May 2026 Development Update

Welcome to the third in a series of monthly development updates from Zeroth. These are the highlights from May 2026.

Equipping Companions

In Zeroth, released prisoners become your loyal friends. They're quick to find something to wear and you can also (micro)manage their inventory and equipment. But don't abuse this trust because if you make them equip what turns out to be a cursed item, they will become upset and leave your party.

Turn-based Mode

In the new turn-based mode, time runs forward when moving but automatically pauses when you stop. So take your time, rifling through the inventory, in situations that demand a careful decision. When time is stopped, white afterimages are rendered to indicate the speed and direction of enemies and objects.

Watch this YouTube video where Time stops until you act

Witches & Crows

Witches are bitter old crones, armed with powerful wands and accompanied by a murder of crows. They also have a penchant for polymorphing unsuspecting heroes into hideous creatures. Meanwhile, the crows peck at your flesh and steal precious gems before cawing loudly and flapping away. Becoming polymorphed has serious consequences as illustrated by the following short.

Watch this YouTube short where it goes from From Bat to Worse

Tree Destruction

Satisfying tree breaking animations have been added to terrain destruction. In this scene, the shaman blasts a digging wand at several trees, sending debris flying. In Zeroth, you can also chop down trees with an axe and explode them with bombs. Trees drop wood blocks that you can use for building.

Dungeon Towers

Towers are randomised dungeons that are a breath of fresh air, literally. Enjoy the change of scenery and use the balconies as alternate exits from dangerous situations. When the battle plan goes out the window, so should you! This next short is set on one fateful tower balcony.

Watch with YouTube short about Yet another CATastrophe

Merchant Houses

The only thing better than finding a timely shop, is finding two shops! In Zeroth, you may be lucky enough to come across the Merchant House. These two merchants are bro-best friends, living and working happily together under the same roof with their cats, definitely in separate bedrooms. However, the presence of a gaudy rooftop flower garden does seem to undermine their cover story...

Mine Shafts

Steam post image

Mine shafts extend from the surface to deep underground. Now abandoned, all manner of monsters have moved in. Keep your eye on the caged canaries because if they are dead, someone or something dangerous is nearby.

Thanks for reading and I'll be back next month with the June update.

Only in Zeroth!

Callan, Contrary Games