The Long Drive V2024.10.17b May 2026

Released in mid-October 2024, version v2024.10.17b is a significant maintenance and feature patch. Unlike major overhauls that add new biomes or vehicles, this update focuses on stability, bug fixing, and quality-of-life improvements that long-time players have been requesting.

With the new physics and item system in mind, here are three survival tips tailored for this build:

If you already own The Long Drive on Steam, switching to version v2024.10.17b is straightforward, but not automatic. The Long Drive v2024.10.17b

Note for mod users: This update breaks many popular mods, particularly vehicle customization and multiplayer mods. Check the Thunderstore modding hub for updated versions before patching.

On Steam forums and Reddit’s r/TheLongDrive, reaction to this version is largely positive. User DesertRat99 writes: "Finally, the engine feels alive. I actually have to watch my temp gauge instead of just ignoring it. v2024.10.17b makes the desert feel hostile again." Released in mid-October 2024, version v2024

However, some veteran players criticize the new resource scarcity. "I drove for two real hours without finding a single gas station," complains RoadKillKing. "The procedural generation feels too sparse. I died of thirst with a full jerry can because I couldn't find water."

The developer’s response on Discord suggested that the spawn rates for towns will be "rebalanced" in the next hotfix, but for now, v2024.10.17b is a hardcore survivalist's dream and a casual drifter's nightmare. Note for mod users: This update breaks many

Scavenging has been expanded. A new, rare material called Arid Alloy can now be found inside meteorite craters and deep cave systems. This alloy is twice as light as standard metal but more brittle. It is best used for cosmetic panels rather than structural engine parts.

To master this specific build, adopt these strategies: