Hello all and welcome to our October update! We’ve been hard at work over the last month working on game improvements. 1.20 features some of the biggest changes to the game since our alpha release. We’ve completely reworked out hosting solution, we’ve added the ability to save worlds, updated UI and added a new weapon. Below we’ll discuss some of the features you’ll find in version 1.20.
Improved Hosting (Steam Relays | No more port forwarding!)
We’ve taken our network solution and overhauled it to be able to work with Steams Relay network. This means that the network traffic is now routed through steam. In simple terms, steam has net traffic through to your computer. Utilizing this means that you (the player) doesn’t have to worry about configuring your router to use UPNP or manually port forwarding for the game server.
On a low level, the only change is that the bytes of data are sent through steam instead of a direct connection. Meaning you just sit back and hit ‘host’, invite your friends and we’ll do the rest.
Update host UI and World Saves
World Saves
Many of you have requested separate world saves since we first implemented server hosting. World saves will allow the player to have multiple instances, making gaming in multiple worlds far easier than it currently is.
The system also includes what could be considered a ‘self healing’ system. If you should for some reason move files or delete files in your world saves the new system will handle replacing them for you. In the past this could cause some serious issues, mainly not allowing a server to spin up.
World save UI
Game Play Scenarios
With the addition of world saves, we've decided to expand our game play loop in the coming 1.21 update. We'll be introducing a wealth of new server config options along with gameplay scenarios that players can choose from.
Game play scenarios
Gameplay scenarios will allow us to expand on the creative front. We are now able to create scenarios for you. Ideas like wave based survival game scenarios. This game mode would set the player up in a fully fortified and stocked farm house to see how many zombie waves they can survive. Hardcore modes, casual modes (maybe just some hunting and cooking). There’s an endless amount of possibility with this new system. If you have any ideas for this new feature please feel free to share them here on the steam forum.
Windows Dedicated Servers
Yes, we know.. It has taken us some time to get this sorted for all that have requested it. 1.20 will feature dedicated Windows servers. You can download the windows server via Steam. Ensure you have tools ticked in Steam’s library filter.
Steam dedicated server
You’ll also be able to download the server via Steamcmd using appID 1502300. If you’ve using Steamcmd for the first time check out the documentation here. You can download anonymously.
Steamcmd
Crossbow
One of, if not the most requested weapon is the crossbow. We’ve internally discussed a crossbow pretty much since the start of development. Now that a good deal of our core development is out of the way and core issues are being addressed quickly and effectively it’s time to have some fun. The crossbow is a beast of a weapon, nearly silent it’s the perfect tool to dispatch animals and zombies alike.
The crossbow won’t draw zombies like other weapons will and they do severe damage to zombie brains. Crossbows also won’t scare off other animals when the player is out in the wilds hunting. Arrows fired from the bow will craftable. The crafting recipe will also introduce a new drop “Feathers”, chickens should provide a steady supply. Combine wood, scrap metal and feathers to craft arrows. Arrows are also all retrievable, so don’t for get to double back and pick them up!
Feather harvesting
Arrow crafting
Propane Tank Bait Trap
If you’ve followed development and the team you’ll remember our concept videos. One of them featured a meat/propane tank trap that could draw the dead allowing you to fire on the tank and blow all up. It was fun, and fun is something we plan on focusing on moving towards full release. The propane bait trap is perfect to draw zeds away from a player or out of a specific area.
Propane tank meat trap
2022 Halloween Event
We’ve enabled the Halloween event as part of this update so enjoy the trick or treats from now until November 2nd. You’ll get a couple of new treats this year including the crossbow and arrows.
Drive-In Night of the Living Dead
Watch the full length movie right in the game. Find a film reel while trick or treating. You can take the reel to either of the drive-in theaters and play the movie via the projection room. Try and survive a couple of hordes while watching a classic film!
Trick or Treating
You'll find most of the structures in the game will currently have decorations around the doorstep and a new door knocker. Use the door knocker once the sun sets for a trick-or-treat. Tricks aren't always fun but the treats should make killing them easier ;)
Patch Notes - Alpha 1.20
Crossbow
- Crossbow weapon added.
Halloween Event
Networking
- Steam game server relay support (No more port forwarding)
- Core netcode updates/improvements.
- Added server config option for use of Steam Relays
- Added commandline arguement for setting use of Steam Relays.
Traps
- Added new propane tank bait trap
World Saves
- Added world saving support so that multiple saves can be managed from within game.
UI
- Drive-in cinema locations added to the map
- overhauled the entire hosting tab to improve the experience.
- Fixed various items that had long names, causing UI issues.
Animations
- Fix for weird transition between running/aim/idle weapon positions on the Lola
Performance
- Fixed a crash caused by selecting the hosting tab.
Localization
- Imported translations from crowdin on 21 oct
Links
Discord: https://discord.gg/survivethenights
Patreon: https://patreon.com/a2zinteractive
Changelog: https://changelog.survivethenights.net
Twitter: https://twitter.com/STNgame
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STNgame
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/a2zinteractive
Website: https://www.survivethenights.net
Merch: https://teespring.com/stores/a2zinteractive