Alone In The Dark Update Improves Performance On PC, Fixes Several Bugs

Alone in the Dark update 1.006 is out now for PC and consoles and it appears to bring several performance and optimization improvements.

Players can now set Shader Pre-Loading in the Video Options Menu, which aims to improve performance by allowing preloading of shaders. This feature is especially useful for those with older hardware and can help reduce potential stutters and loading issues. Additionally, support for older HDDs has been improved through better streaming and pre-loading mechanisms, which will address potential asset-loading issues on aging hardware configurations.

The latest patch also introduces a new feature that lets users disable copyrighted music in the Text & Audio Options menu. Various optimizations have been made including general VFX (Visual Effects) and lighting that have undergone optimization resulting in smoother gameplay and improved visual fidelity. The patch also addresses numerous bugs, such as collision issues on assets and specific gameplay-related problems. For example, players can now exit the Infirmary in Chapter 4 without encountering any issues. The Cemetery Grapple logic has been adjusted to prevent players from being pushed into walls during grapple sequences. Save-related issues have been resolved across different chapters, such as being locked in certain areas or encountering black screens. Animation polishing has been applied to enhance the Jacob boss introduction in the Arctic section.

Fixes have also been implemented for specific puzzles, sound issues, and instances of players getting stuck or encountering soft-lock situations throughout different levels. Issues related to alternative endings, interaction with specific doors, and triggering certain cutscenes have been rectified.

Alone In The Dark Update 1.006 Patch Notes [April 22]

Changes:

• Added the option to set Shader Pre-Loading in the Video Options Menu.
• Added the option to enable support for older HDDs by improving streaming and pre-loading, reducing potential stutters and asset loading issues on older hardware.
• Added the option to disable copyrighted music in the Text & Audio Options menu. This will allow streamers to play the game without copyright-protected audio.

Optimization:

• General VFX and lighting optimization.

Bugs fixed:

• Fixed collision issues on several assets.
• Fixed issue where the player could not exit the Infirmary in Chapter 4.
• Changed Cemetery Grapple logic to prevent the player from getting pushed into walls during grapple.
• Fixed issue with the Teetotaller trophy.
• Fixed issue where player ended up outside of the playable area when loading a save in Chapter 4.
• Fixed invisible gladstone bag in the Small Parlor in Chapter 2.
• Animation polish on the Jacob boss introduction in Arctic.
• Fixed a save issue where the player could get locked in the Derceto Reception in Chapter 4.
• Fixed save issue on the gate in French Quarters in Chapter 1 where the gate in the final courtyard remained shut after loading the game.
• Melee weapons left on the ground should now remain when loading a save.
• Fixed issue with a black screen appearing in Chapter 3 when opening the sarcophagus when transitioning from Gallatin Street to Desert Standing Stones.
• Fixed issue with a black screen appearing after solving the puzzle on the Attic in Chapter 4.
• Fixed issue with the locked Library door in Chapter 4.
• Fixed issue where the lowered bridge in Oil Rig in Chapter 2 wasn’t lowered after loading a save.
• Fixed sound issues when loading a save in the Conservatory.
• Fixed issue where you can trigger the final cutscene in Convent of Taroella using investigation mode.
• Fixed softlock issue in St Georges Hotel in French Quarters in Chapter 4.
• Fixed issue that teleported the player when pressing the HOME key in Desert Standing Stones in Chapter 3.
• Fixed issue where the alternative ending that requires the collected lagniappe set did not trigger.
• Fixed issue where player was stuck at the two medallion door on the Lafayette Cemetery level in Chapter 2.
• Fixed issue where the player could not interact with the three medallion door at the end of the Lafayette Cemetery level in Chapter 2.

The patch notes for Alone in the Dark update 1.006 were posted on the official Steam forums.

Alone in the Dark is out now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X.