Z.O.N.A: Origin News

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• Fixed several bugs on the “Dnipro-1” location.
  
• Updated the quest description for finding the hidden stash — it now specifies that the location is the Industrial Zone.
  
• Replaced the radio track in the main menu with a new one composed specifically for our game.
  
• Optimized several textures.
  

[h2]New Features:[/h2]

• Added two new types of "Charmed Ones". Their behavior is similar to regular civilian zombies but significantly slower. Despite their sluggishness, they can stealthily approach the player. Don't let their slow movement lull you into a false sense of security—they deal heavy damage and can kill with just two or three hits, especially if the character isn't equipped with health-enhancing artifacts. They appear both in the Zone and during Raids, possess high durability, and, like other monsters, are often vulnerable to headshots.
  
• Added a new side quest available from Klyk at the Dawn base after obtaining the main quest from Iskra.
  
• Added another side quest available from Sukhov at the Dawn base after completing the quest from Klyk.
  
• Added new loot—the Prima cigarette pack. It can be found throughout the Zone, in Raids, and in backpacks of fallen soldiers from various factions.
  
• Added new loot—three types of gramophone records. These can also be found in the Zone, in Raids, and in backpacks of defeated enemies.
  

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• Improved tactical laser pointers: the beam now dynamically shortens upon collision with objects and no longer passes through walls.
  
• Fixed a bug that allowed detectors, grenades, or flashlights placed in the quick wrist slots to be accidentally sold on the Black Market if they fell into the sale area.
  
• Desert Eagle pistol durability increased by three times—it now requires repairs far less frequently.
  
• Night Hawk pistol durability doubled.
  
• PL-14 pistol durability increased by three times.
  
• Makarov pistol durability doubled.
  
• Glock 19zo pistol durability increased by three times.
  
• Partially reworked lighting and shadows at the Free Stalkers base.
  
• Fixed textures of sniper rifles used by the Doomsday faction.
  
• Fixed errors in artifact descriptions.
  
• Updated and improved descriptions for several items.
  
• Clarified descriptions for several locations.
  

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• Fixed map display issues in the PDA that occurred in some locations after adding the map movement feature.
  
• Fixed a bug in the English localization where the quest to find the PDA in Mine-4 wasn’t marked as completed. This does not affect overall progression. For those who already found the PDA but didn’t get the quest completed — simply pick up the PDA again, and the quest will complete automatically.
  

[h2]New Features:[/h2]

• The PDA map can now not only be zoomed in and out but also scrolled left, right, up, and down.
  

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• The PDA has been improved. Previously, there were complaints about accidental touches — sometimes even causing a return to the main menu. This has now been fixed.
  
• Increased the artifact detection radius when using the "TALISMAN" detector.
  
• Increased the artifact detection radius when using the "OSA" detector.
  
• Increased the artifact detection radius when using the "GROZA" detector.
  
• Increased the artifact detection radius when using the "OSP 01" detector.
  
• A hint has been added on how to open the door in the "Underground Collector." The valve that opens the door for the first time will now be highlighted. Thanks to the player Maelstrom for the tip.
  
• Improved the right shoulder slot.
  
• Improved the left backpack slot. Many players don’t know, but to store loot in the backpack, you don’t need to take it out! As long as there’s space inside, just bring your hand behind your ear and release the item.
  

[h2]New Features:[/h2]

• A new location "Mine-4" has been added. It becomes accessible after receiving a quest at the "Dawn" base.
  
• A new location "Dnipro-1" has been added.
  
• A new raid location "Valley of the Lost" has been added.
  
• A new story quest has been added, obtainable as part of the main storyline at the "Free Stalkers" base. It unlocks the path to "Mine-5".
  
• Another story quest has been added, also within the main storyline. It unlocks access to the "Dnipro-1" level.
  
• A new class of anomalies has been added to the game. Unlike standard anomalies, these do not harm the player — on the contrary, they can slightly restore health or reduce hunger. You can identify the anomaly type with the detector. It now shows 3 signal types: regular anomaly — black dot, artifact — red dot, healing anomaly — green dot. Remember: unlike regular anomalies, these require significantly more time to "recharge" after triggering.
  
• The "Dark Ones" family has a new monster. Unlike the existing ones, this creature can not only use camouflage (which makes damage less effective), but also teleport, quickly changing its position.
  
• A new class of monsters — zombies — has been added. They are very clumsy and relatively slow, but deal moderate damage and cause strong radiation poisoning. Don’t let them get too close!
  
• Many locations, including raid zones, have been updated to accommodate the new monsters.
  

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• The Remington 870 shotgun mechanics have been improved. Based on your feedback, issues with involuntary reloads while walking and difficult manual reloading have been resolved. To reload, you now need to press and hold the trigger on your controller to unlock the mechanism.
  
• Fixed an issue where some items could grow in size during long play sessions.
  
• When Clear Eyes VR mode is activated in the settings, image clarity at long distances is improved. This custom effect enhances visual sharpness on VR headsets. You can toggle it on or off via the PDA settings during gameplay.
  
• Fixed a bug where the red dot from the artifact detector could remain stuck at the center of the screen.
  
• Slightly improved the stats of the "TALISMAN" detector.
  
• Corrected the ammo quantity in the box for the 17 "Ghost" and 27 "Ghost" — it now holds 150 rounds as indicated on the label (previously it held 100).
  
• When aiming the beam at a marker on the PDA map, its description now appears automatically — no need to click.
  
• Fixed several PDA map markers.
  
• Fixed an issue that prevented players from placing multiple markers on certain locations. You can now place several navigation points across all maps.
  
• Slight hand pose adjustments for the Glock 19ZO, Night Hawk, PL-14, and Makarov Pistol to improve aiming.
  
• The Night Hawk, PL-14, and Makarov Pistol now use a classic grip — as requested.
  
• Fixed an issue where the controller would vibrate when accidentally touching the Makarov Pistol while it was holstered on the waist.
  
• Improved physics on some levels and objects.
  
• Optimized and refined some enemy AI scripts.
  
• Partially reworked behavior of certain monsters.
  
• Increased health for the Dark Ones — both in normal state and when camouflaged. Tip: headshots are still the most effective.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Domovoy's special ability failed to activate upon taking damage, resulting in no counterattack.
  
• Minor corrections to quest descriptions.
  
• Increased the liquid amount in the WD-10 spray can by 25%.
  
• The hammer can now repair weapons with up to 20% damage (previously 10%).
  
• Improved weapon grabbing physics. Hand interaction with the foregrip of automatic weapons is now more accurate.
  
• Improved bullet flight physics: increased the distance before it starts to lose inertia.
  
• Fixed a bug where grenades sometimes didn't deal damage to certain monsters.
  
• Monsters now decompose on the ground when killed — no more flying corpses.
  
• Fixed a bug where the magnetic grab beam would occasionally disappear.
  
• Fixed attachment point positions for some weapon accessories.
  
• Backpack slot has been refined.
  
• Raid missions have been adjusted. Procedural generation no longer includes weapons that are not available in the game.
  
• Flashlight shaders have been improved. Fixed incorrect edge lighting on both regular and tactical flashlights.
  
• The brightness of the PDA map on the "Swamp — Zymovyshcha" location has been increased — previously it was barely visible.
  
• The raid location "Swamp" has been renamed to "Dead Swamp" to avoid confusion with the story-based location.
  
• Minor corrections to artifact descriptions.
  
• Improved performance on Ultra+ settings.
  
• Improved performance on the following levels: Dawn Base, Abandoned Tunnels (raid location), Tunnels (raid location), Military Settlement (during night runs), Tutorial level.
  
• Fixed visual issues with objects and interiors on the "Pripyat" level, especially when approaching the gas station and looking through windows.
  

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Remember, stalkers: I read all your feedback and suggestions and try to respond quickly if they are meaningful and constructive. The Zone is constantly changing, and every time you venture into it, it presents a new challenge. Stay alert and be careful. Good luck! There is still much more to come! 🚀