FreeSpace 2 Open: version 26.0.1 with Vulkan renderer released

FreeSpace 2 Open (FSO), the open-source engine for the space classic FreeSpace 2, has been released in version 26.0.1.

Following version 26.0.0 in July, this release mainly brings a new Vulkan rendering backend with HDR10 output and raytraced shadows, a switch to SDL3, and numerous improvements for FRED/QtFRED and the AI.

Features & Improvements:

Add Vulkan rendering backend, with HDR10 output and raytraced shadows

Port to SDL3

Remove the ship class limit and the weapon class limit

Add event and message reordering to the FRED event editor

Add a Reorder Ships and Wings editor to FRED

QtFred: follow system theme mode, improved keyboard shortcuts and layer updates

Improve support for gamepads

Add text-to-speech Lua API to briefing/debrief/tech room UI sections

Add command-line option overrides to options system

Bug Fixes:

Fix various multi (multiplayer) bugs

Fix AI ships getting permanently stuck after losing or refusing a target

Fix heap overrun in texture readback for the model transparency scan

Fix deferred lighting on Vulkan

Fix crash when a ship with no primary banks is ordered to disable/disarm

Fix Campaign Editor Crash

Fix three memory leaks and make the debug leak check accurate

Builds are available for Linux (x86_64 and arm64), Windows and macOS.

FreeSpace 2 Open

Source: GitHub