The DayZ development team has recently launched the experimental phase of Update 1.29 on both Steam and Xbox platforms, introducing a series of enhancements aimed at enriching the survival experience. In a recent livestream, developers Marks and Martin provided insights into the update’s features and discussed upcoming developments for Xbox players.
Experimental Economy Test on Chernarus
A significant aspect of Update 1.29 is the experimental adjustment of the central economy on the Chernarus map. This test is designed to shift gameplay towards a more survival-centric approach, addressing community feedback advocating for a more challenging environment. It’s important to note that these changes are exclusive to the experimental phase and will not be implemented in the stable version. The insights gained from this test will inform future updates, including the upcoming 1.30 update and the Badlands expansion. (mydayz.eu)
Server and Character Wipe
To ensure that feedback is based on the new economy setup without prior influences, the developers have performed a complete wipe of all experimental servers and character data. This reset provides a clean slate for players to experience and evaluate the changes effectively. (mydayz.eu)
Introduction of New Clothing Items
Update 1.29 also brings the largest collection of clothing items introduced in a single update. A total of nine new clothing pieces, excluding color variants, have been added to world spawns and crafting options. These additions aim to enhance player immersion and adaptability to various in-game environments. (mydayz.eu)
Expansion of the Sakhal Bunker
Responding to player feedback regarding the limited size of the underground bunker on Sakhal, the development team has expanded the structure. The new section introduces a third entrance, making encounters around Sakhal’s bunker far more dynamic and unpredictable. This expansion is modeled after the Monolith-type bunker, also known as Javor 51, used during the Cold War to store Soviet nuclear warheads. (mydayz.eu)
Improved Terrain Surface Blending
The update addresses long-standing issues with terrain blending, particularly the harsh transitions between different surface textures. Thanks to support from the Enfusion engine team, the game now features vastly improved blending of terrain surfaces, enhancing the visual immersion of the world. These improvements extend to Chernarus and Livonia, though they require manual activation by modders. (mydayz.eu)
Xbox Developments
During the recent livestream, the developers discussed the current state and future plans for DayZ on Xbox. They acknowledged community concerns and emphasized their commitment to delivering a quality experience across all platforms. While specific details were not disclosed, the team assured players that upcoming updates would address platform-specific issues and enhancements.
Players are encouraged to participate in the experimental phase, provide feedback, and explore the new features introduced in Update 1.29. This collaborative approach aims to refine the game and ensure that future updates align with the community’s expectations.
For a more in-depth look at Update 1.29 and the developers’ discussion on Xbox news, you can watch the full livestream below:
About the Author: Malo Renaud
