The Long Drive V2024.10.17b Today

Do you prefer to stick to the road or explore the off-road, dangerous terrain?

The v2024.10.17b patch is an iterative stability build designed to smooth out the rough edges of prior major updates. The Long Drive is infamous for its hilarious—and sometimes frustrating—physics glitches. This version aims to make your long-distance trek more reliable without losing the game’s signature charm.

The 2024.10.17b update shows that The Long Drive is still being actively developed, with a focus on fixing long-standing issues while enhancing the visual experience.

: Right-click the game in your Steam Library > Properties > Betas > Select "Upcoming Version Test" .

All headlights and bulbs can now be turned on by hand even when they aren't slotted into a vehicle. While the developer notes that batteries will eventually be required for this, they aren't implemented yet. The Long Drive v2024.10.17b

: The festive pumpkin item received texture optimization and fully functional toggle mechanics.

Finding a massive bus engine and mounting it into a tiny Lada creates a dangerously fast, fuel-hungry rocket.

: Resolved a texture issue where big mirror slices and light bulbs appeared purple. General Game Mechanics (v2024.10.17b Context) Exploration

Essential to keep your character’s stamina and hydration bars filled. Do you prefer to stick to the road

Fixed an issue where explosive items, such as paint cans, would not explode when shot.

"I didn't write half of that code. I'm rolling back to v2024.10.16. Do not install 17b. Do not seed it. Delete it if you have it."

The Long Drive - UPDATE V2024. 10.17b_test and previous patchnotes - Steam News. Is The Long Drive done yet? | 2026 Review

: The updated physics engine thin-locks objects like metal bars to keep them from jittering through the floorboards. The seasonal pumpkin item received stability overhauls, allowing its built-in light toggle to function flawlessly. Purple texture glitch slices affecting broken glass and mirrors have also been eliminated. Dynamic Road and Environment Overhauls This version aims to make your long-distance trek

Instead, the player is given an old car, a vast expanse of desert, and a minimal set of survival mechanics involving thirst, hunger, and car maintenance. The goal, if there is one, is simply to keep driving. The journey requires managing a complex and delightfully janky simulation of a real vehicle. You must scavenge for fuel at abandoned gas stations, find food and water in derelict buildings, and perform hands-on maintenance on your car, from swapping out oil and coolant to attaching and detaching individual parts. The game is known for its quirky physics, open-ended creativity, and a uniquely surreal atmosphere that players find either deeply meditative or hilariously chaotic.

You must manage fuel, oil, water, and engine wear.

For those looking for a "good piece" of gaming, The Long Drive offers a uniquely satisfying experience: a world where the journey is the only thing that matters, and the destination is just an excuse to keep the wheels turning.