Survival game enthusiasts have something to look forward to as Ironwood Studios prepares to launch what they're calling their biggest and best update yet for Pacific Drive. The supernatural driving survival game is set to receive significant gameplay enhancements and quality-of-life improvements that address long-standing community requests.
Endless Expeditions Feature
The highlight of the upcoming update, aptly named Endless Expeditions, introduces a new gameplay mode that allows players to embark on continuous drives across multiple junctions in Pacific Drive's eerie Pacific Northwest setting. These new expeditions promise to challenge even veteran players with unique dangers and gameplay modifiers, adding a fresh layer of endurance and strategy to the survival experience. While specific details remain limited, the update's reveal trailer suggests varying difficulty levels and modifiers that players will need to navigate during these extended journeys. Completing these challenging expeditions will reward players with exclusive and desirable in-game items.
Mid-Run Save System Finally Arrives
Perhaps the most significant quality-of-life improvement is the introduction of the Suspend Run feature, addressing one of the community's most persistent requests. Currently, Pacific Drive only auto-saves when players move between junctions, forcing them to either keep their game paused (risking power outages or accidents) or abandon their progress entirely when real life calls. This new feature will allow players to halt their run mid-junction, quit the game, and return later without losing any progress.
A Complete Reversal on Save Philosophy
The addition of the mid-run save feature represents a notable shift in the developer's stance. Just over a year ago, in February 2024, game director Seth Rosen had described the lack of mid-run saves as a firm position, citing both technical challenges and design philosophy concerns about maintaining the game's tension. This reversal demonstrates Ironwood Studios' willingness to listen to player feedback and adapt their game accordingly, even on features they had previously been reluctant to change.
Additional Content and Improvements
Beyond these major additions, the update will deliver numerous other enhancements to the game. Players can expect upgrades to tools like the Thermal Vacuum and Plasma Scraper, a new cluster spawning system, and encounters with a new trader named Ida. The update also adds cosmetic items for garage customization, new lore delivered through the in-game fax machine, and over an hour of fresh music for the game's already acclaimed radio soundtrack.
Endless Expeditions Update Features:
- New continuous multi-junction expeditions
- "Suspend Run" mid-run save feature
- Tool upgrades (Thermal Vacuum, Plasma Scraper)
- New cluster spawning system
- New trader character (Ida)
- New garage decorative items
- Additional lore via fax messages
- Over 1 hour of new radio music
- Release date: April 3, 2025
- Free for all Pacific Drive owners
Release Date and Availability
The Endless Expeditions update is scheduled to launch on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and will be free for all Pacific Drive players. This substantial content drop comes as the game continues to build on its success, having reportedly sold over a million copies since its release.
For fans of Pacific Drive's unique blend of supernatural survival and automotive adventure, this update promises to significantly extend the game's replayability while addressing one of its most criticized limitations. Whether you're a seasoned breacher or considering your first journey into the Olympic Exclusion Zone, April's update looks set to make Pacific Drive a more accessible and content-rich experience.