Patch

After release, developers distribute patches to modify game files or server behavior. A patch can repair crashes, close security holes, tune balance, improve performance, add accessibility options, introduce content, or prepare for an event. Version numbers and patch notes help players understand what changed, although emergency hotfixes may be smaller and faster. Online games often require everyone to use the same version, making updates mandatory for continued access. Large modern patches do not always equal the amount of new data because packaging systems may need to replace existing archives.