical issues, particularly improving performance for those with less powerful hardware.
This update, designated version 1.27.a, brings a highly anticipated “Texture Quality” graphics setting. This new feature is specifically designed for players with limited VRAM, allowing them to reduce texture quality to mitigate frame rate drops, graphical glitches, and game crashes. Team Peak assures that this adjustment has minimal impact on visual fidelity, making it a valuable option for anyone facing performance challenges.
Furthermore, DX11 graphics API support has been integrated, complementing the existing DX12 and Vulkan options. While the patch notes mention that the outcome “might be better, it might be worse,” players who have encountered issues with the other APIs are encouraged to experiment with DX11. The developers acknowledge they cannot pinpoint specific hardware configurations that will benefit most, but consider any performance improvement a significant win.
This performance-centric update also enhances the impact of Peak`s “Render Scale” options. Players selecting Medium or Low settings should now experience a much more pronounced boost in performance.
Beyond these optimizations, Team Peak has introduced a new accessibility feature: “Photosensitive Mode.” This mode reduces the intensity of various visual effects that could potentially affect players with photosensitivity.
While performance enhancements are the primary focus, this minor patch also includes several other refinements. Lacking a true map randomizer, the developers have decided that the Mesa and Alpine maps will now alternate daily. Consequently, to compensate for Mesa`s reduced frequency, its secret entrance will now appear 50% of the time, up from 25%.
Curiously, the Peak developers have also reintroduced a known issue concerning the rising lava in “The Kiln.” Unable to reproduce the bug internally, they have re-enabled the feature, hoping to gather more data and reports from players to help identify its cause and triggers.
A comprehensive list of the patch notes is provided below:
PEAK PATCH 1.27.a: Key Changes
Graphics and Accessibility Options
- New Graphics Setting: Texture Quality. This significant addition allows players with limited VRAM to reduce texture quality across the game. This can effectively mitigate low framerates, graphical artifacts, and game crashes. Developers note that the visual impact is minimal.
- New Graphics API: DX11. Peak now supports DX11, offering an alternative to DX12 and Vulkan. Players experiencing issues with the existing APIs are encouraged to try DX11, though its performance benefits may vary across different hardware configurations.
- Enhanced Render Scale Options. The Medium and Low Render Scale settings now provide more significant performance improvements.
- New Accessibility Setting: Photosensitive Mode. This mode moderates several visual elements:
- Reduced flashiness for Dynamite, Flare, and Scout Cannon fuse effects.
- Decreased screenshake intensity.
- Disabled bright lights from dynamite explosions.
- Less intense and more gradual full-screen visual effects from damage sources.
- Reduced intensity of full-screen visual effects from Energy Drink, Lollipop, and Heat Pack.
New Features
- Customizable Sash. Players can now change their sash within the Passport interface to any they have unlocked through ascents.
Map Adjustments
- Daily Map Rotation. The Alpine and Mesa maps will now alternate their availability daily.
- Mesa Secret Entrance Frequency. The secret entrance in Mesa will now be open 50% of the time (increased from 25%), balancing its reduced daily availability.
- The Kiln`s Rising Lava Returns. The known issue with the rising lava in “The Kiln” has been reinstated. Developers were unable to reproduce the bug internally and are re-enabling it to gather more player reports, including videos or logs, if desynchronization occurs.
Game Balance Changes
- Increased lava rise wait time by 1 minute.
- Increased the duration for lava to reach the top by 3 minutes once it starts rising.
Minor Bug Fixes
- Resolved an issue allowing players to pocket non-pocketable items while climbing.
- Updated bee sounds in Bug Phobia Mode.
- Fog walls have been raised to prevent a Cannon exploit.