Saber Interactive has launched a developer diary series for RoadCraft. In the first episode, they discuss RoadCraft’s choice of game engine and the technological advancements achieved through these changes. Previously, we introduced RoadCraft to you under the topic of the base concept, explaining that their earlier games, SnowRunner and Expeditions, were developed using a blend of MudRunner’s proprietary game engine and Saber technologies. With RoadCraft, their goal was to fully transfer all the technology that made SnowRunner’s unique off-road simulation possible into the Swarm Engine. Bringing all this technology into one cohesive engine enabled them to push the boundaries of the game while integrating the expertise gained from other projects developed on the Swarm Engine. Thus, RoadCraft continues to evolve entirely within the Swarm framework.

The Saber team has indicated that, with RoadCraft, players will assume a “higher-level” role compared to the working-class hero portrayed in SnowRunner. Rather than solely focusing on hauling loads through muddy terrain, players will now manage disaster relief resources, chart routes for other drivers, and handle tasks like road repairs to ensure smooth deliveries. Tasks have also become more complex, with objectives like repairing electrical networks and recovering vital equipment from disaster-stricken areas. While mud-crawling remains part of the game, Saber explains that this now takes on a secondary role, allowing players to engage with broader, more strategic challenges.

RoadCraft is being developed as a separate team with a primary focus on its core gameplay. A photo of the Saber team has also been shared, showing a mix of industry veterans and new, passionate talents. Some of the designers in the team have been working since the days of MudRunner, shaping challenging off-road experiences, while others have brought fresh ideas and enthusiasm, helping push the boundaries of what an off-road game can be.

Finally, developing RoadCraft on their own engine presented significant challenges. They mention that working on a project where both the game and the Swarm Engine itself are evolving simultaneously was no easy feat, especially with the ongoing development of the Swarm Engine to support RoadCraft’s features.

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RoadCraft was officially revealed during the Gamescom 2024 Opening Night. In a statement from Saber CEO Matthew Karch, he said, “Saber continues to explore ways to innovate using our industry-leading off-road simulation technology. We are constantly in search of new and fun gameplay experiences that define our best-selling games like SnowRunner and MudRunner. RoadCraft is our first foray into heavy equipment simulation. The game provides the best combination of off-road and construction simulations to create a new experience unlike anything that has preceded it.”

RoadCraft will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

RoadCraft is a completely new and standalone game. SnowRunner will continue to receive updates, and Expeditions: A MudRunner Game will also get planned updates and DLC content. The developers emphasize that all three games are being developed by separate teams to ensure they don’t interfere with each other.

Due to the features RoadCraft promises, it is one of the most anticipated games for us in 2025. The Saber Interactive team is serious when they call it a next-gen construction simulation, as they have developed game mechanics that live up to that promise. They’ve been working intensively on a brand-new version of the Swarm Engine, constantly highlighting the unprecedented physics system, graphics, and deep immersion it offers. The shared screenshots and trailer back this up, further increasing the excitement.

Reveal Trailer

What kind of project is RoadCraft?

In RoadCraft, we operate as a company that rebuilds areas devastated by natural disasters. Similar to previous games, we use construction machinery and manage resources to revitalize the local industry and restore the region. One of the key mechanics in RoadCraft is debris removal, where we use excavators to clear rubble from roads and streets. We can also replace damaged equipment and meticulously rebuild roads and bridges that have been damaged by harsh weather conditions.

The graphics have been completely enhanced, and there’s now a much-improved lighting system. It looks incredibly realistic.

There are 8 different maps that will unlock as you progress through the game. The map size remains 2km x 2km, totaling 4km². The game features a concept where floods, sandstorms, and other natural disasters have occurred. Thanks to many new mechanics, we use a variety of vehicles, materials, and resources we find to rebuild the infrastructure.

Mechanics?

We hope that the new features introduced in Expeditions will also be present here. However, RoadCraft offers all the essential infrastructure needed in a next-gen construction simulation. We can transport sand, lay asphalt with a specialized machine, and then smooth it out with a roller, allowing us to shape the terrain in real-time. The terrain deformation mechanics have been enhanced with new features. There will be plenty of excavation work in mines, quarries, and sand pits. Resources like tar can be used to produce asphalt by gathering various materials. Of course, these quarries will first need to be restored to working order, and it seems that loaders will play a key role in transporting these materials.

The game goes beyond that, introducing a tree cutting and logging system similar to what we’ve seen in the Farming Simulator series. You can cut down entire trees and produce logs of various sizes. There’s also a machine to remove the remaining tree stumps. Roads are often blocked by obstacles, and we can now clear them using construction machinery like bulldozers.

In logistics depots and factories, large cranes are available, and players can now operate them, not just trucks. In one of the images, a damaged car is lifted by a beautifully implemented rope system using the crane on our truck. There are also fixed and gantry hydraulic crane systems. Additionally, a vehicle for laying cables has been added to help restore the power grid for factories.

 

Physics

As new updates on the physics are shared, we’ll be able to stay informed. However, it’s important to return to the mechanics because shaping the terrain is now an entirely different experience. Transporting sand, dumping it, and turning it into a road by paving over it with realistic physics that take into account the mass and size of each object will be incredible. Saber is using its new physics engine, allowing for more changes to be made to the maps. While it may have similarities to Construction Simulator, the environment here feels much more refined.

Convoy System?

In the video and explanations, it’s mentioned that we’ll be able to direct our trucks and construction machinery in a convoy towards specific targets. Based on the routes we draw on the map, the AI will help the vehicles follow in a convoy one by one. This feature is a great addition. As the operation manager, we can guide the trucks from the map, though we need to make sure there are no obstacles in their path.

More than 40 Vehicles…

RoadCraft will launch with over 40 vehicles and construction machines. While the full list will be revealed over time, since this is a construction-focused game, we won’t see the massive vehicle garage that SnowRunner had immediately brought over. However, we are confident that all the vehicles will eventually make their way into this game as well.

Modding Support?

At the moment, there is no mention of modding support for RoadCraft. While modding is supported even for Expeditions, there is no info here yet. It’s likely that new modding tools are being developed for the updated engine.

Other Gameplay Details

It’s been revealed that we will be able to collect wood, steel, and cement debris and convert them into different components at recycling facilities. Every piece of rubble can be reused for reconstruction. We will already be opening and operating factories and sand quarries to produce resources in bulk. When transporting other vehicles, it’s likely to be more secure since they’ve likely introduced an improved rope system.

In our garage, we can customize our machines with our company’s logo and paint them in different colors. Other customization and modification systems will likely be updated here as well.

What Can We Expect?

There were still many details missing in SnowRunner, and they may have improved these with the new engine. However, after all this information, it’s best to wait for official announcements. The community is well aware of what’s missing and what needs to be improved by now.

 

Simuway

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