Z.O.N.A: Origin News

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• Fixed a bug where bullets were displayed in an empty magazine. This should be fully resolved now. The previous fix only partially addressed the issue.
  
• Fixed a bug in the "Swamp" level where the enemy faction couldn't attack the player.
  
• Now, in the quest description in the PDA, if the next quest branch is locked and awaiting a game update, it will display: "Coming soon in the update."
  

Remember, stalkers: I read all your suggestions and feedback and try to respond quickly. Also, the Zone is constantly changing, and each of your ventures into it is a new challenge. Stay vigilant and careful. Good luck! There's still a lot of exciting stuff ahead!

Update 0.0130

[h2]New Features:[/h2]

• Added a new chain of story quests.
  
• Added a new location: "Swamp."
  
• Added a new location: "Outpost."
  
• Added a new location: "Shelter."
  
• Added a new achievement: "Light of Knowledge."
  
• Mines have been added to the game, currently found in the "Swamp" location, so watch your step.
  

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• The PDA has been improved: there should no longer be accidental presses when the PDA is hidden or when you take it out. Previously, settings could get reset or tabs could switch unintentionally.
  
• Fixed a bug with the display of quests in the PDA, where the text of active tasks would shift slightly to the left or become completely invisible.
  
• Fixed a bug in the "Pripyat" level with the "Mica" artifact, where it would disappear after being picked up and saved.
  
• The detection range of enemy NPCs on the map has been reduced to make encounters more unexpected. It was previously 120 meters; now it’s 40.
  
• The detection range of the Dark Ones and Guards on the map has been reduced to make encounters more unexpected. It was previously 50 meters; now it’s 30.
  
• The backpack has been slightly improved, specifically the aspect when you place it on your back. The return zone in the shoulder joint has been increased from 0.3 to 0.35, which should solve the problem where, on headsets like Quest and Pico, the backpack would sometimes end up on your head.
  
• Minor fixes and improvements across various levels.
  

Remember, stalkers: I read all your feedback and suggestions and try to respond quickly, as long as they’re not in the spirit of "everything sucks" without details :). And remember, the Zone is always changing, and each time you venture into it, it’s a new challenge. Stay alert and be careful. Good luck! There’s still much more to come!

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• The footstep system has been refined. Tests revealed incorrect footstep sounds during sneaking, walking, and running. Now everything works flawlessly, and you'll notice the difference right away!
  
• New random encounter variants have been added to the Pripyat location.
  
• The task description in the industrial zone, where you need to disable the relay on the radio tower, has been adjusted. Previously, many players didn’t understand what needed to be done, but now the instructions are clearer.
  
• Some tasks now also offer monetary rewards upon completion.
  
• The hunger system has been rebalanced. At the "Free Stalkers" base, hunger remains minimal. Night locations require more energy, so hunger has a significantly stronger impact there.
  
• The millionaire bug has been fixed. I won’t go into details about how it manifested, but it allowed players to earn too much money :) Thanks to those who reported this bug.
  
• Minor tweaks have been made to the quest system.
  

Work is also underway on new locations and quests that will be added in the next update.

Remember, stalkers: I read all your suggestions and feedback and try to respond to them promptly. The Zone is constantly changing, and each time you venture out, it’s a new challenge. Stay alert and cautious. Good luck! There's much more awaiting you!

Report from the Zone: Issue 1

• Hello everyone! I've started working on some improvements that you requested, both in the game reviews and on the Steam forum. Along with this update, two new locations will be released. One of them will be tied to the main storyline, where, for the first time, you'll be completing missions alongside one of the factions. The other location will be related to side quests. Additionally, in these new locations, you'll encounter new monsters, one of which you can already see in the screenshot.
  

I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who supported the project and purchased the game. A special thanks to those who report bugs and errors. Even though I'm working on the game alone, I make an effort to keep track of all new reviews and messages, both on the forum and in the game's feedback.

[h2]Changes and Improvements:[/h2]

• The footstep system has been completely reworked: it now responds to whether you are running, walking, or sneaking.
  
• All walking sounds have been completely changed. Previously, you walked like an ordinary civilian; now you're a badass stalker :)
  
• A bug that could prevent completing a quest line has been fixed.
  
• The left-hand pose for the AK-74 has been corrected.
  
• A bug with the "Migraine" artifact has been fixed. Previously, after being activated by the detector and placed in the backpack, it could become invisible again. This has now been corrected.
  
• Corrections have been made to the tutorial mission in connection with the addition of the ability to place more than one marker on the map in the PDA.
  
• In the tutorial mission, the detector has been moved from the drawer to the table. Based on the videos I’ve watched, no one was opening the drawer—everyone's too lazy :). So now it’s on the table :)
  
• A bug with magazines has been fixed where an empty magazine would still visually show bullets.
  
• Textures have been improved on some levels.
  
• Minor tweaks and fixes on some levels.
  
• Partial optimization has been carried out on some levels.
  

[h2]A little help from the developer:[/h2]

• To place an item (magazine) in the backpack, you don't need to take it out. You can bring the item behind your back, and it will automatically go into the backpack, where it will be neatly stored!
  
• There is no pause menu in the game when pressing a button on the controller. I made this unconventional decision in a previous project and transferred all the functions of the drop-down menu to the PDA :)
  
• When you take out a weapon from behind your back, it sways slightly—this is the weapon’s balance. It simulates weight, as holding a large firearm in real life is challenging, especially since you are not holding it by the center of gravity, but closer to the end. So when you take it out and try to grab it right away, the foregrip marker may not light up immediately, but you can still catch it and grab the foregrip. Just like in real life.
  

Remember, stalkers: I read all your suggestions and feedback and try to respond to them quickly, though sometimes it’s physically challenging—handling such a workload alone. And remember, the Zone is constantly changing, and every time you venture into it, it’s a new challenge. Stay alert and cautious. Good luck! There’s much more exciting stuff ahead for you!