Bend Studio has introduced a new Beta branch option on Steam for Days Gone, giving players the ability to choose between the original 2021 PC release (Patch 1.07) and the updated 2025 version (Patch 1.08). This feature allows players to experience the game as it originally launched or with the latest enhancements and graphical improvements added in the 2025 update. Players who prefer the visual authenticity and gameplay balance of the original version can now easily revert to it through Steam’s Beta branch settings.
The 2025 update (Patch 1.08) brought substantial upgrades, including DualSense haptic feedback support, expanded accessibility features, and enhanced environmental realism. The world now benefits from improved sky and light simulation, producing more accurate color tones and significantly darker nighttime scenes. Additional improvements to lighting, shadows, and ambient occlusion provide a more immersive post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The update also introduced compatibility for the new Days Gone: Broken Road DLC, though it must be purchased separately.
Full Patch Notes and Details
Available Versions via Steam Beta Branch
- Days Gone (Classic 2021 PC Release – Patch 1.07)
- Original PC release without 2025 graphical or feature updates.
- Days Gone (Updated 2025 PC Release – Patch 1.08)
- Includes all visual and gameplay enhancements listed below.
Patch 1.08 (2025 Update) – Key Features
- DualSense Haptic Feedback Support
- Wired connection required to experience full in-game controller features.
- Accessibility Features
- Added support for players seeking a more customizable gameplay experience.
- World and Graphical Improvements
- Introduced new Atmospheric and Sky Simulation using ozone and spectral light for improved realism.
- More accurate color tone and light intensity for sunlight and sky rendering.
- Significantly darker night settings to enhance immersion.
- Improved screen space indirect lighting and ambient occlusion effects.
- Double shadowmap resolution when Shadow Quality is set to Highest.
- Additional Improvements
- Full compatibility with the Days Gone: Broken Road DLC (available separately).
How to Access the Classic Version
- Open Steam Library and select Days Gone.
- Click the Gear icon → Properties → Betas.
- From the dropdown, select Classic to download Patch 1.07.
- To return to the updated version, reselect None in Beta Participation to reinstall the latest version.
Note: Switching branches replaces your current installation. Players are advised to save their game at a camp and back up local save files before changing branches. Additionally, those using Sarah’s Gift fuel tank from Horde Assault must swap it out at a mechanic before riding again. There will be no official support for issues caused by switching between versions.
Days Gone is an open-world action-adventure survival game set in post-apocalyptic Oregon, where former outlaw biker Deacon St. John battles zombie-like “Freakers” and hostile humans. The story follows his quest to find his wife, Sarah, whom he believed was dead. The game was originally released on PlayStation 4 on April 26, 2019, on Windows (PC) on May 18, 2021, and a remastered version on PlayStation 5 on April 25, 2025.
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