Embark Studios has released a significant update for its popular first-person shooter, The Finals, in preparation for the highly anticipated launch of Season 4 on 26 September. The new patch, designated update 3.14.0, is now available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms. Although the patch does not introduce new gameplay content, it features essential bug fixes and a comprehensive overhaul of the game’s user interface (UI), providing an improved experience for its loyal player base.
As Season 3 of The Finals nears its conclusion, anticipation is mounting for the upcoming Season 4, which promises a range of new features. While full details of the season’s content are yet to be revealed, Embark Studios has confirmed several key additions. Season 4 will include a new tutorial, an additional map, and the return of ranked tournaments. Moreover, a notable new feature will be the career sponsor system, allowing players to choose from three different benefactors to earn exclusive rewards throughout the season.
The update 3.14.0, released on 19 September, primarily addresses multiple bugs and performance issues reported by players. The patch includes fixes for animation glitches, progression problems, and inconsistencies in game modes. A significant aspect of this update is the overhaul of the team HUD (Heads-Up Display). This revamp allows players to view crucial team information, such as archetype, specialisation, and team name, directly on the in-game HUD, enhancing overall gameplay clarity.
The update also introduces several UI enhancements aimed at resolving overlapping text issues and other interface-related bugs. Notably, the skull icon used for player identification has been resized to 80 per cent of its original dimensions and now scales based on its position on the screen. Additionally, visual improvements have been made to better differentiate between Cash Boxes and Vaults in Cashout Modes, and there have been adjustments to improve the visual representation of game elements.
Despite ongoing updates and efforts from Embark Studios, The Finals has not met the expectations set by its parent company, Nexon. Although the game has generally received positive reviews—75 per cent of its 183,000 Steam reviews are favourable—Nexon has expressed disappointment regarding the performance of the Season 2 update. The game saw an initial surge in player numbers upon release, but this increase proved to be temporary. Current player averages, according to SteamDB, range between 10,000 and 14,000. This figure, while respectable, is overshadowed by other free-to-play first-person shooters, such as Apex Legends, which maintains an average of around 200,000 concurrent players.
Despite these challenges, Embark Studios remains committed to supporting The Finals. The current update, while not introducing new content, provides several important improvements that players are likely to appreciate. As Season 4 approaches, the focus will shift to ensuring that the new features and enhancements meet the expectations of the game’s community.
With Season 4 of The Finals on the horizon, the release of update 3.14.0 marks a pivotal moment for the game. While this update addresses several technical issues and introduces UI improvements, it does not add new content. The anticipated new features in Season 4, including a new tutorial, map, and career sponsor system, are expected to rejuvenate interest in the game. As Embark Studios continues to refine and support The Finals, the gaming community will be watching closely to see if these changes can drive a more sustained player engagement and ultimately enhance the game’s standing within the competitive shooter genre.
