The latest Version 1.4.0 update for The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak delivers a substantial array of technical upgrades and optimizations, further refining the PC experience. This patch introduces DLSS, XeSS, and Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA) support, alongside several advanced rendering and graphical enhancements. Players can now access new options such as Color Precision and HQ Postprocessing, as well as improved shadow sampling and enhanced cloud rendering. The update also improves scaling and UI clarity by ensuring maps and 3D interfaces render at full resolution, even when the general render scale is reduced.
Beyond visual improvements, the patch enhances input responsiveness and controller support, with integration through SDL2 replacing XInput. This change enables automatic controller prompt detection, expanded button support, and even allows DualShock and DualSense touchpads to act as functional buttons. Additional quality-of-life improvements streamline performance, fix several rendering bugs, and refine the user experience for both casual players and long-time fans.
Full Patch Notes
Graphics & UI
- Added DLSS, XeSS, and TAA upscaling options for enhanced performance and image quality.
- Added new Color Precision setting for improved rendering performance with minimal color accuracy loss.
- Added HQ Postprocessing toggle for advanced visual fidelity.
- Introduced new setting for map icon and text size customization.
- Expanded map and 3D UI now render at 100% scale, even below full render resolution.
- Improved shadow sampling quality under “Everything SGSSAA.”
- Refined cloud rendering and fixed MSAA/SGSSAA integration issues.
- Improved automatic optimization detection on AMD iGPUs and Intel dGPUs.
Input
- Switched to SDL2 for controller input (replacing XInput).
- Enables automatic controller button prompts (default setting).
- Added support for DualShock/Sense touchpads as functional buttons.
- Added support for L4, R4, L5, R5 buttons.
- Players can revert to old behavior via
use_xinput_instead_of_sdl2insettings.yaml.
- Added feature to alternate between primary and secondary button prompts.
- Gamepad input now ignored when the game is out of focus (can be toggled via
allow_input_while_inactive). - Improved performance when processing high-frequency raw input events (e.g., high polling-rate mice).
- Implemented mouse wheel zoom for expanded minimap navigation.
Quality of Life (QoL)
- Added Steam timeline markers for BGM transitions.
- Added source display for background music in BGM info.
- Added option to automatically verify Steam game files after a crash.
- Disabled system screen savers and auto screen-off while the game is active (toggleable via
prevent_screen_off). - Improved save/load performance by asynchronously loading save thumbnails.
- Game now loads default graphics presets automatically when no settings file is present.
Bug Fixes
- Fixed rendering issues with certain crafts (e.g., Elaine’s Sword Ortas) at non-100% render scales.
- Resolved disappearing minimap icons in specific gameplay cases.
- Fixed enemy targeting issues when using the Free Look battle camera.
- Minor improvements to English system menu exit messages.
- Adjusted voice delay synchronization based on text language.
- Corrected multiple in-game text errors.
- Prevented redundant achievement unlocks, improving overall performance.
- Fixed camera behavior when menus such as camp, equipment, or costume are open.
- Disabled unintended New Game+ access after loading from autosaves.
- Fixed PCSS sampling artifacts and Transparency AA depth issues.
- Corrected mesh draw order for Elaine’s Bracer costume.
- Ignored incorrectly named save folders.
- Fixed title screen idle movie playback behavior.
- Resolved potential resource leaks during model reloads after water rendering changes.
- Stopped repetitive BGM display during “pinch” battle states.
- Fixed background blur loss in the settings menu when changing graphical options.
- Corrected SSR initialization for High/Ultra presets.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak marks the beginning of a new arc in Nihon Falcom’s long-running Trails series. The game follows Van Arkride, a “Spriggan” operating in the bustling Republic of Calvard, as he navigates the moral gray zones between lawful institutions and the underworld. The title blends real-time field combat with traditional turn-based strategy, featuring an Alignment System that influences narrative choices and character relationships.
Developed by Nihon Falcom and published in the West by NIS America, the game was released on July 5, 2024, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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