At the SOE Live in Las Vegas, the live gameplay of the survival MMO H1Z1 showcased the infection mechanics. Those who overlook these could become zombies themselves as players.
Hunger and thirst, as known since the first streams of H1Z1, will definitely need attention. Health and energy levels also need to be monitored. And those who move clumsily or like a gun enthusiast and make noises like a rutting deer or a gun-clattered rocker have a noise problem. And a noise problem is far more pressing in H1Z1 than in an apartment building, because in H1Z1, noise attracts zombies.
It now seems that H1Z1 has other dangers in store. One might also need to pay attention to personal warmth and to the dangers posed by the titular plague H1Z1.
Warning, Danger Alert: Before you continue reading, H1Z1 is not even in Early Access yet, and every detail we list could change completely before the final game. This is a result of SOE’s transparent information policy. The public is continuously informed about design decisions. However, these are not set in stone. This is all a snapshot. While it is likely that much of what is discussed will find its way into Early Access or later in the release, we would not be reporting on it otherwise.
Hunger, Thirst and Eternal Homesickness: The current UI marked sources of danger
Health Points – This is the typical health display known from every game. If it drops to zero, you are dead and respawn. Compared to other games, at least for now, it does not automatically regenerate but must be restored with bandages or other means. H1Z1 places a strong emphasis on realism: a broken leg or a zombie bite-sized flesh wound does not heal magically while chopping trees and hunting deer.
However, this could change depending on server mechanics or developer decisions. You lose health from zombie attacks, player attacks, wild animal attacks, hunger, thirst, falling, stepping on a landmine, or being in an exploding car – just like in real life.
Hunger – In H1Z1, you must eat regularly. This is part of the survival basics and applies – by the way – not just to Bear Grylls, but to everyone else too… except supermodels. You cannot simply gorge on raw meat from hunted animals; otherwise, you will lose health points. Therefore, one of the first tasks for every player is to set up a campfire or later a grill. In real life, you wouldn’t eat raw deer meat, no matter how proud you are of having brought down that beast with a headshot. By the way: In the current images, there are a lot more deer than planned. This is because they are using the “Horde” spawn mechanics. And as a second point: spear fishing is also set to be included in the game.
Thirst – A common issue in real life, but rarely encountered in MMOs. The nasty thing about H1Z1: drinking contaminated, brackish water from a puddle is not a good idea. It must be purified. Filter systems and the search for clean water will become part of the daily routine for players.
Energy – Energy or stamina is consumed in H1Z1 while sprinting. The value regenerates quickly. It is not inherently a “source of danger,” but if you imagine running away from a bear or a zombie…
Infection and Hypothermia: the two new sources of danger in H1Z1
During the SOE Live, it became clear that in addition to these four stats, which players could already read in the UI (bottom right corner), there will be others added.
The Infection Level – This level likely increases from drinking dirty water, eating contaminated meat, or contact with zombies. A zombie bite, everyone knows, is not beneficial for genetic integrity. How the infection decreases or can be fought is still open. SOE President Smedley reportedly mentioned penicillin or other means in a stream. This will surely be discussed in more detail soon.
Body Temperature – A while ago, the developers of H1Z1 went through a weather-frog phase. They mentioned that extreme temperatures affect the player’s performance. Walking around in a T-shirt during a snowstorm is said to be a terrible idea. How this will be implemented is – like so much else – still not clear.
Noise and Heat – the underestimated sources of danger
Two more “sources of danger” that do not manifest in a value but in attracting zombies are noise and heat. Those moving in large groups or using firearms create noise, which will attract zombies and animals. Some more, some less.
Developer Jimmy Whisenhunt has talked about introducing a subspecies of nearly blind zombies that are extremely good at hearing.
Heat will also play a role. A campfire is not only highly visible to other players; zombies can respond to it as well. However, one does not always know what is worse in H1Z1: the visit of a looting neighbor or that of a horde of zombies.
And to conclude this article, we want to intentionally sell it as “low-key” for now: Next month, the Early Access of H1Z1 might finally happen. However, Smedley did not want to commit to a date when he mentioned it in his stream. Understandably, given the disappointed faces that resulted when the last announced date fell through.
