As the gaming world continues to evolve, so do the games that define its landscape. One such game, 7 Days To Die, has been in early access for what seems like an eternity. While it may not hold the official title for the longest-running early access game in history, it certainly is a contender. With its initial appearance dating back to 2013, this zombie survival game has seen its fair share of updates and changes over the years. While games like Grand Theft Auto V were making waves in the same year, 7 Days To Die was quietly carving out its own path towards full release.
After years of tweaks, updates, and player feedback, the developers of 7 Days To Die, The Fun Pimps, have finally released version 1.0 of the game. This release is a culmination of “more optimizations, polish, quality-of-life improvements, new content, new features, and new gameplay systems than ever before,” according to the developers. The patch notes for this release are extensive, showcasing the dedication and hard work that has gone into making this game a truly immersive experience for players.
One of the key changes in the 1.0 release of 7 Days To Die is the beefed-up world generation. This enhancement not only makes the generation process faster but also results in more interesting and diverse worlds for players to explore. Additionally, new “points of interest” have been added to the game, such as theatres, high schools, and hotels, adding depth and realism to the gameplay experience.
The 1.0 release of 7 Days To Die introduces a variety of new features and improvements to enhance the overall gameplay experience. New zombie variants, animal and vehicle models, lighting overhauls, and an improved Dismemberment Gore System all contribute to making the game more immersive and engaging for players. Additionally, a new system of “challenges” has been implemented to act as tutorials for new players, replacing the old quest system and providing a more streamlined and enjoyable experience.
Despite the full release of 7 Days To Die, the developers are not done working on the game. A roadmap for future updates includes plans for a weather system, an overhaul of traders, new bandits, and a story mode. These updates are set to be rolled out up until the end of 2025, showcasing the long-term commitment and dedication of the development team to continually improve and expand upon the game.
Having played 7 Days To Die a decade ago, I am excited to dive back into the game and see how it has evolved over the years. The nostalgia of defending a lonely log cabin and facing off against hordes of zombies is still fresh in my mind, and I look forward to experiencing it once again. As the genre of survival games has evolved and grown over the years, I am curious to see how 7 Days To Die stacks up against newer titles. Stay tuned for a more in-depth review of the game in the coming weeks as I explore all the new features and improvements that have been made since my last playthrough.