Race Jam news & patch notes

Hey everyone!

We wanted to share an update on Race Jam's release schedule.

We're moving the 1.0 release from July 30 to August 20. Instead, July 30 will mark the launch of the Online Multiplayer Beta.

Polishing the online multiplayer has taken a bit longer than expected. Combined with the time needed to finish designing our new tracks, we've decided to give ourselves an extra 20 days to ensure the 1.0 release delivers the complete experience we want for everyone.

The good news is that the Online Multiplayer Beta is still on track to launch on July 30! We're excited to get it into your hands while we spend August finishing the new tracks, vehicles, and final polish for the full release.

We sincerely apologize for the delay, and we appreciate your patience and support. Taking this extra time will help us deliver the best possible version of Race Jam.

Thank you so much for following Race Jam! If you'd like to see what we're working on leading up to 1.0, be sure to check out our daily updates on social media, YouTube, or join our Discord. You'll find all the links below! Instagram: @racejam

tiktok: @racejam

bsky: @racejam.bsky.social

X: @race_jam

YouTube:

Race Jam Discord: https://discord.gg/ygeGFPZGkt

AI and Traffic

• Improved Traffic AI behavior. Traffic vehicles now react to one another, slowing down or avoiding each other when necessary.

• Improved opponent AI traffic detection and avoidance.

UI Additions and Improvements

• Leaderboards now display player profile pictures and profile backgrounds selected when creating a profile.

• Adjusted UI layouts for track-specific leaderboards.

Looking Ahead

As we continue polishing Online Multiplayer in preparation for the beta, we'll be releasing a series of smaller updates throughout the week. We apologize for any inconvenience these frequent updates may cause, and we appreciate your patience as we work towards the 1.0 release. More news on the Online Multiplayer Beta coming soon!

General Fixes

Fixed an issue where entering a new name would not function correctly when using keyboard controls.

Added additional keyboard and mouse bindings:

• Charge Boost can now be activated with Left Click in addition to Q.

• Repair can now be activated with Right Click in addition to E.

Updated stunt control bindings on Keyboard.

• Stunt Bump is now mapped to V.

• Stunt Push is now mapped to C.

Added a new Flashing Effects option, allowing players to customize or reduce flashing visual effects.

Gameplay Improvements

• Adjusted opponent start-up speeds during rolling starts. AI vehicles now accelerate more naturally instead of immediately pulling far ahead at the start of races.

• Reduced the maximum damage vehicles can receive from collisions with other players and environmental objects, resulting in more balanced combat.

• Implemented balance adjustments for Rollin.

This update brings 4 new vehicles to the growing Race Jam roster, traffic improvements, and more backend work on the upcoming online multiplayer beta.

New Vehicles

• "Rollin'" based off the SL500 Mercedes Benz and unlocked at level 3.

• "Special Request" based off the 6th Gen Honda Accord unlocked at level 8.

• "Friend" based off a cherished childhood memory unlocked at level 17.

• "Ambassador Transport" In honor of Race Jam's very own Polish Ambassador, AgBi, unlocked at level 27, or by a Special Mission in the 90's tour mode.

Balancing and Fixes

• 'Mirth Mobile' stats UI updated to reflect new specs.

• Mission 19 time trial set to 1 lap only.

• Improved traffic pathing on LA Freeway.

If you're enjoying Race Jam, we'd really appreciate it if you left a review on Steam. It's one of the best ways to support the team and help more players discover the game.

We have plenty more updates on Race Jam coming soon, including news about our upcoming Online Multiplayer Beta. See you on the track!

General Fixes

• Fixed Temple reset point near the finish line.

• Fixed a wall collider and extended the adjacent ramp on PJI.

• Fixed airtime rotation errors.

Controls

• Changed the keyboard look back key to Tab.

• Updated helicopter controls so Caps Lock now works independently of Shift when performing rotations.

Track Improvements

• Reduced the standard total laps from 3 to 2 on NY Highway and Joe's Room.

• Adjusted the ramps leading outside on Joe's Room.

• Added edges to round out the hood of the parked vehicle in the garage sale are on Joe's Room.

Future Development

Online Multiplayer development continues!

We're currently preparing for a multiplayer beta planned within the next couple of weeks.

For more information on the upcoming beta and regular development progress updates, be sure to join our Discord community here: https://discord.gg/7WRrtG2TW3

Hey everyone!

We’re announcing a change to Race Jam’s 1.0 release date, moving it from May 28th to July 30th.

We have been hammering away at the online multiplayer and have set up all features and functionality that we planned. However we want to take a little more time to polish up the experience and make sure it reaches the standards we have for all aspects of Race Jam 

We’ll be holding a closed beta for Online Multiplayer by the end of this month and continue to improve the experience based on both our own testing and player feedback. If you already own the game, let us know if you would like access to it!

In addition to polish, the next two months will include implementing our online ranks and progression system, adding 3 new tracks, and introducing a few new vehicles. We’ll also be putting Race Jam on sale on May 28th.

We apologize for the delay, but the extra time will allow us to deliver all of this additional content and ensure Online Multiplayer is stable and truly ready by the time we exit Early Access in July.

General Fixes

• Fixed an issue where the backspace key would not function correctly when using keyboard controls while typing a new name or cheat code.

• Fixed an issue where brake lights would not illuminate correctly when using keyboard controls.

• Fixed an issue where traffic vehicles could become invisible after resetting.

Race Improvements

• Implemented rolling starts for races.. Vehicles now begin moving and automatically position themselves before the race begins, helping races start faster and feel more dynamic.

• Adjusted the countdown timer to better support rolling starts.

• Sped up the opening of the Triassic Track gate to accommodate rolling starts.

• Please continue sharing your feedback on rolling starts as we’ll be making additional adjustments and improvements over the coming weeks.

Future Development

Online Multiplayer progress continues!

We’ve successfully completed our first internal multiplayer test races and are now polishing the experience in preparation for a beta test planned within the next week or two.

Development also continues on three upcoming tracks:

• Cyber Rain City

• Pizza World

• Hell

See attached preview images for an early look at Cyber Rain City and Pizza World. Please note these screenshots do not yet include final visual effects, shading, lighting, or UI elements.

• Improved Drift Boost - The force enacted on your vehicle when coming out of a drift should be more powerful - The improvement scales with how long you drift. Short drifts shouldn't feel much better while longer ones will feel way stronger - Note: We are trying to improve the incentive for drifting on the tracks. Let us know your thoughts on whether drifting feels more useful now.
• Added warning when going back to main menu after failing minigame in Gauntlet Mode
• Set up ability to skip Minigame in Gauntlet Mode
• Reduced amount of time you can stay in slow motion when using perk
• Repositioned Fight for Position text at start of race
• Adjusted Cel Shader on all Opponent Vehicles
• Adjusted Cel Shader on all Police Vehicles
• Racing Wheel Support Fixed

General Fixes

• Added reminder text of the ability to fight for position before countdown (rolling start).

• Disabled barrier at the starting gate during countdown

• Set up Steam Achievements for 50, 100, and 200 races won.

General Fixes Fixed an issue where the “Ready, Set, Jam” prompt remained on screen longer than intended.

Fixed an issue where the camera could start in the wrong position at the beginning of a race.

Track Fixes

Fixed an issue on Hedgehog Hills where vehicles could get caught on the bridge.

Reworked lighting on Hedgehog Hills

Adjusted track layout around ramps on Hedgehog Hills

Improvements & Balancing Added new music to each track.

Improved drift push mechanics. The improvement scales with how long you drift. Short drifts see minimal change, while longer drifts provide significantly stronger boosts.

Adjusted cel shader on all player vehicles.

Adjusted cel shader on all traffic vehicles to improve visibility.

Adjusted brake light colors when illuminated.

Test Your Memory – Reduced time between elements to memorize.

Test Your Memory – Reduced overall difficulty.

Vehicle Improvements

Slightly increased acceleration, turbo, and health for "McRay".

Slightly increased acceleration and turbo for "Hopes and Dreams".

• Fixed Visual Bugs on Jeff’s Turnpike
• Fixed Swat Vehicles spawn positions on Jeff’s Turnpike
• Fixed issue where name of minigame wasn't displaying properly on final settings menu
• Fixed materials on EffOne headlights
• Fixed upside down textures on Gluttony
• Added new indicators of unlockables on Gauntlet
• New Vehicles set up to be opponents now
• Set gauntlet boss vehicles to be new unlockable vehicles
• Fixed Phantom achievement
• Collect Leaderboard Error Fixes

• Alt Colors set up for all new vehicles
• New Vehicles now available to use in Split Screen MP
• Adjusted Cel Shader on Hedgehog Hills track and environmental objects
• Added Text explaining how to unlock vehicles on vehicle select screens
• Updated MP Stunt UI Buttons to current style
• Fixed issue with Stunt Buttons not highlighting

Fixes

Fixed an issue where the Multiplayer Stunt UI was displaying incorrectly.

Fixed an issue with controller vibration in Multiplayer.

Fixed an issue on leaderboards where Stunt track names were not displaying properly.

Can confirm that our previous update's optimization fixes for download sizes are now working.

Improvements & Balancing

Stunt Trick Info now moves when the turbo meter is centered to prevent UI overlap.

Raised base and max speed camera angles for improved visibility.

Readjusted the camera angle when using No Problemo.

Pop Quiz – Adjusted Turbo.

No Problemo – Adjusted Turbo.

Juice – Adjusted Turbo.

Mason – Increased Top Speed.

All Multiplayer vehicles rebalanced to match their Single Player versions.

All Stunt vehicles rebalanced to match their Single Player versions.

Gauntlet Mode Rewards

Added brand new vehicles as rewards for Gauntlet Mode, including Old Soul, McRay, and Hopes and Dreams.

Technical Changes

Changed the compression method to reduce extremely large update downloads.

Although the total game size is now 13 GB, future patches should typically be hundreds of MB instead of several GB, unless major content updates occur.

Improvements & Balancing

Adjusted traffic behavior on Jeff's Turnpike, LA Freeway, and Coffee Run.

Minor track layout adjustments on Temple.

Added a “Join Discord” button to the Main Menu.

We’re continuing to work on reducing both patch sizes and the overall install size of the game. Let us know if you notice improvements to download sizes after this update.

Fixes

Fixed an issue where KO and Cop KO leaderboards were not tracking stats correctly.

Leaderboard Improvements

KO and Cop KO boards now track stats correctly.

Stunt Point Total leaderboards have been set up.

Collect Money Total leaderboards have been set up.

Major Traffic Improvements

Traffic vehicles now have random variance in spawn locations. Note: This is an initial step to test how random spawns interact with all gameplay systems. More spawn variance will be added in future updates.

Improved traffic vehicle pathfinding.

Improved traffic vehicle detection of other traffic vehicles.

Traffic vehicles now maintain correct speeds more consistently.

Increased traffic density in LA, Coffee Run, and NY.

Visual & Effects Updates

Added new Gluttony skins.

Adjusted Fire Effects on all Single Player, Multiplayer, and Stunt vehicles.

Vehicle Balancing

Pop Quiz – Nerfed Top Speed, Acceleration, and Turbo.

Juice – Nerfed Acceleration and Turbo.

No Problemo – Nerfed Top Speed and Turbo.

Mason – Nerfed Turbo.

Limo – Nerfed Turbo.

Frizzy – Buffed Top Speed and Acceleration.

Chase Mode Adjustments

Adjusted opponent vehicle behaviors to ensure difficulty is more consistent throughout races.

Reduced the time cops attempt to push player vehicles to the side of the road by half.

This update brings online leaderboards, expanded player profiles, UI improvements, and a long list of fixes and polish across Race Jam’s modes and tracks.

Hall of Fame & Leaderboards

Global Leaderboards Now Live

• Leaderboards for Most Wins and Best Lap Times are officially active.

• Additional leaderboards currently in development:

  • Most KO’s

  • Highest Flawless Boost Streaks

  • Collect Mode

  • Stunt Mode

Player Profiles & Customization

New Profile Pictures

• Added a new set of profile pictures, with many more planned for future updates.

• Profile pictures are now properly set up across all tracks.

Profile Editing

• Players can now edit their profile picture and profile background via a new Edit button in the RaceKit menu.

Stunt Maps & UI Improvements

• Updated Tour Menu button on Stunt Maps to the new UI style.

• Added a Retry button to the Mission Complete UI on Stunt Maps.

• Added new graffiti to the Stunt Land track.

Secret Missions Updates

• Fixed issues where secret missions were not unlocking properly.

• Rewrote secret mission clues for improved clarity.

• Adjusted requirements for Secret Mission S6.

Vehicle Fixes & Adjustments

• Fixed a visual issue on the Mason vehicle model.

• Fixed an issue where reinforced frame and weight reduction had reversed stats in Gauntlet Mode.

• Fixed an issue where all parts of the police vehicle were not vanishing properly when exploding in Stunt Mode.

• Adjusted suspension distances on:

  • Police SWAT vehicle

  • Bus traffic vehicle

Gameplay Fixes & Stability

• Fixed an issue where Collect events would not end when vehicles crossed the finish line on point-to-point tracks.

• Fixed screen fade issues not interacting correctly with the end-of-race UI.

More leaderboards, profile content, and competitive features are already in the works. Welcome to the Hall of Fame. Now go set some records!

Fixes

Fixed an issue where the loading screen only appeared on half of the screen when using split screen.

Fixed an issue where vehicles would disappear after finishing a multiplayer race.

Fixed an issue where no button was highlighted at the end of a multiplayer race.

Fixed an issue where the health bar would incorrectly display and block the player’s view after resetting in multiplayer.

Fixed all issues related to Special Mission 15

Improvements & Balancing

Changed 2-player split screen from horizontal to vertical views for improved visibility.

When playing multiplayer with 3 players, updated the larger screen view from horizontal to vertical.

Added visual dividers between all split screen views.

Repositioned Split Screen UI elements to better fit the new layouts.

Set multiplayer vehicles to auto-drive after finishing a race.

Disabled the ability to boost, repair, or reset vehicles after a multiplayer player finishes their race.

Updated Stunt Mode split screen to match all changes made to other split screen modes.

Added extra floor panels to the forested area on Phantom Jesus Island (PJI).

Stunt Mode Updates

Added Stunt Bump and Stunt Push icons to the HUD in Stunt Mode to indicate when each maneuver is available during a stunt.

Replaced Stunt Bump and Stunt Push sound effects.

Rebalanced all Stunt Mode SFX audio levels.

Fixes

• Fixed an issue where mission results were not saving correctly.

• Fixed an issue where secret stunt missions would not save results.

• Fixed an issue where the incorrect mission was highlighted when returning to the Tour Menu.

• Fixed multiple issues related to pausing the game in Stunt Mode.

• Removed an unintended character selection image from the Final Settings menu.

Improvements & Balancing

• Adjusted colliders on support columns on PJI to improve collision behavior.

• Decreased the weight of all regular police vehicles to allow the player to push them back.

• Adjusted requirements for various Tour Mode missions.

• Fully updated on-track button visuals.

• Updated multiplayer images on the Final Settings menu.

• Updated Perk and Holographic Perk descriptions for clarity.

Vehicle Updates

• Added Stunt Bump effect to 'Tuna Extreme'.

• Added Stunt Push effect to 'Tuna Extreme'.

Fixes

• Fixed an issue where Special Mission #7 was not loading properly.

• Fixed back button functionality on the Pause menu.

• Repositioned Music title text to line up properly.

• Adjusted custom wheel placements on Mason.

• Resized the repair effect on Mason.

• Repositioned Fire meter when centering Boost meter

Improvements

• Added an indicator on the Fire meter to show how much increase occurred.

• Re-enabled the Camera Distance option.

• Added a Fullscreen option to the Pause menu.

• Added a Camera Distance option to the Pause menu.

• Replaced the Swat Van vehicle with an improved version.

• Added mixed input support.

Tracks

PJI

• Fixed an issue where players could get caught on ramps.

• Adjusted mountains and landing zone after the big jump.

• Fixed an issue where players could fall underneath the ground on PJI.

Hedgehog Hills

• Improved scenery around the track.

Fixes

• Fixed an issue where laps led were not being counted toward unlocking the Weight Reduction upgrade.

• Fixed Gauntlet Perk selection issues.

• Fixed incorrect Cup win data on the Cup Results page.

• Fixed an issue where profile names could not be reused immediately after deletion.

• Disabled the “Used” display in HDR mode to fix oversaturation issues on Steam Deck.

• Fixed colliders on all traffic vehicles.

• Adjusted colliders on police vehicles.

• Re-enabled Options menu buttons to be interactable with mouse input.

Improvements

• Adjusted AI vehicle steering and braking behavior.

• Improved overall AI difficulty.

• Increased AI acceleration at the start of races.

• Added new locations where AI will charge and drift boost on New York Highway and Hedgehog Hills.

Chase Mode Update

• "Boss" police vehicles now prioritize the vehicle that's in 1st place.

• Limited the number of standard police vehicles to a maximum of 2 in Chase and 3 in Chase Trials.

• Improved police ability to catch up to their targets.

• Reduced the weight of standard police vehicles so players can push back more effectively.

Vehicles

• Replaced "Mason" model with a new version for Stunt and AI vehicles.

• Adjusted "Mason" materials.

• Updated "Mason" trim colors.

UI / UX

• Added an intro bar animation.

• Added additional camera shake intensity levels in Options.

• Added a new temporary MISC Options page to house newly added settings. Note: These options will be reorganized into appropriate pages in a future update.

• Added an option to move the Boost Meter to the center of the screen.

• Added a Mixed Inputs option to allow controller and keyboard input at the same time.

• Added a per-track Anti-Aliasing option.

• Configured FXAA, SMAA, and TAA options across all Race and Stunt tracks.

Fixes

• Fixed an issue where Mission 75 was not loading Stunt Land properly.

• Disabled vehicle color changes when vehicles catch on fire.

Improvements

• Reworked AI Vehicles to significantly reduce unstable collisions.

• Reworked Traffic Vehicles to improve collision behavior.

• Increased the amount of downforce applied to all vehicles during collisions.

• Adjusted downforce values specifically for all traffic vehicles.

• Updated traffic paths on Jeff’s Turnpike for smoother flow.

• Set all AI vehicles to use vibrant colors by default.

• Moved the AI vehicle color option to the first page of Extra Settings.

Vehicles

• Replaced the Mason model with a new version.

• Updated Mason trim colors.

• Reworked Mason’s collider for improved collision accuracy.

• Replaced Chase Mode's Vengeance model with a new version.

UI / UX

• Added a Select Language pop-up during setup.

• Fixed button images not displaying correctly when the language is set to Spanish.

Visual Effects

• Added a fire aura effect to all AI vehicles.

Fixes

• Fixed an issue where the countdown was not properly disabling.

• Replaced announcements that were unfitting or too quiet.

Improvements

• Car Paint Color indicators are now properly set up.

• Vehicle repair speeds increased by 40% across all vehicles.

UI / UX

• Added new Start Race and Main Menu buttons to track intro screens.

Achievements

• Added new achievements for:

  • Beating each of the Gauntlet Towers

  • Draining the basketball shot in Joe’s Room.

Stunt Mode Improvements

• Remapped Stunt Bump to L3 on controllers.

• Remapped Stunt Push to R3 on controllers.

• Reworked Stunt Push physics so it applies the same strength across all vehicles, regardless of weight.

• Stunt Bump can now be used at any time during a combo.

• Added new sound effects for both Stunt Bump and Stunt Push.

• Added more announcement triggers for different hit streak totals.

New Announcements

• Added new Hit/KO announcement lines.

• Added new positive and negative announcements.

• Replaced older announcements that didn’t match the updated energy and tone.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue where custom wheels wouldn’t reset when using the Nodrog.

• Fixed repeated Fire Level 2 announcement.

• Fixed an issue where song and UI would replay at the end of a collect event.

• Fixed Faster Repair perk being too slow in Gauntlet Mode.

• Fixed overlapping Police Dispatcher announcements.

• Fixed looping crowd noise that would repeat continuously.

• Updated icons for the Limo vehicle.

 This update introduces a brand-new stunt experience, a full announcer system, crowd reactions, Gauntlet Mode’s official release, and more polish across the board.

Stunt Mode Expansion

• NEW STUNT TRACK – Stunt World Redux A fully revamped, redesigned, and reimagined stunt environment replaces the old Stunt World.

• New Stunt Moves Execute special ground-touch maneuvers to extend combos. Each move can be used once per stunt chain.

  • Stunt Push Gain a burst of forward momentum when touching the ground to keep your flow alive.

  • Stunt Bump Flip your vehicle upright when sliding on your roof to save your run and keep the combo going.

Gauntlet Mode Release

• Gauntlet Mode is now officially out of beta!

• Added new animations when scaling each tower.

• Various bug fixes and improvements to stability and flow.

Announcer & Crowd Audio Update

• On-Track Announcer fully implemented.

•  Crowd sound system added, responding to your performance.

•  New Crowd Volume setting added to the Options menu.

Additional Features & Improvements

• New Cheat Menu added for testing and experimentation.

• Updated “Reality Tour” skin for Frizzy with improved visuals.

Customization Updates

• Improved color options for all vehicles.

• Added Vibrant AI Vehicle Colors toggle in the More Settings menu.

Gauntlet Improvements

• Reworked and re-balanced all Part Options. Most negative effects have been removed, allowing for more creative and powerful vehicle builds.

• Removed the ability to obtain the same perk multiple times.

• Fixed an issue preventing completion of Jeff’s Tower.

• Added Phantom Blinking Effect visuals.

• Updated Jeff’s ability to allow his fire meter to fill significantly faster.

Coming Soon Next week’s update will introduce a brand-new Stunt Map, along with improvements to the Danni and Joe boss race-offs to make them more distinct. We’ll also be enhancing the 'How to Play' section with new pages and tutorial videos to better explain key gameplay mechanics.

EA V.0.3.2 Patch Notes

• Gauntlet Mode Improvements

  • Added a warning to prevent accidentally backing out of Gauntlet Mode.

  • Added unique icons for each individual minigame.

  • Set up a new victory animation for completed runs.

• Track Improvements

  • Fixed incorrect starting camera angles on Temple.

• Vehicle Improvements

  • Increased acceleration on Vengeance for smoother handling.

  • Reworked collider setup on No Problemo.

  • Slightly reduced vehicle collider bounciness for improved control.

  • Adjusted vehicle physics for more realistic ground collisions.