H1Z1: Everything We Know so Far

All the details on what SOE has in store for its zombie survival game.

The hype behind H1Z1 builds with each passing day, yet we still don’t know much about what will be in the game, as opposed to what won’t be. While there are certain features confirmed, there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding this zombie survival title. With that in mind, we thought a little digging would help clear up some of the questions you might have.

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Player Counts

Up to this point, Sony Online Entertainment hasn’t given a firm number as to how many players will be on the same server at one time. In all likelihood, that means they don’t have a firm number in mind, waiting to see how things go when the early access version of the game hits Steam. What they did say, though, is that they can get thousands of players into the same server. Whether they do or not remains to be seen.

Location

Again, the team hasn’t said if the environment was created with a specific location in mind, except to say that it would have a Midwest feel. There was also mention that the location might be something a person might find outside of a major city. Sounds very Walking Dead Atlanta to us.

Release Date

As of right now, there is no firm release date for the final version of the game. While it has been said the early access release could be available on Steam sometime in May, nothing is confirmed.

Map Size

This was another question that lacked a specific answer, but developers did say maps won’t feel crowded, and players should have a feeling of being alone. They also mentioned that the map could expand as the design process progresses.

Will the Game Release on PlayStation 4?

While there hasn’t been a definite answer, it’s a safe bet. John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment, eluded to the fact they are a Sony company, and that games such as PlanetSide 2 will be on the PS4. Also, when asked on Twitter when H1Z1 would hit the PS4, he simply replied that it would be after the PC release.

Female Characters

When the game releases for early access, there will not be playable female characters. No need to panic. This isn’t an oversight. The ability to play as a female will happen eventually.

Safe Zones

Safe Zones will not be in the game. Players will be vulnerable at all times. We assume this question is in reference to some DayZ mods where safe zones exist for trading. Since this isn’t happening in H1Z1, we see many resource deals going badly. Think of the ambushes!

Persistent Time

To be clear, time will progress in this game, meaning players will experience day and night cycles. At the same time, players who log on at 6:00PM their local time won’t necessarily play at 6:00PM in the game. That said, the studio said this is possible if they were to configure it for a specific server.

Vehicle Types

As of right now, there is only one off-road vehicle in the game. That doesn’t mean more vehicles types won’t appear in the future, but the developers wanted to make it clear it was important to make sure each one had a real purpose and wasn’t just for aesthetic value.

Crafting

Although very little is known about the details behind crafting, the intention is to have this be in-depth. Here is a list of some things that were seen during some gameplay footage, but be aware, this could be subject to extreme changes and none of it should be regarded as final unless directly confirmed by the development team.

  • Saline
  • First Aid Kit
  • Coffee with Sugar
  • Shed
  • Shed Door
  • Machete
  • Storage Container
  • Animal Trap
  • Structure Wall
  • Dew Collector
  • Sharpened Stick Trap
  • Bandage
  • Sheet of Metal
  • Combat Knife
  • Pipe
  • M1911A
  • M16A4
  • Ammo
  • Gunpowder
  • M1911A1
  • Hatchet
  • Flare
  • Campfire
  • Barbed Wire
  • Carving Knife
  • Furnace
  • M1911A Schematic
  • Torch
  • Basic Backpack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Cloth Sheet

In-Game Weapons

Just like crafting, this list is subject to change and should be regarded as pure rumor, unless confirmed by the studio. Still, here are some weapons that have been spotted in-game, or have been mentioned in interviews and online posts.

  • Fists
  • Pistols
  • Hatchet *crowbar
  • Machete
  • Combat knife
  • M1911A
  • M16A4
  • M1911A1
  • Flare
  • Torch
  • AR-15s (semi-auto)
  • Shotguns
  • 1911s
  • Modern M16 w/ fire-select
  • 12-20GA

Currency and Trading

As of right now, the game does not have an official currency, opting instead to allow players to decide this on a server by server basis. For example, one server might place a higher value on food, where another could go with ammunition. Basically, it’s completely up to the players on each sever.

Server Hopping

This will not be possible. When you join a server, your character is locked to that server. If you wish to join another sever you will be forced to create another character.


In the near future, Prima Games plans to sit down and talk about H1Z1 with one or more members of the development team. If you have questions you would like answered, be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Sources: H1Z1 Reddit, H1Z1 Q&A, H1Z1 Preview

About the Author

Prima Games Staff

The staff at Prima Games.