ZED Mode Arrives — Major AI Update and New Survival Threats on Ahra Prime

⭐ Welcome, survivors, outliers, fans of HIRAETH!

After an unusually long, month‑long break, I’m returning with a major update. Until now, updates were weekly — this time the work stretched out for several reasons.

The biggest one was the massive overhaul of core systems. ZED Mode, the new enemy module, touches almost every function in HIRAETH and required rebuilding many of the game’s foundations. On top of that came engine‑side issues — memory leaks, the kind that can cripple even large studio projects, and for a solo developer are simply a nightmare. And finally, the human factor: years of continuous development take their toll.

The good news: that chapter is closed. The update is ready and it opens the door to truly significant changes ahead. Let’s dive into the changelog.

🔔 Biggest Sale in Hiraeth History 🔥 (post update) view

🧟 ZED Mode — New Enemy System

This is an optional mode you can enable or disable at the start of the game. If activated, new enemy types — something akin to “zombies”, but in the HIRAETH style — will appear across Nesoi.

Why ZED Mode?

• it adds new challenges and variety

• it lays the groundwork for future story events

• it uses AI systems required for future STORY NPCs

• it prepares the field for the upcoming WEAPONS update

I know many of you prefer complete isolation on Ahra Prime — that’s why the mode is fully optional.

🧠 ZED Mode — Alpha Version

This first version comes with limitations. Many AI behaviors are temporarily disabled (combat logic, survival routines, group interactions). Currently, all AI targets only the player — even Raptus no longer hunts Slugs as before. This will return after initial testing.

The system covers all AI in the game, not just ZEDs but also creatures like Raptus, Spider, and Slug. More species will come later — including aquatic and flying ones.

ZED Classes

• Weak

• Common

• Brute/Tank

Their behaviors will evolve — for example, Weak will eventually avoid combat unless forced.

FERAL

Any AI can become FERAL. FERAL enemies:

• have increased HP

• regenerate in radiation

• deal bonus damage and radiation up close

• can transform naturally if they stay too long in heavy contamination

AI Looting

After knocking an enemy down, you can search them. Knockdown ≠ death — it’s simply the result of heavy damage. Field dressing will return soon in a new, improved form.

⚠️ Threat Level

Raptus and Spider remain dangerous. ZEDs are currently less threatening, but can still surprise you. Melee weapons work fine, but ranged weapons and ammo help a lot.

Armor still works in a summed, non‑localized way — but it does reduce incoming damage. Also, make use of the quick‑access healing system (new point in the Training Center).

🧪 Why This Alpha Matters

This is the first real test of:

• AI spawning

• AI activation in a dynamically loaded world

• behavior at long distances and fast travel

• handling difficult or unusual spawn locations

It’s a crucial foundation for everything that comes next.

🚗 Other Changes

• major internal AI system overhaul (invisible to players, but huge work)

• improved AI behavior when hit by vehicles

• ongoing testing of vehicle collision physics (always tricky in games)

🔫 Upcoming Updates

WEAPONS Update

• reworked handling and aiming

• more survival‑oriented ammo balance

• two new, “revolutionary” weapons for HIRAETH

• continued AI improvements

• introduction of difficulty levels

Vehicle Improvements

• looking around from the driver’s seat

• new elements on Nesoi to enhance driving

• winch system

DLSS

A new version of DLSS is available and I plan to integrate it soon, alongside other work. It runs very well on my RTX 2060, but I know some players experience initial performance drops. If you encounter issues — join the Discord and I’ll help diagnose them.

💬 Want HIRAETH to grow faster?

I’m a solo developer, with no marketing and no external support. Reviews are the only thing that increases the game’s visibility — and visibility directly affects how much time I can dedicate to development and how fast updates arrive.

Thank you for purchasing HIRAETH. If you want to help me deliver more, faster, and at the highest quality, a short review makes a tremendous difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update

Large changes often require follow‑up patches, so expect more improvements shortly.

Stay sharp out there — the ZEDs won’t wait. Best regards, Paweł