Update Beta 0.80: Steam Cloud, Companion NPC, Asynchronous Recruitment

Thank you survivors for supporting Zed Zone.

It has been a while since our last major announcement.

During this period, I have been continuously working on game updates and bug fixes. This major update introduces Steam Cloud service support, PlayFab server integration, a Character Upload & Asynchronous Recruitment system, and GOAP-based AI for Companion NPCs. Thank you for your patience.

Please note: The Asynchronous Recruitment features launched in this update are currently in the"Testing Phase."As this is the first public run of the server system, there may be stability issues. Please feel free to provide feedback and suggestions via the in-game Feedback Center.

Update Summary

• Steam Cloud Support: Officially launched.

• AddedPlayFab Asynchronous RecruitmentBeta testing is now available.

• Companion NPCs.

• AddedCross-Device SyncPlayers can now sync survival progress across different devices and use the new "Weak Link" mechanism to upload and recruit character data.

• Core Overhaul: This version includes a deep reconstruction of the NPC Command System, environment vegetation, visual performance, and interaction logic.

• FixedMajor Bug FixesResolved several critical issues, including disappearing buildings and save files not displaying.

Part I: Major Updates

1. Asynchronous Recruitment & Mercenary System (PlayFab Service / Beta)

• PlayFab Integration: Successfully integrated the PlayFab backend. Players can now upload their character data to the PlayFab server.

• AddedMercenary HubBy building the new "Comms Station," players can browse and recruit characters uploaded by other players. Recruited characters will join your current squad as friendly NPCs.

• Offline Rewards: If your character is hired by other players, you will receive resource rewards from the system the next time you log in.

• Character Interaction Mechanism: Characters successfully uploaded will now randomly appear as potential survivors in the game worlds of other players globally.

1. NPC Ally AI & Command System Overhaul

• AdjustedCore AI ReconstructionOptimized the combat logic for recruited allies, including improved tactical positioning, threat assessment, and cover usage.

• Real-time Command Wheel: Players can now issue precise tactical commands such as Follow, Standby, Free Fire, or Retreat at any time.

• Deep Inventory Management: Full access to ally backpacks is now supported. Players can manually change their equipment, weapons, and batteries, or distribute consumables.

1. Data Security & Feedback System

• Steam Cloud: Officially integrated Steam Cloud service for automatic sync and backup across multiple devices.

• AddedFeedback CenterAdded a new in-game one-key reporting feature. Players can upload anonymous save files and logs to help the developer pinpoint and fix technical issues.

1. Interaction Improvements

• Smart Item Highlighting: In the inventory or crafting interface, hovering over weapons, flashlights, or fuel-based buildings will automatically highlight the corresponding ammo, batteries, or fuel materials, significantly simplifying operations.

• AddedDynamic Difficulty SettingsA new Gameplay Settings menu allows players to modify difficulty factors, zombie count, and other core parameters in real-time without restarting the game.

Part II: Detailed Change Log

New Content & Features:

• New Building: Comms Station (Gateway for multiplayer features and character uploads).

• New Item: Walkie-Talkie (Used for remote multiplayer interaction and checking system status).

• New Throwable: Healing Smoke (Creates an area that continuously restores HP).

• Added an option for Quick Random Character Creation.

• AddedMap EnhancementsAdded location names and a visual marker for the last sleep location.
• AdjustedMovement OptimizationIncreased the base movement speed of the protagonist.

• Added clear notification text when loading an auto-save.

• AddedInventory OptimizationItems now automatically transfer to the new backpack when switching bags.

• Reading System: Letters will now display different icons after being read.

Balance & Combat Adjustments:

• Significantly increased the base damage of all gunpowder-driven firearms.

• Deeply optimized the reaction speed, tactical positioning, and behavior patterns of human enemies.

• Increased the combat aggressiveness of hostile survivors.

• Corrected the character's Field of View (FOV) for a more realistic visual experience.

• Adjusted the rate of body temperature change for a smoother transition.

Performance & Stability:

• Major performance reconstruction to resolve stuttering/lag issues when driving at high speeds.

• Optimized map loading logic to reduce memory usage and lower the probability of crashes.

• Enhanced environment vegetation density and generation variety for better visual detail.

• Added a"Clear Texture Cache"button to fix icon color display errors.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a UI refresh error when opening the inventory while flinching from an attack.

• Fixed an issue where objects would abruptly disappear when the camera was too close.

• Fixed errors where certain area saves could not be read or refreshed correctly.

• Fixed a synchronization issue where vehicle and character positions were inconsistent.

• Fixed an issue where players could not receive money during Trader Camp transactions.

• Fixed a bug where certain items could not have their batteries replaced or showed incorrect power levels.

• Fixed a critical error where the second floor of buildings might appear floating or parts of buildings would disappear.

• Fixed a potential issue that could lead to the loss of player base data.

• Fixed a logic error where the Laser Hand Cannon could only fire to the right.

• Fixed an issue where bodies or items might disappear when carried over long distances.

• Fixed errors where bodies would not disappear after being dismantled and issues with abnormal death logic due to blood loss.

• Fixed a black screen issue when opening the scope.

Feedback

If you encounter any issues during gameplay,

please feel free to provide feedback via our Discord or email .

Youtube Channel And Devlogs

Developer Twitter And Devlogs

Join our Discord Developer

Email: cheshendog@gmail.com

Once again, thank you for your support and feedback.

Developer Leven