The newest addition for H1Z1’s is also its oldest, as Daybreak have revived the original Z1 map for the game on PC. Now dubbed Outbreak, this is looks to refine the original 8km by 8km map with Battle Royale in mind. This comes alongside some time-limited rewards for playing and an ‘Apocalypse Crate’ for new cosmetics.
Daybreak highlight how they’ve tweaked the map for the current version of the game, adding a few new points of interest to the north and west, and new loot spots in more sparse areas. They’ve tweaked the terrain so it’s easier to know where you are, and improved the overall visuals of the game’s buildings, as well as some of their internal layouts. The Outbreak map is available in all game modes: Solos, Duos and Fives.
Alongside this, they’ve also brought the following gameplay tweaks:
- Spawn selection has been disabled in all Outbreak game modes.
- The AR-15 and AK-47 have been adjusted to allow two to three (depending on how fast you’re firing) extra shots put on target before recoil growth kicks in. This does not affect tapping shot behavior.
- The AR-15 and AK-47 are now 60% more accurate when hip-firing.
- Crouch fatigue has been removed, so players are no longer restricted with the crouch action regardless of how often it is used.
- Jump animations have been shortened to provide a more responsive jump action, allowing players to jump more frequently without having to wait for animations to complete. Additionally, player momentum and velocity persist in the direction of the jump, allowing you to freely aim and look around without prematurely shortening your leap.
- Running and sprinting animations have been restored to Preseason 3 versions, with the Rifle class of weapons having a prominent forward-facing position.
- Much-beloved bullet impact sounds have returned. Helmet break, headshot, and laminated/makeshift armor break sounds are all back from Preseason 3.
As rewards for playing, you can earn the Homecoming Scrubs cosmetics if you play any match before 4th July, and anyone that had a H1Z1 account before 20th September 2016 will also earn a Z1 Zombie Mask.
There’s no promise on if or when this will come to PS4, but H1Z1 Producer Terrence Yee told Eurogamer, “Outbreak will launch first on PC, where our community has been eagerly anticipating it for some time, but we’re open to bringing it to PS4 in the future.”
Cross your fingers.
