Ironwood Studios is celebrating a major victory—Pacific Drive, the atmospheric driving survival game, has passed 1 million copies sold in its first year. For an indie team of fewer than 20 developers, this is no small feat. Players have embraced its eerie, unpredictable take on the Pacific Northwest, navigating supernatural roadways in a station wagon that’s just as much a character as the driver.
The studio took to social media to thank fans for their support. “We never imagined we’d hit this milestone so quickly,” Ironwood stated. “This journey has been incredible, and we can’t wait to show you what’s next.”
And what’s next is a new expansion. While Ironwood hasn’t revealed all the details, they teased fresh locations, mechanics, and perhaps even more strange anomalies to encounter. Given how well players have responded to Pacific Drive’s mix of survival, exploration, and vehicle customization, expectations are high.
For those still new to the experience, Pacific Drive drops players into the Olympic Exclusion Zone, a mysterious region where reality bends and hazards lurk around every curve. Your only lifeline? A trusty, customizable station wagon that serves as transport, shelter, and survival tool. Scavenging for supplies, repairing your car, and plotting safe routes through unpredictable storms and bizarre phenomena are all part of the thrill.
Tips for New Players
If you’re gearing up for your first run through the Exclusion Zone, keep these things in mind:
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Keep Your Car Maintained: Your station wagon is your lifeline. Regularly check the engine, tires, and battery. Ignoring small damages will get you stranded in the worst places.
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Manage Your Resources: Don’t hoard junk. Scrap materials you don’t need to upgrade your vehicle or craft essential repairs.
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Watch the Weather: The zone is unpredictable. If you see an anomaly brewing ahead, consider taking a detour—it could save your life (and your car).
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Upgrade Smartly: Prioritize fuel efficiency, suspension, and better headlights early on. The deeper you go, the harder survival becomes.
With an expansion on the horizon, now is the perfect time to jump in or revisit Pacific Drive. Keep up with the latest updates through the official website and join discussions in the Pacific Drive subreddit or Discord. If you haven’t played yet, it’s available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Strap in—there’s more chaos on the horizon.
