The Falconeer Gets Surprise Free Remaster: Visuals & Gameplay Overhaul
The skies of the Great Ursee are looking more stunning than ever. In a surprise move that celebrates the dedicated community of its acclaimed aerial combat game, developer Tomas Sala has released a massive, free update for The Falconeer. Billed as a full remaster, this significant patch overhauls the game’s visuals, refines core mechanics, and adds brand-new content, breathing new life into the 2020 indie standout.
Originally released as a launch title for the Xbox Series X|S and PC, The Falconeer captivated players with its unique oceanic world, acrobatic bird-mounted combat, and deep, faction-driven narrative. Now, nearly four years later, Sala has applied the skills and technical knowledge gained from developing his recent title, Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, to give the original game a spectacular modern facelift. This update is available now for all PC players, with a console release planned to follow.
A Visual Revolution in the Clouds
The most immediate change players will notice is the sweeping visual overhaul. The remaster is far more than a simple resolution bump; it’s a fundamental rework of the game’s lighting and atmospheric systems. Sala has implemented new volumetric cloud technology, creating denser, more realistic, and more dramatic skies to soar through.
The entire lighting engine has been retooled to make the world "pop," moving away from the occasionally muted or "washed out" aesthetic of the original release. This results in more vibrant colors, deeper contrasts, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the vast waters of the Great Ursee. Textures have also been improved, adding a new layer of detail to the craggy islands, fortified settlements, and the majestic warbirds themselves. The goal, achieved with resounding success, was to bring the game’s powerful art style to its fullest potential using modern techniques.
Refined Combat and New Ways to Play
Beyond the graphical enhancements, this free remaster digs deep into the core gameplay experience, addressing years of player feedback and introducing new ways to engage in combat. The update aims to make the high-flying action more accessible for newcomers while adding fresh challenges for returning veterans.
Key gameplay enhancements include:
- New Marksman Class: A brand-new player class has been introduced. The Marksman is designed for pilots who favor precision and long-range accuracy, offering a distinct playstyle from the existing classes.
- Experimental Aim-Assist: To help players who found the fast-paced combat challenging, a new, optional aim-assist feature has been added. This can be toggled on or off, allowing players to tailor the difficulty to their preference without compromising the skill-based core of the dogfighting.
- Rebalanced Enemy AI: Your foes in the sky are now more formidable. Enemy AI has been rebalanced to be more aggressive and employ more intelligent tactics, ensuring that every encounter remains a thrilling test of a Falconeer’s skill.
- Quality of Life Improvements: The update is rounded out with a host of bug fixes, performance optimizations, and other quality-of-life tweaks that create a smoother and more polished experience from start to finish.
A Gift to the Community
This substantial update wasn't part of a planned roadmap or a paid DLC initiative. Instead, it was a passion project from Tomas Sala, who saw an opportunity to give back to the game's community. After finishing work on Bulwark, which is set in the same universe, he realized how much his development skills had evolved. He chose to channel that new expertise back into the game that started it all.
This act of passion reinforces the strong bond between an independent developer and their audience. By offering a remaster-level upgrade completely free of charge, Sala is not only preserving the legacy of his game but also rewarding the players who have supported his vision over the years. It’s a move that ensures The Falconeer will continue to soar for years to come.
What is The Falconeer?
For those who may have missed its initial flight, The Falconeer is an open-world air combat game where you take on the role of a Falconeer, a pilot who rides a colossal warbird. You fly through the skies of a stunning ocean world known as the Great Ursee, which is drowning in the consequences of a generational conflict.
Players choose a faction and embark on missions that range from escorting trade vessels and hunting pirates to engaging in massive aerial battles against rival factions and terrifying sea monsters. The game is celebrated for its fluid, acrobatic flight controls, deep and mysterious lore, and a striking art style that sets it apart from anything else on the market.
The Falconeer Remaster FAQ
Is The Falconeer update free?
Yes, the remaster update is completely free for everyone who owns the base game on PC.
What platforms is the remaster update available on?
The update is currently live on PC via Steam. The developer has confirmed that updates for the console versions (Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch) are in the works and will be released at a later date.
Who made The Falconeer?
The Falconeer was primarily created by solo developer Tomas Sala, with publishing support from Wired Productions.
Do I need to own the DLC to get the update?
No, the free remaster applies to the core game. It will enhance the entire experience, whether you own the "The Hunter" DLC or not.