City Defense Z News

Only 10 days remain until the zombies break through on August 26th. The city's fate hangs in the balance, and we're about to show you exactly what you'll need to survive.

Over the coming days, we'll pull back the curtain on your survival arsenal. Each revelation will bring you closer to understanding what it truly takes to defend the last bastion of humanity.

The countdown begins now.

[h2]From Survivors to Legends[/h2]

They started as ordinary people. Citizens. Neighbors. Friends.

Now they stand at the walls, weapons in hand, ready to face the endless night. But in City Defense Z, your soldiers are more than just defenders, they're capable of something extraordinary.



What if we told you that the frightened civilian clutching a pistol could become something more? That through experience, training, and sheer will to survive, they could transform into an unstoppable force?

Every soldier in your army carries this potential. Through our merge system, three become one, but that one is something far greater than the sum of its parts.

[h2]The Power of Evolution[/h2]



Watch as your defenders evolve from desperate survivors into tactical specialists. See them grow from simple firearms to devastating weaponry that can turn the tide of any battle.

But the transformation doesn't stop there. Push further, invest deeper, and witness the birth of true legends, warriors whose very presence on the battlefield strikes fear into the undead hordes.

[h2]The Choice is Yours[/h2]

Will you field an army of many, or forge a few into legends? In City Defense Z, both paths lead to survival, but only one leads to victory.

Five levels of evolution. Countless strategic possibilities. One ultimate question: How far will you push your soldiers to save humanity?

[h2]What's Next?[/h2]

The soldiers are ready, but they need more than courage to survive. Soon, we'll reveal what keeps an army fighting when the world has ended.

Stay vigilant, Survivors...

[h2] Don't Miss Launch Day![/h2]

August 26th is approaching fast! Make sure you're ready:
✅ Add to Wishlist on Steam
✅ Join our Discord for exclusive updates
✅ Follow the countdown for daily reveals
✅ Share with fellow survivors

Official Website

Official Discord

City Defense Z Wiki

The zombies won't wait, and neither should you. 10 days remaining until the ultimate survival challenge begins!

Will your soldiers be ready for what's coming?

[h3]Hey Survivors,[/h3][p][/p][p]You’ve been waiting a long time. You played our three different demos, tested the shifting world of the game, and gave us feedback that helped take City Defense Z beyond what we ever imagined. Now this city has been rebuilt from that very first demo, keeping the core gameplay you loved but transforming it into a brand new game with a completely different challenge.[/p][p][/p][p]Behind the scenes, we worked through dozens of files named “FINAL,” “FINAL2,” and “ReallyFinal.” And now, we’re ready to show you what’s next.[/p][p][/p][p]City Defense Z launches in full on August 26th. The zombies are at the gates, and the city is counting on your command.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]

• [p]In the new rogue-lite structure of City Defense Z, every game promises a completely different journey. [/p]
• [p] Cards will determine your military strength, discoveries, and decisions—shaping your survival. [/p]
• [p]Turn your city from an ordinary defense base into a living, growing world that reacts to your choices. [/p]
• [p]Manage your citizens, soldiers, and resources to maintain that delicate balance between survival and expansion. [/p]
• [p]Command your forces with new tools: merge soldiers to create stronger units, deploy advanced classes, and push back the ever-growing zombie threat. [/p]
• [p]Stay up to date with breaking news. New opportunities, unexpected threats, and special situations await you in the “Breaking News” feed—the early bird wins! [/p]
• [p] Grow stronger after every attempt with permanent upgrades. With multiple save slots and different maps, plan your long-term strategy and turn your city into a legend. [/p]
• [p]It’s no longer just about defense—produce the food to keep your army alive, gather resources directly from your buildings, and sustain your war effort. [/p]
• [p]Face unpredictable challenges, from unique zombie types to massive boss encounters, and strengthen your defenses with walls. [/p]
• [p]Meet unique NPCs, each with their own stories, personalities, and benefits. Send them on expeditions into the unknown to find rare materials and powerful rewards. [/p]
• [p]Command your forces with new tools: merge soldiers to create stronger units, deploy advanced classes, and push back the ever-growing zombie threat.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]The countdown begins… Soon, we’ll all be counting down from 10 together. With each step, you’ll discover new content, uncover surprises, and meet a new character. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to add the game to your wishlist![/p][p][/p][p]You can learn more about City Defense Z by visiting our official website or joining our Discord community![/p][p][/p][p]Official Website[/p][p]Official Discord[/p][p]City Defense Z Wiki[/p]

[p]City Defense Z is about to transform into an entirely new experience with its most ambitious content update yet. You may not see it in the game just yet, but a major change has begun in the city.[/p][p]This update isn't just about adding new content, it breathes fresh life into the very soul of the game. Your city is no longer just a collection of blocks on a map. It’s becoming a living, breathing world that talks, gives quests, grows, and evolves alongside you.[/p][p][/p][p]In addition, we now have a rogue-lite structure. Every playthrough will be a different journey, and your cards, discoveries, military power and decisions will shape that journey.[/p][p]Meet NPCs and send them on expeditions. Merge your soldiers to make them stronger. Use the new card system to build your defenses wisely, seize trade opportunities and follow what is happening on the map dynamically. Because now in City Defense Z, every day, every decision and every detail matters even more. The zombies may still be coming, but you are no longer just defending.[/p][p]This time there is a bit of conversation, a bit of tactics, and yes, plenty of fun.[/p][p][/p][h3]NPC and Interaction Systems[/h3]

• [p]NPC Mechanic: Various characters now arrive in your city, each offering different personalities and benefits.[/p]
• [p]Dialogue System: Interact with NPCs to gain narrative depth and gameplay advantages.[/p]
• [p]Expedition System: Send NPCs on exploration missions to earn resources and surprise rewards.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Card and Trade Systems[/h3]

• [p]Advanced Card System: New card types, special powers and combination options make your strategy truly your own.[/p]
• [p]Daily Trade: Manage your resources wisely with daily changing trade opportunities.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Production and Resource Systems[/h3]

• [p]Farm System: Take control of producing the food that will keep your soldiers standing.[/p]
• [p]On Building Resource Gathering: Buildings are now not only for defense but also production hubs.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Map and Visual Improvements[/h3]

• [p]New Map: Defend your city in a brand new region.[/p]
• [p]Breaking News: Track dynamic events and notifications directly from the map.[/p]
• [p]Visual Effects: Enhanced effects make battles more cinematic than ever.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Enemy and Combat Systems[/h3]

• [p]New Zombie Types: Face special zombies, each offering a different challenge.[/p]
• [p]Boss Battles: Confront massive boss enemies that will push your limits.[/p]
• [p]Barrier Walls: Create strategic defensive lines on the battlefield.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Soldier and Combat Mechanics[/h3]

• [p]Soldier Merge System: Combine soldiers of the same type to create stronger units.[/p]
• [p]New Soldier Types: Strengthen your defense line with advanced classes.[/p]
• [p]Improved Targeting: Aircraft now have smarter and more strategic targeting abilities.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Progression and Save System[/h3]

• [p]Save Slots: Different maps, different strategies, different saves.[/p]
• [p]Permanent Upgrades: Long term progression with upgrades that carry over between games.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]UI and UX Innovations[/h3]

• [p]Renewed Interface: A brand new look and improved user experience in both gameplay and menus.[/p]

[p][/p][p]We cannot wait for you to experience all these new features very soon. 🧱🧟‍♀️[/p][p]Do not forget to add it to your wishlist.[/p][p]
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]Dear Survivors,
[/p][p]With City Defense Z, we are entering a brand-new era in this tough but thrilling journey we’ve embarked on together. Today, we’ll share with you the major innovations and systemic transformations coming to City Defense Z in the upcoming period. Which mechanics are evolving, which systems are being introduced for the first time, and what maps await you... All are covered in this roadmap.
[/p][p]But first, let’s take a brief look back.
In the past few months, we launched the demo and had the chance to test the core gameplay thanks to your valuable feedback. Then we made an important decision: we took down the demo. The reason? The updates we made began to fundamentally change the core dynamics of the game. The demo, in its current form, no longer represented this new structure, and we didn’t want it to create a misleading first impression.
[/p][p]During this process, we re-evaluated the core design of City Defense Z, and the game has now evolved into a rogue-lite structure. With permanent progression systems, a replayability-focused design, and ever-changing strategic decisions every run, we aim to deliver a deeper and longer-lasting experience. Now it’s time to explore where this world will evolve together.[/p][p][/p][h2]Upcoming Features & Updates
[/h2][p][/p][h3]Building System Expansion[/h3][p]The city-building process is now deeper and more tactical. With new building types, a 5-level merge system, and daily cards, every move requires a plan. With reroll and utility cards, full control of the city is in your hands.[/p]

• [p]Add 2 New Building Types: Laboratory (blue) and House (gray) buildings[/p]
• [p]Complete 5-Level Merge System: All buildings can now merge up to Level 5[/p]
• [p]Daily Card System: 3 random building cards per day with strategic choices[/p]
• [p]Card Reroll Feature: Reroll daily cards for better options (upgradeable through research)[/p]
• [p]Building Utility Cards: Relocation and Direct Level-Up cards for flexibility
  [/p]

[h3]Combat System Overhaul[/h3][p]With the advanced combat system, every detail has been redesigned. Soldiers can now be merged just like buildings. You'll be able to strengthen units through a five-stage evolution chain from pistols to flamethrowers. With zombie variety, new defensive structures, and interactive mechanics, nighttime battles become far more deep and tactical.[/p]

• [p]5-Level Soldier Evolution: Soldiers can merge from Pistol → Shotgun → Assault Rifle → Minigun → Flamethrower[/p]
• [p]Population System: Housing capacity limits and soldier management[/p]
• [p]Enhanced Weapons: Mortar artillery and additional defensive structures[/p]
• [p]Booster System: Zombies will drop boosters during combat for tactical advantages[/p]
• [p]Zombie Hole Mechanic: Interactive holes appear at night requiring tapping and airbombs to seal[/p]
• [p]Advanced Enemy System: Boss encounters and multiple zombie types with unique tactics
  [/p]

[h3]Complete Resource Economy[/h3][p]The economy system is being completely revamped. Resources will now be actively collected, and five different currencies (resources, ammo, food, research points, and population) will work in an interconnected way. You’ll need to farm to feed your population otherwise, hunger penalties will directly affect game balance.[/p]

• [p]5 Currency Types: Resource, Ammunition, Food, Research Points, Population[/p]
• [p]Food System: Crop farming, hunger penalties, population sustenance[/p]
• [p]Manual Collection: Active resource management gameplay[/p]
• [p]Economic Balance: Interconnected resource relationships
  [/p]

[h3]Meta Progression System[/h3][p]City Defense Z is getting a permanent progression system. With 8 different upgrade trees and over 40 permanent upgrades, every run will make you stronger. Using research points, you’ll be able to extend your strategy long-term and shape your own playstyle.[/p]

• [p]8 Upgrade Trees: Buildings, Soldiers, Food, Walls, Expeditions, Reroll, Airstrikes, Research[/p]
• [p]40+ Permanent Upgrades: Persistent progression across all runs[/p]
• [p]Research Point Generation: Laboratory buildings and expedition rewards[/p]
• [p]Strategic Depth: Meaningful choices for build customization
  [/p]

[h3]Map Progression Campaign[/h3][p]Map variety is coming to City Defense Z, and each one offers a brand-new tactical experience. From abandoned cities to military complexes, research facilities to medical zones, these maps differ in difficulty, environmental conditions, and story progression.[/p]

• [p]Map 2 - Urban: Abandoned city with medical district (75-day survival)[/p]
• [p]Map 3 - Industrial: Military complex with structured facilities (90-day survival)[/p]
• [p]Map 4 - Laboratory: Research facility for vaccine development (100-day survival)[/p]
• [p]Story Integration: Connected narrative across all maps[/p]
• [p]Environmental Challenges: Unique tactical requirements per map
  [/p]

[h3]NPC Community System[/h3][p]A brand-new character-driven system is coming. Your base now comes alive with 8 unique NPCs. Each has voice-acted interactions and actively moves around the base, providing strategic support in four specialization areas: farming, military, research, and expeditions.[/p]

• [p]8 Unique NPCs: Elena “Greenhouse” Vasquez, “Iron” Pete Morrison, Captain Alexis “Fortress” Kane, “Boom” Rodriguez, Dr. “Quantum” Kim Nakamura, “MacGuyver” Thomas Wright, “Shadow” Maria Santos, “Compass” Jake Harrison[/p]
• [p]4 Specialist Groups: Farm, Military, Research, Expedition specializations[/p]
• [p]Voice-Acted Dialogue: Immersive character interactions with radio static effects[/p]
• [p]Living Base: NPCs move around your base and provide strategic buffs
  [/p]

[h3]Expedition System[/h3][p]The expedition system brings strategic mission management to the game. NPCs are sent out on the map to gather resources; the higher the mission risk, the greater the reward. Team composition directly affects success rates, and failure can mean permanent character loss.[/p]

• [p]Resource Gathering Missions: Send NPCs to collect materials[/p]
• [p]Risk/Reward Mechanics: Higher rewards for more dangerous expeditions[/p]
• [p]NPC Permadeath: Emotional stakes with permanent character loss[/p]
• [p]Strategic Planning: Team composition affects expedition success
  [/p]

[h3]World Events System[/h3][p]The world events system integrates storytelling with mission progression. The Commander in your base provides tactical insights, while the World News Speaker enhances the post-apocalyptic atmosphere. This system offers clear objectives, staged progression, and a narrative experience beyond survival.[/p]

• [p]Dual NPC Announcements: Base Commander (tactical) + World News Speaker (atmosphere)[/p]
• [p]Apocalyptic Atmosphere: Global situation deterioration updates[/p]
• [p]Mission Progress: Clear objectives with story integration[/p]
• [p]Immersive Storytelling: Deep narrative experience beyond survival
  [/p]

[h3]Competition & Achievements[/h3][p]With the competition and achievement system, you’ll be able to test your skills. Earn your place on the global Steam leaderboards and complete over 100 achievements to gain research points. Participate in weekly and monthly survival challenges to conquer difficult goals and unlock permanent progression advantages.[/p]

• [p]Steam Leaderboards: Global ranking system for competitive play[/p]
• [p]100+ Achievements: Survival milestones, building mastery, combat challenges[/p]
• [p]Research Point Rewards: Achievements boost progression[/p]
• [p]Elite Challenges: Advanced goals for dedicated players[/p]
• [p]Survival Challenges: Weekly/monthly competitive events
  [/p]

[h3]Traveler Trading System[/h3][p]With the traveler trader system, you’ll be able to trade your resources strategically. Random merchants will visit your base, offering rare items and unique upgrades that deepen your economic management.[/p]

• [p]Merchant Visits: Random trader encounters[/p]
• [p]Resource Exchange: Strategic trading opportunities[/p]
• [p]Rare Items: Unique upgrades and bonuses[/p]
• [p]Economic Depth: Advanced resource management
  [/p]

[h3]Visual & Audio Polish[/h3][p]With visual and audio enhancements, you’ll experience the game more smoothly and immersively. All models will be overhauled, sound design will be completely revamped, the UI will be more accessible, and performance improvements will ensure smooth gameplay across all systems.
[/p]

• [p]Enhanced Models: All current assets get visual upgrades[/p]
• [p]Sound Design: Comprehensive audio overhaul[/p]
• [p]UI/UX Improvements: Streamlined interface and accessibility[/p]
• [p]Performance Optimization: Smooth gameplay across all systems[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Additional Content[/h3][p]There will always be something new to discover with fresh content. Take part in seasonal events, expand your specialist groups with new NPCs, face new challenges in bonus maps, and enjoy community-requested features.[/p]

• [p]Seasonal Events: Special time-limited challenges[/p]
• [p]New NPC Characters: Expand specialist groups[/p]
• [p]Bonus Maps: Additional environments and challenges[/p]
• [p]Community Features: Player-requested improvements[/p]

[h2]What This Means for Players[/h2][p]With all these developments, City Defense Z will offer a much deeper and more satisfying gameplay experience. Strategic decision-making will diversify through enhanced building and combat systems, the resource economy will become more balanced with meaningful choices, and night battles will be more interactive with booster drops and zombie hole mechanics. With permanent meta upgrades, every run will contribute to long-term progression. The four-map story campaign will offer a structured narrative, while achievement systems provide clear goals and permanent rewards. Steam leaderboards will support competitive play, and the new voiced NPC system will make your base more lively and personal. When all these systems come together, City Defense Z will no longer be just about survival it’ll become a living, evolving, and deep world experience.[/p][p][/p][h3]Community & Wiki Support[/h3][p]To strengthen our bond with the player community, we’ve launched an official City Defense Z Wiki page! You’ll find tactics, character details, building information and more. city-defense-z.fandom.com/
[/p][h3]Stronger Together[/h3][p]Thanks to your support during the demo period, we continue building this grand vision. New content is on the way and we need your strength now more than ever.[/p][p]
– The City Defense Z Team[/p][p]
[/p]

[p]Greetings, fellow survivors!

Throughout the development of City Defense Z, we have tested many different demo versions. We participated in various events with each one and carefully examined the feedback we received from you. After all these experiences, we have decided to return to the original demo version, which was the most loved and built on the strongest foundations.
[/p][p][/p][h3]City Defense Z is going back to its roots![/h3][p]This version brings back the core and exciting experience where you place buildings using cards, defend your city against zombies at night, and make meaningful decisions at every step. During the day, you build barracks, factories, and ammo workshops using the cards you receive.By merging buildings of the same type, you upgrade them, balance your resources, and prepare for the night. But when night falls, zombies attack in unforgiving waves.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]From now on, we will continue our development process based on this original demo version.This is the beginning of a new chapter in which the game has a clear vision and steady progress shaped by your feedback. Your comments and playtest insights were the biggest influence in making this decision. So this is not just our decision, it is a collective one. 🤝[/p][p][/p][p]Your support means a lot to us. With new content, improvements, and surprises on the way, we will continue shaping City Defense Z together.
[/p][p]Stay with us, keep sharing your thoughts, and let’s build this game as a community. 🧟‍♂️[/p][p]
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]