[productUrlLink link=’https://www.g2a.com/pl/roadcraft-p10000509989′]RoadCraft[/productUrlLink] just launched its massive 4.0 update, and hardcore Snowrunner fans are finally getting the kind of gameplay they’ve been asking for.
There’s a new Hardmode, completely free, that reintroduces deep simulation features like fuel limits, manual gearboxes, and some tough-as-nails logistics. And there’s more. Saber Interactive is releasing its first major expansion, Rebuild.
That means two new maps and a whole set of missions, activities, and vehicles to mess around with. Big update and big shift in direction.
RoadCraft Hard Mode Update and What They Change
The new Hardmode isn’t here to ease you in. It’s designed to test you, full stop. Here’s what you’re working with:
- Limited fuel makes resource management essential
- Manual gearboxes add immersion and challenge, though players have flagged missing clutch and H-shifter support
- Convoy spawns are less frequent and much more realistic
- The economy is rebalanced with higher bridge and vehicle costs, bigger quarry zones, and new recovery rules
It’s worth pointing out that to enable Hardmode, you’ll need to start a new save file. That part hasn’t gone over smoothly. Many in the community are asking why these modifiers couldn’t be toggled in existing saves. As it stands, starting fresh is the only way to play under the new difficulty options.
Rebuild Expansion: Two New Maps, More Missions, and Vehicle Variants
The Rebuild expansion adds a ton of content, with even more promised. The two new maps, Contamination and Wash Out, come with a fresh batch of missions, utility vehicles, and terrain challenges. New vehicles and variants include:
- Vostok MU-97 “Ant” Bridge Layer and its Rusty variant
- Tayga 6455B Bridge Layer (though there are reports of bridge-purchase issues with this one)
- Armiger Thunder Expedition Scout
- MULE T1 Trailblazer Cargo Crane Truck
- Tuz 119 Mutt Rusty Scout (unlocked through a mission in Contamination)
- Wayfarer ST7050 Fuel Truck variant, free for all players
These additions give players new tools and goals across the expansion maps. The vehicle variants bring subtle changes in stats and visuals, and for collectors there’s a decent chunk of gear to unlock.
A Shift Back Toward Simulation
There’s no official quote from the devs about dialing back previous systems, but the new update speaks for itself. RoadCraft, at its core, is a heavy machinery sim about rebuilding after natural disasters. The addition of manual gear shifting, limited resources, and economic tweaks brings it back toward what Saber built its name on. More challenge, more control, less hand-holding.
The update also includes fixes and tweaks. You’ll notice better overall stability, performance improvements, crash fixes, and new HUD options. The UI now includes four HUD modes in settings, which is a nice quality-of-life addition for players who like to keep things clean or tweak visibility.
Launch Wobbles and Player Feedback
Reception has been mixed, mostly due to timing issues. Players who pre-purchased the Rebuild Expansion saw lock icons instead of access at launch. Saber clarified that the content would unlock in stages, but that message didn’t reach everyone fast enough. Some players called the patch notes misleading since they didn’t clearly mention the delay.
There were also a few technical hiccups. Clutch pedal binding doesn’t work for some setups. H-shifter support is missing entirely. And certain players reported performance dips and stutters after the patch. It’s not game-breaking, but it’s noticeable.
Still, the scope of what’s here matters. The game is finally doubling down on simulation again. And with more expansion content coming in 2025, it feels like Saber is steering the game back toward the people who stuck with it through the early updates.
If you’re restarting in Hardmode or checking out the new maps, there’s a lot to take in. New systems, tougher logistics, and tighter resource loops all mean you’ll have to think harder and plan better.