For those who purchased the “Gold” Edition of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown at a premium price of $89.99, the promise of early access was a key draw. Unfortunately, severe server issues marred the early access week and even extended into the official launch, disappointing fans eager to explore virtual Hong Kong and collect vehicles before the masses joined. After hearing widespread frustration from players, publisher Nacon has announced compensation—although it may not be exactly what fans had in mind.
Compensation Details Fall Short of Expectations
After initial responses to player feedback, Nacon assured fans that it was considering a compensation package that would “match the frustration” but wouldn’t disrupt the game’s progression balance. Many fans hoped this would mean an extra boost in gameplay content or in-game currency, but Nacon has since clarified the reward. Eligible “Gold” players will receive an exclusive car—a custom Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe ’86, called the “Adventurer”—alongside a set of five unique stickers named “Pioneers of the Solar Crown.”
Unfortunately, the wait for these items continues. Nacon’s update confirms that they won’t be available until the launch of Season 2, set for December. Another condition requires players to have logged into the game by October 15, a deadline some weren’t able to meet due to ongoing server instability.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While the Porsche “Adventurer” model and custom stickers aim to be meaningful exclusives, some fans feel the compensation doesn’t align with the significant issues encountered. The Gold Edition’s appeal lay in the early access window—a perk many missed out on due to the game’s technical problems. There’s a glimmer of hope for additional compensation, as Nacon mentioned it will provide further details in the coming weeks. But for now, some fans feel the response falls short, especially as players voiced disappointment over the unfulfilled promise of early access, an aspect that many had rearranged their schedules to enjoy.
In the meantime, Nacon has focused on tackling the game’s technical issues, releasing a patch on November 5 that brings crucial improvements, especially for PlayStation 5 players. The update enhances graphics resolution in “Quality” mode, bumping it up from 1080p to 1440p, although the frame rate will remain capped at 30fps. Network stability has also received some attention, hopefully creating a smoother experience for all players going forward. No downtime is required for the update, meaning players can continue to explore the game’s virtual world uninterrupted.
With Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown marking a much-anticipated return after years in development, Nacon’s approach to addressing early setbacks will be crucial in retaining the trust and engagement of its dedicated fanbase. The community will be watching closely for the upcoming announcements on additional compensation and further updates to improve the gaming experience.
