Z.O.N.A: Origin News

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• Fixed an error when transitioning to the raid location "Metro Tunnels" — instead, it would send you to "Bunker 746." Thanks to user TiseWise for noticing this.
  

[h2]New Features:[/h2]

• Added the location “Bunker 746.” This quest can be obtained at the “Free Stalkers” base but only after completing a series of quests: “Eliminate the AFU Renegades,” “Waiting for the Dawn Guide,” and “Destroy the Obelisk of the Dark Stalkers.” Note: This quest has global consequences for the further progression of the game. The choice is yours!
  
• Notes revealing the history of “Bunker 746” have been added.
  
• Item descriptions are now available on the “Black Market” — something you’ve been asking for. You can now view item stats before purchasing.
  
• A new loot item has been added.
  
• A new monster has appeared — the “Scavenger.”
  
• A note explaining the meaning of markers and symbols on the global map has been added to the shelter at the “Free Stalkers” base.
  

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• Increased the firing rate of the AKS-74U.
  
• The durability of the AKS-74U has been doubled.
  
• Fixed an issue with one of the modification slots on the Glock 19zo pistol. If a tactical laser was installed in the right slot, it would disappear when transitioning between levels because it wasn’t saved.
  
• Updated and corrected the descriptions of some items.
  
• Slightly adjusted the Zone economy: ammunition for the VSK-94, AS "Val," Saiga-9, 17 “Ghost,” and 27 “Ghost” is now more expensive.
  
• Slightly adjusted the Zone economy: ammunition for the CQ16 is now cheaper.
  
• Improved some textures on levels.
  
• Optimized game performance in some locations.
  

P.S. The first stage of our journey, or if you prefer, the first chapter, has come to an end. From August 24 to November 25, we’ve done an enormous amount of work to release Update 0.1. During this time, we’ve added 11 new locations, numerous weapons, quests, and monsters to the game. The first chapter, which includes 15 accessible locations, including hidden and story-driven ones, is now complete. I can now move on to developing the continuation of the storyline with a clear conscience. However, even now, the game has enough content to keep you engaged for 12–20 hours of gameplay. And this is just the beginning — there’s much more to come.

Thank you for being with us and helping to make the game better!

[h2]New Features:[/h2]

• Added an introductory cutscene at the start of a new game that reveals the game's backstory.
  
• Introduced the new AKS-74 assault rifle with increased durability. It can only be found in the Zone.
  

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• Fixed a bug in the save system: when transitioning between locations with a backpack in hand, all items in slots were lost on the next transition. This issue has now been resolved.
  
• Improvements and fixes have been made on several levels.
  

[h2]Changes and improvements:[/h2]

• Fixed an issue with the automatic return of the backpack if you left it and moved more than 3 meters away.
  

[h2]New Features:[/h2]

• Now, when an enemy NPC dies, a backpack drops to mark the spot where you can loot the enemy as before.
  
• Bullet impact sounds for metal, wood, dirt, stone, brick, and other surfaces have been changed to better match real-life sound characteristics, making combat more immersive.
  

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• Based on your feedback, sounds from outside are now muffled when you enter the shelter at the Free Stalkers’ base.
  
• The factions Strike and Bandits are now allied and will no longer attack each other.
  
• Fixed an issue where items such as magazines or loot close to the backpack grab area would cause the backpack to shake and hover in the air.
  
• Fixed an issue with the backpack: if you grabbed it with your left hand and tried to transfer it to the right hand in the auto-return zone, it would still go to the slot, dragging your hand with it. This issue has now been resolved.
  
• New vegetation, including small bushes with flowers, strawberries, small shrubs, and mushrooms, has been added to some locations in the Ultra+ graphics preset.
  
• Cabinets and drawers that the player can open have been improved — previously, it was possible to pass through cabinet doors.
  
• Improved enemy faction AI.
  
• Fixed some script errors that could partially affect gameplay.
  
• Improved textures for certain objects.
  
• Made adjustments to certain levels.
  

[h2]Additional Notes:[/h2]

Game performance has been improved. Initially, I had to test the game on a 5700X processor and RTX3080 graphics card with a Valve Index headset at 80Hz and 150% upscaling. Now, I can freely test the game at 90Hz and hope to achieve stable FPS at 120Hz. The 5700X processor paired with a 4070Ti Super graphics card and Valve Index now runs smoothly at 90Hz with 190% upscaling.