Quality of Life
Ongoing coverage on Quality of Life.
Latest coverage
Minecraft Dungeons 2 only makes minor changes to its ARPG formula, but they're welcome ones nonetheless
Minecraft Dungeons 2 introduces an open-world map and increased build customization options, offering more freedom and replayability than its predecessor. While core gameplay remains similar, quality-of-life improvements like flexible enchantment application and expanded combat slots make the sequel more rewarding. The game aims for accessibility for all ages and skill levels, though on-screen chaos during combat can be a minor issue.
The Outlast Trials Season 7.1 Is Now Live With the Chemical Leak Limited-Time Event
The Outlast Trials has launched its Season 7.1 update, introducing the limited-time 'Chemical Leak' event where players must shut off toxic gas valves. This update also brings new MK-Challenges, a limited-time catalog, and various balancing and quality-of-life improvements to Invasion and Escalation modes.
Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake Borrows At Least One Mechanic From Breath Of The Wild
The upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch will incorporate UI and aiming mechanics similar to those found in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Producer Eiji Aonuma demonstrated the returning Fairy Slingshot, showcasing a weapon-switching menu and aiming reticle that mirror modern Zelda titles, while also retaining Z-targeting. The remake is set to launch on November 5.
The next Hearts of Iron 4 expansion is delayed, as Paradox tries to reduce "mental overhead"
Paradox Interactive has delayed the next major expansion for Hearts of Iron 4, citing a need to reduce "mental overhead" and ensure higher quality. While a smaller Romania-focused DLC and a quality-of-life update are still planned, the developer is taking extra time for future content following a negative reception to recent DLCs. The studio also addressed ongoing issues with hacking and griefing in the multiplayer community.
Capcom removes Denuvo from Dragon's Dogma 2 ahead of its new expansion
Capcom has removed Denuvo DRM from Dragon's Dogma 2 ahead of its Dark Arisen expansion, a move welcomed by players concerned about performance impacts. The game also received a significant patch introducing UI improvements, vocation changes, enemy adjustments, and bug fixes.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced now lets you save the stranded dog, as Ubisoft fixes the greatest crime in the…
Ubisoft has released an update for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced that allows players to rescue a stranded dog. Previously, players could only pet the dog on a remote island, but now it can be transported to the player's hideout in Grand Inagua, accompanied by a letter explaining its journey. This addition is seen as a positive quality-of-life improvement.
Phasmophobia's second Quality of Life update adds Restricted maps, VR fixes, and much creepier deaths
Kinetic Games has released Phasmophobia's second Quality of Life update, introducing new Restricted maps for Prison, Brownstone High School, and Point Hope, alongside streamlined evidence collection and VR improvements. The update also features more gruesome death animations and fixes for VR players. The 1.0 launch has been delayed to 2027.
Foxhole plans updates to aerial gameplay and quality-of-life August 18, promises more content into 2027
Siege Camp is releasing a significant update for the persistent war MMO Foxhole on August 18th, introducing improvements to aerial gameplay and quality-of-life features. The update includes UI enhancements like an ammo indicator, keybinding options for ships, and squad storage, alongside new aircraft and flight mechanics. Future updates are planned for late September and the end of the year, with content development extending into 2027.
New Palworld patch makes building bases over water much easier, and finally lets you earn World Tree Holy Water through…
A new Palworld update significantly lowers the level requirement for building bases over water to level 23, down from 66, encouraging earlier experimentation. Additionally, World Tree Holy Water has been buffed with a longer duration, reduced weight, and new acquisition methods through World Tree expeditions and fishing. These changes aim to improve the overall player experience following the game's 1.0 release.
Pokemon Pokopia’s Expansion Pass is off to a great start with Bubbly Basin – here’s why
The Bubbly Basin DLC for Pokemon Pokopia offers significant value with its underwater exploration and building mechanics, alongside numerous quality-of-life improvements. This first wave of the Expansion Pass introduces new items, around 50 new Pokemon, and a five-hour main story, setting a strong precedent for future content.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Update Brings Ability to Hide Blowpipe, Bug Fixes
Ubisoft has released a new patch for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, adding the ability to hide the blowpipe and numerous bug fixes. The update includes improvements to autosave slots, UI glitches, and quest issues, with file sizes varying across platforms like Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Game director Richard Knight previously indicated the team's commitment to long-term support for the successful title.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 update finally makes a huge quality-of-life change that JRPG fans were begging for 8…
The Nintendo Switch version of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has implemented a highly requested quality-of-life feature allowing players to use Blade Field Skills without having the corresponding Blade equipped in their active party. This change, which was not a major selling point for the new edition, addresses a long-standing frustration for fans of the JRPG. The article also briefly mentions other Xenoblade titles and sales figures.
Crystalled Bullets Demo v0.33 Update
The demo version of Crystalled Bullets has received an update, version 0.33, introducing gameplay changes, enhanced visuals, and significant quality-of-life improvements.
Conan Exiles has launched the first chunk of Legacy of the Giant-Kings with new story and QOL
Funcom and Inflexion Games have released the first part of 'Legacy of the Giant-Kings,' a new four-part story arc for Conan Exiles. This update introduces a new dungeon beneath the Unnamed City, new challenges, and numerous quality-of-life improvements including rebinding options, clearer thrall status, more save slots, and FSR frame generation functionality. Future parts of the story arc are still planned.
Phasmophobia’s QoL patch notes adds hotkeys for items and I will never panic scroll and die again
Phasmophobia has received a Quality of Life patch that introduces hotkeys for inventory items on PC, allowing players to quickly select equipment instead of scrolling. The update also includes bug fixes, a rework of the 13 Willow Street map, and the addition of a new ghost type called the Deildegast.
Tales of Eternia Remastered gets huge list of new features and improvements
Bandai Namco has detailed numerous new features and improvements for Tales of Eternia Remastered, including optional speed increases for field and battle, autosaves, a skit player, and a sound player. Players can also switch between remastered and original graphics and sound effects. The game will launch for Nintendo Switch on October 16, 2026, with added quality-of-life features like destination icons, autosave, and quick recovery.
EA Is Finally Trying to Save Your Sims 4 Saves
Electronic Arts is releasing a free base game patch for The Sims 4 on July 21, introducing an auto-save feature and save reminders to prevent progress loss. The update also includes a 'Memory Boost' feature aimed at improving game performance, reducing lag, and potentially fixing memory-related save issues. A further update in September will focus on enhancing Sim autonomy.
Despite adding an eternal fast travel stone, Dragon's Dogma 2 director maintains you don't have to use it:…
Dragon's Dogma 2 director Kenta Kinoshita discussed the addition of the Eternal Ferrystone, an item that allows fast travel. He maintains that its optional nature does not compromise the game's intended challenging exploration experience, offering players a choice between walking, using ox carts, or fast traveling. The article argues that the presence of convenient fast travel may still influence player choices and detract from the game's core design.
Tripwire Interactive Deploys Surprise Quality of Life Update and Deep Discount for Rising Storm 2: Vietnam on PC
Tripwire Interactive has released a surprise quality-of-life update, Patch 1.7.0, for Rising Storm 2: Vietnam on PC. The update includes VOIP fixes, bug squashes for mic muting, and the ability to select audio input devices. To celebrate, the game is available at a 90% discount on Steam until July 26, with all DLC also on sale.
Italic Pig Launches Significant Update for Paleo Pines, Introducing new Dino Colours, Saddlebags, Automated Poop-Scooping, and Ultimate Dino-Tracking
Independent developer Italic Pig has released a major update for their dinosaur ranching simulator, Paleo Pines. This update, stemming from a successful Kickstarter campaign, introduces significant quality-of-life improvements and new content, including advanced dinosaur tracking, saddlebags for dinos, automated poop-scooping, new crops, recipes, and expanded ranch customization options.