Over the past few weeks I've been focused on improving core gameplay systems and adding more depth to the world of ApocaShift.

Here's what I've been working on:

Combat is getting a lot more attention.

I'm currently redesigning melee so it feels less like simple clicking and more reactive. Zombies can now enter a downed state, giving players a moment of advantage before they recover. I'm also experimenting with dodging/rolling mechanics to make close-range combat more skill-based.

The goal is to make encounters feel tense rather than repetitive.

Enemy AI has been receiving improvements as well.

Zombies now have better behavior transitions including:

• Downed and recovery states

• Improved grab and attack logic

• More consistent animation control

• Use a handheld radio to scan the map for extraction signals.

• Instead of fixed exits, players must actively search for frequencies while exploring.

• Once a signal is found, you can call in an extraction at that location.

One of the biggest additions recently is the train extraction mechanic.

A train can arrive to extract the player from the map, but it isn't quiet. When the train pulls into the station it creates a loud sound that alerts nearby enemies, which can lead to chaotic moments as zombies converge on the area.

I've been testing different timings for:

• Arrival audio

• Braking effects

• Enemy reaction to the noise

It's already created some pretty intense gameplay moments.

A new system for character appearance customization is being implemented.

Players will be able to choose things like:

• Body Type

• Hairstyle & Facial Hair

• Character Sex

• Hair Color

These choices will save and load automatically so your character appearance persists between sessions. The UI has not been created yet, but here's a quick look at some options.

I've also been working on improving performance as the project grows.

This includes:

• Optimizing VRAM usage caused by large numbers of characters and clothing assets. Lowering average VRAM usage by over 100%

I've recently added dynamic shadows for both the player and zombies.

Next I'll be focusing on:

• Continuing making melee combat feel more satisfying

• Expanding the train system and extracts.

• Adding more world interactions

• Continuing AI improvements

• Adding the UI for the character customization

Thanks for following development!

Here’s a quick look at what’s been accomplished:

• Added melee and gun animations for carrying weapons, along with multiple new melee attack animations.

• Tutorial system implemented and fully working.
  

• Complete health system overhaul — now limb-based for deeper survival gameplay.
  

• Zombie AI rewritten from the ground up, including grabbing, swarming, and biting mechanics.
  

• Full UI redesign — every menu has been updated
  

• Power system reworked with proper load management and a KWH-based grid system. Too much power usage and not enough generators? A blackout will happen.

• Tech tree research times added and fully integrated with the new power system.

• Task journal reworked and quest tracker now ~80% complete.

  

• Numerous performance improvements, FPS fixes, and lots of smaller polish updates

A massive amount of groundwork has been laid this month, setting up more meaningful combat, deeper survival mechanics, and smoother progression systems going forward.

Thanks to everyone following development — more updates coming soon!