The recent A Desrt Gearbox Update (by Dixm and Dark Code Studio) brings major mechanical improvements to how vehicles handle acceleration, top speed, and gear shifting. This guide breaks down the Gearbox Pro, where to find it, how it affects performance, and other gameplay changes like physics tweaks and new buildings.
Whether you’re a sandbox tinkerer or racing enthusiast, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Gearbox Pro
The Gearbox Pro is a new high-performance gearbox component that can be attached to most vehicles in the game. While the standard gearbox only supports 4 gears, the Gearbox Pro offers 5 gears, allowing for smoother shifts and better performance at higher speeds.
Where to Find the Gearbox Pro
- Available in sandbox mode under the name
Gearbox Pro - Can also be found randomly in buildings, though it appears to be rare
Installing it requires removing the original gearbox—similar to removing an engine, so it’s time-consuming.
Performance Comparison
To measure how much of a difference the Gearbox Pro makes, the video compares both acceleration and top speed across two vehicles: the Lada and the Van.
Lada + I4 Carburetor Engine
| Gearbox Type | 0–60 km/h Time | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Gearbox (4 Gears) | ~12 sec | ~160 km/h |
| Gearbox Pro (5 Gears) | ~8 sec | 200 km/h |
- Shifts to 5th gear at ~140 km/h
- Faster overall, but still struggles uphill (no improvement in hill torque)
Conclusion: Gearbox Pro gives a big boost to acceleration and straight-line speed on flat terrain, but doesn’t address uphill weaknesses.
Van + V8 Van Engine
| Gearbox Type | 0–100 km/h Time | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Gearbox | ~33 sec | ~180–190 km/h |
| Gearbox Pro | ~20 sec | 225 km/h |
- Reaches 5th gear smoothly and hits redline RPM
- Comparable to performance of a Red V8 engine in terms of speed
Conclusion: With the right engine, the Gearbox Pro turns the van into a high-speed powerhouse, perfect for long straight roads.
What Happens Without a Gearbox?
The video tests driving a car with the gearbox completely removed.
- You can drive, but:
- Only first gear is accessible (no gear shifting)
- Max speed capped at 40 km/h
- You can still reverse, though limited
Implication: A crashed vehicle that loses its gearbox becomes severely underpowered, making recovery or escape difficult.
Gearbox Locations in Different Vehicles
- In the Lada, the gearbox is found in the engine compartment.
- In the Van, it is located under the battery inside the hood.
You must remove components like the battery or radiator before accessing and replacing the gearbox.
Player Movement & Physics Tweaks
New character physics have been added for more realistic in-vehicle motion:
- When turning, the player’s body tilts sideways
- When braking, the player leans forward
Note: Some players may find the tilt animations less realistic or distracting, though the braking motion feels natural and immersive.
New Gas Station Building
A previously unseen gas station building was showcased in the update:
- Original creation by A Desert / Dark Code Studio (not an imported model)
- No fuel pumps included — this is intentional for balance reasons
- Contains loot spawns, including rockets and rare white wheels
Commentary: Fuel must still be sourced from gas cans, keeping exploration and survival elements intact.
The Gearbox Update adds mechanical depth and tuning options that car fans will love. Whether you’re pushing your vehicle to its limit on a long straight or experimenting with builds in sandbox mode, the Gearbox Pro offers a real upgrade path for speed enthusiasts.
However, uphill driving remains a weak spot, and gearboxes are still vulnerable to crash damage — meaning smart driving and careful upgrades are key to survival and performance.