If you’re a dedicated Satisfactory player, you’re in for a treat! Coffee Stain Studios has just released Update 8, and it’s not just your run-of-the-mill update – it’s a massive leap forward for the game. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what Update 8 brings to the table and why you should be excited about it.

Satisfactory Engine Upgrade: Embracing Unreal Engine 5

The cornerstone of Update 8 is the transition to Unreal Engine 5. While this may not sound thrilling at first, it opens up a world of possibilities. With this upgrade, Coffee Stain Studios has reworked and enhanced various game systems, aiming to provide a smoother and more immersive experience for players.

World Partitioning

One of the most significant changes is the adoption of world partitioning. This new system in Unreal Engine 5 handles the streaming of different parts of the world seamlessly. Say goodbye to those annoying hitches you used to encounter at tile intersections. With world partitioning, level streaming becomes more flexible, resulting in a more immersive and hitch-free gameplay experience.

Vehicle Physics & Sound Overhaul

With the transition to Unreal Engine 5 comes Chaos, a new physics simulation. Coffee Stain Studios has revamped vehicle physics to leverage this system. While vehicle automation remains unchanged, manual driving has received a significant overhaul. Vehicles now feel more responsive and enjoyable to drive, making your in-game transportation smoother and more enjoyable.

The sound of vehicles has also been given a thorough makeover. Many longstanding issues have been resolved, leading to improved sound quality and consistency. From roaring engines to squealing tires, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

Enhanced Input System

Unreal Engine 5 introduces the Enhanced Input system, and Satisfactory has fully embraced it. Contextual key bindings have been added to offer players more control over their control schemes in various gameplay contexts, such as building, driving vehicles, and using equipment. While the transition to this new system initially introduced some minor issues, Coffee Stain Studios has diligently addressed them, ensuring that all inputs work seamlessly.

Anti-Aliasing (TSR & FXAA)

To cater to a wider range of hardware configurations, Update 8 introduces a lightweight anti-aliasing method known as FXAA (Fast Approximate Anti-Aliasing). This option improves performance on lower-end machines and provides an alternative for players who prefer a different anti-aliasing effect. Additionally, the game now supports Temporal Super Resolution (TSR), Epic’s implementation of upscaling technology combined with anti-aliasing. Players can choose from presets like Performance, Balanced, Quality, and even Insanity to tailor their visual experience.

Nanite

With Unreal Engine 5, Coffee Stain Studios has brought Nanite technology into the mix. While not all game assets have been converted to Nanite, items like rocks, cliffs, and conveyor pieces are now rendered using this cutting-edge technology. The result? A significant boost in visual quality that adds depth and realism to the game’s environment.

Lumen

Lumen is another game-changer. It’s a Global Illumination system that enhances lighting and reflections, creating a more immersive and realistic world. Although it’s disabled by default due to its hardware demands, players with capable systems can enable Lumen for a visually stunning experience. Coffee Stain Studios recommends using TSR on the “Performance” preset in conjunction with Lumen on Medium or High settings for optimal performance.

Blueprint Improvements

Blueprints have received some much-needed love in Update 8. These improvements address long-standing player requests and aim to make the Blueprint system more user-friendly.

Dismantling

Before Update 8, dismantling Blueprints was a tedious task. Coffee Stain Studios has introduced a Blueprint dismantle mode that allows players to dismantle an entire Blueprint with a simple press of a button. This streamlines the process and reduces the effort required to remove misplaced or obsolete Blueprints.

Building

Building with Blueprints has also become more intuitive. Blueprint holograms now include a directional indicator, making it easier to place them in the correct rotation. Quick Switch for Blueprints has been introduced, allowing players to toggle between Blueprints in the same sub-category seamlessly. Nudge Mode is now available for all buildables, providing precise control over hologram placement.

Changes to the World

Update 8 doesn’t just focus on technical improvements; it also brings changes to the game world itself, enhancing the player experience.

Visuals

The Titan Forest and Red Jungle biomes have undergone significant overhauls, with improved foliage, visual effects, lighting, and sound. Other areas like Abyss Cliffs, Rocky Desert, Eastern Dune Forest, Spire Coast, and various caves have received polish, enhancing their overall aesthetics. The vista around the world has also been updated, contributing to a more immersive experience.

Gameplay

In terms of gameplay, two new variants of Hogs have been introduced: the Cliff Hog and Nuclear Hog. These formidable creatures defend their territory vigorously, adding a new level of challenge to the game. Creature placements, hazards, and collectables have been polished and updated in numerous areas, providing a more balanced and engaging experience.

Atmosphere

Lighting and sound in the world have received significant attention. The upgrade to Unreal Engine 5, coupled with general polish, has resulted in improved lighting across starting areas and other biomes. Sound improvements have been made in various areas, enhancing the overall auditory experience.

Advanced Game Settings

Coffee Stain Studios understands that players have diverse preferences, so they’ve introduced a set of Advanced Game Settings. These settings allow you to customize your Satisfactory experience by removing certain restrictions inherent to the game. Whether you want to fly freely, build without resource costs, or experiment with various gameplay modes, the Advanced Game Settings offer plenty of options to tailor the game to your liking.

Priority Power Switch & Power Tower

Two new features, the Priority Power Switch and Power Tower, bring significant changes to how you manage your power grid. These additions add depth and strategy to your factory’s power distribution.

Priority Power Switch

The Priority Power Switch allows you to categorize sections of your power grid into different priorities. In case of a power shortage, the Priority Power Switches turn off in order of their priority, ensuring that essential parts of your factory remain operational. Moreover, you can remotely control these switches from any other Priority Power Switch, offering a flexible way to manage your power grid.

Power Tower

The Power Tower is a substantial building that facilitates long-distance power line connections. It comes in two versions, one with a ladder and platform for easy access when combined with Ziplines, and one without for a cleaner look. This addition simplifies the construction of large-scale power distribution networks.

Quality of Life and Other Improvements

Coffee Stain Studios always goes the extra mile to enhance the overall player experience. In Update 8, you’ll find several quality-of-life improvements that make your life as a factory builder more convenient and enjoyable.

Destructible Gas Pillars

Gas Pillars are no longer an obstacle that disrupts your factory layout. With Update 8, you can use Nobelisks to blow up these pillars, allowing for smoother factory planning and construction.

Jetpack Fuels

The Jetpack has received a significant upgrade. It can now use different fuels with varying burn rates and acceleration profiles. This means you can use the Jetpack earlier in the game before automating fuel production. In the late game, you can even use Turbofuel for unparalleled acceleration.

Parachute

The Parachute has been reworked to make it a valuable tool in the early to mid-game. It no longer gets consumed after use, and you can use it indefinitely. The Parachute now has standard and sprint speeds, matching the Bladerunner speeds, making it perfect for longer jumps and safe descents.

Conveyor and Pipe Building

Building Conveyors and Pipes has become more user-friendly. You now have an automatic starting pole when you don’t build from an existing connection point. This improvement eliminates frustrating situations where you couldn’t place a pole initially. Additionally, the Quick Switch feature has been introduced for Conveyor Belt, Lift, and Pipe Mk.’s, streamlining the building process.

Dismantle Filter

Dismantling specific types of buildings is now more accessible. The Dismantle Mode includes a filter that allows you to select a particular type of building, making it easier to dismantle specific parts of your factory without accidentally removing others.

Conclusion

Satisfactory Update 8 is a game-changing leap into Unreal Engine 5, bringing with it a plethora of improvements, enhancements, and new features. Coffee Stain Studios has put tremendous effort into making the game smoother, more visually stunning, and more enjoyable for players. Whether you’re a factory-building veteran or new to the game, Update 8 offers something for everyone.

With improved vehicle physics, enhanced visuals, and a host of quality-of-life improvements, Satisfactory is now better than ever. Whether you’re exploring lush biomes, optimizing your factory layout, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Update 8 elevates the Satisfactory experience to new heights.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Satisfactory with Update 8 and explore the vast possibilities that await you. Build, automate, and conquer – the factory of your dreams is just a few clicks away.

For feedback, bug reports, and suggestions, don’t forget to visit the Satisfactory Questions Site. Coffee Stain Studios values your input and looks forward to hearing from you as you embark on this exciting new journey in Update 8.