Bohemia Interactive has launched the experimental phase of DayZ update 1.28 on Steam and Xbox platforms. The update brings substantial improvements to vehicle handling, introduces a gradual weapon pullback system, adds three new scopes, and enhances audio features throughout the game.
Vehicle Synchronization Overhaul Promises Smoother Driving
The standout feature in update 1.28 is the comprehensive vehicle synchronization improvement designed to eliminate the notorious bouncing and floaty feeling that has plagued DayZ drivers. This fundamental change aims to provide better control even during high-latency conditions, making the driving experience significantly more pleasant across all server conditions.
Bohemia has set up a dedicated cars server for experimental testing and is actively seeking player feedback. For those interested in the technical details behind these changes, the developers have referenced a detailed blog post from Arma Reforger, as they're implementing the same approach for DayZ.
Close-Quarters Combat Gets Major Rework
The weapon lifting mechanic, which has been a source of frustration during close-quarters encounters, has received a significant update. Previously limited to just "normal" or "lifted" states, weapons will now feature a gradual pullback before lifting. This means your character attempts to pull their weapon back when there's sufficient space, rather than immediately raising it.
This change should dramatically improve indoor combat scenarios and situations where players are overwhelmed by infected at close range, addressing a long-standing community concern.
What's New with Optics?
The update introduces three new scopes to diversify long-range combat options:
- 2x Sportpoint sight - A new low-tier civilian scope that will make hunting scopes rarer
- PSO-6 scope - A 6x zoom optic compatible with eastern firearms including the VSD
- Marksman scope - A premium variable 3.5x-10x zoom scope for long-range engagements
Beyond adding new optics, the update improves scope overlays with damage visualization and support for illuminated reticles. Binoculars, night vision scopes, and the rangefinder have received visual updates, while damaged night vision goggles will now be more challenging to use, adding a new layer of realism to the survival experience.
Audio Enhancements Across the Board
The audio team has delivered comprehensive sound improvements including:
- Updated sounds for all non-automatic rifles
- Rebalanced vehicle audio for better in-vehicle communication while making them more audible from a distance
- Adjusted footstep audio based on player feedback from update 1.27
- Separated configuration for player and infected footstep sounds
- A new soundscape for Sakhal caves
Sakhal island also receives new dynamic events, encouraging players to explore the environment and discover fresh content throughout the map.
The full change notes are available on the official DayZ forums. The update is expected to move from experimental to full release sometime in March/April 2023 following the testing phase.