If you have spent any time in the S&box ecosystem, you might have noticed that the default character models were looking a bit compressed. For a long time, the lack of necks on these avatars has been a recurring point of contention in user feedback. Garry Newman and the team at Facepunch have finally decided to address this, rolling out an update that officially grants these characters a bit more verticality.
Neck Customization and Model Adjustments
The update, which went live on September 29, 2026, introduces a new neck system for default character models. Instead of forcing a single look, the developers have implemented a slider system that allows players to adjust neck size to their preference. If you happen to be a fan of the original, neckless aesthetic, you are not out of luck; the sliders allow you to revert the model back to its original state, ensuring that the update remains optional for those who prefer the classic look.
Beyond the addition of necks, the update also tweaks the default citizen character model. The team has swapped out the previous expression for a new, non-frowny face, which should make the default avatars look a bit more approachable during gameplay. This change is a direct response to the negative feedback the platform has received regarding character design, showing that the developers are listening to the community's specific complaints.
What This Means for Your Avatar
This update is a straightforward quality-of-life improvement that gives players more agency over their character's appearance. Whether you want a more realistic silhouette or prefer to keep things as they were, the tools are now available in the character customization menu. You can find the full details of the update on the official Steam news page.
- Neck Customization: Players can now use sliders to adjust neck proportions.
- Flexibility: The option to revert to a neckless model remains available.
- Facial Updates: The citizen model now features a non-frowny default expression.
- Community Driven: These changes were implemented specifically to address negative user feedback.
While this might seem like a minor aesthetic shift, it is a significant change for a platform where character identity is central to the experience. By providing these sliders, Facepunch has effectively neutralized a common critique while maintaining the freedom that S&box users expect.