1.36 Update (Power Plant | Whole Island Power | Future Plans++)
First off, we want to apologize for the delay with this update. Redesigning the entire power plant area and implementing the functionality for powering the entire island was no small task. It’s been a huge undertaking, and we’re thrilled to finally share it with you.
On a more personal note, we also experienced a loss in the a2z family. In October, John Towle—Jay’s stepfather and Jill’s husband—passed away. John was one of the original co-founders of a2z Interactive. Without his support from the beginning, we wouldn’t be where we are today. He’ll be deeply missed, and we appreciate your understanding during what has been a very difficult time for our team.
The past few months have been hectic, to say the least, but we’re so excited for you all to get your hands on this build.
About This Update
This update brings some massive changes to Survive the Nights, and we’ll be honest—our small (and admittedly overworked) team hasn’t been able to test every aspect thoroughly. As always, we appreciate you helping us by reporting any issues you encounter. If (when!) you find bugs, you can report them via the F1 menu in-game or reach out directly in our official Discord.
Power Plant The original power plant was modeled after a real-world UK power station. While impressive, it was impractical for gameplay. For 1.36, we’ve completely redesigned the area to make it more functional and engaging.
The power plant now features four main structures that need to be activated to restore power to the entire island. Each structure is zombie-infested, so you’ll need to fight your way through to reach the activation consoles.
Powering up!
One of the 4 control panels
Full Island Power Powering the entire island has always been one of our big goals, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life in this update. Island-wide power is now a server configuration setting. By default, servers will start with power active for a set amount of days (4 days by default). Once the power goes out, it’s up to the player base to bring it back online.
Looking ahead, we plan to introduce new features tied to power, such as temperature control, electrical traps, alarm systems, and more. Stay tuned—it’s going to get even more exciting!
Sage Creek
Addersfield almost seems safe
Power plant all lit up
Power!
Who’s paying the electric bills around here?
What’s the Plan?
We plan on hunkering down now and really focusing on quality of life improvements. There are quite a few issues we need to work through to really smooth out the experience. We have most of the core features we wanted in and now it’s time to make everything even better. You can count on us to improve game-play over the coming builds and expand on currently implemented features. Improving everything we’ve added while slowly adding new fleshed out features.
Expand on electrical systems
Electrical traps
House alarms
Heating systems
Working stoves
More lighting in towns and roadways
Light towers
Functioning water pumps (water tied to power)
Expand on weapons
New weapons
Improved handling
Expand on vehicles
New vehicles
Trailers
Light aircraft!!
Expand on player models
Character customization
Expand on STN+ and Workshop
Move furniture
Structure painting
Holiday lights and decorations
Proper Steam Workshop implantation
Working arcade’s with API
STN+ Support Store
We’re excited to introduce a new way for you to support Survive the Nights—the STN+ Support Store. Many of you have asked for additional ways to contribute to development, and this is our way of offering that while giving something fun in return.
The store is all about cosmetics—items that let you personalize your experience without impacting gameplay. You can subscribe to STN+ to unlock the full bundle of goodies, or pick up individual store bundles at your own pace.
We’ve always approached these kinds of features with a lot of care because we value fairness and transparency in our community. So, we’re keeping it simple: the store is just there if you feel like checking it out. No pressure—your continued support means the world to us! You’ll find the store as a tab in-game.
Thanks for sticking with us on this journey.
Support Store
Patch Notes - 1.36
Power Plant Rework: Fully redesigned power station POI.
Island Power System: Activate the power plant to provide power to the entire island.
New Config Options: Servers now support global power cut-off settings.
Working Streetlights: Lights up the island once the power is restored.
Performance Improvements: Optimizations for additional light sources.
Crafting UI Update: Hovering over recipe names now shows a preview of the resulting item.
Steam Item Store: Cosmetic items available for purchase.
STN+ Subscription: Support continued development and gain access to exclusive cosmetics.
Survive the Nights is now on sale for Steam Scream Fest 3! You can also participate in our in-game Halloween event. If you have any questions before purchasing, please join our discord and speak with the developers or players within our friendly community.
The Halloween event has begun so enjoy the tricks and treats!
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 ;)
Hotfix - 1.35.1
We’re releasing a quick hotfix today to our default branch. Please check against the changelog below and report any issues directly to the team in game or via our official Discord.
Patch Notes - HOTFIX 1.35.1
Fixed issue causing keybinds not to work.
Fixed issues causing storage containers that are stored in your base to move when leaving and returning to the area.
Fixed vehicle flatbeds not working correctly for containers.
Fixed server getting stuck running when closing the game.
Fixed issue which meant stags weren't always harvestable.
Water harvesting sound assigned.
Removed various unused achievements so that the game can be 100% completed.
1.35 Update (Skill Books | Single Player Improvements | Quality of Life +)
Today we’ll be releasing our 1.35 build to default so everyone can jump on and help us test it out. There have been some really nice additions along with some well needed fixes. It’s been just under a month since our last default update but we feel like 1.35 provides some fantastic gameplay additions, including skill books, new structures and general quality of life improvements. The blog below highlights some of these changes but as always be sure to check out the full changelog at the end of the blog or here. Please test against the changelog and come join us on Discord, you can yell at us there about things that a broken, ideas you have or anything else really :)
Skill Books
In 1.34 we introduced the knowledge system. Changing the gameplay style to a points based system, allowing players to progress how they see fit. This change really brought life to each and every life and every gameplay experience. Before today's update the only way to gain skill points was via leveling. Now, players can find skill books around the world. This includes finding them in two new structures, book stores and our new school building!
Skill Books can only be read when the player is rested. As long as your rested timer is above 0 you can learn from a book and gain a skill point. The higher your level the longer it will take to read “more complex” books.
Skill Books In 1.34 we introduced the knowledge system. Changing the gameplay style to a points based system, allowing players to progress how they see fit. This change really brought life to each and every life and every gameplay experience. Before todays update the only way to gain skill points was via leveling. Now, players can find skill books around the world. This includes finding them in two new structures, book stores and our new school building!
Skill Books can only be read when the player is ‘comfortable’. The higher your level the longer it will take to read “more complex” books.
The Books
1. General Maintenance and Crafting:
Building Maintenance Handbook
Metalworking Handbook
Weapon Maintenance Handbook
Weapon Smithing Handbook
Wood Chopping Handbook
Woodworking Handbook
2. Survival and Resistance:
Carry Capacity Handbook
Damage Resistance Handbook
Disease Resistance Handbook
Hunger Resistance Handbook
Stamina Handbook
Stamina Regen Handbook
Thirst Resistance Handbook
3. Combat and Weapons:
Melee Handbook
Pistols Handbook
Rifles Handbook
[Shotguns Handbook [/list]
4. Special Skills and Techniques:
Harvesting Handbook
Mental Fortitude Handbook
Resting Handbook
Running Handbook
Sneaking Handbook
Trapping Handbook
Skill books
The more you know! (Reading GIF)
Last Chapter Books
Players can find a new addition to the strip malls around the island. You might have noticed in the past that some of the strip malls on the island have empty shops, no sign and nothing much inside. We intentionally designed it this way so we could add future stores, like “Last Chapter Books”. I suppose it doesn’t take much imagination to figure out what loot can be found in the new shops, it’s skill books!
Last Chapter Books
New School
We’re also introducing a new structure in 1.35 as we continue to fill out the map. The new school building is creepy, large and perfectly fitting for Survive the Nights. You can find two of them on the map, you’ll have to hunt them out yourselves. They’re also a great source of reading material to help you bump those skills up.
New School 1
New School 2
New School 3
New School Hallway
New School Classroom
Lunch and a book!
New School Gym
Single Player and Connection Issues
We’re introducing a single player of sorts, to be honest the project really isn’t developed for single player and it’s something we never intended to include. We’ve had to some creative things to try and ease some of the troubles a few of you are having. The introduction of this single player option should help out those who are having firewall issues and connection troubles. It’s a simple tick on the world options. It should allow a smoother and easier connection, you could in theory run the project without an internet connection after the Steam verification step. You do still need initial net access but this will help with those that have poor internet connections and odd firewalls.
SP Setup
Losing Zombies (Line of Sight)
We’ve added a new system to zombies that allows the player to get away from them. They no longer receive real time updates of the player position when the player isn’t visible to the zombie. They go the last position where they could still see the player, or to the most recent location where they heard the player (whichever is the closer position). Obviously this could make things a bit unbalanced so we’ve also increased the zombie annoyance value when the zombie is near the player and has line of sight.
This is a biggie, something many of you have requested as well. The ability to lose aggressive AI as it loses sight of you really brings the experience to life. Let us know how it feels and as always feel free to provide some feedback in game using the F1 menu or via our official Discord.
Patch Notes - 1.35
Single Player
Improved single player support. This should improve compatibility and reduce the reliance on a constant internet connection.
Learning
Added learning system which allows you to read books while resting/rested. Books read provide 1 attribute point in that books specific skill.
Attribute Tweaks
Sneaking attribute adjusted to provide greater range.
Zombies
Added the ability to lose zombies based on line of sight.
Zombies no longer float slightly above the ground when on roads.
Fix for AI floating while attacking some placed fortifications
Improvement to AI retargeting fortifications when placed near each other
Environment
Various strip malls now contain book store that can be looted to find attribute handbooks.
Quality of Life
Damage against other players is drastically reduced when the intent was to kill a zombie. This reduces the impact of accidental friendly fire.
Water tower ladders now work.
Containers can now be stacked on top of eachother
Containers have gravity once blueprints are built to allow the stacking
Vehicles
Fixed broken containers on prison bus.
Vehicles are now affected by explosion damage.
SFX
Sounds added when harvesting water.
Updated menu track.
Fix for missing bullet hit sounds and particles when shooting vehicles
Fix for missing bullet hit sound when shooting ground
Fix for delayed particle hit effects when hitting rocks
UI
Improved new day UI design.
Added new 'learning' UI that displayer learning progress.
Interaction menus now have all their 'Interaction' buttons in the same place. For consistency.
Weight icon updated for clarity.
Drops
Added 26 new books that can be learnt. Learnt books give attribute points.
Animations
Fix for double arms when scrolling while harvesting stag.
Admin
Added more range in zombie quantities. So that full infestation can be achieved.
Set rank now works in the same session. Meaning reconnection is not required for the G menu to work.
God mode now gives infinite ammo on active weapon.
If you're enjoying the game and our recent updates, please consider leaving a review. Thanks for your support! :)
Today we’ll be releasing the new 1.35 build to our experimental branch with a default release coming shortly. Please follow the steps below to join the branch (you can always go back to default). Please check against changelog below and report any issues found directly to the team via the official Discord.
How to get into experimental branch:
Open Steam and go to your games library.
Right click on STN and select "Properties"
Navigate to the "Betas" tab and select "experimental" in the drop down menu.
Close the properties window.
You will find a single experimental server titled EXPERIMENTAL_SERVER. Join this for some testing.
Patch Notes - 1.35 (Expermental Update)
Single Player
Improved single player support. This should improve compatibility and reduce the reliance on a constant internet connection.
Learning
Added learning system which allows you to read books while resting/rested. Books read provide 1 attribute point in that books specific skill.
Attribute Tweaks
Sneaking attribute adjusted to provide greater range.
Zombies
Added the ability to lose zombies based on line of sight.
Zombies no longer float slightly above the ground when on roads.
Fix for AI floating while attacking some placed fortifications
Improvement to AI retargeting fortifications when placed near each other
Environment
Various strip malls now contain book store that can be looted to find attribute handbooks.
Quality of Life
Damage against other players is drastically reduced when the intent was to kill a zombie. This reduces the impact of accidental friendly fire.
Water tower ladders now work.
Containers can now be stacked on top of eachother
Containers have gravity once blueprints are built to allow the stacking
Vehicles
Fixed broken containers on prison bus.
Vehicles are now affected by explosion damage.
SFX
Sounds added when harvesting water.
Updated menu track.
Fix for missing bullet hit sounds and particles when shooting vehicles
Fix for missing bullet hit sound when shooting ground
Fix for delayed particle hit effects when hitting rocks
UI
Improved new day UI design.
Added new 'learning' UI that displayer learning progress.
Interaction menus now have all their 'Interaction' buttons in the same place. For consistency.
Weight icon updated for clarity.
Drops
Added 26 new books that can be learnt. Learnt books give attribute points.
Animations
Fix for double arms when scrolling while harvesting stag.
Admin
Added more range in zombie quantities. So that full infestation can be achieved.
Set rank now works in the same session. Meaning reconnection is not required for the G menu to work.
God mode now gives infinite ammo on active weapon.
We’re releasing another quick hotfix today to our default branch. Please check against the changelog below and report any issues directly to the team in game or via our official Discord.
Patch Notes - HOTFIX 1.34.2
Hordes difficulty is now reset per life.
Crafting recipe unlock notification now happen at the correct time.
Fix for attaching not working when weapon isn't equipped
Fix for sharpening not working on equipped weapon
Fix for sharpening level check using incorrect condition value
Improved sharpening notification clarity
Waypoints from guide now hidden when tutorial is disabled
Fix for player unlocking when menus are opened quickly after joining game
Fix for player unlocking while still on attribute assignment page
Fix for escape still opening menus in a broken state while on death screen
Fix for floating dummy terrains at top left of the map
Attribute reset button now disabled when no points are assigned to avoid confusion
Error fixes when player dies during horde
Fix for errors when filtering by attachments
Prevent opening of player list and map while attributes page or new life UI is visible
Prevent opening of inventory with filter key while attribute page or new life UI is visible
1.34 Update (Hotkeys | Player Attributes | Quality of Life - QoL)
Today we’ll be releasing our 1.34 build on our default branch. This build is one of the bigger game changers we’ve introduced. 1.34 introduces a few totally new mechanics, the biggest being something we’ve wanted to achieve since our concept and that’s attributes. This is a total game changer by introducing our original idea of building a character you care about. Along with the attribute points you’ll find XP is now linked to a single life. This all brings the game closer to our original vision for the project. As you might expect, these options are all available to change in the in-game world setup and server options. Below is just a small blog detailing some of the changes. Check our changelog for future plans and full update details.
Attributes and Attribute Points
This is a biggie. We’re super excited to introduce attributes. Allowing players to create unique playthroughs with each life. You’ll be able to tailor the experience of each life to suit your needs or try another method of survival. When joining a server for the first time you will not be greeted with the attributes screen. You will have 20 starting points and receive a set number of points for each level attained in the game. The player can use these points to improve a number of attributes and alter that playthrough to suit their needs. Upon death the player will lose all XP and once again be greeted with the attributes screen. The attributes from the last playthrough will be stored and the player can choose to reset and try a new method or try the same again. Starting attribute points along with how many a player receives at each level up in configurable on the scenario setup page. Below is a screenshot of the new starting screen along with a short explanation of each adjustable attribute.
We would like to note this is just the first introduction of the attribute system and we plan on expanding and tinkering with all of it via your feedback. If you haven’t already come join us on our official Discord. Share your thoughts and suggestions and help shape this zombie survival experience with us.
Attributes Screen
Strength Carry Capacity = Increases the weight you can carry. Interacting = Enhances your ability to interact with objects. Running = Boosts your running speed and endurance. Stamina = Improves your overall stamina level. Stamina Regeneration = Accelerates your stamina regeneration.
Survival Health = Boosts your total health points. Mental Fortitude = Strengthens your mental resilience. Damage Resistance = Reduces the damage you take. Thirst Resistance = Slows down your thirst rate. Hunger Resistance = Decreases your hunger requirement. Disease Resistance = Enhances your resistance to diseases.
Weapons Rifles = Increases proficiency with rifles, leading to faster reloading, a lower chance of jamming, quicker aiming down sights, and unlocking attachment options. Shotguns = Enhances proficiency with shotguns, allowing for faster reloading, reduced jamming, quicker aiming down sights, and unlocking attachment options. Pistols = Boosts proficiency with pistols, resulting in faster reloading, decreased jamming, quicker aiming down sights, and unlocking attachment options. Melee = Improves skill in melee combat, enabling faster swinging and reduced stamina use.
Resourcefulness Sneaking = Enhances your ability to move unnoticed. Harvesting = Increases harvesting speed. Crafting = Improves skill in crafting items. Resting = Boosts efficiency in resting and recovering. Skill Mastery = Increases overall skill mastery level. Medical Skill = Improves proficiency in medical skills.
Knowledge Wood Chopping = Increases chopping speed, reducing stamina drain and axe wear. Mechanic = Enhances proficiency in mechanical skills, enabling vehicle use and locking, vehicle and tire repairs, and reducing the chance of a car failing to start. Weapon Maintenance = Boosts skill in maintaining weapons, reducing the chance of jamming. Building Maintenance = Enhances building maintenance skills, increasing tool efficiency, swing speed, reducing stamina use, and unlocking drill use.
Crafting Wood Working = Unlocks woodworking recipes based on skill level. Metal Working = Unlocks metalworking recipes based on skill level. Weapon Smithing = Unlocks weapon smithing recipes for guns, melee weapons, tools, and ammo based on skill level. Medical = Unlocks medical crafting recipes for drinks and medical items based on skill level. Trapping = Unlocks trapping recipes based on skill level.
XP Per Life Another feature we’ve wanted to introduce is xp per life. This makes each character and each playthrough truly unique. Survive the Nights was always meant to be a hardcore survival experience and this helps to lend a hand in making that a reality.
During our testing, we found that this mechanic significantly enhances the game's intensity. It forces you to truly consider the consequences of your actions, adding a layer of depth and tension that heightens the overall experience. The constant threat of losing your progress makes each character choice more meaningful, driving home the unforgiving nature of survival.
Ultimately, XP Per Life challenges you to adapt, learn, and survive in a world where every moment counts. We believe this feature will not only make the game more challenging but also more rewarding, providing a true test of skill and strategy for those who dare to brave the nights.
Crafting Rework Crafting is now tied into player XP slightly differently. With the introduction of player attributes, craftables are now linked to attributes and attribute points. Players will start with 20 points on our default setting and gain 8 points per level. Spending points on things like metal and wood working will allow you to craft associated items. We will eventually add more attributes and in the coming builds include skill magazines found throughout the world.
Crafting unlock Wood Working 1
Crafting unlock Metal Working 5
Hotkeys
Something you have all been asking for is some kind of hotkey system. 1.34 introduces just that and it works rather nicely. Players can assign hotkeys 0-9 and use the scroll wheel to or number keys to select them. Players can store hotkeys for both weapons and medical goods, making those bandages way easier to use. You should notice that weapons are automatically assigned to any empty hotkey as they’re picked up and all slots can be over written.
Hotkey assigning
Hotkeys in action
Patch Notes - 1.34
Hotkey / Scrolling
Added hotkey binding functionality.
Overhauled scrolling through inventory items so that it now uses the hotkey system.
Player Attributes
Added all new player attributes system that allows players to tailor their characters experience. Attribute points are assigned per life and unlocked by leveling.
Player leveling is now per life.
Crafting page is now sorted by required skill instead of item categories.
Hotkeys
Added user configurable hotkey system with UI visualization. Replaces the existing scrolling functionality.
Environment
Fixed hole in terrain seam.
Player Leveling
Player level/xp is now per life.
General Settings
Added option to always show hotkey UI.
Added option to always show compass UI.
Added option to always show stats UI.
Added option to disable the the quick guide.
Fixed incorrectly named large plow.
Server Admin
Renamed the ‘Structure respawn rate' config option as it affects indoor and outdoor zombies
Improve tooltips on server config options to make them more descriptive.
Added ‘Friend map visibility’ option for allowing friends to be displayed on the map at any distance.
Added option for setting how many attribute points a player can spend on new life.
Added option for setting how many attribute points a player receives per life.
If you're enjoying the game and our recent updates, please consider leaving a review. Thanks for your support! :)
Survive the Nights is now 60% off for two weeks during the summer sale - now through July 11th. Come join in on our latest update & pick up the game for this great price!
If you have any questions before purchasing, please join our friendly community on discord.
