Julio Neves
The wait is over! Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has officially stepped out of Early Access and into the full gaming spotlight. Along with its much-anticipated launch, the game’s first major update is here, bringing a mix of bug fixes, gameplay improvements, and an impressive new feature specifically for PC gamers. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda, this action-packed adventure is ending 2024 on a high note as one of Microsoft’s standout releases of the year.
The game’s Early Access debut stirred excitement, but now the full version lets players fully immerse themselves in the iconic world of Indiana Jones. Already a hit with critics, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has quickly become one of the highest-rated titles to debut on Xbox Game Pass this year. But the developers aren’t taking a victory lap just yet—they’re rolling out Update 1 to fine-tune the experience and deliver exciting new features.
Update 1 for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is now available! This update brings Full Ray Tracing (Path Tracing), improvements, and fixes to the game. Read on for the full patch notes. https://t.co/mH0WyLZNmI pic.twitter.com/ALd3w7rTUK
— Bethesda (@bethesda) December 8, 2024
What’s New in Update 1?
This update is packed with fixes addressing various issues, from minor bugs to gameplay glitches. It also introduces Full Ray Tracing for PC players with supported NVIDIA GPUs, elevating the visual experience to cinematic levels. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:
PC-Specific Enhancements
For PC gamers, the update brings Full Ray Tracing (Path Tracing), a feature that takes the game’s graphics to the next level. To use this, you’ll need an NVIDIA graphics card with at least 12GB of VRAM. While AMD users will have to wait a bit longer, MachineGames has promised support for AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution in an upcoming update. Additionally, performance improvements have been made for players with 8GB VRAM GPUs, making the game smoother even on mid-tier setups.
Gameplay Fixes
MachineGames addressed many gameplay issues, such as fixing broken animations, resolving instances where the whip detached unexpectedly, and improving interactions with objects. Whether you’re swinging across perilous gaps or pushing through challenging puzzles, the updates ensure smoother gameplay.
General Improvements
Bugs that caused crashes, incorrect animations, and delayed responses from enemies have been squashed. There’s even a fix for photographs loading more quickly when you inspect them in the journal, giving players a seamless exploration experience.
A Spotlight on Troy Baker
One of the game’s highlights is Troy Baker’s stellar performance as Indiana Jones. Initially, Bethesda’s Todd Howard wasn’t sold on casting Baker for the role. However, during blind tests, Baker consistently impressed, proving to be the perfect fit for the legendary character. Now, his portrayal has won over critics and players alike, cementing him as a standout feature of the game.
Full Patch Notes
Here’s a closer look at what Update 1 offers:
New Features
- Ray Tracing (Path Tracing): Added for supported NVIDIA GPUs, requiring a minimum of 12GB VRAM. AMD FSR support is on its way in a future update.
General Fixes
- Fixed rare crashes during save points.
- Resolved issues with Pre-Order/Deluxe outfit entitlements.
- Improved photo inspection speed in the journal.
Gameplay Adjustments
- Fixed animations when equipping the rebreather underwater.
- Addressed issues with the whip detaching or Indy’s legs snapping unnaturally during certain actions.
- Corrected AI behavior when reloading checkpoints near enemies.
Graphics Updates
- Improved whip animations and bottle visuals.
- Resolved stuttering in cutscenes and corrected issues with HDR and DLSS causing visual artifacts.
Mission-Specific Fixes
- Ensured all photo opportunities, journal notes, and adventure books remain accessible even after level completion.
- Resolved progression blockers in missions like “A Savage Predicament” and the Vatican’s Silver Trial.
UI Enhancements
- Added “Reset to Default” in Options.
- Improved map readability by preventing text overlap.
- Fixed flickering text in the credits.
Known Issues and Workarounds
MachineGames is aware of some lingering issues, like reduced performance when launching the game with DLSS enabled. For now, players can switch to TAA in the graphics settings to mitigate this until a permanent fix arrives.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is already making waves as one of 2024’s most acclaimed releases, and this update ensures that players have an even smoother, more thrilling adventure. Whether you’re navigating ancient ruins or cracking Indy’s signature whip, this game delivers a cinematic experience worthy of the legendary archaeologist himself. With more updates on the horizon, it’s clear MachineGames is committed to keeping the adventure alive.
