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Devlog #8: Game Flow & Quality of Life in Winds of War

Hello, GZW Community,

The Winds of War update is landing this spring, and it’s packed with significant additions for both PvP and PvE players. We kicked things off with our Roadmap Reshaped stream, spotlighting some of the biggest changes—and there’s still plenty more to share.

Your feedback has played a key role in shaping our direction. In this devlog, we’re diving into Game Flow and Quality of Life improvements—meaningful upgrades that fundamentally enhance your experience in Lamang.



Game Flow Improvements


[h3]MANAGE TASKS WHILE DEPLOYED[/h3]
No more constant trips back to base — you can now accept and deliver tasks directly in the field. To pick up or hand in task items, use the newly added Combat Outposts (COPs): capturable strategic points you can conquer and use for respawning and restocking.

[h3]CHOOSE YOUR RESPAWN POINT - BASE OR THE NEAREST COP[/h3]
After death, you can respawn at the nearest COP held by your faction or back at base, allowing you to jump back into action or retreat.

[h3]SHARE KILL COUNT FOR ELIMINATION TASKS IN SQUADS[/h3]
Elimination tasks now track squad-wide progress — as long as you stay close, every kill counts, even from squad members who don’t have the task active.

[h3]PROGRESS THROUGH THE STARTER TOWN MORE QUICKLY & SMOOTHLY[/h3]
We’ve reworked the early-game flow, making the progression faster and more engaging.

[h3]ENJOY A MIX OF REWORKED AND NEWLY ADDED TASKS[/h3]
You’ll notice a mix of overhauled and newly added tasks, bringing better pacing, variety, and clarity. Updated tasks will be marked, so you’ll know exactly what’s changed.



Quality of Life Improvements


[h3]PLAY GZW IN YOUR LANGUAGE[/h3]
We’re introducing the first iteration of localization support for the following languages: German, French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czech, Turkish, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, and Japanese.
Localization will continue to improve over time, and we may add more languages in the future. We’ll keep the community updated as we move forward.

[h3]ENGAGE WITH MORE REACTIVE AI ENEMIES[/h3]
Fighting AI enemies is about to feel more immersive with new injury reaction animations. They'll now check their wounds, limp when critically injured, react to flashbangs, and even get stunned if they survive a headshot. This gives you real-time feedback in the heat of combat and helps level the playing field.

[h3]LEARN VALUABLE INFORMATION ABOUT INJURIES[/h3]
Injuries are now broken down in greater detail on the Health Screen for both your character and dead bodies. You’ll be able to identify whether the damage came from a knife, barbed wire, firearm, or a mix of sources.

If hit by a firearm, the screen will display the shot’s direction, exact projectile type, and armor penetration details.

All this information helps you understand what went wrong, better prepare for your next fight, and even infer the playstyle of the enemy who left the trail behind.

[h3]PROGRESS WITH A REBALANCED VENDOR SYSTEM[/h3]
To encourage more thoughtful and rewarding progression, we’re adjusting vendor inventories, stock levels, and the availability of items based on task completion. You’ll start with more basic gear and build up your arsenal over time, giving each upgrade a stronger sense of achievement. We’re also introducing a fourth Vendor Level, unlocking even more options as you advance.

[h3]SORT YOUR LOCKER[/h3]
In addition to packing, you can now sort your locker by item type, making it easier to keep your gear organized.



[h3]MAKE BETTER USE OF CONTAINERS AND ACQUIRE NEW TYPES[/h3]
You can now store your items (such as grenades or weapon parts) in newly added container types. We've also rebalanced existing container sizes and tweaked how and where you obtain them, making inventory management more practical and efficient.



[h3]USE SCOPES AND SIGHTS MORE SEAMLESSLY[/h3]
We’ve implemented smooth scope zooming to make aiming more natural and comfortable. Additionally, scopes and sights now appear closer to your view, enhancing authenticity and immersion in combat.



[h3]IDENTIFY FRIENDLIES FASTER[/h3]
Faction members are now wearing armbands, which makes it easier to identify allies quickly and reduces accidental team kills during intense fights.



[h3]CHOOSE TO RESPAWN WHEN STUCK WITH NO WAY OUT[/h3]
If you get stuck in a problematic spot, you can respawn manually. We're also actively working on fixing those map areas to reduce the chances of this happening in the first place.

[h3]SHOOT THE LIGHTS[/h3]
Yes, the first iteration of light destruction is finally here — you can now shoot out lights in select locations, opening up new opportunities to move stealthily and outmaneuver your enemies under the cover of darkness.



[h3]TAKE CARE OF YOUR DAMAGED GEAR—NOW IN A MORE REALISTIC WAY[/h3]
Durability loss and the repair system are being overhauled. We're removing automatic durability loss upon death or coma. Instead, weapons will now degrade slowly through use — and much more significantly when hit by bullets.

The expanded repair system introduces several options to maintain your gear. You’ll need to choose between a slower repair method (during which the item remains unusable) or newly added repair kits that restore items instantly.

The system will continue to be balanced and refined in future updates.



[h3]REPORT BUGS DIRECTLY IN-GAME[/h3]
You can now report both players and bugs through a dedicated in-game form. This makes it quicker to share issues, helps us improve the game, and foster a healthier community.

[h3]SHARPEN YOUR AWARENESS WITH IMPROVED AMBIENT AUDIO[/h3]
We’ve made several tweaks to in-game audio, including lowering the volume of fauna and waterfalls, to create a more balanced and immersive soundscape.

[h2]The Road to Release[/h2]

Many of these improvements come straight from your feedback — and we can’t wait for you to see how they elevate your experience in Lamang.

That said, we’re just getting started. There’s still plenty more to reveal in the Winds of War update. As we get closer to launch in the coming months, we’ll continue to share new features and give you a look behind the scenes at our progress. The team will be pushing hard all the way to release.

Share your thoughts—and stay tuned. More exciting news is coming, with our next devlog focused on gear and weapons.

Every Move Matters,
MADFINGER Games Team

Join the Optimization & Quality of Life Stream

Hello, GZW Community,

This week’s Dev Stream is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in this Thursday at 6 PM CET / 12 PM ET on Twitch.

We’ll be joined by Johanny Clerc-Renaud, our Tech Director, for an in-depth look at the optimization process and overall game performance. Hear directly from the source about the ongoing work to bring Gray Zone Warfare to as many PCs as possible.

Later in the stream, we’ll welcome back the game’s designers to unveil some of the most anticipated Quality of Life improvements coming in the Winds of War update (0.3).





Mark your calendars—it’s going to be a good one. We look forward to seeing you during the stream and hearing your thoughts.

Stay tuned,

MADFINGER Games Team

Watch the Roadmap Reshaped Stream on VOD & Get Answers to Your FAQs

Hello, everyone,

Join Marek Rabas (CEO & Creative Director) as he unveils exciting changes to the Gray Zone Warfare roadmap and introduces the upcoming Winds of War update. In this video, you'll learn how the game is going to evolve over the year and what led us to reshape its direction.

For immediate feedback, we've invited special guests Klean, NoiceGuy, and Tyy_Plays to pick Marek’s brain on all the new changes.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

In addition to what was covered in the stream, we’d like to address some of the most frequently asked questions from the community:

Post-Roadmap Reshaped FAQ


[h3]What happens to PvE with the Winds of War update?[/h3]

While Winds of War introduces new PvP features, PvE remains a key focus in Gray Zone Warfare. This update expands player choice and enhances the experience for both PvP and PvE players.

Winds of War will bring exciting new features for all playstyles, many of which we discussed during the Roadmap Reshaped stream. As we get closer to release, we’ll continue to share more details on what’s coming.

Although we reshuffled the roadmap to introduce PvP improvements sooner, this shift aligns with our long-term vision for the game. Player feedback has shown that PvP needs refinements, and we’re committed to delivering those improvements.

That said, we greatly value our PvE community and recognize its importance. As promised, besides Winds of War, we will release the Dark Revelations (0.4) update this year, with a strong focus on lore and narrative expansion.

[h3]How will Combat Outposts (COPs) work in PvE and PvP?[/h3]

With Update 0.3, we’re introducing capturable Combat Outposts (COPs)—strategic points you can conquer and use for respawning and restocking. These outposts will function differently in PvP and PvE:
  • PvP: Factions will battle for control over COPs. Once captured, guards will spawn to defend it. Rival factions must fight to take it back for themselves.
  • PvE: The first faction to capture a COP must fight AI defenders. Once secured, all faction members can access it freely. Guards will only return after a server restart.

[h3]How will weather affect performance?[/h3]

Like any major feature, weather may have some impact on performance, but we're working hard to minimize its rendering demands. Optimization and performance remain a top priority—they are an ongoing, long-term effort, and we are committed to refining and improving the game with every update.

[h3]When is the release date for Winds of War (0.3)?[/h3]

We don’t have an exact ETA, but development is underway. The update is planned for spring 2025.

[h3]Will you add more guns?[/h3]

Yes, you can expect four new weapons to be introduced in the Winds of War update.

Join our official Discord server & let us know your thoughts about Winds of War: discord.gg/grayzonewarfare

Every Move Matters,

MADFINGER Games Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2479810/Gray_Zone_Warfare/

Roadmap Reshaped: What Awaits Gray Zone Warfare in 2025?

Hello, GZW Community,

We are developing Gray Zone Warfare with one clear goal: delivering fun and memorable experiences for gamers, with gamers. Every major update, patch, and hotfix pushes us closer to creating the ultimate tactical shooter, and we’re just getting started.

To better align with this vision, we’ve reshaped our Roadmap, focusing on the nearest features while committing to continuous plan updates based on your feedback. We’ve heard you loud and clear—so we’ve adjusted our plans to bring more intense PvP action sooner than planned.

With the Winds of War and Dark Revelations updates coming this year, you’ll face thrilling new challenges. The roadmap offers a glimpse into the future, packed with exciting experiences that will redefine how you fight, survive, and dominate in Lamang—where Every Move Matters.

Read on to discover what’s coming next.



[h2]Harness the Winds of War[/h2]
[h3][Spring 2025][/h3]

Experience intense PvP battles and shifting weather forces.

This update plunges you deeper into the heart of the action, where PvP zones and Combat Outposts ignite battles across Lamang. You know exactly where to find the fight if you crave it. The island breathes and roars, swept by howling winds, creeping fog, relentless rain, and raging storms. With the shifting day/night cycle and unforgiving weather conditions, every deployment becomes a gamble—the land’s untamed pulse dictates every step forward.



[h2]Uncover the Dark Revelations[/h2]
[h3][Fall 2025][/h3]

Unearth new depths to the story of Lamang.

Surrounded by the resonating whispers of the past, each step you take will bring you closer to uncovering the island’s dark revelations, enhancing your engagement and making every discovery more impactful. With every new location, environmental detail, and storyline element, Lamang island becomes more vivid, pulling you deeper into the mysteries that unfolded before the PMCs arrived. But survival won’t come easy—formidable boss enemies await, ready to test your strength like never before.

[h2]Expect Battle Forge, Shadow Strike, Rising Tensions & Ground Zero[/h2]
[h3][2026+][/h3]

Lamang presents new challenges, opportunities, and tactics. Adapt. Prove yourself. Prevail.

After Dark Revelations, we will continue rolling out major updates roughly every six months, each packed with exciting new features. Our vision is to develop the game alongside the community, refining our priorities based on your feedback and steadily expanding gameplay with meaningful, impactful updates. Through relentless development, we strive to push the boundaries of the genre, delivering a deeper, more immersive experience that grows to increasingly challenge and engage you.

With upcoming updates, Lamang will evolve into an even richer, more dynamic, and treacherous battlefield, where every step forward is as thrilling as it is perilous. You will carve your own path to mastery, earning certifications that reflect your expertise and survival instincts.

Endurance in Lamang will rely on resourcefulness and adaptation—gathering materials, refining crafting techniques, and creating essential tools for survival. You'll also have the opportunity to master stealth mechanics, gaining a crucial advantage that lets you strike from the shadows and turn the tide of battle.

Beyond survival, the power struggle between factions will reach new heights, shaped by both the unfolding narrative and new mechanics designed to intensify rivalries. You will not only fight but influence the ever-shifting factional landscape, ensuring that each decision leaves a lasting impact.

At the heart of it all is Ground Zero—the ultimate battleground where alliances will be tested, rivalries will intensify, and control of Lamang will be contested. Securing Ground Zero will require skill, strategy, and adaptability, shaping a pivotal moment in the fight for dominance.



*** Please note that the Roadmap is a work in progress and may be subject to change as development and community feedback evolves. ***

[h2]The Best Is Yet To Come[/h2]

Gray Zone Warfare is only just beginning. With just 20% of the game complete, there’s still a long road ahead—more challenges to conquer, mechanics to master, and mysteries to unravel. The world of Lamang is evolving, growing more unpredictable and unforgiving with every update. Stay with us as we build and evolve, ensuring that every step forward enhances your experience.


Every Move Matters,
MADFINGER Games Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2479810/Gray_Zone_Warfare/

Roadmap Reshaped: Join Us Live for an Exclusive Look Into GZW’s Future

Hey, GZW Community,

Big things are on the horizon for Gray Zone Warfare, and we’re ready to share what’s next! Join Marek Rabas (CEO & Creative Director) as he takes you through our reshaped Roadmap, offering an inside look at the major changes shaping GZW in 2025.

[h3]We're going live on Thursday, March 13, at 1 PM ET/6 PM CET: https://twitch.tv/grayzonewarfare[/h3]

[h3]What to Expect:[/h3]
🔹 Roadmap Update – What’s next for GZW
🔹 Q&A w/ special guests
🔹 PvP Dev Event



This is your chance to see the future of GZW unfold in real-time. Tune in, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.

We’re excited to share what’s ahead for Lamang Island—see you there!

Every Move Matters,
MADFINGER Games Team