# Insurgency: Sandstorm Update 1.19 Operation: Shell Shock - Hotfix 1

- Product: Insurgency: Sandstorm (https://whatsnew.fyi/product/insurgency-sandstorm)
- Vendor: New World Interactive
- Date: 2025-11-17
- Original notes: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/581320/view/601921116586377934
- Permalink: https://whatsnew.fyi/product/insurgency-sandstorm/releases/2025-11-17-update-1.19-operation-shell-shock-hotfix-1

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- **changed** — Applied backend improvements to matchmaking to alleviate servers not properly repopulating and players getting stuck on Preparing Server
- **changed** — Moved Ambush and Skirmish game modes from permanent playlists to time-limited playlist starting November 17, 2025
- **fixed** — Fixed motion blur toggling not correctly applying the effect
- **fixed** — Fixed uniform camouflage incorrectly applied to knee pads on combat pants
- **fixed** — Fixed some color variations unable to be applied to customization items
- **fixed** — Fixed bots in Hardcore Checkpoint game mode differing from previous versions
- **fixed** — Fixed Security commander receiving instant confirmation for fire support without intended delay
- **fixed** — Fixed new players unable to join Frontline mode when all Rifleman slots were filled
- **fixed** — Fixed weapon upgrades not being saved in Loadouts if a Class preset was created
- **fixed** — Fixed extra scenario selection buttons present in the local play menu
- **fixed** — Fixed S12K drum magazine reload animation not synchronized with HUD
- **fixed** — Fixed Climber gear set incorrectly named Vandal in the store tab
- **fixed** — Fixed DLC unlock pop-ups appearing with delay after activation
- **fixed** — Fixed end-of-match vote screen missing in Versus modes
- **fixed** — Fixed players not receiving rewards for linking PROS
- **fixed** — Fixed crash occurring when loading replays on Gap
- **fixed** — Fixed dedicated server crashes
- **changed** — Updated the Anti-Cheat Splash Screen

Hey everyone!

We hope you’re enjoying the new update! The team has been working hard since the release of Operation: Shell Shock to identify key issues that are impacting player experience that require our attention. In addition to the fixes included in this hotfix, we’ve applied several backend improvements to matchmaking that should alleviate some of the issues that began in September, such as servers not properly repopulating (also known as “lobby decay”) and players getting stuck on “Preparing Server” indefinitely. We are also keeping a close eye on the IED, something’s up with that thing; that must be why they call it “improvised”, huh.

Thank you for your continued support!

##### PLAYLIST CHANGES

Starting November 17, 2025, we are moving Ambush and Skirmish away from the permanent playlists to the time-limited playlist. As of now, these game modes are consistently the two least popular. Our goal here is to concentrate the player base within our core game modes to hopefully further alleviate issues with finding servers in less populated regions.

##### RESOLVED ISSUE

##### Art & Graphics

- Fixed an issue where toggling motion blur did not correctly apply the effect.

- Fixed an issue where uniform camouflage was incorrectly applied to the knee pads on combat pants.

- Fixed an issue where some color variations could not be applied to customization items.

##### Gameplay

- Fixed an issue where bots in Hardcore Checkpoint game mode differed from previous versions.

- Fixed an issue where the Security commander received instant confirmation for fire support without the intended delay.

- Fixed an issue where new players could not join Frontline mode when all Rifleman slots were filled.

##### UI/UX

- Fixed an issue where weapon upgrades were not being saved in Loadouts if a Class preset was created.

- Fixed an issue where extra scenario selection buttons were present in the local play menu.

- Fixed an issue where the S12K drum magazine reload animation was not synchronized with the HUD.

- Fixed an issue where the "Climber" gear set was incorrectly named "Vandal" in the store tab.

- Fixed an issue where DLC unlock pop-ups appeared with a delay after activation.

- Fixed an issue where the end-of-match vote screen was missing in Versus modes.

##### Miscellaneous

- Fixed an issue where players were not receiving rewards for linking PROS.

- Fixed an issue where a crash occurred when loading replays on Gap .

- Fixed an issue causing dedicated server crashes.

- Updated the Anti-Cheat Splash Screen.