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Squad Update v9.0 Introduces Unreal Engine 5, New Factions, and Enhanced Visuals

Makavich

Created at

squad-update-v9

🚀 Introduction

Offworld Industries has rolled out Squad Update v9.0, one of the game’s biggest milestones so far. With this patch, the tactical shooter moves to Unreal Engine 5, gains improved lighting, and introduces new factions. The result is a more immersive and stable experience for both new and returning players.

🧩 Highlights of Squad Update v9.0

⚙️ Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade

The transition to Unreal Engine 5.5 brings more realistic lighting, sharper materials, and smoother performance. Thanks to these upgrades, Squad now feels more immersive while maintaining its large-scale tactical battles.

🗺️ Map and Lighting Enhancements

In addition to engine changes, many maps have received lighting and texture updates. As a result, the environments look more natural, with consistent shadows and improved foliage. These changes aim to boost visual quality without altering familiar gameplay routes.

🪖 New and Updated Factions

To keep battles fresh, new and reworked factions have arrived.

  • The Canadian Resistance Forces (CRF) appear as a new irregular group.
  • The Ground Forces of Iran (GFI) replace the Middle Eastern Alliance and introduce new vehicles and uniforms.
  • The Irregular Militia Force (IMF) now features revised loadouts and a clearer identity.

Furthermore, faction balance has been fine-tuned to create fairer matchups across all maps.

🎖️ Commendation System

Another key addition is the Commendation System. Players can now earn commendations during matches to recognize leadership, teamwork, and support roles. This feature encourages cooperation and highlights positive community behavior.

🧭 Game Mode Refinements

Game modes such as Skirmish, AAS, and Invasion have received updates to pacing, spawn logic, and capture flow. In addition, new map layers have been added to keep every round dynamic and strategic.

🧰 Modding and SDK Support

The Mod SDK is fully updated for v9.0. Mod developers can now rebuild their projects for Unreal Engine 5 compatibility. This ensures continued mod support and creativity within the Squad community.

🛠️ Ongoing Improvements

After releasing the main update, Offworld Industries followed up with smaller patches to fix minor bugs and improve stability. Players can track these updates on the official Squad website or through the Steam news feed.
Additionally, the team has confirmed that more performance optimizations are planned for future versions.

🎯 Summary

Squad v9.0 represents a major step forward for the franchise. The Unreal Engine 5 upgrade, faction updates, and commendation system together create a smoother, more rewarding tactical experience. As the game continues to evolve, these improvements set a solid foundation for upcoming content and community growth.