Greetings, Survivors. Our team would like to take a moment to discuss one of the cornerstone mechanics in Persist Online: the Ring System. This feature segments the open world into multiple concentric “rings”, starting at Ring 0 (the Starting Area) and stretching all the way to Ring 10.

In other words, each ring shares the same center point but extends outward in layers—think of ripples on water. We designed this structure to help players naturally progress from the more manageable inner areas to the higher-risk (and higher-reward) outer rings at a comfortable pace. Now we don’t use “perfect” circles. It would be boring and in many areas it would not match the natural barriers, like mountains or rivers.

Image visualizing the rings in the open world.

That said, we’ve made a point to ensure you have full freedom to roam. There are no artificial borders or invisible walls holding you back; from the moment you enter the world, you’re free to travel in any direction you choose. The only real limitations are the challenges that await you — if you stray into more dangerous rings prematurely, you’ll face enemies and hazards that may be beyond your current abilities. And that is fine with us, as it is your choice and risk to take!

Ultimately, the open world isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing space shaped by player decisions, threats, and the interplay between exploration and combat. By weaving together our open-world philosophy with concentric rings of escalating difficulty, we aim to give both new arrivals and hardened veterans a clear path of progression — while never letting the danger (or the excitement) disappear completely.

When we first set out to build Persist Online, we knew we wanted a world that felt like it had truly endured a catastrophe. Decades after the initial outbreak, survivors banded together to form Strongholds – fortified areas that act as bastions of safety. Yet safety, as many of you have discovered, is relative at best. Venturing outside these Strongholds reveals a landscape torn apart by nature and teeming with threats. Broken highways snake through cityscapes, forests have reclaimed entire regions, and deserts bear the scars of environmental collapse. Each area is meticulously crafted by our Content Team to tell small stories of the civilization that once was. Every abandoned skyscraper, forest trail, and twisted overpass is more than just set dressing – it’s an invitation to explore, scavenge, and persist.

Rainy night view from the rooftops in Ashwater city. Every building can be entered, every room can be scavenged.

During the early stages of development, our team recognized that this sprawling, handcrafted world could be overwhelming if we dropped everyone into the deep end immediately. We needed a way to guide players from the relative safety of the Strongholds into the more perilous zones without compromising the game’s core tension. But without forcing the players to venture a pre-defined path. That’s where the Ring System came into play. Instead of creating one uniform “danger zone,” we segmented the map into concentric rings (beginning at the center and extending outward). Each successive layer becomes increasingly hostile, but also promises more valuable loot and rarer resources. This design helps newcomers ease into the harsh environment while providing a clear route to high-stakes scavenging for experienced players.

To support these varying levels of risk and reward, we layered each region of the world to reflect its own degree of danger. Near the Strongholds, you’ll encounter fewer undead threats and find more common resources – ideal for players who are just starting out. Deeper into the wilderness, the environment grows more chaotic. Advanced zombies, mutated wildlife, and tricky terrain challenges await those looking to test their mettle and find better loot. Farther still, you’ll face truly powerful mutated creatures that often require a team effort or specialized gear to overcome. Those who dare to explore these dangers can earn top-tier rewards – perfect for anyone who thrives on risk and craves the best items in the game.

No matter which layer you’re currently braving, we wanted each step outside a Stronghold to feel meaningful. That’s why every zone is filled with handcrafted points of interest – be the skyscrapers, hidden research facilities, or outpost ruins. We designed these landmarks so that players can enter every building, climb every floor, and explore every dark hallway. You never know what might be around the corner: hidden treasure, a lurking enemy, or a clue about what happened here long ago. Each discovery adds depth to the world and ensures that your journey is both challenging and rewarding at every turn.

One of our core principles in Persist Online is that the world fights back. Zombies don’t simply shuffle aimlessly; they respond to noise, movement, and other cues. Whether those come from you or from competing players. In addition, mutants patrol certain territories, forcing you to plan your approach carefully or form alliances if you want to stand a chance. These challenges scale with each ring, reinforcing the idea that progression must be earned one day, one encounter at a time.

We’ve discussed how our open world serves as more than just a backdrop for PvE activities – it’s also a dynamic arena for Player vs. Player (PvP) interactions. The environment in Persist Online is consistently dangerous, but the presence of other survivors introduces an additional layer of unpredictability and excitement. Encountering another player in the wild can dramatically shift the balance between risk and reward. Are they a potential ally, a fierce rival, or perhaps someone you can temporarily team up with to face a larger threat? Claims and scarce resources in the more dangerous rings often become hotspots for spontaneous and intense PvP skirmishes. These encounters are not just about combat; they’re strategic moments where players must decide whether to engage, negotiate, or avoid conflict altogether. The absence of predefined classes means that PvP battles are diverse and unpredictable, relying on each player’s unique combination of equipment, skills, and tactics.

Engaging in PvP is a calculated risk that can yield significant rewards. Successfully defeating another player might grant you valuable resources, enhance your reputation, or allow you to seize control of a coveted claim. However, losing a confrontation could mean forfeiting hard-earned loot or valuable assets. Balancing aggression with caution is key to thriving in this unforgiving world. Moreover, PvP in Persist Online fosters community-driven rivalries and alliances. Over time, players form guilds, creating long-term enemies and strategic partnerships that add depth to the game’s social dynamics. These relationships make every interaction meaningful, ensuring that no two days in Persist Online are ever the same.

Preview for the Mutant Spitter, a dangerous creature you will meet in the outer rings.

We’ll continue to refine the Ring System to balance tension, exploration, and reward. Your feedback drives and will have a great impact on many of these changes. We’re looking forward to you sharing your stories of triumph, frustration, or those surprising alliances that form when two parties cross paths in the more perilous rings, once we open the tests for more people.

In Persist Online, the open world isn’t just the setting – it’s the heartbeat of the game, challenging you to adapt, collaborate, and push deeper into the unknown. Whether you’re just starting out in the safer zones or eyeing that elusive piece of gear rumored to drop in the most dangerous areas, remember: each step further from safety is a new chapter in your story.

—The Persist Online Development & Community Team

At CipSoft, our journey began with Tibia, launched in 1997 without any sound or music. This unique choice fostered a dedicated and imaginative community, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game world through visuals and their own narratives. Celebrating Tibia’s 25th anniversary, we introduced sound and music, marking a significant milestone in the game’s history. Persist Online had sound and music in mind from the beginning. Let’s take a closer look at our audio systems.

Audio is a key part of your gaming experience, providing important information and making the game world feel real. In Persist Online, sounds like footsteps, growls, and background noises help you stay aware of what’s around you. For example, hearing footsteps from behind can warn you of a zombie or another player approaching.

Music and ambient sounds set the mood in different areas. A quiet forest might have bird songs and rustling leaves, while an industrial zone could feature the sounds of machines and pipes. Audio cues also give you quick feedback on your actions. When you successfully gather resources or hit an obstacle, specific sounds let you know what happened without needing to look away from the screen.

Our audio system is designed to make your gameplay smoother and more intuitive, keeping you immersed in the world of Persist Online without unnecessary distractions.

One of the standout features of Persist Online’s audio system is spatial audio. This means you can hear sounds coming from specific directions, like footsteps from behind or growls from a certain area, helping you locate other players or undead threats.

Additionally, environmental sounds like rustling leaves, flowing water, or distant bird calls make the game world feel more real and alive. As you move through different areas, the audio changes to match, giving each place its own unique sound.

In Persist Online, we’ve put a lot of thought into the sound effects for weapons to make each one feel special and fun to use. Whether you’re swinging a trusty axe or firing a high-powered rifle, each weapon has its own distinct sound. This not only makes combat more enjoyable but also helps you recognize what type of weapon others are using in the game. Our goal is to make every weapon feel different, enhancing both the sound experience and gameplay.

In addition to ambient sounds and the in-game radio, Persist Online introduces a dynamic voice-over system. Your character doesn’t just stand there silently—they comment on your actions, adding feedback, humor, and guidance as you explore the post-apocalyptic world.

When you try to gather resources without the right tool, your character might say, “I need a wrench for that!” or “I’d better switch my weapon! It’s broken!” when your weapon’s durability has reached it’s end. Entering a area can trigger remarks telling you more about it. During intense battles, expect comments such as, “Ouch. I’m injured! I need medical treatment” or “Another one bites the dust!”.

These voice-over comments make the game more engaging by offering hints and tips, giving your character personality, and adding moments of humor and relatability. This makes your journey through Persist Online not just challenging but also enjoyable.

Adding another layer to our audio experience is the in-game radio. Our radio system is synchronized across all players’ clients, so when a radio station is broadcasting, everyone hears the same content at the same time, creating a unified community experience. Throughout Persist Online, you’ll find various radio units that you can turn on or off as you like. Whether you’re hanging out in a safe zone or hiding in a building, the radio provides entertainment, information, or a break from the chaos.

Our radio show is hosted by the amazing CAPTAIN, who curated content that fits the post-apocalyptic theme of Persist Online. The show features carefully chosen themed music with meaningful lyrics, live commentary and fun elements.
We’ve added several audio settings to give you control over your sound experience. Here’s how each setting helps you:

Master Volume Control lets you adjust the overall sound level of the game. Whether you like it loud or need it quieter while doing other things, Master Volume helps you find the perfect balance.

Music Volume controls the volume of all in-game music, like the Startup screen, Safehouse, and background music while exploring Persist Online’s Open World. This setting lets you focus on other game sounds or listen to your own music while playing.

UI (User Interface) Volume adjusts the volume of interface sounds like button clicks and menu navigation, ensuring you get clear feedback that helps you move through the game’s many options and settings easily.

SFX (Sound Effects) Volume controls the volume of all sound effects, including footsteps, weapon sounds, and environmental interactions. Clear sound effects help you stay aware of the game world, reacting to threats or opportunities more effectively, like hearing other players approaching your position!

Ambient Volume adjusts the volume of background sounds like wind, birds, and distant noises, adding depth to the environment and making different areas feel unique and alive.

Muting Radio lets you mute or unmute the in-game radio separately from other audio settings. This is especially useful for streamers who want to avoid licensing issues or players who prefer to focus on the game’s sounds during intense moments.

Your input is important to us and helps us make Persist Online better. If you have suggestions or run into any issues with the audio settings, in-game radio, or voice-over system, please reach out through our Discord server.

Thank you for being part of the Persist Online community. Stay strong and persist!