- Patch 1.12 - 27 July 2026
Changes and improvements:The VR player controller scripts have undergone extensive optimization. Overall CPU usage has been significantly reduced, which should noticeably improve gameplay stability, especially on lower-end PCs. These optimizations were brought over to Z.O.N.A Origin from the D.E.C.A.Y. project.Player physics processing has been improved.Fixed an issue where placing an item into the backpack could trigger several sound effects in quick succession.Fixed a similar issue with the backpack’s shoulder slot, which allows players to store items directly without removing the backpack. Previously, using this slot could also trigger several sound effects in quick succession.Fixed a rare issue where objects in the game world could repeatedly disappear directly in front of the player.Added a hit impact effect for the “Defender” monster. It is strange that I overlooked this earlier.F…
- Patch 1.11 - 12 June 2026
Changes and Improvements:Fixed crouch mode. Players can no longer run while crouching with the controllers. Yes, it looked pretty funny, but it was still unnatural.Fixed minor issues in the behavior of the “Guardian” AI and optimized its related scripts. Previously, its behavior could cause micro-stutters — this issue has now been resolved.Improved the doors at the “Dawn” base. Previously, they could trigger incorrectly when opening or closing, which could cause players to see empty space in front of them. This issue has now been fully fixed.Improved the monster death shader. Video memory usage has been reduced by approximately 460 MB.Improved the textures of collapsed stone walls: resolution has been increased from 2K to 4K.Slightly changed the color of the weapon slots at the “Free Stalkers” base.Graphics settings now have a stronger impact on game performance.Optimized some models.Ad…
- Patch 1.10.11 - 10 May 2026
Changes and Improvements:Magnetic and instant item grabbing has been improved. Previously, it could be difficult to grab the item you wanted if other loot was nearby. This issue should now be resolved.The AS “Val” sight rail is now attached only when a collimator sight is installed on the weapon. Many players asked for the ability to remove it for cleaner iron-sight aiming, and this is now possible. The rail can still be painted while a collimator sight is attached.The AK-74 sight rail for collimator or sniper scopes is now attached only when a sight is installed on the weapon.The AK-74M sight rail for collimator or sniper scopes is now attached only when a sight is installed on the weapon.The AKS-74 sight rail for collimator or sniper scopes is now attached only when a sight is installed on the weapon.The Valmet M78 sight rail for collimator or sniper scopes is now attached only when a…
- Hotfix 1.10.09 - 25 April 2026
Changes and Improvements:In the bunker you visit during Shram’s quest, based on feedback from one of the players, two medkits (+44 health each) have been added to avoid situations where the player is poorly prepared and can no longer make it back to the “Free Stalkers” base.Some textures have been optimized.
- Hotfix 1.10.08 - 24 April 2026
Changes and Improvements:Fixed a bug that could make it impossible to complete the escort mission with the scientist at the Landfill. Thanks to player hungryiligy for reporting it.Slightly increased the health of the scientist who must be escorted at the Landfill.The scientist from the Dawn faction is now less aggressive during escort.
- Patch 1.10.07 - 19 April 2026
Changes and Improvements:Added an alternative way to reach the “Dawn” base. Now, even if you didn’t finish the dialogue with Sedoy (this does happen) and therefore didn’t speak with the guide, the transition to the base will still unlock on the global map. However, it will be available directly instead of through the guide, allowing you to continue the storyline.Improved lighting on the “Dawn” base.Minor fixes on the “Underground Collector” level.Minor fixes on the “Swamp. Zimovishche Village” level.Minor fixes on the “Outpost” level.Optimized some textures.Optimized the rendering of forests and grass — this should improve performance on lower-end GPUs.Improved foliage shader.Fixed some dialogue issues.Performed optimization on several levels.After these optimization improvements, memory usage has been reduced by 600 MB to 1 GB even on the highest settings.The leaderboard has been reset…
- Hotfix 1.10.06a - 10 April 2026
This hotfix was made in response to feedback from a player named SlayeRAIN, who fairly pointed out that the weapons from Support Pack 1 and Support Pack 2 were not very different from the regular weapons that can be found or purchased in the game. It is time to fix that a little.Changes and Improvements:Increased the damage of AKS-74 “Survivor” from 25 to 36.Increased the durability of AKS-74 “Survivor” by 50%. Now you will need to repair the weapon less often.Updated the description of AKS-74 “Survivor” to reflect the new changes.Increased the damage of AKS-74U “Gifted” from 29 to 32.Increased the durability of AKS-74U “Gifted” by 50%. Now you will need to repair the weapon less often.
- Support from the Shelter: Support Pack 2 is now available! - 9 April 2026
Hello, stalkers!A new additional DLC for Z.O.N.A: Origin is now available — Support Pack 2.This pack is for those who want to support the further development of the game and receive a useful starter equipment set. It will be especially helpful for newcomers who want to feel a bit more confident at the beginning of their journey through the Zone.The pack includes:the “Ward” artifactthe upgraded GROZA 01A detectorthe golden AKS-74U “Gifted”3 golden magazines for itAll items can be collected at the Free Stalkers’ base, in the Shelter.Thank you to everyone who supports the game and its development. Your help allows me to continue working on new updates, improvements, locations, and future content.— Ihor
- Patch 1.10.06 - 9 April 2026
This update is primarily focused on performance optimization and reducing video memory usage.Changes and Improvements:The “Bunker X” location has been slightly reworked. Now Alice’s words no longer sound like just a warning — whether to listen to her or keep going is entirely up to you :)Some environmental models have been optimized, including cabinets, chairs, walls, fences, and other objects.Rendering for some objects has been improved, which should have a positive effect on overall performance.Unnecessary memory usage has been reduced for some models. This is especially useful for graphics cards with a smaller amount of memory. I recently learned that someone completed the entire game even on an old RX 580, and I was pleasantly surprised.Loading of certain objects and some scenes has been sped up.
- Patch 1.10.05 - 2 April 2026
Detector Improvements. You often wrote on the Steam forum that you could not find an artifact even though the detector seemed to indicate that something was there. But in reality, it could have been an anomaly. Many players also asked what the green dot on the detector screen meant. After this improvement, it will be much easier for you to understand what is in front of you: a healing anomaly, a deadly anomaly, or the rare artifact you have been searching for all this time.New Features:To make it easier to understand what you are seeing through the detector, icons have been added to highlight detected objects. Now it will be easier for players to tell whether they are looking at an artifact or an anomaly that can either kill or heal them. Previously, everything was shown only as colored dots, which was not very convenient, and many players got confused because of it. This should no long…
- Patch 1.10.04 - 23 March 2026
Changes and Improvements:Fixed an issue where players could not find the PDA with the coordinates of the Doomsday base in Mines-4. Previously, one of the monsters could knock it away, causing it to fall into the water. There are now two such PDAs on the level, which should make the search easier.At the request of players, the sound impact range of gunshots has been increased by 15 meters.Increased the activation area of transitions on the global map. Previously, when selecting a location, it could sometimes be harder for the player to aim the beam at the desired checkpoint. This should no longer be an issue.Made minor adjustments to hand physics.Minor improvements and fixes on some levels.
- Patch 1.10.03 - 16 March 2026
New Features:New spray paint cans have been added: turquoise, dark black, orange, and purple. All 4 colors can be found at the Free Stalkers base, as well as throughout the Zone.Changes and Improvements:Fixed an issue where raid levels could sometimes load empty and without loot when loading an autosave.The balance and difficulty of the monsters on the quest level “Ghost Base” have been adjusted. The total health pool of the attacking monsters has been reduced from 1500 to 750. Originally, this mission was added as a reference to the first game and was intended to be quite difficult. At the beginning of the mission, the player also received a CZ Scorpion EVO 3 as a reward, which was meant not so much to help complete the mission itself, but rather to make the rest of the game easier. However, as player feedback and experience have shown, many players did not understand that intention. A…
- Hotfix 1.10.02 - 12 March 2026
From now on, at the start of a new game, the player receives not only an AKS-74U with three magazines and a Makarov pistol, but also two full boxes of ammunition: 150 rounds of 5.45 caliber and 50 rounds of 9×18. This was done to make the start a bit easier for new players who are still getting familiar with the game. Players who started their playthrough before this update will also receive this ammunition — it can be found at the Free Stalkers base, on the weapon repair workbench.
- Patch 1.10.01 - 9 March 2026
New Features:You can now use spray paint cans to customize not only your weapons, but also the player’s hands to your liking. And if you happen to get paint on your gloves, it can always be cleaned off with a special cleaning spray can.Changes and Improvements:The parameters of the “Child of the Zone” monster have been slightly adjusted. She is now a bit easier to kill, so players will have an easier time dealing with her.The grab zone for the pistol holster has been slightly increased. It is now easier to place the pistol into the holster, with less chance of missing.Improvements and refinements have been made to the paint spray cans.Some textures have been optimized.Minor improvements and fixes have been made on some levels.
- Update 1.10 - 22 January 2026
New Features:A new creature has appeared in the Zone — “Child of the Zone.” She can be encountered both in open areas and during certain raids. Do not underestimate her due to her appearance or low physical damage. The girl rapidly burns through psi protection, and once it is depleted, there is almost no room for mistakes.Added new loot “Wind-Up Chicken” — an old Soviet toy that survived the world before the Zone. Can be found both on locations and during raids.Added new loot “Rubber Duck” — a children’s toy from the past. Can be found in the Zone as well as during raids.Added new children’s loot “Rubber Ball” — an old Soviet toy. Found only within the Zone.Changes and Improvements:The behavior of some monsters has been revised. It is now possible to break away from them or hide, if you act carefully.The loot tables for enemies from various factions have been reworked and expanded.By po…
- Hotfix 1.09.01 - 16 December 2025
Changes and Improvements:Added a safety check to the dialogue when traveling to the Dawn base. Now, if the player does not finish the dialogue and does not confirm that they need more time before heading to the base, and then leaves the location, the dialogue will start over. Previously, if the dialogue was not completed, after leaving the location the player could no longer travel to the Dawn base with the guide.
- Patch 1.09 - 8 December 2025
Stalkers, Happy New Year!The Zone is changing — and so are we. Thank you for your support, ideas, and feedback. Thanks to you, Z.O.N.A Origin has become better. May the anomalies be kinder to you this year, and may your loot be richer!New Features:A New Year event has been added. You can start it by talking to the Snowman at the “Free Stalkers” base. The event is available from 08.12.2025 to 12.01.2026. Completing it rewards you with a unique golden AKS-74U.A small New Year-themed location has been added. It becomes accessible after completing the event.A new type of zombie has been introduced. It appears only during the New Year event and has increased resistance to damage compared to regular monsters.Changes and Improvements:The quest to find Brodyaga’s missing group has been improved. Now, even if the player doesn’t respond to the radio message and doesn’t contact Brodyaga, the quest…
- Patch 1.08.04 - 2 December 2025
New Features:Added a new loot item — the old Soviet toy “Soviet Cosmonaut.” It can be found both in certain raids and across the Zone.Added a new loot item — “Onion.” It can be sold for a good price or used to restore a small amount of health and satiety. Most importantly, the onion has an almost magical effect: it fully restores psi protection and temporarily raises it above normal limits. Stalkers joke that with such an aroma, even the Zone itself prefers to keep its distance.Changes & Improvements:Fixed a rare issue in the quest where you deliver a hard drive to Iskra. If the drive was left at the base and not picked up immediately, it could disappear.Texture quality is now automatically set to the highest level when launching the game for the first time. Previously, players could experience blurry textures at around 5 meters. The issue was caused by the game setting the lowest textu…
- Patch 1.08.03 - 13 November 2025
New Features:Added a new type of cookable food — potato. Like other food, it can be cooked on a stove using a pan, over a campfire, or boiled in a pot. You can find it both in the Zone and during raids.Added new loot — an old Soviet football (soccer) ball. It can be found in some locations of the Zone and in certain raids. You can sell it or relive your youth a bit and play with it.Added new loot — a tennis ball. It can be found in some locations of the Zone and in certain raids. You can sell it or play with it for fun.Changes & Improvements:By player request, a note was added to the briefing of the final mission stating that once you complete it, you won’t be able to return to the previous locations.Updated the quest description about O.S.Z., as some players didn’t fully understand what to do next to unlock the storyline. Previous: “Sedoy asked for some time to find out more about O.S.…
- Hotfix 1.08.02 - 7 November 2025
Changes and Improvements:Fixed an issue on the raid location “Abandoned Village” where the player could sometimes lose all items and become unable to leave the area after transitioning. The problem was caused by the procedural loot generation system. Special thanks to players Conserva and Anomalous for reporting this issue.
