15 October: save loading, controls and Steam Deck fixes
Patch #3 addresses returning to the main menu when loading an online save and losing vehicle controls after accepting a mini-game invitation during respawn. Before an online retry, update both games and compare the version at the bottom left of each main menu.
It also adds an on-screen keyboard for Steam Deck lobby invitation codes, improves Steam Deck and Backyard performance, and lists crash fixes for vehicle simulation, online-session shutdown and FSR frame generation, plus environment and collision fixes.
Official Patch #3 · 15 October 2026 ↗
These are the developer’s announced fixes, not a guarantee for every old save or crash. The notes do not announce new levels or a DualSense tutorial fix.
9 September Backyard fixes: earlier patch context
The September 9 update supersedes the older Backyard status below: Firevolt reports fixes for progression, puzzle effects after loading, and antenna displays in local co-op. The September 8 player report remains a dated historical report; it is not evidence that the same issue still occurs in the latest build.
Official September 9 patch ↗ · Read the antenna checks and patch scope →
Earlier launch-week reports
Start with the version on both PCs
Before retrying an online session, follow the developer's version check on both PCs, including the one running Friend's Pass:
- Install the available update on each PC.
- Compare the version at the bottom left of each game's menu.
- Find your symptom in the updates below. Follow the linked official hotfix notes for subsequent changes.
Official patches and fix announcements
| Symptom | Official status | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Loading an online save returns you to the main menu | 15 October: a fix is announced for this loading failure. Official Patch #3 · 15 October 2026 ↗ | Update both games, compare versions, then retry that save. If it still fails, report the save, host/guest role and exact loading result. |
| Vehicle controls stop after accepting a mini-game invitation during respawn | 15 October: a fix is announced for this specific loss of vehicle control. Official Patch #3 · 15 October 2026 ↗ | Update before retrying. Check this input symptom → |
| Steam Deck invitation-code entry or performance; Backyard performance and collisions | 15 October: an on-screen keyboard for lobby codes, performance improvements and environment/collision fixes are listed. Official Patch #3 · 15 October 2026 ↗ | Use the Steam Deck invitation steps → Keep a remaining performance report separate from a failed invitation. |
| Crashes involving vehicle simulation, closing an online session or FSR frame generation | 15 October: fixes are listed for these crash cases. Official Patch #3 · 15 October 2026 ↗ | Install the update; if a crash remains, include the action that triggers it, your game version and PC specifications. |
| Backyard progression blocked, local co-op antenna displays missing, or puzzle effects missing after loading | 9 September 2026: Firevolt announced further Backyard progression fixes, antenna displays visible to both local players when either is nearby, and fixes for some puzzle effects after loading. Official 9 September hotfix ↗ | Update and compare both copies. Check the antenna conditions; the 8 September player report predates this fix. Antenna checks and patch scope → |
| Garage button progression; local co-op stuck at “Press any key” after returning to the menu | 8 September 2026 (Asia/Shanghai): the co-op/progression patch listed these fixes. Official 8 September patch ↗ | Update both copies and report the exact remaining symptom and versions. |
| Fatal Error when joining local co-op | Fix announced : local co-op hotfix. | Install the available update, then retry local play. If it persists, report your version and symptom. |
| Startup, login or lobby problems; host start button missing after being away or briefly disconnected | Fixes announced : Intel AI Boost startup-crash fix and Steam startup/login/lobby improvements, plus a fix for the missing host start button. Applies to the full game and Friend's Pass. | Update both games, compare the menu versions and retry your session. Include the failing step in any follow-up report. |
Far Beyond Driven: read the dated report with the later fix
Historical player report · later official fix
At 08:36 on 8 September 2026 (Asia/Shanghai), Daryl reported three green satellite indicators but one green and two red panel lights after that day’s update. This documents that player’s state before the 9 September hotfix; it does not prove the current version is still blocked. Original dated player report ↗
Firevolt’s 9 September announcement adds Backyard progression and local antenna-display fixes. It does not publish a universal lever sequence or promise to repair every old save. Official 9 September hotfix ↗
If you still cannot progress, compare both menu versions and record the objective, mode, satellite indicators and panel lights separately. Use the issue thread linked below with those details. Antenna checks and patch scope → Steam issue discussion ↗
DualSense tutorial input problems
Developer acknowledged
A 5 September player report describes being unable to continue through tutorial inputs. On 6 September, the developer acknowledged the issue and said it was being worked on. Another player added a report on 7 September.
No confirmed DualSense repair appears in the sources checked on 7 September. The local co-op Fatal Error hotfix addresses a different reported fault.
Next step: check the latest developer reply in the DualSense thread. If your symptom matches, add your version, controller connection and failing tutorial prompt.
Make sure the instructions match your mode
Use local split-screen when sharing one PC, or the online invitation route for a remote Friend's Pass partner.
Steam Remote Play is a separate feature. In the 2 September FAQ reply, the developer said it could not be added at that time and did not promise future support. Follow the game's own online setup above.
Give the developer a useful report
If the problem remains, include these details in your report:
- The version displayed on each player's menu.
- Whether you are using online co-op or local split-screen.
- Whether the second player is using the full game or Friend's Pass.
- Your controller model and connection type, if input is involved.
- The menu, tutorial prompt or action where the problem starts, and what happens instead.
Use the existing issue thread when it matches your symptom, or open the official Steam discussions for a different problem.
Patch #3, published 15 October 2026 at 17:56 UTC, was reviewed on 20 October. Earlier sources retain their own dates: 9 September patch and 16 September plans checked 22 September; 8 September reports retain their original check. The DualSense thread was last checked 7 September; Patch #3 does not announce a fix for that report. Editorial revision: 20 October 2026.