Disclaimer: As part of the Kepler Creator Program, I was granted a key for the PS5 version of the DLC. I previously purchased the base game last year on my own.
Like a lot of people, I was surprised to see a teaser of new content back in September, only for them to shadow drop it a week before Halloween. It’s only fitting, to be fair. Ironwood continued to be the bearer of great news by also announcing that Pacific Drive would be releasing on Xbox and arriving for subscribers on Xbox Game Pass.
I was super happy to see more people get the opportunity to experience the greatness that is Pacific Drive. Now, back to the topic at hand: the new content.
You won’t be able to access it until you complete a few missions in the base game. Only then will you get a notification. I’m going to try to keep this as general as possible to avoid spoilers, but there are some significant differences.
With the base game, things are fairly straightforward: pick a route, scavenge materials, and of course, pick up energy nodes so you can return to your garage safe and sound while progressing the story. Whispers in the Woods is an entirely new experience.
In the upper-left corner, you’ll find a Tide bar that steadily fills based on your current synergy level. To boost synergy, you’ll need “attuned” versions of standard car parts—like crude, steel, and insulated components. Crafting these requires attuned materials, which are exclusively found in the Whispering Woods. As a result, the gear needed for your car is largely distinct from what’s used in the main game area. This separation allows the content to be equally enjoyable whether you’re starting fresh or continuing from an existing save.
The expansion also introduces Altars. Across the various routes you take, you’ll find altars that may contain attuned car parts or another new item called Artifacts. These artifacts have multiple uses. Artifacts randomly give out quirks to make your journey more… interesting. Some may make lightning strike near you or even honk your horn continuously if you aren’t submerged in water. It’s not all bad, though—some can even boost your engine.
Each artifact you carry reduces your effective synergy, causing the Tide gauge to fill more quickly. Some altars allow you to sacrifice a number of artifacts; in return, you receive a bounty that you can grind up in your garage for attuned mats or trophies to mount. Artifacts also act as WITW’s version of energy nodes. Sacrifice them at certain altars and you’ll open a portal to your garage.
The new expansion also introduces mysterious figures that chase you throughout the DLC, adding even more tense moments to an already impressive atmosphere.
Overall, the DLC adds about 8–10 hours of story. With new additions to car parts, a different environment, and an entirely new narrative, Whispers in the Woods adds a fresh layer to the already impressive Pacific Drive. Don’t hesitate, give it a shot whether you’re on Xbox, PS5, or PC!