Release notes

Smaller map transfers

• Room map transfers use lossless compression. Across 24 tested routes, transfer payloads were 85.8% smaller with the original map data preserved.
• Cloud sharing can use compressed transfers when the service supports them, with the existing transfer format retained as a fallback.
• Keeps the lighting and vehicle finishes from 0.0.14. Everyone in a room needs the same version.

Online racing is still experimental. Guest-car judder remains, and rankings have not been verified end to end. Find shared maps by code; a public map browser is not included.

This update is being prepared for release.

Softer reflections, proper stainless steel

• Corrected harsh reflections on wall panels, trim, books and affected side tables on desktop.
• Preserved car paint and racing liveries while correcting the DeLorean's stainless-steel panels.
• Added checks that block builds when approved lighting settings drift.
• Included network HUD, touch-input and lobby configuration repairs while keeping Android's environment lighting.

Mac packaging and architecture were checked, but Mac gameplay was not tested on hardware. The Mac beta is not notarized.

Room codes and track sharing

• Added private room codes and custom-track sharing.
• Map selection stays selected when the lobby list refreshes. Hosting shows the room code and connection progress.
• Fixed a missing component that interrupted guest race startup.
• Rockets clear the firing car before a returning direct hit can damage it. Rocket splash does not damage the firing car.

Online play was tested with a two-process connection check, not a full eight-player cross-platform race. This release still had network gameplay issues.

Clearer encounters and graphics controls

• House Circuit paddles open the matching side, and the opening ramp pair launches from the straight approach.
• Reworked graphics settings with labeled controls and a saved Blur Amount slider. Supported Windows hardware can use DLSS.
• Paint selection closes when you press Back, leave car selection or start a match, without losing pending color changes.
• Menu music fades out before the race song fades in.
• Restored cyan-blue magnetic lanes and corrected runtime reflection-atlas budgets.

The Mac package targets Apple Silicon and is not notarized. The beta workshop remains limited to Starter House, and official courses are read-only.

More color on the track

• Added twin energy trails that match car paint, with neutral white trails for neutral paint colors.
• Improved recessed lane glow and its readability at a distance.
• Kept fixed liveries intact and gave four-car races distinct opponent models and red, green, blue and yellow colors.
• Replaced track and car imagery with 96 action shots, 82 vehicle portraits and a new kitchen hero image.
• Included fisheye crop, landing and crash-wheel corrections.

Originally published as Grounded 1.0, with Android build number 11. Mac and Android packaging checks did not include fresh device gameplay tests.

The first three-platform beta

• Released Windows, Apple Silicon Mac and a self-contained Android APK.
• Removed the screen-space lens flare while keeping the approved fisheye lens effect on desktop.
• Improved qualified nearby jump landings and supporting-track contact handling.
• Corrected overhead paddle hinge orientation and added rear-light emission where the car model has separate rear lenses.

Originally published as Beta 1.0, with Android build number 10. Landing changes still needed driving feedback, and Mac gameplay was not tested on hardware.