Physics 2.0

Jan 29, 2025

Today physics2 gets finally merged into develop. The Physics 2 update marks one of the most ambitious milestones in the history of gw2cc. After an extensive development period, we’re thrilled to finally unveil a complete overhaul of the physics engine alongside numerous core system improvements. This transformative update not only boosts performance across the board but also empowers mod developers with unprecedented control over the in-game environment.

Redesigned Physics Engine

The physics engine has been overhauled and is now much more closely aligned with the official GW2 client. While mount movement still requires significant refinement, standard ground movement is now perfectly synchronized with the official client. This improvement ensures a more authentic gameplay experience, bridging the gap between gw2cc and the original game.

Additionally, developers now have direct access to the underlying physics command queue. This new capability allows for more precise control and customization, enabling the creation of advanced mechanics and fine-tuned interactions that were previously unattainable.

Black-screen Be Gone

With the upgrade to Godot 4.4, gw2cc now has access to the newly added DirectX 12 rendering backend. This upgrade should resolve transparency issues on virtually all systems without the need for workarounds or driver downgrades.

If you’re upgrading from an older gw2cc installation, make sure to select Direct3D 12 as the Renderer in the graphics settings! This small adjustment ensures you can fully leverage the enhanced rendering capabilities.

Integrated Tutorial

To help first-time users get to know gw2cc, there is now an integrated tutorial that launches the first time gw2cc is run. This tutorial provides an overview of the general usage of the client, ensuring a smooth on-boarding experience for newcomers.

Developers can also take advantage of the underlying tutorial engine to create custom tutorials for their plugins. This flexibility empowers plugin creators to guide users through their features and functionality, making gw2cc even more user-friendly and accessible.

Extended Mod Metadata

The old plugin system was quite bare-bones and didn’t give developers a lot to work with. In Physics 2, the mod system has been overhauled to allow developers to include additional information such as descriptions, icons, authors, and versioning. This update ensures that mods are not only easier to identify but also more professionally presented.

Additionally, the metadata storage and plugin loading processes have been thoroughly cleaned up. These improvements streamline the modding workflow, making it simpler for developers to manage their projects and for users to navigate and utilize mods effectively.

Optional Navmeshes

With the updated physics engine, navmeshes are no longer required for basic gw2cc usage. Plugins and bots can now decide individually if and which navmeshes they need, resolving one of the major pain points of gw2cc.

Final Words

Physics 2 represents a significant leap forward for gw2cc, bringing the client closer than ever to the official GW2 experience while unlocking new possibilities for developers and users alike. From a redesigned physics engine to the integration of DirectX 12 and the addition of an onboard tutorial, this update embodies our commitment to innovation and accessibility.

We can’t wait to see what the community creates with these new tools and features. Whether you’re a seasoned mod developer or just diving into gw2cc for the first time, Physics 2 ensures that the future of modding is brighter than ever. Stay tuned for more updates!