Farming Simulator 22: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Updates and Upcoming Expansions
Farming Simulator 22 continues to cultivate a dedicated player base, with an average concurrent player count hovering around 4,859. Since its release, the game has seen consistent updates and expansions that enrich the farming experience, introducing new crops, machinery, and gameplay modes. The recent patches 1.12 and 1.13.1 have brought significant improvements and fresh content, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Premium Expansion and Premium Edition. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what these updates entail, how they enhance gameplay, and what players can look forward to in the near future.
Patch 1.12: Introducing New Features and Multiplayer Enhancements
Released as a major update, Patch 1.12 for Farming Simulator 22 rolled out across PC and consoles with several notable additions and bug fixes. One of the highlights of this patch is the introduction of the iconic HORSCH "Farming Hero" Suit, a stylish new outfit that players can don as they tend to their fields. This addition not only adds a fresh aesthetic but also celebrates the partnership with HORSCH, a well-known agricultural machinery brand featured in the game.
Beyond cosmetic upgrades, Patch 1.12 brought a significant redesign to the multiplayer menu. The revamped interface now prominently features the new Bale Stacking and Arena Modes, offering players fresh multiplayer experiences. These modes add new layers of challenge and fun, encouraging cooperative and competitive play among friends and the wider community.
On the technical side, the patch updated the game’s upscaling technology to Intel XeSS 1.1, enhancing visual fidelity and performance on supported hardware. Additionally, the rebranding of the Ploeger AT5104 LNMS to the Oxbo AT5104 LNMS reflects real-world changes, complete with a visual update to match.
Dedicated server improvements were also a major focus of Patch 1.12. Performance issues when loading ModHub data were addressed, and several new features were introduced, including:
- Auto activation for dependent mods
- Dependent mod warnings
- Log rotation and live log preview
- Highlighting of non-ModHub mods
- Additional server performance graphs
These enhancements provide server administrators with better tools to manage multiplayer sessions, ensuring smoother gameplay and easier troubleshooting. The patch also increased the maximum number of supported gamepad buttons to 128 and expanded the number of animal subtypes each husbandry supports, allowing for more diverse and immersive farm management.
Patch 1.13.1: Preparing for the Premium Expansion and Adding a Firefighting Suit
Following closely on the heels of Patch 1.12, Patch 1.13.1 was released to prepare Farming Simulator 22 for the upcoming Premium Expansion. This update is currently being rolled out across platforms, with availability varying by system. Players should note that crossplay services may experience temporary disruptions during the rollout.
One of the standout additions in Patch 1.13.1 is the Firefighting Suit, a new outfit that adds a unique flair to the player’s wardrobe. This cosmetic item complements the game’s growing range of apparel options and adds to the immersive role-playing aspect of the farming lifestyle.
The patch also includes several bug fixes and gameplay improvements. Adjustments were made to the Kröger PWO 24 trailer, including increased available wheel configurations, enhancing vehicle customization. Issues with mod updates that occurred if the game wasn’t restarted were resolved, improving overall stability.
Significant improvements were made to the Arena Mode, addressing technical breaks, game resets, direct delivery drop calculations, and admin settings on consoles. Overloading into the Kinze trailer was also improved, smoothing out a previously cumbersome task.
For modders, Patch 1.13.1 requires the new GIANTS Editor 9.0.5 for map modding. Notably, changing the number of angle channels for fields no longer requires a separate custom shader, simplifying the modding process. Crashes related to maps with empty traffic systems were fixed, enhancing mod stability.
Players should be aware that, as with all major updates, the first game launch after updating may experience stuttering due to shader recompilation, especially when using mods or custom graphics settings.
Looking Ahead: The Premium Expansion and Premium Edition
Both Patch 1.12 and Patch 1.13.1 serve as stepping stones toward the launch of the Premium Expansion and the Premium Edition of Farming Simulator 22. The Premium Expansion promises to inject fresh life into the game with a host of new content:
- New Crops: Carrots, Parsnips, and Red Beet
- New Map: Zielonka, a Central European setting offering new landscapes and farming opportunities
- New Factories & Production Chains: Expanding the economic gameplay and production depth
- Over 35 New & Specialized Machines: Enhancing the machinery roster with new brands and models
- Four New Brands: Bringing the total to 15 brands in the game
The Premium Edition bundles the base game with the Premium Expansion and several additional content packs, including:
- Platinum Expansion
- Antonio Carraro Pack
- Kubota Pack
- Vermeer Pack
- Göweil Pack
- Hay & Forage Pack
- HORSCH AgroVation Pack
- An unannounced pack, adding an element of surprise for fans
This comprehensive edition is designed for players who want the ultimate Farming Simulator 22 experience, with all expansions and content packs included.
Conclusion
Farming Simulator 22 continues to evolve through regular updates and expansions, maintaining a vibrant player community and expanding its gameplay horizons. The recent patches 1.12 and 1.13.1 not only introduce new cosmetic items and gameplay modes but also lay the groundwork for the ambitious Premium Expansion. With new crops, maps, machinery, and production chains on the horizon, the farming adventure is set to become richer and more immersive.
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a newcomer eager to cultivate your virtual land, Farming Simulator 22’s latest updates and upcoming content promise a rewarding and engaging experience. Stay tuned for the Premium Expansion’s release and consider the Premium Edition if you want to enjoy everything the game has to offer in one comprehensive package.
For more information and to purchase the expansions, visit the official Farming Simulator 22 Premium Expansion page and the Premium Edition bundle on Steam.