Big changes are coming to H1Z1: Just Survive, including player-built strongholds, Daybreak Games confirmed this week. But it sounds like Daybreak still hasn’t quite figured out what to do with the less-popular half of the old H1Z1 -- which was split into two games, Just Survive and H1Z1: King of the Kill, last February -- because Just Survive is being rebranded again. And this time it won’t retain the name people might actually recognize.
Daybreak Games is removing the H1Z1 in H1Z1: Just Survive, updating the project’s store page to reflect the new title and replacing the game’s previous map, known as Z1, to emphasize the game’s new direction. Going forward, the game will be known simply as Just Survive. The good news is that the name change doesn’t reflect a sudden souring on the zombie-focused nature of the game. The undead will remain part of the Just Survive experience, and the new title reflects the fact that many players draw their entertainment from other aspects of the JS experience.
Name change aside, Just Survive players should expect a plethora of other changes in the wake of the game’s next patch, including Daybreak’s latest pass at weapon balancing, a new map and dozens of new items for players to build, loot or steal. The studio says Just Survive’s new map, Badwater Canyon, was designed “with multiple styles of gameplay in mind” and that it will continue to expand in future updates. The studio also confirmed the Canyon features hundreds of locations for players to build new bases and Strongholds, sprawling structures that should be much harder for opposition forces to overrun. Stronghold plots are bought with a new in-game currency, Golden Eagle Coins, which players receive for trading in loot. Right now, coins can only be used to buy land; however, Daybreak says the currency will have other uses down the road.
For more on Just Survive, including the new map added this week, take a few minutes to watch the new trailer from Daybreak Games (embedded up top). Those hoping for more details on the name change and/or this week’s patch should check out Just Survive ’s website. Then hit the comments section and let us know if you still play Daybreak’s survival game with any regularity.
Just Survive is available via Steam Early Access. There’s no official timeline for the full release.
