2.5|Dec 18, 2025
View on Steam↗"V2.5 Survival Revival" Stable is available now
5/5 Game-Changing
The Survival Revival update brings back empty jars for water survival, introduces a dynamic smell system that attracts zombies, and adds full third-person camera support.
Key Changes
- 1Empty Jars return for water scavenging and crafting
- 2New Smell System allows zombies to track players carrying raw meat or eating
- 3Full Third-Person Camera support with customization settings
- 4Vehicle storage significantly increased via base buffs and new mods
- 5Temperature and Biome Hazard systems completely reworked
- 6New Apiary workstation for honey production and infection-curing recipes
- 7Turrets now support all ammunition types (Universal Ammo)
- 8New lore-friendly Rancher and Chuck zombie models
- 9Trader quest selection improved with better distance variety
- 10New UI elements including stat-based food/water bars and 3D character rendering
All Changes
💧Water & Survival(6)
- changeEmpty Jars: Reintroduced Empty Jars for scavenging and filling with murky water from natural sources.
- nerfEmpty Jars: Jars are now one-time use by default (not refunded after drinking).
- newEmpty Jars: Added a 'Jar Refund' server option to set the chance (0% to 100%) of getting a jar back after use.
- newEmpty Jars: Jars can now be crafted at a forge with a crucible using 31 sand and 6 clay.
- buffEmpty Jars: Advanced Engineering 5/5 reduces jar recipe cost to 25 sand and 5 clay.
- changeDew Collector: Dew Collector now unlocks at Workstation Crafting level 16 and requires a workbench to craft.
👃Smell System(8)
- newSmell System: Carrying 5+ Raw Meat now generates a smell that attracts zombies after a 10-second grace period.
- newUI: Added a HUD icon showing the current smell distance in meters; more meat increases the distance.
- newFood: Consuming food now generates a temporary smell, with multiple items stacking the distance.
- newStatus Effects: Dysentery flatulence now causes a detectable smell.
- buffSmell System: Smell distance is reduced to 20% when the player is indoors or sheltered.
- buffSmell System: Submerging in water now immediately clears the player's current smell.
- newRaw Meat Bundle: Raw meat can be bundled using paper and plant fibers to prevent it from smelling.
- newSettings: Added 'AI Smell Mode' game option to adjust zombie behavior (Off to Nightmare).
🏍️Vehicles(6)
- buffBicycle: Bicycle base storage increased by 1 slot.
- buffMinibike: Minibike base storage increased by 3 slots.
- buffMotorcycle: Motorcycle base storage increased by 4 slots.
- buffGyrocopter: Gyrocopter base storage increased by 5 slots.
- buff4x4 Truck: 4x4 Truck base storage increased by 9 slots.
- newVehicle Mods: Added Vehicle Storage Mods that add 1 row (10 slots) each; max 2 mods per vehicle for +20 slots total.
⛈️Environment & Weather(6)
- newWeather: Added Distant Storm Rendering to show storm clouds in neighboring biomes.
- changeBiomes: Reworked Biome Hazards (Smoke/Ash, Sand/Dust, Cold, Toxic Fallout) to require specific face-covering gear.
- changeStorms: Zombies now become more aggressive and have higher loot drop chances during storms.
- changeTemperature: Reintroduced a detailed Temperature system affected by time, shelter, wetness, and wind.
- nerfStatus Effects: Hot/Sweltering debuffs now increase water consumption for stamina by 300%/600% and reduce movement by 10%/20%.
- nerfStatus Effects: Cold/Freezing debuffs now increase food consumption by 100%/200% and reduce movement by 10%/20%.
⚒️Crafting & Items(4)
- newApiary: Added Apiary Workstation (unlocked at level 30) to produce honey every 2 game days.
- newApiary: Added Apiary mods: Smoker (removes bee swarm chance), Brood Box (double storage), and Extractor (double speed).
- newRecipes: Added Honey Tea and Honey Brisket recipes which hydrate/feed and cure infections.
- newClothing: Added four new clothing insulation groups (Socks, Cap liners, Long Underwear, Glove Liners) in three tiers.
🧟Zombies & Combat(3)
- changeRancher Zombie: The Plague Spitter has been replaced by the lore-friendly 'Rancher' zombie.
- changeChuck Zombie: The Frost Claw has been replaced by the lore-friendly 'Chuck' zombie.
- buffTurrets: Turrets now accept all ammunition tiers (Standard, AP, Hollow Point).
🎥UI & Camera(4)
- newCamera: Added full Third-Person Camera support with a seamless toggle keybind.
- changeUI: Added new Food and Water HUD bars that display exact stat numbers instead of just percentages.
- changeUI: Reworked the Character Window with a 3D rotatable model and 4-point lighting.
- newUI: Added a Quick Actions radial menu for camera perspective, dropping weapons, and equipment toggles.
🛠️Bug Fixes & Technical(4)
- fixNerd Outfit: Fixed an issue where the Nerd Outfit skill point chance was applied while held on the toolbelt.
- fixUI: Fixed player food stat server sync sending health values instead of food values.
- fixAI: Fixed AI pathing issues where zombies would not reliably jump onto blocks with open centers.
- fixAnimals: Fixed an issue where timid animals would not run away when injured.
Summary
Major Survival Overhaul
This massive update focuses on community-requested features and survival depth. The return of Empty Jars restores the classic water loop of scavenging, filling, and boiling. A new Smell System adds a layer of risk to carrying raw meat and consuming food, as zombies can now track players by scent.
Environment & Exploration
The Temperature and Weather systems have been completely reworked. Biomes now feature unique hazards requiring specific protective gear, and storms have been visually enhanced with distant rendering. Players can now explore in Third-Person, utilizing a new camera system with extensive customization options.
Base Defense & Utility
Vehicles received a significant buff with increased base storage and new storage mods. Turrets are now more flexible, accepting all ammunition types. Additionally, the new Apiary workstation allows for honey production, fueling new recipes that can cure infections.