New improvements have been made to graphics, performance/stability, and input/UI. In addition, an experimental local co-op feature has been added to the game.

Check out all the exciting quality-of-life changes that are included in the upcoming game update patch:

GRAPHICS

• Graphics Quality Improvements - Arbitrary main rendering resolution, better anti-aliasing, higher-quality post-processing effects, and a high-end super-sampling option
  
• Better Framerates - Greater gameplay smoothness with more accurate timing and animation sync at all framerates, improved frame-pacing, and high refresh rate support
  
• High-Quality Shadows - Complete shadowing revamp featuring improved standard shadow filtering without performance loss; new, higher quality filter options; resolution options; and even additional shadow casters
  
• More Depth in Environments - Implemented HBAO+ ambient occlusion as an alternative higher-quality SSAO option, providing more depth and plasticity to all scenes
  
• Improved Draw Distance - Added a draw distance setting which applies to grass/clutter, monsters, and NPCs, completely eliminating pop-in on the highest settings
  
• High-Quality Textures - Added high-quality texture pack (generated from original sources, partially with AI upsampling, and full mipmaps)
  

INPUT/UI

• Mouse Control Redone - Improved camera mouse controls, replacing joystick emulation with direct 1:1 control
  
• Individual Key Bindings - Movement keys are now individually bindable, and added a keybinding for walking (slow movement) with keyboard/mouse controls
  
• Natural Control - Changed default bindings to fit common usage by PC gamers
  

STABILITY & PERFORMANCE

• Now 64-bit - Switched to 64-bit build to address space fragmentation issues in long sessions
  
• Save VRAM - Fixed multiple video memory leaks
  
• Crash Fix - Fixed potential crash when switching between languages
  
• More Crash Fix - Improved render thread synchronization to prevent specific types of race condition crashes
  
• Faster I/O - Removed superfluous asset encryption
  
• Optimized Shadows - Improved shadow rendering performance by preventing unnecessary memory traffic
  

MISCELLANEOUS

• 100% Achievement on KB/M Control - Fixed the unlocking of some achievements when playing with keyboard/mouse controls
  
• Typo Fixes - Fixed several typos and dialogue/text issues throughout the game
  
• Cloud Save Data - Fixed slightly-too-low cloud save limit when using a very large number of saves
  

NEW CO-OP MODE

• 2-Player local co-op mode has been added
  

About co-op mode:

• Need to supply two Xinput controllers
  
• You must have 2 or more characters in the party in order for the second player to join the game
  
• SP is shared
  
• Second player does not receive the “AI cheats” (i.e. AI-controlled characters only take half damage, whereas second player in co-op mode will take the full amount of damage)
  
• Not officially supported and limited support will be available for troubleshooting
  

To enable co-op mode:

1. Open Steam libraries through the Steam client.
   
2. Right-click on Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA, and click “Properties”
   
3. Click “Set Launch Options”
   
4. Input “--coop” into the parameter and click “OK.”
   
5. Launch the game
   
6. Press “Start” on the second controller to enable second player
   

Check out the Steam sale for Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA! Save big on this epic adventure and explore the Isle of Seiren with Adol and crew today!