The gaming community is abuzz with the latest developments in the ambitious title, Off The Grid. Originally creating a stir in early October, the game has recently made significant strides, including its debut on the Xbox Series S. For gamers looking to explore a blend of PvP and PvE elements in a free-to-play format, this update presents an exciting opportunity.
Launch on Xbox Series S
In an intriguing shift, Off The Grid has officially transitioned into the “Game Preview” phase on the Xbox Store. Previously, players could only access the game through the Xbox Insider program, exclusively on the Xbox Series X. As of just a few days ago, players can easily find the game by searching for it in the store or using the provided link to download it for free.
This latest development marks a significant milestone for the title, as it expands its accessibility to a broader audience on the Xbox platform.
Gameplay and Features
For those unfamiliar with Off The Grid, the game is described as an ambitious free-to-play “Extraction Royale”, creatively blending elements from both player versus player (PvP) and player versus environment (PvE) mechanics. The game is under the creative direction of Neill Blomkamp, renowned for his work on District 9 and Gran Turismo.
While the game has faced some criticism regarding its incorporation of NFT elements, the developers have clarified that these features are entirely optional. This ensures players can engage with the game without feeling pressured to participate in the NFT market.
New Updates and Crossplay
This recent update not only introduces the opportunity for crossplay between Xbox and PS5 players but also includes a series of enhancements aimed at improving the overall gaming experience. Players who previously accessed Off The Grid via the Xbox Insider Hub will need to download the latest version to continue playing.
Additional improvements have also been incorporated. A detailed overview of the patch notes, which outlines these enhancements, is available for players interested in maximizing their gameplay experience.
Patch Notes Overview
The update comprises several significant improvements categorized under key features:
Voice Chat
- Resolved a bug where the voice chat widget remained visible if a player muted a teammate while they were speaking.
- Set Push-To-Talk (PTT) as the default voice chat setting on PC.
Battle Pass
- Adjusted the Battle Pass XP display in the “BP Level” section to align with design specifications.
Collisions
- Improved collision detection across multiple game objects for smoother interactions.
Optimization
- Optimized game performance by excluding unnecessary physics generation for specific objects.
- Reduced general loading times.
- Adjusted texture resolution on certain environmental assets to enhance performance.
UI Improvements
- Disabled the escape menu during cutscenes.
- Corrected issues with mute button indicators and navigation of player cards in the escape menu.
- Fixed an issue with the FPS counter display when specific settings were enabled, requiring a reboot.
- Adjusted the reporting screen to prevent players from mistakenly seeing their own name or attempting to report themselves.
Various Fixes
- Removed certain gamepad binding options.
Conclusion
The updates to Off The Grid open the door for a more inclusive and enhanced gaming experience. With the introduction of free access on the Xbox Series S and crossplay capabilities, players are encouraged to engage with this evolving title. As the game continues to develop, its potential remains high, inviting gamers to try out this innovative blend of extraction-based mechanics.
