Extreme Tux Racer – Arctic Penguin Racing

Version 0.8.4 (May 9, 2024):

• General bug fixes and stability improvements across multiple platforms.
• Updated build systems: improved Autotools integration for Unix-like systems and refreshed Visual Studio/WiX installer support for Windows.
• Code cleanup: removal of deprecated C++ constructs and modernization of rendering code.

Support

• Github
• Wiki
• Forum

Donate

• Paypal
• Patreon
• Ko-Fi

Setting Up Your Best Runs:

• Tweak graphics settings: reduce shadow quality and texture filtering if you experience stutters on older hardware.
• Enable VSync only if you see frequent screen tearing; otherwise, allow uncapped FPS for maximum responsiveness.

Course-Specific Hints:

• Arctic Cliffs: First jump lands into a series of narrow ice strips—prioritize clean landings over raw speed.
• Penguin’s Ascent: Avoid the mid-section tunnel’s side pillars—hug the left wall slightly to maintain a straight trajectory.
• Icy Falls: Use the double-jump ramp near the midpoint; time the second jump to skim the waterfall surface for a hidden herring.

Character & Skin Selection:

• While all characters handle identically, some custom skins offer slight visual cues (e.g., contrasting “sled swinger” skins make it easier to judge turn apexes on white ice).

Building Custom Tracks:

• Place new track files in ~/.local/share/extremetuxracer/data/courses/. Each course must include a .json configuration, heightmap PNG, and optional ambient audio.
• Test custom courses with the –debug-trim flag to reveal collision boundaries in real time.

Multiplayer & Event Races:

• For LAN play, run etracer –network on your host; others can join via the host’s IP. Latency under 50 ms gives the best experience.
• In Event Mode, focus on required herring counts—ignore extra fish until you’ve met the minimum for the next level to avoid wasted detours.

Startup & Controls:

• Launch the game and select “Quick Race”.
• Use ←/→ or A/D to steer, Space or ↑ to brake, and Z/X (or N/M on Linux) to paddle for bursts of speed on flat sections.

Early Course Mastery (First 3 Minutes):

• Focus on line optimization: hug inside curves to minimize turning radius.
• Paddle on straight ice stretches to build momentum; avoid undue braking until necessary.
• Collect herrings (fish) placed along the run to add bonus points and small speed boosts.

Intermediate Techniques (3–10 Minutes):

• Jump timing: Press and hold the jump key on bumps to launch; while airborne, use paddle keys to maintain speed, then land on ice to maximize velocity.
• Corner drifting: Combine brake + paddle in mid-corner to initiate controlled slides, allowing sharper turns without losing too much speed.
• Shortcut exploitation: Many tracks feature “cut-through” snow patches—carefully drift across them to skip longer ice loops.

Advanced Tactics (10+ Minutes):

• Boost chaining: Time paddle bursts immediately upon landing from a jump to chain speed bonuses.
• Counter-steer on deep turns: As you near the apex, briefly counter-steer to maintain grip and avoid excessive sliding.
• Use Event Mode (If Enabled): Watch for color cues (red → yellow → green) indicating when to prepare for next level’s herring requirement, especially in “Event Race” courses.

Final Push & Scoring:

• In timed challenges, make split-second decisions sacrificing a minor herring for a faster line can yield a better overall time.
• In point runs, riskier aerial routes may net more herrings; gauge your confidence on jump consistency.