XD Opens Torchlight 2 Beta Branch With Controller Support
The optional beta also removes the TapTap.io requirement for online multiplayer, replacing it with Steam account and friends list integration.
XD has launched an optional beta branch for Torchlight 2 that adds controller support on Windows and macOS, according to PCGamesN. The developer said it plans to continue updating the game through this branch.
The first stage of the beta also fixes several crash issues, optimizes map logic to reduce loading times, adds new render scale and anti-alias settings, and corrects some translations. In addition, the beta removes the TapTap.io requirement for online multiplayer in favor of using a Steam account and friends list — a change XD plans to bring to the main branch after testing.
XD said AI-assisted coding tools allowed developers to review the game's code and find longstanding issues. The studio added that it will focus on mod compatibility and is investigating multiplayer between different versions, though it sees considerable uncertainty there.
The existing default-branch version of Torchlight 2 will remain available and will not be directly replaced by the beta branch, XD stated.
Background
Torchlight 2 launched about 14 years before this article and has long lacked controller support. XD recently introduced a TapTap.io requirement for Torchlight 2 online multiplayer prior to this beta branch.
Quick answers
What does the Torchlight 2 beta branch add?
The first stage adds controller support on Windows and macOS, fixes crash issues, optimizes map logic, adds render scale and anti-alias settings, and corrects translations.
Does the beta branch replace the main version of Torchlight 2?
No. XD says the existing default-branch version will remain available and will not be directly replaced by the beta branch.
Will the TapTap.io requirement be removed from the main branch?
XD plans to bring the change — which removes the TapTap.io requirement in favor of Steam account and friends list — to the main branch after testing.