Fast answer
The answer before the background
The Creeper World 4 update history begins with the Windows release on December 3, 2020. Official announcements show version 2.4.9 in November 2022, version 2.5.1 on May 23, 2024 with additional 4RPL commands and fixes, and a Unity DLL security patch on October 15, 2025. Creeper World IXE launched December 12, 2024 as a separate series installment; it is not the latest CW4 version or DLC and its pixel-level systems do not replace CW4's 3D maps.
Ledger
Date the change and name the product
| Date | Product event | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| December 3, 2020 | Creeper World 4 released | Original Windows launch date. |
| November 3, 2022 | Version 2.4.9 notes | Feature, bug and 4RPL updates. |
| June 24, 2023 | IXE announced | A next installment, not a CW4 patch. |
| May 23, 2024 | CW4 version 2.5.1 | New scripting commands, menu image support and fixes. |
| December 12, 2024 | Creeper World IXE released | Separate Steam product. |
| October 15, 2025 | CW4 Unity patch | Security-related DLL update. |
Version check
Do not infer a version number from the newest news headline
The 2025 Unity announcement describes a DLL security update but does not publish a new semantic version in the visible note. Version 2.5.1 remains the last explicit version number in the checked announcement list. The installed client and Steam build history are the authority if a support report needs an exact executable build.
Custom map compatibility can include its own version field. A map uploaded after new 4RPL commands may not run in an older client. Update through Steam, preserve a save and reproduce the issue without unsupported modifications before declaring the map broken.
Comparison
CW4 versus IXE is 3D terrain strategy versus pixel-scale simulation
Creeper World 4 builds around 3D height, line of sight, land/air/orbital weapons and a large custom-map ecosystem. IXE simulates at the pixel level and is sold as the next installment. Players searching 'CW4 vs IXE' should compare terrain scale, unit interaction and scenario style, not assume IXE is a free engine upgrade.
The series bundle can include both products, but ownership and save data remain product-specific. Patch notes for one app do not prove a unit, achievement or platform feature exists in the other. This page therefore keeps IXE news on the release ledger and leaves build guidance in the correct game hub.
FAQ
Common questions
When was Creeper World 4 released?
December 3, 2020.
What is the latest named version in the checked announcements?
Version 2.5.1 is the latest explicit version number shown; a later Unity security patch was announced in October 2025.
Is Creeper World IXE a CW4 update?
No. IXE is a separate installment released on December 12, 2024.
Why will a new custom map not open?
Update the game and check the map's required version and packages because newer 4RPL features may be incompatible with an old build.
Sources
What we checked
Official listings establish current availability and product facts. Community pages are used for mechanics and build history, then labeled separately.
- OfficialOfficial Steam listing
- OfficialOfficial Knuckle Cracker product page
- OfficialOfficial Steam announcements