Migration to Unreal Engine 5.7.1

This update moves Hiraeth to the newest version of Unreal Engine 5.7.1.

This upgrade brings improved stability, smoother performance, and better overall consistency across systems.

The migration was significantly more demanding than previous engine updates, but lets leave that part unspoken.

Windows User Files Updated Folder Structure

I also reorganized the games file structure to make it cleaner and more futureproof.

Previously, game files (saves, logs, configs) were stored in:

[c]%LOCALAPPDATA%\\\\Hiraeth2025[/c]

Now they are stored in:

[c]%LOCALAPPDATA%\\\\Hiraeth[/c]

This matters because you can manually move your old saves and settings into the new folder. Simply copy the entire Saved directory from the old location into the new one.

This is a onetime change, and I dont plan to modify this structure again. Sorry for the inconvenience.

DSLL Update (Nvidia)

The new engine version allows Hiraeth to use the latest December DSLL build from Nvidia.

I also improved how video settings are applied both after changing them and when loading the game.

DSLL in Hiraeth is still in an alpha state and may require several attempts to find the best settings for your hardware. There are two reasons for this:

• Nvidia optimizes DSLL primarily for AAA titles.

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• Working with DSLL is extremely timeconsuming, and I cant dedicate as much time to it as Id like.

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From my tests, the game looks noticeably better on the same settings compared to the previous DSLL version. The older build tended to oversimplify the image.

As for performance hard to say. Thanks to unusual projectlevel optimizations in the previous update, my RTX 2060 already achieved very solid results: not EPIC settings, but stable ~60 FPS both in Training Center and the much heavier Nesoi Island (large map, ocean, and many FPSimpacting features).

[img src=\"https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/44720610/acc4805b67943e008021e7cd1b3fc849962c10a6.png\"][/img]Performance on my aging RTX 2060 using the settings shown. In other areas I can reach around 60 FPS even on EPIC (though not fully stable). Considering the technologies used in Hiraeth, this is an excellent result for this GPU.

New Performance Features (Normally Unavailable in UE)

This update enables additional performanceoriented features, including AVX2 support.

AVX2 allows the CPU to process certain operations more efficiently, improving performance in systems that rely heavily on math and data processing.

HLOD Update

Hierarchical Level of Detail (HLOD) systems have been refreshed.

HLODs help the engine render large environments more efficiently by grouping distant objects into simplified clusters. This reduces draw calls and improves performance, especially on large maps like Nesoi.

[img src=\"https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/44720610/4a32b3ee143594a21c29f5f9f652772ed146ffdc.png\"][/img]A perfect showcase of Hiraeths nextgen HLOD system: from Athens you can see the full panorama of Nesoi Island distant isles, stations, everything rendered flawlessly with zero performance loss.

AI Navigation Optimization

I updated several projectlevel navigation settings to make the AI navigation system more stable and more efficient.

This should reduce edgecase errors and improve overall runtime performance.

Creatures Return

With the navigation system updated, I restored creatures that were temporarily disabled in a previous version:

• Raptus

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• Spider

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• Slug

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There are now more of them, and some appear in new locations.

New WorldLoading Checks for Certain Items

Dynamic world loading brings many challenges, and engine rules keep evolving.

I added new checks to ensure that certain items for example, weapons verify whether the object beneath them is already loaded before enabling physics.

What does this fix?

Previously, for example, a rifle placed on Mr Gilz could occasionally fall straight through the world and end up at the bottom of the ocean.

This new system should prevent that. It uses advanced internal checks but has zero noticeable performance cost.

[img src=\"https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/44720610/cb8e912d4e37ad24ced165e21665d6ff2b23d091.png\"][/img]In my tests, items now stay exactly where theyre supposed to.

Removal of the Starting Pistol in The Last Drop

You now start the game with a crowbar if you find it.

Players who dont look around or experiment wont survive long on Ahra Prime. Simple as that.

Nesoi Island still has plenty of easily accessible weapons, but this will change in the future once I add new gameplay elements to replace that availability.

Many Small but Important Fixes

A lot of seemingly minor adjustments have a big impact.

For example, some lights were reconfigured to eliminate flickering such as the previously unstable Charger Air light under certain video settings.

There are also numerous tweaks across Nesoi Island, foliage, and various environment settings.

Fixes for Overload Issues

After introducing stackables, several overload problems appeared for example when moving Duct Tape and other items.

I fixed everything I found, but the system still needs refinement. Its new to Hiraeth, and the new engine version introduced workflow changes that Im still adapting to.

Simple WIP HeadBob Reduction

A workinprogress headbob reduction system has been active for some time, even though I didnt announce it earlier.

Press \\[L] to toggle between normal camera mode and reduced headbob mode.

This isnt yet visible in the keybindings menu (for now), but the key works.

How to check?

Look down at your feet and press L youll see the camera shift slightly.

This is just a side effect, but it confirms the mode switched.

In this mode, the camera also applies partial smoothing to reduce animationdriven motion.

I dont use it personally, but Ill continue improving it.

Using Old Saves

With changes as deep as a new engine version and major system updates, starting a new game is recommended but the choice is yours.

As described in the previous announcement:\n[dynamiclink href=\"https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2646160/view/523111043238464000\"][/dynamiclink]Playing with old saves requires moving your files from the old folder to the new Windows User Files location.

Summary

Beyond the changes listed above, there are many smaller improvements Im not mentioning individually.

Gameplay itself hasnt changed much, but the combination of a new engine version, navigation overhaul, DSLL update, and performance features makes this a Major Update.

IMPORTANT

With so many deep changes, some issues may still slip through, even though I tested this build for many hours and it is stable. If you encounter any problems, please report them on Steam or Discord your feedback helps me improve Hiraeth for everyone.

Good luck out there, survivors. Keep your eyes open, trust your instincts, and may your journey across Ahra Prime be a long one.\n

All the best, Pawe