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Survive the Nights News

1.35 Update (Skill Books | Single Player Improvements | Quality of Life +)

Today we’ll be releasing our 1.35 build to default so everyone can jump on and help us test it out. There have been some really nice additions along with some well needed fixes. It’s been just under a month since our last default update but we feel like 1.35 provides some fantastic gameplay additions, including skill books, new structures and general quality of life improvements. The blog below highlights some of these changes but as always be sure to check out the full changelog at the end of the blog or here. Please test against the changelog and come join us on Discord, you can yell at us there about things that a broken, ideas you have or anything else really :)

[h3]Skill Books[/h3]
In 1.34 we introduced the knowledge system. Changing the gameplay style to a points based system, allowing players to progress how they see fit. This change really brought life to each and every life and every gameplay experience. Before today's update the only way to gain skill points was via leveling. Now, players can find skill books around the world. This includes finding them in two new structures, book stores and our new school building!

Skill Books can only be read when the player is rested. As long as your rested timer is above 0 you can learn from a book and gain a skill point. The higher your level the longer it will take to read “more complex” books.

Skill Books
In 1.34 we introduced the knowledge system. Changing the gameplay style to a points based system, allowing players to progress how they see fit. This change really brought life to each and every life and every gameplay experience. Before todays update the only way to gain skill points was via leveling. Now, players can find skill books around the world. This includes finding them in two new structures, book stores and our new school building!

Skill Books can only be read when the player is ‘comfortable’. The higher your level the longer it will take to read “more complex” books.

The Books

1. General Maintenance and Crafting:
  • Building Maintenance Handbook
  • Metalworking Handbook
  • Weapon Maintenance Handbook
  • Weapon Smithing Handbook
  • Wood Chopping Handbook
  • Woodworking Handbook


2. Survival and Resistance:
  • Carry Capacity Handbook
  • Damage Resistance Handbook
  • Disease Resistance Handbook
  • Hunger Resistance Handbook
  • Stamina Handbook
  • Stamina Regen Handbook
  • Thirst Resistance Handbook


3. Combat and Weapons:
  • Melee Handbook
  • Pistols Handbook
  • Rifles Handbook
  • [Shotguns Handbook


4. Special Skills and Techniques:
  • Harvesting Handbook
  • Mental Fortitude Handbook
  • Resting Handbook
  • Running Handbook
  • Sneaking Handbook
  • Trapping Handbook


Skill books

The more you know! (Reading GIF)

[h3]Last Chapter Books[/h3]
Players can find a new addition to the strip malls around the island. You might have noticed in the past that some of the strip malls on the island have empty shops, no sign and nothing much inside. We intentionally designed it this way so we could add future stores, like “Last Chapter Books”. I suppose it doesn’t take much imagination to figure out what loot can be found in the new shops, it’s skill books!

Last Chapter Books



[h3]New School[/h3]
We’re also introducing a new structure in 1.35 as we continue to fill out the map. The new school building is creepy, large and perfectly fitting for Survive the Nights. You can find two of them on the map, you’ll have to hunt them out yourselves. They’re also a great source of reading material to help you bump those skills up.

New School 1

New School 2

New School 3

New School Hallway

New School Classroom

Lunch and a book!

New School Gym

[h3]Single Player and Connection Issues[/h3]
We’re introducing a single player of sorts, to be honest the project really isn’t developed for single player and it’s something we never intended to include. We’ve had to some creative things to try and ease some of the troubles a few of you are having. The introduction of this single player option should help out those who are having firewall issues and connection troubles. It’s a simple tick on the world options. It should allow a smoother and easier connection, you could in theory run the project without an internet connection after the Steam verification step. You do still need initial net access but this will help with those that have poor internet connections and odd firewalls.

SP Setup

[h3]Losing Zombies (Line of Sight)[/h3]
We’ve added a new system to zombies that allows the player to get away from them. They no longer receive real time updates of the player position when the player isn’t visible to the zombie. They go the last position where they could still see the player, or to the most recent location where they heard the player (whichever is the closer position). Obviously this could make things a bit unbalanced so we’ve also increased the zombie annoyance value when the zombie is near the player and has line of sight.

This is a biggie, something many of you have requested as well. The ability to lose aggressive AI as it loses sight of you really brings the experience to life. Let us know how it feels and as always feel free to provide some feedback in game using the F1 menu or via our official Discord.


[h3]Patch Notes - 1.35[/h3]

Single Player
  • Improved single player support. This should improve compatibility and reduce the reliance on a constant internet connection.


Learning
  • Added learning system which allows you to read books while resting/rested. Books read provide 1 attribute point in that books specific skill.


Attribute Tweaks
  • Sneaking attribute adjusted to provide greater range.


Zombies
  • Added the ability to lose zombies based on line of sight.
  • Zombies no longer float slightly above the ground when on roads.
  • Fix for AI floating while attacking some placed fortifications
  • Improvement to AI retargeting fortifications when placed near each other


Environment
  • Various strip malls now contain book store that can be looted to find attribute handbooks.


Quality of Life
  • Damage against other players is drastically reduced when the intent was to kill a zombie. This reduces the impact of accidental friendly fire.
  • Water tower ladders now work.
  • Containers can now be stacked on top of eachother
  • Containers have gravity once blueprints are built to allow the stacking


Vehicles
  • Fixed broken containers on prison bus.
  • Vehicles are now affected by explosion damage.


SFX
  • Sounds added when harvesting water.
  • Updated menu track.
  • Fix for missing bullet hit sounds and particles when shooting vehicles
  • Fix for missing bullet hit sound when shooting ground
  • Fix for delayed particle hit effects when hitting rocks


UI
  • Improved new day UI design.
  • Added new 'learning' UI that displayer learning progress.
  • Interaction menus now have all their 'Interaction' buttons in the same place. For consistency.
  • Weight icon updated for clarity.


Drops
  • Added 26 new books that can be learnt. Learnt books give attribute points.


Animations
  • Fix for double arms when scrolling while harvesting stag.


Admin
  • Added more range in zombie quantities. So that full infestation can be achieved.
  • Set rank now works in the same session. Meaning reconnection is not required for the G menu to work.
  • God mode now gives infinite ammo on active weapon.


If you're enjoying the game and our recent updates, please consider leaving a review. Thanks for your support! :)

[h3]Links[/h3]
Discord: https://discord.gg/survivethenights

Patreon: https://patreon.com/a2zinteractive

Changelog: https://changelog.survivethenights.net

Twitter: https://twitter.com/STNgame

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STNgame

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/a2zinteractive

Website: https://www.survivethenights.net

Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/a2zinteractive

Experimental Update 1.35

Today we’ll be releasing the new 1.35 build to our experimental branch with a default release coming shortly. Please follow the steps below to join the branch (you can always go back to default). Please check against changelog below and report any issues found directly to the team via the official Discord.

How to get into experimental branch:
  1. Open Steam and go to your games library.
  2. Right click on STN and select "Properties"
  3. Navigate to the "Betas" tab and select "experimental" in the drop down menu.
  4. Close the properties window.
  5. You will find a single experimental server titled EXPERIMENTAL_SERVER. Join this for some testing.


[h3]Patch Notes - 1.35 (Expermental Update)[/h3]

Single Player
  • Improved single player support. This should improve compatibility and reduce the reliance on a constant internet connection.


Learning
  • Added learning system which allows you to read books while resting/rested. Books read provide 1 attribute point in that books specific skill.


Attribute Tweaks
  • Sneaking attribute adjusted to provide greater range.


Zombies
  • Added the ability to lose zombies based on line of sight.
  • Zombies no longer float slightly above the ground when on roads.
  • Fix for AI floating while attacking some placed fortifications
  • Improvement to AI retargeting fortifications when placed near each other


Environment
  • Various strip malls now contain book store that can be looted to find attribute handbooks.


Quality of Life
  • Damage against other players is drastically reduced when the intent was to kill a zombie. This reduces the impact of accidental friendly fire.
  • Water tower ladders now work.
  • Containers can now be stacked on top of eachother
  • Containers have gravity once blueprints are built to allow the stacking


Vehicles
  • Fixed broken containers on prison bus.
  • Vehicles are now affected by explosion damage.


SFX
  • Sounds added when harvesting water.
  • Updated menu track.
  • Fix for missing bullet hit sounds and particles when shooting vehicles
  • Fix for missing bullet hit sound when shooting ground
  • Fix for delayed particle hit effects when hitting rocks


UI
  • Improved new day UI design.
  • Added new 'learning' UI that displayer learning progress.
  • Interaction menus now have all their 'Interaction' buttons in the same place. For consistency.
  • Weight icon updated for clarity.


Drops
  • Added 26 new books that can be learnt. Learnt books give attribute points.


Animations
  • Fix for double arms when scrolling while harvesting stag.


Admin
  • Added more range in zombie quantities. So that full infestation can be achieved.
  • Set rank now works in the same session. Meaning reconnection is not required for the G menu to work.
  • God mode now gives infinite ammo on active weapon.


[h3]Links[/h3]
Discord: https://discord.gg/survivethenights

Patreon: https://patreon.com/a2zinteractive

Changelog: https://changelog.survivethenights.net

Twitter: https://twitter.com/STNgame

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STNgame

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/a2zinteractive

Website: https://www.survivethenights.net

Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/a2zinteractive

Hotfix - 1.34.2

We’re releasing another quick hotfix today to our default branch. Please check against the changelog below and report any issues directly to the team in game or via our official Discord.

[h3]Patch Notes - HOTFIX 1.34.2[/h3]

  • Hordes difficulty is now reset per life.
  • Crafting recipe unlock notification now happen at the correct time.
  • Fix for attaching not working when weapon isn't equipped
  • Fix for sharpening not working on equipped weapon
  • Fix for sharpening level check using incorrect condition value
  • Improved sharpening notification clarity
  • Waypoints from guide now hidden when tutorial is disabled
  • Fix for player unlocking when menus are opened quickly after joining game
  • Fix for player unlocking while still on attribute assignment page
  • Fix for escape still opening menus in a broken state while on death screen
  • Fix for floating dummy terrains at top left of the map
  • Attribute reset button now disabled when no points are assigned to avoid confusion
  • Error fixes when player dies during horde
  • Fix for errors when filtering by attachments
  • Prevent opening of player list and map while attributes page or new life UI is visible
  • Prevent opening of inventory with filter key while attribute page or new life UI is visible


Links
Discord: https://discord.gg/survivethenights

Patreon: https://patreon.com/a2zinteractive

Changelog: https://changelog.survivethenights.net

Twitter: https://twitter.com/STNgame

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STNgame

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/a2zinteractive

Website: https://www.survivethenights.net

Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/a2zinteractive

1.34 Update (Hotkeys | Player Attributes | Quality of Life - QoL)

Today we’ll be releasing our 1.34 build on our default branch. This build is one of the bigger game changers we’ve introduced. 1.34 introduces a few totally new mechanics, the biggest being something we’ve wanted to achieve since our concept and that’s attributes. This is a total game changer by introducing our original idea of building a character you care about. Along with the attribute points you’ll find XP is now linked to a single life. This all brings the game closer to our original vision for the project. As you might expect, these options are all available to change in the in-game world setup and server options. Below is just a small blog detailing some of the changes. Check our changelog for future plans and full update details.

[h3]Attributes and Attribute Points[/h3]
This is a biggie. We’re super excited to introduce attributes. Allowing players to create unique playthroughs with each life. You’ll be able to tailor the experience of each life to suit your needs or try another method of survival. When joining a server for the first time you will not be greeted with the attributes screen. You will have 20 starting points and receive a set number of points for each level attained in the game. The player can use these points to improve a number of attributes and alter that playthrough to suit their needs. Upon death the player will lose all XP and once again be greeted with the attributes screen. The attributes from the last playthrough will be stored and the player can choose to reset and try a new method or try the same again. Starting attribute points along with how many a player receives at each level up in configurable on the scenario setup page. Below is a screenshot of the new starting screen along with a short explanation of each adjustable attribute.

We would like to note this is just the first introduction of the attribute system and we plan on expanding and tinkering with all of it via your feedback. If you haven’t already come join us on our official Discord. Share your thoughts and suggestions and help shape this zombie survival experience with us.

Attributes Screen

Strength
Carry Capacity = Increases the weight you can carry.
Interacting = Enhances your ability to interact with objects.
Running = Boosts your running speed and endurance.
Stamina = Improves your overall stamina level.
Stamina Regeneration = Accelerates your stamina regeneration.

Survival
Health = Boosts your total health points.
Mental Fortitude = Strengthens your mental resilience.
Damage Resistance = Reduces the damage you take.
Thirst Resistance = Slows down your thirst rate.
Hunger Resistance = Decreases your hunger requirement.
Disease Resistance = Enhances your resistance to diseases.

Weapons
Rifles = Increases proficiency with rifles, leading to faster reloading, a lower chance of jamming, quicker aiming down sights, and unlocking attachment options.
Shotguns = Enhances proficiency with shotguns, allowing for faster reloading, reduced jamming, quicker aiming down sights, and unlocking attachment options.
Pistols = Boosts proficiency with pistols, resulting in faster reloading, decreased jamming, quicker aiming down sights, and unlocking attachment options.
Melee = Improves skill in melee combat, enabling faster swinging and reduced stamina use.

Resourcefulness
Sneaking = Enhances your ability to move unnoticed.
Harvesting = Increases harvesting speed.
Crafting = Improves skill in crafting items.
Resting = Boosts efficiency in resting and recovering.
Skill Mastery = Increases overall skill mastery level.
Medical Skill = Improves proficiency in medical skills.

Knowledge
Wood Chopping = Increases chopping speed, reducing stamina drain and axe wear.
Mechanic = Enhances proficiency in mechanical skills, enabling vehicle use and locking, vehicle and tire repairs, and reducing the chance of a car failing to start.
Weapon Maintenance = Boosts skill in maintaining weapons, reducing the chance of jamming.
Building Maintenance = Enhances building maintenance skills, increasing tool efficiency, swing speed, reducing stamina use, and unlocking drill use.

Crafting
Wood Working = Unlocks woodworking recipes based on skill level.
Metal Working = Unlocks metalworking recipes based on skill level.
Weapon Smithing = Unlocks weapon smithing recipes for guns, melee weapons, tools, and ammo based on skill level.
Medical = Unlocks medical crafting recipes for drinks and medical items based on skill level.
Trapping = Unlocks trapping recipes based on skill level.

XP Per Life
Another feature we’ve wanted to introduce is xp per life. This makes each character and each playthrough truly unique. Survive the Nights was always meant to be a hardcore survival experience and this helps to lend a hand in making that a reality.

During our testing, we found that this mechanic significantly enhances the game's intensity. It forces you to truly consider the consequences of your actions, adding a layer of depth and tension that heightens the overall experience. The constant threat of losing your progress makes each character choice more meaningful, driving home the unforgiving nature of survival.

Ultimately, XP Per Life challenges you to adapt, learn, and survive in a world where every moment counts. We believe this feature will not only make the game more challenging but also more rewarding, providing a true test of skill and strategy for those who dare to brave the nights.

Crafting Rework
Crafting is now tied into player XP slightly differently. With the introduction of player attributes, craftables are now linked to attributes and attribute points. Players will start with 20 points on our default setting and gain 8 points per level. Spending points on things like metal and wood working will allow you to craft associated items. We will eventually add more attributes and in the coming builds include skill magazines found throughout the world.

Crafting unlock Wood Working 1

Crafting unlock Metal Working 5

[h3]Hotkeys[/h3]
Something you have all been asking for is some kind of hotkey system. 1.34 introduces just that and it works rather nicely. Players can assign hotkeys 0-9 and use the scroll wheel to or number keys to select them. Players can store hotkeys for both weapons and medical goods, making those bandages way easier to use. You should notice that weapons are automatically assigned to any empty hotkey as they’re picked up and all slots can be over written.

Hotkey assigning

Hotkeys in action

[h3]Patch Notes - 1.34[/h3]

Hotkey / Scrolling
  • Added hotkey binding functionality.
  • Overhauled scrolling through inventory items so that it now uses the hotkey system.


Player Attributes
  • Added all new player attributes system that allows players to tailor their characters experience. Attribute points are assigned per life and unlocked by leveling.
  • Player leveling is now per life.
  • Crafting page is now sorted by required skill instead of item categories.


Hotkeys
  • Added user configurable hotkey system with UI visualization. Replaces the existing scrolling functionality.


Environment
  • Fixed hole in terrain seam.


Player Leveling
  • Player level/xp is now per life.


General Settings
  • Added option to always show hotkey UI.
  • Added option to always show compass UI.
  • Added option to always show stats UI.
  • Added option to disable the the quick guide.
  • Fixed incorrectly named large plow.


Server Admin
  • Renamed the ‘Structure respawn rate' config option as it affects indoor and outdoor zombies
  • Improve tooltips on server config options to make them more descriptive.
  • Added ‘Friend map visibility’ option for allowing friends to be displayed on the map at any distance.
  • Added option for setting how many attribute points a player can spend on new life.
  • Added option for setting how many attribute points a player receives per life.


If you're enjoying the game and our recent updates, please consider leaving a review. Thanks for your support! :)

[h3]Links[/h3]
Discord: https://discord.gg/survivethenights

Patreon: https://patreon.com/a2zinteractive

Changelog: https://changelog.survivethenights.net

Twitter: https://twitter.com/STNgame

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STNgame

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/a2zinteractive

Website: https://www.survivethenights.net

Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/a2zinteractive

Summer Sale - 60% Off

Survive the Nights is now 60% off for two weeks during the summer sale - now through July 11th. Come join in on our latest update & pick up the game for this great price!

If you have any questions before purchasing, please join our friendly community on discord.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/541300


[h3]Links[/h3]
Discord: https://discord.gg/survivethenights

Changelog: https://changelog.survivethenights.net

Twitter: https://twitter.com/STNgame

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STNgame

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/a2zinteractive

Website: https://www.survivethenights.net

Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/a2zinteractive