Z.O.N.A: Origin News

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• [p]Improved the save system and level transitions, fixing remaining minor bugs and issues.[/p]
• [p]Fixed a bug that made it impossible to reload the PL-14 pistol after holstering it.[/p]
• [p]Almost all quest notes in the PDA have been completely rewritten, making it easier to navigate where quests were taken and where to go.[/p]
• [p]Major texture optimization work has been carried out, which should improve game stability and reduce the chance of crashes on weaker PCs. The overall game size has been reduced by 700 MB.[/p]
• [p]Rebalanced some monsters.[/p]
• [p]Additional optimization has been performed on several levels.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]For Meta Quest users[/h3][p]We have received several reports about blurry textures. Please note:[/p]

• [p]Playing via cable (Meta Link or SteamVR) partially reduces blurriness and provides more stable image quality.[/p]
• [p]Air Link through the standard Meta Link environment or Meta Link + SteamVR only partially solves the issue and is noticeably worse in quality. This is the worst option, especially in open areas and during daytime.[/p]
• [p]If you want to completely eliminate blurriness when playing over Wi-Fi, use ALVR or Virtual Desktop with the AV1 codec enabled. This option delivers the cleanest and sharpest image and is practically on par with headsets connected via DisplayPort.[/p]
• [p]This issue does not exist on headsets connected via DisplayPort — there the image is always transmitted in its original quality.[/p]

[p]Reasons:
When transmitting an image over Wi-Fi or via Meta Link cable, the system must compress the picture in real time. The weaker or less stable the connection, the more artifacts and blurriness appear. The AV1 codec provides better quality with the same bandwidth, which is why ALVR and Virtual Desktop deliver a clearer image.[/p][p]To confirm that the game itself does not cause the blurriness, try removing the headset during gameplay and check the image on your monitor. It will be sharp and clean there — which means the issue is related specifically to Wi-Fi transmission.[/p]

[p]Changes and improvements:[/p]

• [p]Fixed issues in the save system. The bug most often occurred during the first transition to the Dawn base and back, resulting in the loss of all player’s items. This was an old bug from 2024 that had been fixed before, but reappeared after the move to Unity 6. Huge thanks to user Ornstein for not only reporting it but also providing save files where it could consistently be reproduced.[/p]
• [p]Minor improvements in the dialogue system.[/p]

[h2]A small but important update.[/h2][p]Changes and Improvements:[/p]

• [p]Fixed a critical bug with the AI of factions and monsters: sometimes they could freeze during combat with each other. This issue has now been fully resolved.[/p]
• [p]Further optimized the enemy detection system for monsters, significantly reducing CPU load.[/p]
• [p]Fixed texture rendering issues on the “Outpost” level when playing on Quest + Meta Link. Who would have thought that the choice of OpenXR runtime could make such a difference 🙂[/p]

[p][/p][h3]New Features:[/h3]

• [p]The game has finally moved to the new Unity 6 engine. This should improve not only stability but also physics, as well as the smoothness of camera and controller tracking.[/p]
• [p]Now, when a bullet from enemy faction fighters hits the player, you will hear not only the hit sound but also blood splashes.[/p]
• [p]Your weapons and some items can now block enemy bullets. For example, the frying pan is useful not only for cooking :) And considering it’s cheaper than a tactical shield, it’s almost OP![/p]
• [p]Weapons can now be used to push some monsters away.[/p]
• [p]New weapon added — Baseball Bat. You can buy it at the “Black Market.” With some skill, it can help you save ammo.[/p]
• [p]New weapon added — Baseball Bat with Nails. Also available at the “Black Market.”[/p]
• [p]The frying pan has gained a second purpose: now it can be used to fight monsters.[/p]
• [p]Some items can now be used in melee combat to deal damage to monsters, not only by throwing them. To know if an item deals damage and how much, check its description.[/p]
• [p]You can now kill a monster with a can of pickles.[/p]
• [p]You can now kill a monster with a can of cocoa.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Changes and Improvements:[/h3]

• [p]Fixed an issue where the Makarov pistol could get stuck in the player’s hand.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where the Desert Eagle pistol could get stuck in the player’s hand.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where the Night Hawk pistol could get stuck in the player’s hand.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where the Glock 19zo pistol could get stuck in the player’s hand.[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where the PL-14 pistol could get stuck in the player’s hand.[/p]
• [p]Adjusted the bullet impact force on faction objects.[/p]
• [p]Fixed controller vibration when two weapons collided in the player’s hands.[/p]
• [p]Fixed applying the “Render Scale (VR)” settings in the main menu — previously they only applied after reopening the settings.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the maximum value of “Render Scale (VR)” in the main menu. Previously it was limited to 130%, now it matches the in-game value of 150%.[/p]
• [p]Increased HMG durability by 60% (by player request).[/p]
• [p]Increased damage of the Remington 870 — from 18×15 to 24×15 (by player request).[/p]
• [p]Remington 870 ammo is now cheaper: previously 10 coupons per round, now 8.[/p]
• [p]Fixed headshot hitboxes for zombie stalkers and zombie thugs. They previously didn’t match animations, making it seem like automatic weapons had poor accuracy.[/p]
• [p]Fixed and improved several shaders.[/p]
• [p]In the “Outpost” clearing mission, AFU fighters assisting you now have increased health.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]AI Behavior Changes:[/h3]

• [p]Many monsters now react to bullet impacts.[/p]
• [p]Some monsters can now be pushed away with weapons if they get too close. This not only pushes them back but can also briefly stun them.[/p]
• [p]You can now throw heavy objects at certain monsters to knock them back and buy some time. (Of course, throwing a can of pickles at a giant monster is useless!)[/p]
• [p]Changed the behavior of the “Zone Ghost” monster from the Dark faction: now it can not only cloak but also dash — either toward the player or behind them. This makes it a very dangerous opponent.[/p]
• [p]Changed the behavior of the “Phantom”: in camouflage mode, when only its glowing red eyes are visible, it is almost completely immune to attacks. You must either wait for it to leave this state or aim precisely at its eyes.[/p]
• [p]Changed the behavior of the “Ghoul”: it is now faster, can partially absorb bullet damage while cloaked, and can switch modes more quickly.[/p]
• [p]Fixed headshot hitboxes for zombie stalkers, zombie thugs, and zombie scientists.[/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h3]Adjustments:[/h3][p]Zombies can now be pushed back with enough force using the following weapons:[/p]

• [p]Riot Shield[/p]
• [p]AAC Honey Badger[/p]
• [p]AK-74[/p]
• [p]AK-74M[/p]
• [p]AKS-74[/p]
• [p]AKS-74U[/p]
• [p]AS Val[/p]
• [p]VSK-94[/p]
• [p]Barrett M82[/p]
• [p]CZ Scorpion EVO 3[/p]
• [p]FN SCAR 17[/p]
• [p]OTs-14 Groza[/p]
• [p]HMG[/p]
• [p]Huot LMG[/p]
• [p]Remington 870[/p]
• [p]M4[/p]
• [p]M16[/p]
• [p]17 “Ghost”[/p]
• [p]27 “Ghost”[/p]
• [p]Saiga-9[/p]
• [p]Valmet M78[/p]

[p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[h3]Hello, stalkers![/h3][p]Even though the game has left Early Access, I keep supporting it: fixing bugs and adding new content. I’ve carefully read all your complaints and suggestions — and I’m already working on some of them.[/p][p]In the upcoming major update, you can expect not only bug fixes but also new features:[/p]

• [p]Cans of pickles and cocoa? Once cheap junk, now — with some accuracy — they can actually deal damage to a monster![/p]
• [p]The frying pan? No longer just for cooking, but also for self-defense.[/p]
• [p]Added hit impacts — both on enemies and the player.[/p]
• [p]Weapons will feel more physical: a bullet hitting them can ricochet and maybe save your life.[/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]It’s time to end the rest and head back to the Zone.
Thanks to everyone who supported me! See you in the Zone![/p]