SnowRunner Public Test Server (PTS) now on Steam

Those wanting to install the SnowRunner Public Test Server, also known as PTS, can now do so on Steam and not just Epic. Here is how and why.

Curious what PTS is? No, it has nothing to do with stress after a traumatic event. Or biology. The SnowRunner Public Test Server is where new content such as new trucks and the maps you get in each content phase go first.

Effectively, that makes people like me and you a test dummy. In exchange for our feedback, bug reporting, general nagging and, in my case, making videos of new stuff, we get to sample things before they are officially released to the public.

Sadly, the SnowRunner Public Test Server is limited to PC as things stand. So no PlayStation or Xbox gamers can partake. And, up until the 22^nd of July 2021, PTS was also limited to those who play via the Epic Game Store.

Well, that is the case no more. As announced on the official Focus Home SnowRunner forum, link in the description, you can install the SnowRunner Beta client and play, for example, Phase 5: Build & Dispatch in the new Don region of Russia. See my Phase 5 video for more information.

How to install PTS on Steam?

How do you install the Public Test Server on Steam? Go to your games library, right click on SnowRunner then select ‘properties’ and then ‘Betas’. Select PTS from the subsequent list and then allow it to download and install.

At the time of making this video, Steam PTS is on update 15.1, which means you get the benefits of the more sizable 15.0 update and the more recent tweaks. I noticed mods now install for me, which is awesome, and there is a unique skin for the Don 71 – stuff like that.

Now unlike until recently, Phase 5 and I would assume Phase 6, Phase 7 and Phase 8 will require you to have the Year 2 Pass. If you do not, then the Don region will not show up. However, you can still use PTS to play all other maps if you have the Year 1 Pass.

Bearing in mind that the PTS changes all the time, it is worth being patient. The developers probably have a list of known issues and bugs and stuff to test so usually, but not always, issues are rectified before console gamers get a chance to play them.

Will I lose my progress?

Of course, installing the SnowRunner Public Test Server means starting the game again. Fortunately, you can use the MapRunner save editor or locate the relevant file and adjust your rank and money. I did this to save time and allow me to test anything and everything with ease.

If you want to edit the save file, then watch my ‘how to install PTS’ video linked in the description. The bit for Epic will not be relevant, but I talk about the save editing process that is likely to be similar or the same on Steam. Sadly, I have not had a chance to test yet.

As a separate client, it does not affect progress on your main SnowRunner steam alternative. Or Epic, if you would rather use PTS on there. But it does mean taking up more storage space on the disk drive you install games on.

Is it worth installing the PTS?

It depends, really. Do you want to be ahead of the game and see new stuff as it is fine-tuned and improved? Happy with a bucketload of spoilers? Then go for it. If, however, you can be patient there is something to be said for waiting until the public release.

Anything else worth knowing about the PTS? Well, it can randomly disappear or be updated or drastically changed so it can be worth keeping a back up of the relevant save file.

You may also notice some performance issues or improvements. In the past my lovely 3080 has really struggled on PTS but not the actual game and vice versa. It all depends on what the developers are doing in the background and what adjustments have been made to the code and assets in each update.

If you get active within the PTS, it can be worth signing up to the official SnowRunner Discord, in addition to mine of course, for providing feedback and critique in the relevant channels. Maybe, just maybe the issue youBe are having has not been spotted by anyone else.

On the flip-side, the more players who complain about something broken or missing the more chance there is of the developers fixing or adding it. Just remember to be polite – these are humans on the other end of that Internet connection.

And that, ladies and gentleman, is the end of my SnowRunner PTS on Steam article/video. Any questions? I will do my best to help in the comments. Or just tell me your current favourite truck because I am curious what you lot are using these days.