Overview

• Patch 1.5 restores the A-Life system by simulating NPCs continuously off-screen, reducing pop-in and enabling repeat encounters with the same characters
• The Zone Kit launches as a Phase 1 modding suite that lets users create or modify animations, weapons, mechanics and anomalies via Steam Workshop, Mod.io and the Epic Games Store
• At around 659–700 GB on disk, the toolkit’s size reflects its inclusion of full uncompressed game assets to streamline mod development
• New gameplay features include mutant part looting, two additional firearms, a Water Electric Tornado anomaly and quality-of-life improvements like expanded stash capacity and a global repair option
• Early community response has produced dozens of mods—from functional tweaks to novelty character swaps—setting the stage for further toolkit expansion in Phase 2