14 years on, legendary ARPG Torchlight 2 is now getting “extensive fixes,” but only if you want them
Torchlight 2 remains a standout of the ARPG genre; one of the best games like Diablo to grace the PC, and a fantastic solo or co-op game that doesn’t rely on constant updates or live-service seasonal rollouts. It’s always been missing some core features, however, such as controller support, but 14 years on from launch that’s finally changing. Developer XD, which now owns the rights to the series (and currently makes Torchlight Infinite), has just introduced a beta branch, with plans to continue making updates – but don’t worry, you won’t be forced to use it.
Hearing that a new developer is making changes to a beloved old game can be scary; Torchlight 2 has been fundamentally great for almost a decade and a half, so why start twisting knobs now? To put players’ minds at ease, XD makes it clear that these new updates are optional. “We understand that the existing version on the default branch is home to years of familiar routines and cherished memories for longtime players. You may have your favorite mods installed, or saves you have been playing for years.”
It says the current version of the game as it has existed for years “will therefore remain available and will not be directly replaced by the beta branch.” However, for those who are interested, it is “renewing our efforts to maintain the game and upgrade its technology.” The first stage of this beta branch includes controller support for players on both Windows and MacOS. It also solves several crash issues, optimizes map logic to reduce loading times, introduces new render scale and anti-alias settings, and corrects some translations.
The beta also removes the TapTap.io requirement that XD recently introduced for online multiplayer, instead utilizing your Steam account and friends list – and this one specific change will be brought over to the main branch once it has been tested.
XD says it hopes to continue building on this branch with “more extensive fixes and optimizations.” It explains that this is now possible because of “AI-assisted coding tools” that allow developers to review the game’s code and catch any longstanding issues that it would have struggled to untangle previously. It stresses that any changes made “will undergo the necessary QA testing and compatibility checks to minimize the risk of introducing new issues.”
It also notes that ensuring mod compatibility where possible will be a key focus: “We deeply value the content that community creators have contributed over the years, and we hope these creations can continue to be part of your adventures.” It adds that it’s “investigating the possibility of multiplayer between versions,” but emphasizes that the differences between them means there’s “considerable uncertainty” that this will be possible.
“Through these experiments with new technology and a beta branch, we hope to bring you a refreshed and improved Torchlight 2 experience in the future,” XD concludes. “Our heartfelt thanks go to every player who has been part of Torchlight 2’s journey, and to all of you who are still writing your legends across Vilderan.”
While I’m certainly approaching this promise cautiously, the confirmation that the existing version will continue to remain available for those who want it puts my mind much more at ease. The added benefit is that this new work can be therefore treated as a labor of love, rather than someone muddling around in an already beloved classic.