The apocalypse just got a whole lot deadlier. The experimental build for 7 Days to Die version 2.0 is now officially available, and it’s a beast of an update. Titled “Storm’s Brewing,” this update is the most ambitious overhaul The Fun Pimps have released to date—introducing sweeping changes to progression, combat, biomes, POIs, and zombie behavior.
For those brave enough to try it before the stable release later this month, here’s everything you need to know about the chaos that awaits.
What’s New in Experimental 2.0?
Complete Wilderness & POI Overhaul
- Tier 5 Wilderness POIs are now live. These massive 100×100 meter structures—like the revamped Rock Quarry—offer high-stakes loot, but are overrun with aggressive zombie hordes.
- Map redesigns have reshuffled trader locations, biome layouts, and road networks, making Navezgane and RWG worlds feel brand new.
Terrifying New Zombie Behaviors
- Crawl-out zombies can now fit through 1-meter gaps, meaning your classic base designs are no longer safe.
- New elemental zombies include Charged Blue and Infernal Orange variants, with unpredictable attack patterns and high damage output.
- Storm-based biome hazards introduce new layers of danger, such as freezing winds, acid rain, and radiation.
Overhauled Skill and Armor Systems
- All major attributes now feature 10 full tiers of perks, plus new General and Mastery skills.
- Wardrobe cosmetics now function separately from armor stats, letting players look how they want without sacrificing protection.
- A new Sledgehammer skillbook series has been introduced to enhance blunt weapon mastery.
Loot, Resources & Survival
- Water jars are gone—dew collectors are now your main source of hydration.
- Spear throwing has been removed (to the dismay of many), shifting melee tactics.
- Loot rebalancing is in place across the board, with biome-based gear rewards and rarities now a key survival factor.
UI, Multiplayer, and Quality-of-Life
- A new pre-join menu helps players spawn closer to friends in multiplayer games.
- Quest flags and map markers can now be customized for improved navigation.
- Improved world generation ensures roads, POIs, and wilderness areas are placed more logically and with better flow.
Early Reactions from the Community
Initial impressions range from awe to alarm. While many players are excited about the depth and scale of the update, others are finding bugs that come with the territory of experimental builds:
- Crawlers and quest bugs: Some zombies are despawning mid-mission or spawning too late to be tracked.
- Base defense panic: Long-trusted bunker layouts are now vulnerable due to new crawling AI.
- Mixed feedback on changes to hydration and removed features like spear-throwing.
Stable Release on the Horizon
The Fun Pimps plan to push the stable version of 2.0 on June 30, 2025, assuming no major issues arise during this testing phase. Until then, players can opt into the experimental build via Steam and prepare for a new survival experience that feels darker, harsher, and more complex than ever before.
Final Thoughts
The 2.0 experimental build isn’t just a patch—it’s a total transformation. From biome hazards and zombie AI to new loot progression and redesigned world layouts, 7 Days to Die is entering a new era. Whether you’re returning after a long break or have survived since Alpha 1, now’s the time to jump in and see how much the apocalypse has changed.
