Studio 397 has released Le Mans Ultimate 1.4.1.3, temporarily rolling back several networking changes introduced with Version 1.4 while development of its Reliable UDP system continues.
The update follows several weeks of work on Le Mans Ultimate’s online infrastructure after Version 1.4 launched on July 28.
Studio 397 says some of the initial connection problems were addressed by subsequent patches, but certain connection types are still experiencing issues during online races.
Le Mans Ultimate returns to its previous networking setup
Version 1.4 replaced TCP game connections with Reliable UDP, or RUDP, as part of a wider overhaul of Le Mans Ultimate’s online infrastructure.
With Version 1.4.1.3, Studio 397 has decided to temporarily return regular servers to the previous networking configuration while further work continues on RUDP.
The problems do not appear to affect every player or every online session. Studio 397 is investigating how different connection types and network conditions interact with the newer system.
The change is particularly relevant after recent discussion around Le Mans Ultimate’s netcode and car-to-car contact behaviour.
RUDP has not been abandoned
The rollback does not mean Studio 397 is dropping RUDP.
The developer still believes the protocol can help reduce disconnects and address limitations in the previous networking system, but more testing is required before it returns to regular servers.
Dedicated public RUDP test sessions are planned over the coming weeks. These sessions will allow Studio 397 to collect data from players using different internet providers, connection types and locations.
Regular Le Mans Ultimate servers will use the previous networking configuration while those tests take place.
Version 1.4.1.3 fixes a server lock-up problem
The update also addresses a netcode-related issue that could cause servers to become stuck or lock up.
Studio 397 will continue gathering connection data while working towards a more stable implementation of its revised networking system.
Previous Version 1.4 hotfixes had already introduced RUDP optimisations and increased networking thread counts in an attempt to improve online stability.
More diagnostics added for the brake duct issue
Version 1.4.1.3 also adds additional logging for the brake duct problem reported since the Version 1.4 update.
The issue can cause the selected brake cooling configuration to behave incorrectly during a session, resulting in abnormal brake temperatures.
Version 1.4 introduced a revised braking system with changes to brake thermals and brake pad performance, making the current brake duct investigation particularly relevant.
A permanent fix has not yet been announced.
The additional logging is intended to help Studio 397 identify when the problem occurs and what conditions trigger it.
September update will focus heavily on fixes
Studio 397 has also outlined its priorities for the next major Le Mans Ultimate update, currently planned for late September.
The release is expected to add two more US circuits as the American content programme continues following Daytona and Laguna Seca in Version 1.4.
Much of the remaining development work will focus on bug fixes, design issues and underlying technical problems.
Critical fixes do not necessarily have to wait until the September update and can still arrive earlier through hotfixes.
Le Mans Ultimate 1.4.1.3 is available now
Le Mans Ultimate 1.4.1.3 is available now, with regular servers temporarily returning to the previous networking configuration while RUDP development continues.
The update also fixes the server lock-up issue and adds further diagnostics for the brake duct problem.
Studio 397 has not given a date for RUDP to return to regular servers.
You can follow the latest patches and developer changelogs through the official Le Mans Ultimate Steam announcements.
For more coverage, see our Le Mans Ultimate news and guides.
See you on the track!
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