Exciting Expansion Announced for Pacific Drive: Whispers in the Woods
Ironwood Studios has unveiled a thrilling new development for fans of their popular game, Pacific Drive. The team, led by Blake, is excited to announce the release of a significant expansion titled Whispers in the Woods. This new addition is set to captivate players on the PlayStation 5 with its intriguing narrative and gameplay enhancements.
Pacific Drive originally launched in February 2024 and quickly became a favorite among gamers who enjoy immersive driving experiences combined with elements of survival horror. Set in the eerie and mysterious Olympic Exclusion Zone, players navigate through a world filled with anomalies and challenges in their trusty station wagon. The game’s unique blend of exploration, vehicle maintenance, and survival elements resonated well with its audience, creating a dedicated fan base eager for more.
Return to the Zone
Whispers in the Woods invites players to embark on a fresh adventure back into the Olympic Exclusion Zone. This expansion is designed to be accessible after a few hours into the main game and is integrated seamlessly with the existing campaign. It delves into the emergence of a mysterious and terrifying sect of anomaly-obsessed fanatics hidden within the dense forests of the Zone.
As players re-enter the Zone, they will encounter a transformed landscape. The woods are now populated with new, unpredictable anomalies and massive effigies adorned with cryptic symbols. This expansion takes the game’s atmosphere in a darker, more horror-centric direction, promising a spine-chilling experience for players.
Cassandra Dracott, Creative Director at Ironwood Studios, expressed the team’s vision for the expansion: “From the very beginning, we knew we wanted to take the mysteries of the Olympic Exclusion Zone in a new direction for this expansion. We received a lot of feedback and stories about the fear experienced in Pacific Drive, and with Whispers in the Woods, we wanted to amplify that sense of dread.”
In addition to the atmospheric changes, the expansion introduces a fully voiced narrative that deepens the lore of the game world. Players can expect new experiences with their beloved station wagon, adding layers of complexity to the gameplay.
Discover Artifacts
The expansion brings a wealth of new content, including items, car parts, cosmetics, junction types, and anomalies. Ironwood Studios has also added new behaviors to existing anomalies, keeping players on their toes. However, the most significant addition is the introduction of Artifacts.
These mysterious objects, created by the fanatic group within the game, are the expansion’s centerpiece. Each Artifact possesses a unique condition and effect, creating dynamic and unpredictable gameplay scenarios. For instance, an Artifact might cause your car horn to honk every time you jump, or it might incur damage when the horn is sounded. Some Artifacts offer strange advantages, while others introduce unexpected challenges. Players must strategize and adapt to the effects of these Artifacts, as they can interact with each other to create chain reactions.
Selecting the right Artifacts is crucial for survival in the Whispering Woods. Collecting multiple Artifacts is vital, but holding onto too many can awaken more dangerous elements lurking deep within the forests, adding an extra layer of tension to the gameplay.
A Major Expansion for New and Returning Players
Since its launch, Pacific Drive has attracted over one million players worldwide. Over the past 18 months, Ironwood Studios has consistently supported the game with free updates, such as the April 2025’s Endless Expeditions update, which introduced endless trips into the Zone, expanded the radio tracklist, and added the suspend run feature.
However, Whispers in the Woods is the studio’s most ambitious update yet. It offers hours of new gameplay and story content, along with an expansive new region that is nearly one-third the size of the base game. This expansion represents a significant step forward for both new and returning players, providing fresh challenges and experiences.
Cassandra Dracott emphasizes the expansion’s appeal: “We see this release as both for our longtime players and a welcome sign for newcomers. If you’ve been driving through the Zone since day one, Whispers in the Woods will add a brand-new, more terrifying take on the Olympic Exclusion Zone. And if you’re just starting out, this expansion marks the best version of the game to date with new systems and content to discover.”
Whether players are returning to their familiar station wagon or embarking on their first journey into the Zone, Pacific Drive: Whispers in the Woods promises a haunting new adventure. This expansion is set to release later this year on PlayStation 5, and the team at Ironwood Studios is eager for players to experience the chilling new story and gameplay it offers.
For more information, visit the official Pacific Drive website.
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