Patch 9.6.3 [ Small Update ]

August 2, 2023

Change Log

Added Grenade kick breach method ( stand on either side of the door, and the door must open the other way for the option to be there )
Added New Utility 2 : Door Alarm ( Defender Side Only )
Added New suspect type : The Sniper ( Available in Embassy Raid & Paradise City )
Added Suppression screen effect (getting shot around/explosions/Smokes)
Added Co-op force End mission
Added Squad AI breach with Grenade command option
Added disabled Hud UI for Hardcore Coop
Fixed Khan Manzil spawn peek location
Fixed Mag repack animation missing SFX
Fixed Adrenaline kit using the same icon as Med-kit
Fixed Door SFX cutoffs
Fixed Floating planks in Paradise City
Increased Bullet impact audio volume
Increased Suspect reaction speed
Removed Explosion SFX spatial effect
Reduced sound ambience when inside
Separated suppression screen effect intensity for Co-op & PvP

Added Grenade kick breach method ( stand on either side of the door, and the door must open the other way for the option to be there ).

Added Suppression screen effect (getting shot around/explosions/Smokes).

Added New suspect type : The Sniper ( Available in Embassy Raid & Paradise City ).

Added New Utility 2 : Door Alarm ( Defender Side Only ).

Thank you for your patience, please make sure to report Toxicity, feedback & suggestions in our Discord server using the following links.
Discord Global Community : Zero Hour Official
Discord French Community : Zero Hour France

Patch 9.6.1

July 17, 2023

Change Log

Added New Utility 3 item - Adrenaline Kit
Added Magazine Repack feature
Added "Jambo" Supporter Watch
Added "Tmask" Supporter Watch
Added Golden Shotgun exclusive to Testers that have been with us for a long time
Fixed Tactical Shotgun missing empty reload animation
Fixed Not being able to use Inventory with dead Squad AI
Fixed Suspect taking prone and rotating awkwardly
Fixed Weapon audio collection missing causing spikes
Fixed Door script missing reference causing backend logs
Fixed Watches displaying Neutralized value not updating in Co-op
Fixed Co-op Hostage queue sound trigger causing backend logs
Changed Co-op Extracted hostage suspect will now walk to Swat van when extracted
Improved Squad AI path finding
Improved Suspect AI path finding
Improved Audio Spatialization
Increased Med kit effect
Optimized Ambience Audio Occlusion
Optimized AI path finding
Optimized Suspect AI
Optimized Weapon syncing
Updated In-game controls image
Updated ZH manual file

BRIEFING

Utility 3 - Adrenaline Kit
Very similar to the Med kit, you press 6(default key) to use it. Using it will make your run speed faster and stamina will drain very slow. The effect will last for as long as you don't drain your stamina and don't get shot.

Co-Op Hostage extraction
We know everyone used to find it a bit awkward to see the hostage just sit as soon as you got them out of the building. It called for a lot of confusing moments for new players and even more just made things look weird. So the hostage will now walk to the nearest Swat Van or safe spot after they have been extracted. If possible we will try and make this even more realistic in the future.

Golden Gun
The Golden Gun is our way of thanking some of the private testers that have been with us from the very beginning of the game's release. This will remain exclusive to them and will be rewarded to more people soon for helping the game.

Magazine Repack
How to use it?
The default controls are Left Alt + H, If you have changed the controls it is Modify + Mag Inspect buttons.

Why use it?
If you have multiple magazines that are not completely filled with ammo, this will re-sort all incomplete mags and try to repack them to be full.

Thank you for your patience, please make sure to report Toxicity, feedback & suggestions in our Discord server using the following links.
Discord Global Community : Zero Hour Official
Discord French Community : Zero Hour France

Patch 9.6.0 (Silent Patch v4)

July 10, 2023

Change Log

Fixed Objective Suspect arrest animation does not sync
Fixed Door breach command not working when looking at the other double door
Fixed Suicide bomber detonating bomb while alive causing issues (Invisible wall, wrong Suspect alive count)
Fixed Defender side icon showing up when using the rear stairways in Show Time
Fixed Possible match kick bug due to wrong series of events

Patch 9.6.0 (Silent Patch v3)

July 6, 2023

Change Log

Added Environmental suspect SFX [ iteration 1]
Added Squad AI to melee Suspect when close
Fixed Not all cams were available in Show Time map
Fixed In-game controls not showing all new controls that were added
Fixed Squad AI taking longer to aim at suspect
Fixed Continuing as Squad AI can break collider
Fixed missing surface type for ragdoll in Residential House
Fixed missing surface type for ragdoll in Terror House
Fixed missing surface type for ragdoll in Show Time
Improved UDC usage speed
Improved Squad AI to target the closest suspect to them
Updated ZH manual file

Note

Environmental Suspect SFX
Suspects will que certain SFX from different locations in every map to add intensity and atmosphere to every gun fight. Example imagine listening to the Suspect checking mag from the other room or a suspect accidentally moving a furniture by running into it or even dropping a bottle and it rolling or breaking. These are only some examples, with more you can experience.

Squad AI improvements
The Squad AI should acquire targets faster now and react in time to avoid dying in many scenarios.

Thank you for your patience, please make sure to report Toxicity, feedback & suggestions in our Discord server using the following links.
Discord Global Community : Zero Hour Official
Discord French Community : Zero Hour France

Patch 9.6.0 (Silent Patch v2)

June 30, 2023

Change Log

Fixed Terror House stairway railing surface type
Fixed High/Low ready position causing throwing grenades in the wrong direction
Fixed G36C magazine check not updating ammo count prior to displaying
Improved Non compliant NPCs to be more compliant based on the scenario

Patch 9.6.0 (Silent Patch v1)

June 28, 2023

Change Log

Fixed Squad AI continuing as Player not working with third person mode
Fixed Co-Op mission score when using Squad AI
Fixed Squad AI aiming when looking at suspects at different stance
Fixed Squad AI command not written in main menu's control settings
Optimized Squad AI further

Zero Hour | Operation Thunderbolt

June 27, 2023

Zero Hour's Operation Thunderbolt is here with exciting additions and significant optimizations that will enhance your gaming experience. Prepare to trudge through a new map, engage with an AI squad, and wield the game's first non-lethal weapon. We've also fine-tuned shooting mechanics, improved door interactions, and enhanced audio functionality for smoother and more immersive gameplay.

Main Features:

New Map: Show Time

In a stunning display of sheer brutality, terrorists have unleashed a devastating strike aimed at the heart of Dhacca, targetting the iconic Nagar cinema hall. With motives much darker, their plan is to seize innocent lives as hostages and rig the entire hall with a ticking time bomb. Their demands are simple yet horrifying: the release of 13 notorious members of their terrorist faction, once captured by the MS unit. If the demands are not met within the next 5 hours, the hostages will suffer a devastating fate and the very soul of Dhacca will be torn apart by a catastrophic explosion. The stakes are high and the clock is ticking.

Squad AI

The Squad AI introduces an ensemble of commandable companions that seamlessly integrate into the game's environment, enhancing solo gameplay. With a range of basic commands such as "stack up," "breach," "fall in," and "hold position," etc., players can direct their AI squad mates strategically, forming a new level of coordinated attacks. Excitingly, if the player meets an unfortunate fate, they will seamlessly transition to control one of the remaining squad mates.

Taser

Prepare to wield the game's first non-lethal weapon: the Taser. This short-range device delivers an immobilizing shock, stunning targets without causing lethal harm. Exclusive to co-op gameplay, the Taser offers limited ammunition, requiring strategic usage. By using the Taser, players can accelerate the process of making NPCs compliant and persuade suspects to surrender, adding dimension to the mission strategy. Beware, as low-health individuals may succumb to its charge, resulting in unintended fatalities. This weapon can also be used by the squad AI members.

Improved Animations

To further refine the animation experience, we have separated inertia animations between the first-person and third-person perspectives. This ensures that players in first-person view experience reduced head shake movement, minimizing any potential discomfort. However, the proper look and feel of the animations will be present when viewed in third person. This will retain visual accuracy and authenticity in the third-person view.
To learn more: Previous Steam News

NPC Character

Story-related NPCs have been added to the game to introduce a new layer of immersion and narrative depth. Now, players will encounter intriguing characters that breathe life into each mission. For instance, the wife of a serial killer or the pharmacist who works in the very building you infiltrate. These NPCs are intended to add an extra level of realism and story to each mission. As we continue to enhance the game, more NPCs will be introduced in upcoming updates.

Subtitles System

Recognizing the importance of effective communication between players and suspects/NPCs, we have added subtitles to our game. This is to ensure that language barriers do not hinder gameplay experiences. Now, when suspects and NPCs speak in Bangla, players will have access to subtitles in English, enabling them to comprehend the dialogue and react accordingly.

Further Optimization

Features Being Postponed

Unfortunately, some of the announced features are still a work in progress and will be added as soon as they are ready. Our current focus is on refining the base functionalities to ensure a polished and enjoyable experience for players.

Squad Career System

Although nearly ready, the squad career system is not available at this time. It is our priority to ensure that the Squad AI functions as a cohesive unit, responding effectively to player commands and making intelligent decisions. We believe it is crucial for players to have a seamless experience without losing squad members due to avoidable mistakes. The wait won't be long as after 2/3 iterations of the Squad AI with the upcoming patches, we aim to introduce the Squad career system as one of the patches.

Attack dog

The development of the attack dog feature is still in progress, as we are dedicated to ensuring its functionality and presentation meet our high standards. Our goal is for the attack dog to seamlessly complement the squad AI. The squad AI does not have the ability to detect traps, therefore, our plan is to integrate the attack dog to assist in trap detection. This will allow you to assign squad AI members to defuse traps, making use of the dog's abilities. Additionally, the dog will aid in suspect detection, alerting you to suspicious activities such as specific routes taken or interactions with certain doors.

Features you might have missed!

In case you missed our previous patches, we are excited to highlight several noteworthy additions and improvements to the game. These include the introduction of a new handgun, the ability to switch between high and low ready positions, enhancements to suspect behavior, and visibility changes.

Competitive Lighting Mode

To enhance the storytelling and immersive experience of our maps, we have intentionally created darker environments that reflect the realistic atmosphere of the locations. However, we understand that prolonged PvP gameplay sessions may be challenging under these conditions. To counter this, we have introduced a separate lighting mode specifically for PvP, which brightens the surroundings for improved visibility and gameplay. However, if you are a fan of the regular lighting mode, rest assured as you can still opt for that in custom matches.

Co-Op Suspect Improvements

Suspect Distress

Suspects are designed to experience distress levels that correspond to the intensity and pressure of the mission. In some cases, this heightened state may lead them to commit suicide. Payers have the opportunity to intervene and prevent such actions by shooting the weapon out of the suspect's hand, earning extra points in the process.

Suspect Able to throw

Suspects possess the ability to strategically employ defensive measures by throwing grenades, flares, and molotov cocktails to safeguard their positions and disrupt the player's progress.

Various Suspect Reactions

Suspects react by stumbling to being shot in the leg, acknowledging the impact. In addition, they may taunt the player, attempting to intimidate and discourage them from advancing further in such a situation.

Conclusion:

We are thrilled to bring you these new additions and updates to Zero Hour, and we sincerely hope you enjoy them. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping the game and enhancing the overall experience. The development of the new map and squad AI has been a long and exciting journey, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts on them. Looking ahead, we have an exciting update in store for you, including the introduction of a flyable drone, the highly anticipated attack dog, new maps (including a school map), and various other improvements. We appreciate your unwavering support, which allows us to create the game we've always envisioned. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

Update Logs

ADDED

New Playable Map "Show Time"
New Squad AI option for Solo Co-Op [ 1st Iteration ]
New Weapon Taser for Co-Op only (CT Side)
New Subtitles System
New NPC system to Coop [ 1st Iteration ]
New Door trap wire cut animation
New Main menu OST "Haste"
Ability to switch to squad AI when playing solo
Offline play for Solo Co-op
Story NPC to Residential House
Story NPC to Cafe 14
Story NPC to Ferry Launch
Story NPC to Red Wedding
Story NPC to Embassy Raid
Suspect suicide bomb body gore effect
New one shot ambience "threat announcement" SFX to active shooter maps

Fixed

Co-Op solo carrying connection issues
Weapon jittery movement when rotating with high sensitivity
Door physics causing doors to be in the middle of the door frame
Sudden 90* angle turn when kicking or ramming door
Suspect Taunting in every instance
Being able to throw grenades from the bathroom window in Khan Manzil
Getting stuck in corridor due to props in Military Airport
Being able to see door trap cut prompt from the other side of the door
Door trap cut prompt not showing up easily
Sticky player movement while dragging along the wall
Custom map option's scroll speed being too slow
Suspect AI doing weapon blocked animation when doing full body animations
Suspect AI doing weapon blocked animation due to multiple Swats in area
Suspect with suicide bomb exploding and having ragdoll issues
Backend server errors

Improved

Weapon rotating Inertia
High/Low ready positions
Player FPS view when moving and stopping
SWAT locomotion animations
SWAT crouched locomotion animations
Lighting in Hotel Trouble map slightly
Metallic materials in various maps
Optimization for Rappelling mechanism
Optimization for Shooting mechanism
Optimization for Lighting mechanism
Optimization for Suspect AI network sync calls
Optimization for Memory Allocations

Increased

Door knob interaction detection scale
Brightness in Bank Heist
Brightness in Red Wedding
Brightness in Embassy Raid
Brightness in Terror House
Brightness in Residential House
Chances of suspect trying to suicide due to distress

Changes

Removed AFK detection for when playing Solo
Removed hostage unknown from Cafe 14
Removed hostage unknown 2 from Terror House
Removed hostages from Ferry Launch
Removed hostage unknown from Embassy Raid
Cafe 14 pharmacy now has access behind the counter
Main menu background showcasing new update

Thank you for your patience, please make sure to report toxicity, feedback & suggestions in our Discord server using the following links.
Discord Global Community : Zero Hour Official
Discord French Community : Zero Hour France

Zero Hour | Operation Thunderbolt Details

June 3, 2023

Zero Hour's Operation Thunderbolt is here with exciting additions and significant optimizations that enhance your gaming experience. Prepare to trudge through a new map, engage with an AI squad, and wield the game's first non-lethal weapon. We've also fine-tuned shooting mechanics, improved door interactions, and enhanced audio functionality for smoother and more immersive gameplay.