Greetings, Survivors!
The next Major Update will feature A LOT of Explosives. Tanks, Grenades, Mortars, Mines, Demolition, and even... Exploding Infected. While more things are expected to be added in Major Update #6, we want to dedicate this preview to Explosives only. Have fun!
Explosives
Let's start with some additional background. When we started designing all the mechanics around the Explosives, we asked ourselves about their actual usage in the game. A few critical points were clear for us:
Gameplay at night is considered too passive by some players. They want more action.
Some players want to have more tools that will allow them to prepare an unpenetrable defense at night. They want more strategy.
Players ask for more content. They want more variety.
We wanted to satisfy all those needs with the addition of Explosives. We hope you will find them all to your liking.
Tank
Tanks. Since the Infection Free Zone's release in Early Access, tanks seemed to be the Holy Grail of requests of our community. While we were hesitant about whether they are the best fit for our game, the time has come for us to acknowledge that our players want us to bring their offensive arsenal to the next level.
Expect the tanks to be very durable, dealing massive amounts of damage, and also hard to find. You will have to look for Military Zones or other rare locations where the military was previously stationed. Even a single tank will significantly improve your Zone's military power. But they will also consume an absurd amount of fuel...
With tanks, we are also adding Heavy Ammo. Its production will be more costly and require additional research. Expect the metal resource to be even more valuable than ever. While we cannot provide you with too many details yet, don't worry. There will be a new way to obtain Metal, too.
Mortar
Mortars are one of the coolest additions that we are adding in Major Update #6. Their range exceeds the line of sight, they can shoot over buildings and provide an explosive Area of Effect. You might aim them by hand or let your squads and towers fire automatically.
With this update, we will also be adding Friendly Fire. In worst case scenario, your Squads can also get hurt. In return, defending your Zone with Mortars will make every night engaging. If the gameplay during the night was too passive to your liking, you might find those weapons best. And friendly fire? You can turn it off in the settings if you want.
Grenades
Grenades are going to be relatively similar to Mortars. The main differences:
Using a grenade is kind of a "special ability" and is never used automatically.
Squad can use other weapons while using Grenades - the Grenades are kept separately in the inventory.
Grenades will have a much shorter range than Mortars.
Minefield
While some players tend to overlook them, barbed wire is a favorite defensive structure for others. Not only does it slow down the enemy hordes, but it also deals damage. Expect Minefields to be even deadlier.
They will greatly expand the toolset of those of you who want to set up a perfect defense during the day and then just watch calmly as the events of the night unfold to your favor. There is one thing we are still wondering about.
Should the player build Minefields the same way they build Barbed Wire? In line? Or should they place whole fields of mines at once (think of placing Farms at the moment). Let us know in the comments what approach would work best in your opinion.
Demolition
Some of our oldest fans might remember that Demolition was actually showcased all the way back in 2021, long before releasing the game in Early Access. While we have always remembered this cool feature, now is the best time to match it with other additions.
With Major Update #6, the demolition is a perfect fit with the whole Explosives theme. Demolition advantages? It's way faster to destroy the building this way and get the resources. All you have to do after is gather the remaining piles of resources. The drawback? The demolition costs. You need to prepare the explosives.
There is another advantage, too - the detonation kills everything inside.
Exploding Infected
We wouldn't be ourselves if we weren't balancing all those new, amazing weapons and tools with a new threat. Patrols report that someone is using the infected as living bombs. Hung with explosives from head to toe, they are more dangerous than ever. Watch for these units during attacks and eliminate them carefully as your top priority. Once they reach your walls, it might be too late.
Is that all we have planned for Major Update #6? Absolutely not! Expect at least one more Preview somewhere in the future that will showcase other great changes coming to Infection Free Zone.
Thank you for playing our game! We hope that you will find this update a blast. Pun intended!
Best regards,
Jutsu Games Team