The long-awaited 2.0 update for 7 Days to Die is just around the corner, and during last night’s developer livestream, players got their first detailed look at what’s coming. From brand-new zombie types to a completely revamped biome system, this update is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
Experimental and Stable Release Dates
The experimental release for PC players (essentially an open beta) goes live on Monday, June 16th. The official stable release for PC and consoles is scheduled for June 30th.
New Zombie Types and Variants
Two completely new zombie enemies are being introduced:
- Plague Spitter: A desert-exclusive foe that summons swarms of flies to harass players. These flies are weak to melee attacks but can quickly overwhelm if left unchecked.
- Frost Claw: Found in snowy biomes, this zombie throws boulders with deadly precision. It’s also expected to appear during Horde Nights, making it a significant new threat.
Long-teased boss Grace is finally making her return in a newly updated model, while additional zombie variants are being added:
- Charged Blue Zombies: Faster, tougher versions of radiated zombies found in high-level POIs.
- Infernal Orange Zombies: Tankier types that deal more block damage, typically appearing as biker and cop variants.
Zombies now also feature improved crawling AI, allowing them to move through 1-meter gaps and under shelves—changing the dynamic of base defense and stealth encounters.
Biome Progression System (Optional)
Players can now enable a new biome progression system that limits time spent in unfamiliar biomes unless certain criteria are met. Without proper protection, players will suffer environmental damage.
To gain full immunity in a biome, players must complete seven specific challenges—such as crafting unique smoothies, killing biome-specific zombies, and surviving a set amount of time. Upon completion, players earn Biome Badges that allow permanent access and unlock higher-tier loot caps.
Don’t want the challenge? This system can be disabled for a classic progression style.
Environmental Weather Hazards
Weather now has real consequences. New weather events force players to seek shelter or risk taking damage over time. Storms will alert players in advance via HUD warnings, adding an extra layer of survival strategy—though they won’t interfere with Horde Nights.
Skills and Attributes Overhaul
The skill system has received a major overhaul:
- A new general skill tab is being introduced.
- All attribute-related skills can now level up to tier 5.
- New skills such as Grand Slam, Hard Target, and Siphoning Strikes bring new combat mechanics and passive effects.
- A Mastery Perk is now available in each tree, granting unique bonuses as you level them up.
- A brand-new Sledgehammer book set offers powerful buffs for melee enthusiasts.
150+ New POIs and Wilderness Challenges
More than 150 new POIs are being added to flesh out the game world. While many are unquestable remnants designed to boost performance, players can expect three massive new Tier 5 wilderness POIs, including:
- Korea Rockworks (Quarry)
- Hybrid Mining
- An underground government facility, still under wraps.
These massive 100×100-meter structures promise intricate challenges and high-tier loot.
Additional Features and Improvements
- Transmog System: Players can now change the appearance of armor without affecting stats. Desert, Hoarder, and Marauder sets are confirmed, likely released as Twitch drops or DLC.
- Wandering Sleepers Expansion: More active zombies will populate POIs, increasing tension during exploration.
- Improved Tree Rendering: Biomes now feature realistic clusters and spacing for performance and immersion.
- New Animations: Eating and injecting items now come with dedicated animations.
- Third-Person Mode (Coming Later): Not available for 2.0, but planned for future updates like 2.1 or 2.2.
- Quest Marker Redesign: Easier to track and activate quests with new markers.
- Crossplay Dedicated Servers: Xbox, PlayStation, and PC players will eventually be able to play together once certification is approved. Crossplay won’t be ready for the experimental release but is planned for the 2.0 update lifecycle.
Final Thoughts
The 2.0 update is a transformative leap forward for 7 Days to Die, offering enhanced depth, challenge, and variety for new and veteran players alike. With biome gating, smarter zombies, reworked skills, and a sprawling array of new locations, the game is moving closer to its vision of a truly immersive survival experience.
Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage and gameplay impressions once 2.0 goes live.
