Returnal Patch 1.3.3 Taken Down After Critical Save File Error Discovered

Update 05/06 - Housemarque has set patch 1.3.4 live, which reverts the game to version 1.3.1, the last known stable build. This addresses a known Trophies issue and fixes the keyboard exploit. "All save games are safe to be played now" with patch 1.3.4, the developer said. Details on patch 1.3.5 will be provided in "the near future". Update (5/05/21 2:25 pm PT) Following the update there are reports of a critical save file error occurring, preventing players from progressing on their run. Developer Housemarque says it is aware of this error and has announced it is rolling back Patch 1.3.3 back to version 1.3.1.

Patch 1.3.3 has been pulled and we are reverting back to 1.3.1 until it's fixed.

We are fixing the issue now and a new patch will be published in a few hours All users affected by the 1.3.3 need to re-download the game. Our sincerest apologies. — Housemarque (@Housemarque) May 5, 2021

Players who installed the latest patch will need to re-install the game to revert back to the previous patch, so if your game auto-updated to the newest patch you should check your version number to see if you'll need to revert to an older one. Housemarque says it will keep working on Patch 1.3.3 until it is fixed. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Update (5/05/21 11:30 am PT) Housemarque has released the patch notes for today's 1.3.3 patch and it brings fixes to trophy issues, stability, preorder bonuses, and more. Here's what you can expect in today's 1.3.3 patch for Returnal:

• Fixed an issue where certain trophies might not unlock under specific gameplay conditions. Note: missing trophies will need to be replayed to unlock.
• Multiple stability fixes addressing rare crashes/hangs
• Fixed an issue with preorder suits occasionally blocking item collection and door opening.
• Fixed an incorrect healing behavior when resting in Helios.
• Configuration changes to increase the number of scout corpses available in all biomes.
• Fixed issues with certain custom controller mappings.
• Numerous minor fixes and improvements.

[poilib element="accentDivider"] Original story (5/04/21): Housemarque has warned Returnal players who wish to keep their current run to turn off PS5's auto-update feature as a new patch will go live tomorrow, May 5, at 12pm PT/3pm ET/8pm BST. Housemarque shared the news on Twitter, and the warning is necessary because Returnal does not let you save during its runs, some of which can take two to three hours. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/04/29/returnal-review"] The only way to currently save your place in a Returnal run is to put your PS5 into Rest Mode. While this is great in theory, an auto-update will reset the game and erase your run from existence. While they haven't committed to any changes, Housemarque did say that "we hear the community and we love you all. Nothing to announce now, but keep playing and enjoying the challenge as you can!" In our review of Returnal, we said, "Its roguelike runs are too long and it needs a way to save in the middle of them, but Returnal's third-person shooter action, clever story, and atmosphere are excellent." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/04/30/returnal-20-essential-combat-tips"] For more on Returnal, check out the game director's comments on how difficulty is an "integral part" or Housemarque's philosophy and some essential tips and tricks to get you started. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.