Greetings, Scavengers!

Before we dive into the details of our testing strategy, we want to share a personal note from our two creators. When Tom and Ben began working on Persist Online in their spare time shortly before the pandemic they had a simple vision: create a game inspired by the spirit of early MMORPGs, where players make meaningful decisions and truly explore a vibrant world. They set aside the notion that cutting-edge visuals were the ultimate goal, focusing instead on building engaging, fun mechanics driven by passion. Their dream was always to welcome early feedback and build a genuine community around the game. When the first players discovered the game and started playing it Tom and Ben were excited and thrilled to receive real player feedback on the game. Now its time to open up the game to more dedicted players.
Ben aka Balinor (left) and Tom aka Shintao (right) at the CipSoft offices

Signup for Playtests

This is an important moment for us. Although were supported by a well-established organization, Persist Online has been built with an independent, bootstrapped mindset. Were a lean, dedicated team of 14 full-time members, supported by our internal art, tech, testing, and marketing teams and aided by several trusted external partners. In a global industry where many projects have access to much larger budgets, we take pride in our indie spirit and commitment to quality, driven by passion rather than deep pockets. Were excited to share our testing strategy a plan that reflects our transparent, community-driven approach to development. Your feedback is absolutely essential, even if some aspects are still evolving. Our aim is to refine and balance Persist Online before a broader release by listening carefully to a range of player experiences. Heres how were organizing our playtests:

1. The Pre-Alpha Survivor Group

Our Pre-Alpha Survivors are the players who have been with us from the very beginning. Their ongoing support has been instrumental, and we truly appreciate the commitment. This group will have full, unrestricted access to Persist Online, allowing us to gather continuous, in-depth feedback on everything from gameplay mechanics to the overall experience. Their insights help us catch issues early and guide our development decisions as we work to create a balanced and engaging world even as some features are still under refinement.

2. Limited Access Group

Our second group consists of players who register to participate in scheduled playtests. You can sign up for upcoming Playtests via this link. These testers will have access to the game during specific sessions like a certain weekend of a month. Well start small and gradually expand this group over time, so dont be too dissapointed if you are not chosen straight away. During these scheduled sessions, when many players are online at once, well be focusing on key areas such as PvP, guild activities, and overall performance under real-world conditions. In these concentrated playtests, well conduct surveys and host discussions on Discord to capture your detailed feedback. Your honest input is crucial for helping us fine-tune the game.

3. Marketing Group

The final group brings in fresh perspectives from players acquired through marketing efforts. These new players are essential for helping us understand the broader appeal of Persist Online. Their experiences are particularly valuable for testing player retention and guiding long-term balancing decisions. Feedback from this group will also inform us about when were ready to take the next steps toward alpha, beta, and eventually early access. By closely monitoring how these newcomers engage with the game, we can ensure that Persist Online remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Surveys and Big Data Analytics

In addition to direct feedback from surveys and community discussions, we also rely on big data analytics to see how Persist Online is really being played. We use tools like heatmaps and event tracking to assess important aspects such as the in-game economy, balancing, and pacing. This data-driven approach enables us to design new features, validate our decisions, and quickly pinpoint any issues with game mechanics. By blending your qualitative feedback with quantitative data, were able to make informed decisions that enhance the overall experience.
Player death events, incl. reason

Regional Server Infrastructure

To ensure a smooth testing experience for everyone, weve set up game worlds in Europe, South America, and North America. While multiple servers are standard in MMORPGs, this setup helps us maintain stable performance and keeps ping times reasonable, especially during busy testing sessions.

Important Note: Character Wipes

We believe in being transparent about our development process. During playtests, there will be times when we reset your character progress. This is necessary to implement balancing adjustments, feature updates, and other essential changes. We understand that losing progress can be frustrating, and were working to keep these interruptions to a minimum. However, occasional wipes are an important part of speeding up development since they allow us to avoid the complications of migrating old data to new systems. Your understanding and feedback during these updates are greatly appreciated.

Looking Ahead

We know many of you are eager to try out Persist Onlineand we share your excitement! While not everyone can join the playtests just yet, rest assured that were committed to expanding participation. Over the coming month, we will gradually increase both the number of testers and the duration of our playtest sessions, so that more of you can experience the game and provide your invaluable feedback. Our three-pillar testing strategy is designed to capture insights from our long-time supporters and new players alike, allowing us to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions as we continue to balance and enhance the game. Transparency is at the heart of what we do, and were always here to listen. Thank you for your ongoing support and for being part of this journey. Together, were building a game that truly reflects the spirit and needs of our community. ~ The Persist Online Development & Community Team

[ 2025-02-26 07:20:10 CET ] [ Original post ]

Greetings, Survivors. Our team would like to take a moment to discuss one of the cornerstone mechanics in Persist Online: the Ring System. This feature segments the open world into multiple concentric rings, starting at Ring 0 (the Starting Area) and stretching all the way to Ring 10. In other words, each ring shares the same center point but extends outward in layersthink of ripples on water. We designed this structure to help players naturally progress from the more manageable inner areas to the higher-risk (and higher-reward) outer rings at a comfortable pace. Now we dont use perfect circles. It would be boring and in many areas it would not match the natural barriers, like mountains or rivers.
Image visualizing the rings in the open world. That said, weve made a point to ensure you have full freedom to roam. There are no artificial borders or invisible walls holding you back; from the moment you enter the world, youre free to travel in any direction you choose. The only real limitations are the challenges that await you if you stray into more dangerous rings prematurely, youll face enemies and hazards that may be beyond your current abilities. And that is fine with us, as it is your choice and risk to take! Ultimately, the open world isnt just a backdrop; its a living, breathing space shaped by player decisions, threats, and the interplay between exploration and combat. By weaving together our open-world philosophy with concentric rings of escalating difficulty, we aim to give both new arrivals and hardened veterans a clear path of progression while never letting the danger (or the excitement) disappear completely.

Why the Ring System?

When we first set out to build Persist Online, we knew we wanted a world that felt like it had truly endured a catastrophe. Decades after the initial outbreak, survivors banded together to form Strongholds fortified areas that act as bastions of safety. Yet safety, as many of you have discovered, is relative at best. Venturing outside these Strongholds reveals a landscape torn apart by nature and teeming with threats. Broken highways snake through cityscapes, forests have reclaimed entire regions, and deserts bear the scars of environmental collapse. Each area is meticulously crafted by our Content Team to tell small stories of the civilization that once was. Every abandoned skyscraper, forest trail, and twisted overpass is more than just set dressing its an invitation to explore, scavenge, and persist.
Rainy night view from the rooftops in Ashwater city. Every building can be entered, every room can be scavenged. During the early stages of development, our team recognized that this sprawling, handcrafted world could be overwhelming if we dropped everyone into the deep end immediately. We needed a way to guide players from the relative safety of the Strongholds into the more perilous zones without compromising the games core tension. But without forcing the players to venture a pre-defined path. Thats where the Ring System came into play. Instead of creating one uniform danger zone, we segmented the map into concentric rings (beginning at the center and extending outward). Each successive layer becomes increasingly hostile, but also promises more valuable loot and rarer resources. This design helps newcomers ease into the harsh environment while providing a clear route to high-stakes scavenging for experienced players. To support these varying levels of risk and reward, we layered each region of the world to reflect its own degree of danger. Near the Strongholds, youll encounter fewer undead threats and find more common resources ideal for players who are just starting out. Deeper into the wilderness, the environment grows more chaotic. Advanced zombies, mutated wildlife, and tricky terrain challenges await those looking to test their mettle and find better loot. Farther still, youll face truly powerful mutated creatures that often require a team effort or specialized gear to overcome. Those who dare to explore these dangers can earn top-tier rewards perfect for anyone who thrives on risk and craves the best items in the game.
No matter which layer youre currently braving, we wanted each step outside a Stronghold to feel meaningful. Thats why every zone is filled with handcrafted points of interest be the skyscrapers, hidden research facilities, or outpost ruins. We designed these landmarks so that players can enter every building, climb every floor, and explore every dark hallway. You never know what might be around the corner: hidden treasure, a lurking enemy, or a clue about what happened here long ago. Each discovery adds depth to the world and ensures that your journey is both challenging and rewarding at every turn. One of our core principles in Persist Online is that the world fights back. Zombies dont simply shuffle aimlessly; they respond to noise, movement, and other cues. Whether those come from you or from competing players. In addition, mutants patrol certain territories, forcing you to plan your approach carefully or form alliances if you want to stand a chance. These challenges scale with each ring, reinforcing the idea that progression must be earned one day, one encounter at a time.

PvP, Risk, and Reward

Weve discussed how our open world serves as more than just a backdrop for PvE activities its also a dynamic arena for Player vs. Player (PvP) interactions. The environment in Persist Online is consistently dangerous, but the presence of other survivors introduces an additional layer of unpredictability and excitement. Encountering another player in the wild can dramatically shift the balance between risk and reward. Are they a potential ally, a fierce rival, or perhaps someone you can temporarily team up with to face a larger threat? Claims and scarce resources in the more dangerous rings often become hotspots for spontaneous and intense PvP skirmishes. These encounters are not just about combat; theyre strategic moments where players must decide whether to engage, negotiate, or avoid conflict altogether. The absence of predefined classes means that PvP battles are diverse and unpredictable, relying on each players unique combination of equipment, skills, and tactics. Engaging in PvP is a calculated risk that can yield significant rewards. Successfully defeating another player might grant you valuable resources, enhance your reputation, or allow you to seize control of a coveted claim. However, losing a confrontation could mean forfeiting hard-earned loot or valuable assets. Balancing aggression with caution is key to thriving in this unforgiving world. Moreover, PvP in Persist Online fosters community-driven rivalries and alliances. Over time, players form guilds, creating long-term enemies and strategic partnerships that add depth to the games social dynamics. These relationships make every interaction meaningful, ensuring that no two days in Persist Online are ever the same.
Preview for the Mutant Spitter, a dangerous creature you will meet in the outer rings.

Looking Ahead

Well continue to refine the Ring System to balance tension, exploration, and reward. Your feedback drives and will have a great impact on many of these changes. Were looking forward to you sharing your stories of triumph, frustration, or those surprising alliances that form when two parties cross paths in the more perilous rings, once we open the tests for more people. In Persist Online, the open world isnt just the setting its the heartbeat of the game, challenging you to adapt, collaborate, and push deeper into the unknown. Whether youre just starting out in the safer zones or eyeing that elusive piece of gear rumored to drop in the most dangerous areas, remember: each step further from safety is a new chapter in your story. The Persist Online Development & Community Team

[ 2025-01-28 15:24:55 CET ] [ Original post ]

At CipSoft, our journey began with Tibia, launched in 1997 without any sound or music. This unique choice fostered a dedicated and imaginative community, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game world through visuals and their own narratives. Celebrating Tibias 25th anniversary, we introduced sound and music, marking a significant milestone in the games history. Persist Online had sound and music in mind from the beginning. Lets take a closer look at our audio systems.

The Role of Audio

Audio is a key part of your gaming experience, providing important information and making the game world feel real. In Persist Online, sounds like footsteps, growls, and background noises help you stay aware of whats around you. For example, hearing footsteps from behind can warn you of a zombie or another player approaching. Music and ambient sounds set the mood in different areas. A quiet forest might have bird songs and rustling leaves, while an industrial zone could feature the sounds of machines and pipes. Audio cues also give you quick feedback on your actions. When you successfully gather resources or hit an obstacle, specific sounds let you know what happened without needing to look away from the screen. Our audio system is designed to make your gameplay smoother and more intuitive, keeping you immersed in the world of Persist Online without unnecessary distractions.

Spatial Audio

One of the standout features of Persist Onlines audio system is spatial audio. This means you can hear sounds coming from specific directions, like footsteps from behind or growls from a certain area, helping you locate other players or undead threats. Additionally, environmental sounds like rustling leaves, flowing water, or distant bird calls make the game world feel more real and alive. As you move through different areas, the audio changes to match, giving each place its own unique sound.

Blasting Bullets

In Persist Online, weve put a lot of thought into the sound effects for weapons to make each one feel special and fun to use. Whether youre swinging a trusty axe or firing a high-powered rifle, each weapon has its own distinct sound. This not only makes combat more enjoyable but also helps you recognize what type of weapon others are using in the game. Our goal is to make every weapon feel different, enhancing both the sound experience and gameplay.

Your Characters voice

In addition to ambient sounds and the in-game radio, Persist Online introduces a dynamic voice-over system. Your character doesnt just stand there silentlythey comment on your actions, adding feedback, humor, and guidance as you explore the post-apocalyptic world. When you try to gather resources without the right tool, your character might say, I need a wrench for that! or Id better switch my weapon! Its broken! when your weapons durability has reached its end. Entering a area can trigger remarks telling you more about it. During intense battles, expect comments such as, Ouch. Im injured! I need medical treatment or Another one bites the dust!. These voice-over comments make the game more engaging by offering hints and tips, giving your character personality, and adding moments of humor and relatability. This makes your journey through Persist Online not just challenging but also enjoyable.

The Captains Show

Adding another layer to our audio experience is the in-game radio. Our radio system is synchronized across all players clients, so when a radio station is broadcasting, everyone hears the same content at the same time, creating a unified community experience. Throughout Persist Online, youll find various radio units that you can turn on or off as you like. Whether youre hanging out in a safe zone or hiding in a building, the radio provides entertainment, information, or a break from the chaos. Our radio show is hosted by the amazing CAPTAIN, who curated content that fits the post-apocalyptic theme of Persist Online. The show features carefully chosen themed music with meaningful lyrics, live commentary and fun elements.

Audio Settings

Weve added several audio settings to give you control over your sound experience. Heres how each setting helps you: Master Volume Control lets you adjust the overall sound level of the game. Whether you like it loud or need it quieter while doing other things, Master Volume helps you find the perfect balance. Music Volume controls the volume of all in-game music, like the Startup screen, Safehouse, and background music while exploring Persist Onlines Open World. This setting lets you focus on other game sounds or listen to your own music while playing. UI (User Interface) Volume adjusts the volume of interface sounds like button clicks and menu navigation, ensuring you get clear feedback that helps you move through the games many options and settings easily. SFX (Sound Effects) Volume controls the volume of all sound effects, including footsteps, weapon sounds, and environmental interactions. Clear sound effects help you stay aware of the game world, reacting to threats or opportunities more effectively, like hearing other players approaching your position! Ambient Volume adjusts the volume of background sounds like wind, birds, and distant noises, adding depth to the environment and making different areas feel unique and alive. Muting Radio lets you mute or unmute the in-game radio separately from other audio settings. This is especially useful for streamers who want to avoid licensing issues or players who prefer to focus on the games sounds during intense moments.

Your Feedback Matters

Your input is important to us and helps us make Persist Online better. If you have suggestions or run into any issues with the audio settings, in-game radio, or voice-over system, please reach out through our Discord server. Thank you for being part of the Persist Online community. Stay strong and persist!

[ 2025-01-23 10:52:38 CET ] [ Original post ]

Whats the Safehouse All About?

• Your Personal Hub: A private, secure space for your family of characters all your hard work under one roof.
• Crafting & Upgrading: Build and enhance weapons, armor, and tools tailored to your playstyle.
• Training Missions: Progress your characters even when youre offline.
• Kitchen: You can cook buff food here from various ingredients.
• Dispatch Center: Trade materials, complete delivery tasks, and manage resources.
• Customizable Rooms: Expand and upgrade your Safehouse to suit your strategy, from reducing crafting time to handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

This is just the beginning. The Safehouse feature is fully playable but still evolving. Youll notice the interface is a bit basic in places, and some visual elements are placeholders for now. But rest assured, the functionality is there, and were already working on polishing the experience.

For Pre-Alpha Survivors Only

At this stage, only the dedicated group of Pre-Alpha Survivors has access to the Safehouse and the rest of Persist Online. Your feedback during this phase is crucial to shaping the games future. Well be carefully listening to your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

Whats Next?

We know many of you outside the Pre-Alpha are eager to jump into the game. The good news is that were working on expanding testing opportunities for more players in early 2025. Stay tuned for updates, and make sure youre signed up on Discord to get the latest news.

We Want to Hear from You!

Pre-Alpha Survivors, your journey into the Safehouse is a pivotal moment for Persist Online. Let us know:

• Whats working well?
• Where do you see room for improvement?
• What features are you most excited about?

Were here to listen join us on Discord. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, were creating the first real Zombie MMORPG in a persistent, evolving world. Stay safe, and see you in the apocalypse! ~ Your Community Management Team

[ 2025-01-17 16:30:50 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hello Survivors!

At Persist Online, we strive to create an immersive and enjoyable gaming environment where every player can thrive. One of the most critical aspects of achieving this is game balancing. Today, we want to talk about why balancing is so important, how we approach it through data analysis, team feedback and discussions, and your invaluable input, and why its an ongoing process that will continue to evolve with our community.

Why Balancing Matters

Balancing isnt just about tweaking numbers its about ensuring that every aspect of the game works harmoniously to provide a rewarding experience for all players. Heres why its essential: We want every player to feel that their success is based on skill and strategy, not on overpowering abilities or imbalanced mechanics. Proper balancing ensures that no single strategy or item dominates the game, fostering a healthy competitive environment. A well-balanced game keeps players engaged and invested. When you feel that your efforts are rewarded appropriately, youre more likely to continue playing and contributing to our vibrant community. Balancing allows for a variety of playstyles to flourish. Whether you prefer melee combat, ranged attacks, crafting, or strategic planning, we aim to make sure that different approaches are all viable and enjoyable. You are incredibly creative, and sometimes that creativity can lead to exploits that disrupt the games balance. By continuously monitoring and adjusting the game, we can prevent these exploits and maintain a consistent playing field for everyone.
Using elevated positions is fine, but also tricky for our balancing. Here a player is standing on a destroyed vehicle, where the Zombies have a hard time reaching him.

Our Balancing Approach

Balancing Persist Online is a meticulous process that combines thorough data analysis, team feedback and discussions, and your valuable input. Heres how we do it:

1. Data Analysis

We rely on comprehensive data analytics to understand how you interact with the game. This involves: Gameplay Metrics: We monitor various metrics such as skill usage frequency, loot, player deaths, and more to identify trends and potential imbalances. Performance Indicators: By analyzing performance indicators, we can determine which aspects of the game are underperforming or overperforming, helping us make informed decisions about necessary adjustments. Player Behavior: Studying how you adapt your strategies over time allows us to ensure that the game remains challenging and engaging as your tactics evolve.
The image shows the Player Death events during Pre-Alpha, spread quite evenly across the map.

2. Team Feedback and Discussions

Our dedicated team regularly collaborate to evaluate and refine game balance. This approach includes: Internal Reviews: Team members share their observations and insights based on their unique perspectives and areas of expertise. From hardcore PvP and grinding to more casual gaming approaches. Brainstorming Sessions: We hold regular meetings to discuss potential balancing changes, brainstorm solutions to identified issues, and assess the impact of proposed adjustments.
The graph shows the different amounts of raw materials that players have gained during Pre-Alpha.

3. Community Feedback

Your feedback is invaluable in our balancing efforts. We actively seek and incorporate your insights through: Surveys and Polls: Regular surveys and polls will help us gather direct feedback on specific aspects of the game, ensuring that your voice is heard. Discord: Engaging with you on forums and our Discord channels allows us to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns firsthand. We are very active on Discord and try to answer all questions coming up from the community. Testing: Our testing phases will give you the opportunity to trial changes and provide feedback before theyre fully implemented, ensuring that adjustments meet your expectations.
A heatmap representing the final death of Undead, Mutants and Faction NPCs.

Why Balancing is an Ongoing Process

Balancing is not a one-time task but a continuous journey. Heres why it must always be part of our development cycle:

1. Evolving Playstyles

As you become more adept at Persist Online, you continuously develop new strategies and techniques. Whats balanced today could become overpowered tomorrow as you find new ways to leverage game mechanics.

2. New Content Integration

With each new update, or addition of new content, the games dynamics change. New skills, items, and features can disrupt existing balance, requiring constant reevaluation and adjustment to ensure everything works together seamlessly.

3. Preventing Exploits

Your creativity can sometimes lead to unintended ways to exploit game mechanics. Ongoing balancing helps us identify and patch these exploits, ensuring the game remains challenging and rewarding for everyone.

4. Enhancing Player Experience

To keep Persist Online fresh and exciting, we need to ensure that all aspects of the game evolve. Continuous balancing allows us to refine gameplay, introduce new challenges, and enhance your overall fun with the game itself.

Balancing the Future

At Persist Online, our commitment to balancing reflects our dedication to providing an engaging and dynamic gaming experience. We understand that balance is key to fostering a vibrant community where every player can find their niche and thrive. We also understand that not every change is received well, but will explain our thoughts and discuss these with the community. As we move forward, its our goal to maintain transparency in our balancing efforts, keep an open line of communication with you, and utilize data, team insights, and your feedback to guide our decisions. Your experience is our priority, and through relentless balancing, we aim to make Persist Online the best it can be. Thank you for being an integral part of the Persist Online community! Your passion and feedback drive us to continuously improve and deliver a great MMORPG experience. If you have any suggestions or encounter any issues, please reach out to us by joining our Discord community. Stay safe, stay strong, and see you in the apocalypse! ~ Your Community Management Team

[ 2025-01-17 16:29:43 CET ] [ Original post ]

Greetings, Survivors!

As we step into 2025, the Persist Online team is thrilled to share our vision for the upcoming year. Your unwavering support and feedback have been instrumental in shaping our journey, and were committed to delivering an even more immersive and engaging experience in the apocalypse that awaits.

What to Expect in 2025

This year promises a host of exciting updates, enhancements, and ongoing improvements designed to deepen your connection to the Persist Online world. Heres a sneak peek at what's coming your way:

1. Community-Driven Development

Your feedback has always been at the heart of our development process, and in 2025, were doubling down on our commitment to building Persist Online together. Regular Feedback Sessions: Join us for regular feedback sessions where you can share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas directly with the development team. Your insights help us prioritize features and improvements that matter most to you. Testing Opportunities: Gain early access to new features and updates, allowing you to shape their final implementation. Your participation in testing is crucial for refining gameplay mechanics and ensuring a polished experience for all players.

2. Expanding Testing Opportunities

We recognize the eagerness of many players outside the Pre-Alpha Survivors group to dive into Persist Online. In 2025, were expanding our testing opportunities to include a broader audience. Closed Test Phases: We will be rolling out multiple closed test phases throughout the year, inviting more players to experience the games features and provide valuable feedback. Keep an eye on our announcements for opportunities to join these testing phases. Community Recruitment: If youre interested in becoming a tester, make sure to sign up on our Discord and stay updated with our latest news. We value different perspectives and aim to include a wide range of players in our testing programs to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone. Feedback Integration: Insights from these expanded testing phases will play a pivotal role in shaping the final stages of development, helping us fine-tune gameplay elements and fix any lingering issues before the early access release.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned for more detailed announcements and updates as we move through the year. Make sure to follow us on our social media channels and join our Discord community to stay informed and engage with fellow Survivors.

Join the Conversation:

Discord: Join our Discord Twitter (X): @PersistOnline Facebook: Persist Online Official

Thank You, Survivors!

We couldnt embark on this journey without you. Your dedication and passion fuel our drive to create the most engaging zombie MMORPG. Heres to an incredible 2025 filled with new adventures, epic battles, and unforgettable moments. Stay safe, stay strong, and see you in the apocalypse! ~ Your Community Management Team

[ 2025-01-10 16:29:51 CET ] [ Original post ]

A world in chaos

The open world of Persist Online is a sprawling, living space built on the ruins of a once-thriving civilization. Decades after the catastrophe, survivors have carved out Strongholds walled cities and settlements that act as bastions of safety in a chaotic world. But safety is never guaranteed, and beyond the fortified walls lies a dangerous and unpredictable wilderness. Every step outside the Strongholds tells the story of a world reclaimed by nature and overrun by threats. Broken highways stretch into the distance, leading to crumbling cities filled with the undead and scavengers desperate to survive. Overgrown forests and wastelands hold secrets, rare resources, and unspeakable dangers, each zone presenting its own unique challenges. Every decision, every encounter, and every exploration shapes your journey. Its a world where the dangers are ever-present, and the stories are waiting to be written.

A world of danger

The world of Persist Online is huge and filled with variety. Its handcrafted. Every detail is placed by our Content team to add depth and tell small stories about what once was. Everywhere you go, theres something new to discover and something dangerous to face. From ruined cities to wild forests and harsh deserts, each area feels unique and full of challenges. The cities are broken remnants of what once was. Empty skyscrapers, abandoned streets, and dark subway tunnels are filled with zombies, scavengers, and treasures waiting to be found. But the deeper you explore, the tougher the challenges become. Some areas are guarded by massive, mutated bosses or elite zombies, that can crush unprepared players, while others have unique abilities that force you to rethink your strategy. These fights are tough but rewarding. What truly sets Persist Online apart is the freedom to explore. These cities are not just scenery; they are fully interactive. You can enter every building, climb every floor, and search every room. The world is detailed and immersive, inviting you to dig deeper into its secrets, uncover rare resources, and piece together the stories of those who lived there before the fall. Every door you open could lead to hidden lootor a fight for your life. In Persist, the cities are as much a challenge as they are a mystery waiting to be unraveled. Outside the cities, nature has reclaimed much of the world. Forests are dense and full of life- but not the kind youd want to meet. Mutated animals and other creatures lurk, ready to attack. This world isnt passive it fights back. Zombies can team up, responding to noise or movement. Mutants control territories, forcing players to team up or plan their attacks carefully. No matter where you go, theres always a sense of danger, and every encounter feels meaningful. Persist Onlines world is a place of endless discovery and constant threat. Whether youre exploring the ruins of a city, creeping through a forest, every step is a story waiting to happen. This is a world that will challenge you, excite you, and keep you coming back for more.

Why the Open World matters

The world of Persist Online is more than just a backdrop for gameplayits a living, evolving space where every players choices and actions help create the story. From the moment you step outside the safety of a Stronghold, the world begins to challenge you. A bright, sunny morning might seem peaceful, but the weather can turn in an instant, with sudden rain obscuring your vision or thick fog forcing you to tread carefully. As night falls, the atmosphere shifts entirely, bringing with it new dangers and unexpected opportunities for the bold and prepared. Every zone tells its own story. In the ruins of a once-bustling city, undead creatures roam alongside scavengers searching for loot, creating a tense dance of survival and risk. The forests are no safer, with mutated creatures lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at the first sign of movement. These places arent just locations on a maptheyre environments filled with secrets, dangers, and rewards for those daring enough to explore. But its not just the environment that creates these moments its the players you meet along the way. A chance encounter with another player could turn into a tense negotiation or a desperate fight for loot and resources. Dynamic events add another layer of unpredictability, as the world throws challenges your way, keeping you on edge and always wondering whats around the next corner. In Persist Online, the open world isnt just a backdrop its the beating heart of the game. Its a place where danger is constant, exploration is rewarding, and the choices you make define the journey. This is your story, written across a world thats as alive as the players who inhabit it.

The role of PvP in the Open World

While the environment and undead offer their own challenges, the real heart of Persist Online is in how players interact with each otherand thats where PvP comes in. In Persist Online, PvP is not just about combat. Its about competition, strategy, and making your mark on the world. The open world provides the perfect stage for this, offering contested territories, scarce resources, and opportunities to prove your strength. The open world allows for organic, unplanned PvP. You might cross paths with another player while fighting off a horde of zombies, or while gathering resources in the forest. These encounters bring unpredictability and excitement to every session, as youll never know what will happen next. Did that player even notice me? Will that player walk by? Will he attack me? Is that player injured and could I get his loot? Should I run or should I shoot the first bullet?

Combat that rewards skill and strategy

Unlike traditional MMORPGs, Persist Online doesnt have predefined classes. Instead, players build their characters through a mix of equipment, active skills, and passive abilities. This system allows for a wide variety of combat styles, making PvP battles dynamic and unpredictable. Skill-Based Combat: Success in PvP depends on your mastery of the tools at your disposal. Whether you prefer ranged weapons, melee attacks, or a mix of both, strategy is just as important as knowing your way around the streets. Risk and Reward: Engaging in PvP is a calculated risk. Winning can earn you valuable resources, reputation, and control over claims but losing might mean losing it all. Balancing aggression with caution is key to thriving in this unforgiving world. Community-Driven Rivalries: Over time, players form guilds and alliances, rivalries, and even long-term enemies. These relationships give PvP more depth and make every interaction feel personal. Why PvP matters in Persist Online PvP isnt just an optional feature its a core part of what makes Persist Online unique. Its the tension of knowing another player might be watching your every move. Its the thrill of outsmarting a rival or defending your hard-earned loot. And its the camaraderie of teaming up with others to achieve a shared goal. In a world shaped by scarcity and danger, PvP reflects the reality of life in Persist Online: every choice matters, and every encounter leaves its mark.

Whats next for the Open World and PvP?

The open world and PvP in Persist Online are about more than just gameplay theyre about creating stories. Every battle, every alliance, and every journey through the ruins of the old world adds to the ever-evolving narrative of the game. So, whether youre trying to conquer a claim in a contested zone, forming a guild to take on rivals, or simply exploring the farthest corners of the map, remember: this world is yours to shape. We cant wait to see how you leave your mark. ~ The Persist Online Team

[ 2024-12-16 09:09:41 CET ] [ Original post ]

Welcome back to our Safehouse series! Today, well be diving into the dispatch center. Not sure what were talking about? Be sure to check out our General entry, the Character Creator & the Kitchen entry and the Crafting and Improving Items entry.

General Information

The dispatch center offers three types of missions: trading, training and delivery. Missions refresh every 24 hours any missions that are currently in progress, waiting to be completed or missions that were cancelled will not be replaced during that time. You can upgrade the room to speed up the time it takes for missions to complete or increase the number of available missions, among other expansions. All missions are carried out within the Safehouse and not the game world, meaning there is no risk of your character dying while completing them.

Trade Missions

Initially, youll have access to 7 trade missions, allowing you to trade up to 25% of a raw material stored in your Safehouse. By expanding the room, you can increase this single trade limit. Trade missions let you exchange one type of raw material for another, with the exchange rate randomly set between 50% and 95%. The greater the quantity of materials traded, the longer the mission will take to complete.

Training Missions

Initially, youll have access to 7 training missions, designed to help you train your skills even while offline. If you train profession skills, youll also generate some of the raw materials associated with recycling the items usually harvested through that profession skill tree. Each training mission provides a 50% boost based on your current skill level. For example, if you start a mission for the "Hunting" skill tree and have 20% experience in your current level, completing the mission will increase it to 70% while also rewarding you with chemicals and fabrics as raw materials. 50% extra XP not enough? If youve actively trained Hunting by skinning animals in the game world within the last 24 hours, you can accumulate an additional bonus of up to 100% XP for your Hunting training mission. This means you can earn up to 150% XP per mission!

Delivery Missions

Initially, you'll have 5 delivery missions available. These missions allow you to exchange raw materials for Labor. Labor is a new currency in Persist Online and almost everything in the Safehouse will require it as currency. The exchange rate is variable, meaning the more you deliver of a specific raw material for Labor, the more of this specific raw material you will need in the next delivery. However, if you stop delivering that resource, the exchange rate will adjust to become more favorable again. We hope this series has provided you with a clear glimpse of what to expect from our Safehouse and insight into what weve been working on. Dont hesitate to reach out to us on Discord or Steam with any feedback or questions! Your Community Management Team

[ 2024-12-06 09:11:36 CET ] [ Original post ]

Ready for the next blog post about our new Safehouse? Todays entry is the third in our series, giving you a first look at the Crafting Rooms and Improving Rooms. If you missed the first two posts, be sure to check out the General entry and the Character Creator & the Kitchen entry!

The Rooms

Our Safehouse includes separate rooms for crafting various parts of your equipment, including utilities, and for improving your existing equipment.

Which Rooms are there?

The Safehouse offers 8 distinct rooms: 5 dedicated to crafting and 3 focused on improving equipment.

Crafting

• Forge - Craft Melee Weapons
• Gunsmithy - Craft Ranged Weapons
• Tailory - Craft Flexible Armor
• Armory - Craft Sturdy Armor
• Utility Room - Craft First Aid supplies or Tools to harvest resources in the game world

You can expand and upgrade all rooms individually, allowing you to craft higher-quality weapons or increase the chance of rolling better stats on the weapons you create - making them stronger than those found in the game world. Crafting rooms are designed to align with the available skill trees, each starting with a selection of default items. For example, the Gunsmithy offers seven basic ranged weapons, representing the seven ranged weapon skill trees. Meanwhile, the Utility Room focuses on essentials like basic bandages and tools. The makeshift outfit provides initial sturdy armor in the "Armory" and flexible armor in the "Tailory" room. To unlock more crafting options, youll need to recycle items you find in the world of Persist in your Safehouse. The quality of the item you recycle doesnt limit the quality you can craft later. For example, recycling a common Desert Eagle lets you craft it at remarkable quality or even higher, provided your room has been expanded accordingly.

Improving

• Blacksmiths Workshop- Improve Melee Weapons
• Ballistics Workshop - Improve Ranged Weapons
• Armor Workshop - Improve Sturdy and Flexible Armor

These rooms can be upgraded to reduce the time needed for improvements. They can also be expanded to enable additional features, such as rerolling mods or increasing the durability of your items. For melee weapons, you can also reroll their special attacks. When rerolling mods, you can choose between two randomly rolled options or stick with your current mod. Choosing a new mod will reset all progress, while keeping the old mod will not change your progress. Increasing an items durability does not repair it. Instead, it adds a permanent increase to its maximum durability.

What do all the Rooms have in common?

While you can craft or improve items with any character, there are restrictions when it comes to remarkable and higher-quality items. The character must have the appropriate token invested in the skill tree related to the weapon, profession, or armor in order to craft or improve these items.

For example, upgrading the M1911 from good (green) to remarkable (blue) requires a character who has invested an advanced-tier token and, therefore, reached at least level 15 in the pistols skill tree.

Outlook

In our upcoming (and final) post, well introduce you to the Dispatch Center. Thank you for staying by our side! If you have any questions about the game or the Safehouse, feel free to reach out to us on Steam or Discord. Your Community Management Team

[ 2024-12-04 09:54:42 CET ] [ Original post ]

Heres the second post in our series about the upcoming Safehouse feature! Todays focus? The brand-new character creator and the kitchen! Get ready to explore a variety of customization options for your character! Plus, discover the concept of buff food special dishes that grant exciting benefits and learn how the kitchen can help you prepare them. Stay tuned for more details as we bring the Safehouse to the game!

The Character Creator

Our new character creator brings a lot of exciting new options, allowing you to customize your characters appearance like never before. But before we dive into the details, lets take a general look at what the character creator has to offer. While designing your character, you can view them under different lighting scenarios, have their eyes and face follow the direction of your cursor, and rotate or zoom in for a closer look. With these features, our character creator gives you extensive control to craft a unique avatar that truly reflects your vision. Now were getting to the exciting part the possibilities to customize your characters appearance to truly make it your own! Heres what you can adjust:

• Head Shape
• Hair Style
• Eyelashes (for female body type)
• Beard Style (for male body type)
• Eyebrows
• Accessories
• Tattoos
• Coloring -> Skin Color -> Hair Color -> Tattoo Color

Recipes and the Kitchen

The kitchen is where you can unleash your culinary creativity, using over 120 recipes and more than 100 ingredients to prepare dishes that offer 24 unique buffs, each available in 3 tiers, giving you plenty of options to enhance your gameplay. But before we dive into the details, lets start from the beginning.

What is a Recipe?

A recipe is a consumable item that allows you to cook new dishes in the kitchen. To find recipes, youll need to defeat zombies. Elite zombies have a higher chance of dropping recipes, while normal zombies have a much lower drop rate. Additional ways to acquire recipes may be introduced in the future. Once youve found a recipe, you can open your inventory, right-click on the item, and use it to read and learn it. After learning a recipe, it becomes available for use in the kitchen provided you have the necessary ingredients. Recipes are family-bound, meaning that once a recipe is learned by any character, all characters in your family will be able to cook it. Recipes come in different qualities, ranging from common to superior. However, each recipe is fixed to a specific quality. For instance, the recipe for Coffee is always common, while the recipe for Champions Delicacy can only be found in superior quality.

How do I get the Ingredients for a Recipe?

To cook a dish from a recipe, youll need specific ingredients. These ingredients are listed in the kitchen when you select the recipe to cook. You can find them all over the world of Persist Online by:

• Defeating zombies
• Looting areas like kitchens or wardrobes
• Harvesting
• Fishing

The Kitchen

Once youve gathered all the necessary ingredients, head to your Safehouse and select the kitchen. Before you can start cooking, youll need to build the kitchen. You can then upgrade it to reduce the time required to cook a dish or expand it to cook higher-quality recipes or multiple dishes simultaneously.

Why should I cook?

Dishes provide time-limited buffs that last for 2 hours. Those buffs are paused when you enter the Safehouse or log out. All 24 buffs are available in 3 tiers, with Tier 1 being the lowest and Tier 3 the highest. The higher the quality of the recipe and therefore the dish the higher the tiers of the buffs. For example, the Fish Tacos with Lemon Salsa consumable provides the following buffs:

• Damage Tier 2
• Evasion Rating Tier 1

This means youll deal 6% more damage and your evasion rating will be increased by 15%.
All buffs and their tiers run simultaneously. For example, if you already have the Damage Tier 1 buff active and then eat the Fish Tacos with Lemon Salsa, the Tier 1 buff remains active, and the Tier 2 buff is added as a separate, additional buff.

Additional Information

• Elite zombies can also drop already cooked dishes
• You can take most of the dishes you already created and recook them using additional ingredients to create higher-quality dishes

For example:

Outlook

In our next post, well explore how you can craft and improve your equipment using the different rooms in the Safehouse. Stay tuned! Thank you for your support and patience! We aim to provide you with a clearer understanding of what to expect from Persist Online. If you have any feedback or questions, dont hesitate to reach out to us on Steam or Discord. Your Community Management Team

[ 2024-12-02 08:51:01 CET ] [ Original post ]

Everyone who's followed us over the past few months knows we've been working on a key feature for our game: the Safehouse. Some of you might remember it as the "Bunker", which was what we called the earlier version. This feature is essential because we envisioned not only character-based progression but also family-based progression in Persist Online. So, what's a family? When you register, you select a family name for your account. Under this name, you can create multiple characters, each of whom can be leveled up individually. All characters will be located within your Safehouse - just like a home in real life.

General Information

While our open world is persistent and free of loading screens, the Safehouse works a bit differently. The entrance takes you to a separate instance dedicated entirely to your private Safehouse. The main entrance is located at the starting point in Junction, with two additional entrances currently available on the map, each belonging to resident factions - and more will be added in the future. All entrances lead to the same Safehouse, which is secure and private to each player, ensuring its inaccessible to others.

Currencies needed

Youll need two different resources in the new Safehouse: Raw Materials and Labor. Cash wont hold any importance here. Raw Materials: Obtainable by recycling items found in the world, with junk items as the primary source. Each junk item provides materials based on its composition, and its quality determines how much youll receive.
Labor: Labor is a new currency in Persist Online. Youll start the game with a certain amount of Labor, which you can increase by hunting or fighting. Labor also accumulates while youre idle or offline, though at a slower rate. Nearly everything in the Safehouse will require Labor.

Other things needed

Characters: Everything you do in the Safehouse requires a character, making that character unavailable for other gameplay. Time: Each activity in the Safehouse requires an investment of time. For example, crafting a weapon may take several hours to complete.

Rooms

The Safehouse consists of several rooms, each serving unique functions - from storing resources and crafting weapons or utilities like bandages and tools, to cooking buff food. You can also increase the quality of your equipment, identify augmentations, accept missions to trade raw materials and Labor, or train your profession skill trees.

Upgrading the Rooms Tier

You must build most rooms before you can use them. Once built and therefore Tier 1, all rooms tiers - except for the storage - can be upgraded. Upgrading a rooms tier reduces the time required for its room functions, such as crafting a weapon. With unlimited tier upgrades available, you can achieve continuous time reduction.

Room Expansions

Rooms can also be expanded in various ways, allowing you to customize your Safehouse to suit your needs. These expansions offer added benefits, such as the ability to craft higher-quality weapons or to initiate multiple tasks simultaneously, enabling you to craft multiple weapons at the same time - just to name a few. Each room provides individual expansions to perfectly match its specific requirements.

Tasks

The number of tasks indicates how many characters can engage in room functions simultaneously. For instance, if the crafting room for melee weapons can handle two tasks at once, you can assign one character to each task, enabling you to craft two melee weapons at the same time.

Room functions

Room functions are the specific actions you can perform within each room and its available tasks, such as crafting a particular ranged weapon or unlocking the next mod level. Each room function in progress counts as one task being executed. To initiate a room function, you need raw materials, Labor and a character who, in some cases, must meet a specific skill level. For example, crafting a blue (remarkable) assault rifle requires a character who has invested an advanced tier token in the assault rifle skill tree.

Character Commitment

Upgrading a rooms tier, expanding the room, or executing a task to use a room function all share common requirements: they cost raw materials and Labor and necessitate the involvement of a character for a certain amount of time. An important aspect when choosing the right character is the characters level: The character you assign to any of these can provide a significant advantage. Higher-level characters have a chance of recovering some of the raw materials used upon completion. For example, if crafting a weapon costs X raw materials, you may receive a part of those X raw materials back once its completed, with the recovery chance determined by the character's level. This chance increases as the character's level rises. But beware: While a character is engaged in the Safehouse, theyre unavailable for other gameplay until the action is completed, cancelled, or paused. If you need a character that is currently assigned in the Safehouse, you can either cancel or pause their current action to free them up. Cancelling refunds all resources but resets the required time for the action. Pausing retains the resources and allows you to resume later, though with a slight time penalty. Note that only the same character can continue any paused action.

Outlook

In our upcoming blog posts, well give you an initial look at the new character creator and the various rooms available. So get ready for a wide range of exciting new features! The first room youll explore is our new cooking room, where youll be able to prepare buff food. We thank you for your continued patience over the past few months! We are committed to being open and transparent and we will keep you updated on our progress. Feel free to share any feedback you have on our Discord or Steam! Your Community Management Team

[ 2024-11-29 14:09:15 CET ] [ Original post ]

In the last update, our main focus was on adjusting the harvesting system and its related profession skill trees to make them more satisfying to use. We also introduced the first factions which are now actively involved in a faction war. Finally, we listened to your feedback and reduced the repair costs for common and higher-quality items, making repairs more affordable and at the same time improving the graphics of the game. Read everything you need to know here!

All about Harvesting

With this update, all harvestable spots now require a tool of a specific quality, which will be clearly displayed on your screen. The further you venture from Junction, the higher the quality of tool required to harvest. To put it simply: You can use poor-quality tools for harvesting in Junction, but in the outer rings, higher-quality tools are necessary. There are a two key details to keep in mind with this new system. Firstly, higher-quality tools can still be used to harvest resources with lower quality requirements. Secondly, when two eligible tools are in the same container, the system will automatically prioritize the lowest quality tool that meets the requirement. For instance, if you need a remarkable lockpick to open a coin door and have both a remarkable and a superior lockpick equipped, the system will select the remarkable one.

Improvised Weapons as Tools

These changes also affect improvised weapons which can be used as tools. While they are available in all qualities, their damage does not scale with quality, and they cannot be upgraded or have mods as they are intended primarily for harvesting rather than combat. Its not all bad news though! Weve added bonuses to improve their effectiveness in harvesting. These bonuses are: Higher Quality: Tool can be used to harvest one quality higher Faster Harvesting: +25% increased harvesting speed More Skill XP: +50% increased skill XP while harvesting No Loss: No durability loss while harvesting Better Loot: +25% increased chance of rolling better loot values while harvesting
These bonuses are randomly rolled on your improvised weapon tool when you acquire it. Items you already own are not affected by this change. While these bonuses are very helpful for harvesting, they are temporary. Each bonus has a limited number of charges, which are consumed every time the tool is used for harvesting. Once all charges are depleted, the tool loses its bonus but remains usable. The bonuses cannot be restored - however, with the Maintenance skill of each profession skill tree, you have a chance to preserve a charge when using the tool. Please note: Since there is no skill tree for the wire cutter, it isn't available in different qualities and won't be rolled with any bonuses.

Profession Skill Trees

We have received a lot of valuable feedback from you regarding the profession skill trees - thank you! Based on your input, weve made several changes to improve the overall experience. As a result, weve adjusted the progression of the skill trees so that all professions should now take roughly the same amount of time to level up. Additionally, weve sped up progression in the initial levels of the skill trees and harvesting in higher rings now grants more skill XP. The higher the ring, the more XP youll earn. But wait, theres more! Weve also adjusted the passive skills. Before the update, the passive skills in the woodworking tree, for example, included: Beginner: Faster Logging 1 & Lumberjacks Maintenance Advanced: Faster Logging 2 & Under Open Skies Proficient: Master Forester & Gymnastics
Now, the passive skills include: Beginner: Efficient Forester 1 & Faster Logging Advanced: Lumberjacks Maintenance & Under Open Skies Proficient: Efficient Forester 2 & Gymnastics
The most important change to mention, is that the maintenance skill in each skill tree has been moved from the beginner tier to the advanced tier and now includes a 10% to 50% Chance to retain a tool bonus charge. Additionally, the "Master" and "Faster" skills have been swapped: there is now only one skill that increases the harvesting speed ("Faster"), while two skills now increase the chance for additional loot (formerly "Master", now "Efficient"). This means: "Efficient 1" is part of the beginner tier and provides a 3% increased chance of additional loot per skill point Faster is part of the beginner tier and provides a 5% increase in harvesting speed per skill point "Efficient 2" is part of the beginner tier and provides a 5% increased chance of additional loot per skill point

Factions

This update brings significant changes to the factions as you knew them. First, the Dustmen and Haulers have been removed. Additionally, the Cult of the Atom has also been removed. While the Dustmen and Haulers are gone for good, the Cult of the Atom will make a comeback in the future. Replacing the removed factions are "The Heritage Society," located in Beckwood and "The Thatcher Cooperative," based around the Farm. Each faction comes with a starter quest and a further questline for you to follow. But be careful! These factions are at war, so you can only side with one. If you are friendly with one faction, the other will attack you on sight, just as they attack each other. Both factions have their own bunker entrances for testing purposes, so you no longer need to return to Junction to access the bunker. While all entrances lead to the same bunker, you can only enter through the one controlled by the faction you're at least neutral with. We've also added the Raiders to up the level of challenge. They are hostile towards you, so they will attack you on sight when you're wandering around Ashwater.

Other new features

A new feature that we are very excited about is our introductory questline Humble Beginnings! This quest is designed to help new players ease into the game without feeling pressured into specific actions at pre-defined times. In other words: You can skip it entirely if youd prefer to explore the game on your own. The quest includes basic explanations, some of which are supported by videos, to ensure a smooth start. In this way, new players will be able to find their way around the world more easily while ensuring the player freedom that will characterise the gameplay of Persist Online. Existing accounts must either complete the "Back on Your Feet" quest, which is the first quest in the introductory questline, or skip the starter quest to access the bunker. Additionally, we're introducing the journal, which can be opened with the shortcut J. This journal is designed to help you get familiar with all the important game mechanics by providing various entries, such as explanations of buffs and debuffs, how mods work, and everything you need to know about our skill system. Another change - and the most noticeable one - is the new shader weve added to our game world. We received a lot of feedback that the world felt too flat, plain, and inconsistent, so this was something we definitely wanted to address. This new shader adds visual depth to the game, making the world of Persist Online look dirtier and more rugged, creating a more consistent post-apocalyptic feel throughout.
Last but not least, weve made changes to how cash works for greater convenience. Previously, cash was collected in your inventory and had to be sold before being added to your family's balance. Now, any cash you find will be added directly to your family's balance, without the need to collect and sell the cash item first.

Further Changes

After introducing the repair kits and the associated changes, we received feedback that the repair costs for common and higher-quality items were too high. In response, we have reduced these costs to create a better balance. Additionally, we have improved the game's accessibility by optimizing performance and reducing client memory usage. As a result, the game should now start and run more smoothly on computers with 16 GB of RAM. We also renamed and removed several items, which means these items will no longer be available in your inventory or bunker storage. Another noticeable change is the partial rework of the park. There were many spots where trees obstructed the camera view, so we opened up these areas to allow a more seamless exploration of the park.

Whats next?

Our main focus is now on the overhaul of the entire bunker. We've been working on this major feature for quite some time and will continue to push forward at full speed to introduce it to you as soon as possible. The new bunker will function very differently from the current one and will offer more content than it currently does. Additionally, our game currently lacks a sufficient number of available quests. Therefore, we plan to focus more on quests in the coming months. We truly appreciate your continued support and patience over the past few months, and we're incredibly grateful for all the feedback we've received. Please continue being such an amazing community and help make Persist a better game every day by contributing through Discord or here on Steam. Your Community Management Team

[ 2024-10-01 12:35:29 CET ] [ Original post ]

In one of our latest updates, we introduced repair kits to our game. Heres everything you need to know about them!

How it used to be

In the past, you could go on multiple loot runs with the same weapon without needing to repair it. Even the outer zones of the world map could be reached several times before your weapon finally broke, forcing you to visit an NPC to get it repaired. This took away the excitement of standing in a horde of zombies, not knowing whether your weapon would break at any moment.

What has changed?

We have made durability more relevant by adjusting durability loss values. That means that all parts of your equipment will now wear out faster with use. Weve also increased the range of the possible base durability for newly acquired items. Therefore, equipment can now drop with a higher or lower base durability than before. As a result, your gear will break faster and may even start with lower base durability. This makes it harder to go on loot runs in the outer zones without your equipment breaking at some point. And thats where repair kits come in.
To help you focus on hunting, weve implemented an indicator that shows whether an equipped item is either low on durability (orange) or broken (red). This indicator does not differentiate between weapons, tools and armor.

Why are we introducing Repair Kits?

To balance the games economy, we have introduced repair kits because these kits can only be bought with cash and not crafted. Even with the up and coming bunker overhaul, there are no plans to make repair kits craftable. The focus in the new bunker will still be on the raw materials.

About the Repair Kits

Tl dr: repair kits allow you to fully restore the durability of equipped items no matter where you are, as long as you have the right repair kit in your backpack. There are two types of repair kits: armor repair kits and weapon repair kits. Armor repair kits restore the durability of any kind of armor, while weapon repair kits restore the durability of weapons and tools.
Each repair kit comes in six quality levels, ranging from poor to superior, just like the equipment. A repair kit can only be used on an item of the same or lower quality level, and each kit is single-use, so youll need one kit for each piece of armor or weapon you want to repair.
Repair kits can be purchased from any NPC who offers equipment repair services, with the most well-known being Charlie Hobson at the Petrol Station in Junction. The higher the quality of the repair kit, the more expensive it is to buy. Additionally, while repair kits offer the clear advantage of being usable anywhere, purchasing them is significantly more expensive than getting an NPC to repair your equipment. In the next update, repair costs when using NPCs will be even lower, as they will be calculated based on the percentage of durability lost. This means that, if your equipment is only 50% broken, repairing it will only cost you 50% of the full cost for repairs. Please note: Currently, all repair kits are sold in stacks of 5. However, this will be changed in the future, as we are working on a feature that will allow you to buy smaller quantities.

Additional Information

Please keep in mind that, following our latest updates, only selected NPCs offer equipment repair services, rather than all trader NPCs. Additionally, none of the trader NPCs sell tools or weapons anymore, so youll need to scavenge for those yourself in the open world.

[ 2024-09-06 10:14:10 CET ] [ Original post ]

A few weeks ago, we introduced the Content Creator role to our Discord channel. After receiving several inquiries about the requirements, we decided to establish an official Content Creator Program. Discover the benefits that await you and the requirements you need to fulfil to qualify for the program.

What exactly is this program about and who is it meant for?

If you enjoy streaming or adding content to your YouTube or Twitch channel and you want to showcase our game, then this program is a perfect fit for you. Both of us will benefit from the Content Creator Program: we will grow together and you will receive perks from us.

Whats in it for you / Perks

Prioritized access to playtests, allowing you to be one of the first to experience new content Recognition as a Content Creator on Discord Promotion of your content on our official channels Access to high-resolution images for our feature updates The opportunity to interview the developers and play with them

Requirements

You need to have at least 500 followers on Twitch or 500 subscribers on YouTube You should have an active and healthy channel with a good reputation You should actively stream or create content about the game when you have access to Persist Online

Please note: Our Content Creator perks and requirements are subject to change as the development of the game progresses.

How to apply

If you want to join the Persist Online Content Creator Program, please send an email to persist-cm@cipsoft.com with the following information:

Tell us why you are interested in the program Your Twitch and / or YouTube URL Your Discord tag if you want to be assigned the role of Content Creator Your X account if you want to be tagged when we promote your channel

We will get back to you shortly. Disclaimer: While meeting the requirements is a significant achievement, the final decision regarding acceptance into our program will be made at our discretion.

[ 2024-08-07 10:16:27 CET ] [ Original post ]

Right now, So Paulo, Brazil is hosting the first ever Gamescom in Latin America - and WE were there!

Our Gamescom Latam Trailer is now live!

We are excited to have had the opportunity to debut our new trailer live on stage at Gamescom Latam! Did you miss it? Dont worry. You can watch it here! This trailer blends CGI and gameplay, giving you a deeper look into what you can expect in Persist Online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZEPfMQvkIw

In case you missed our Announce Trailer

Three weeks ago, we introduced Persist Online to the world with our first ever announce trailer. For those who dont know: Persist Online is an MMORPG with zombies, so you better get yourself a gun. Survive in an unforgiving open world, where every building is accessible. Forge a deadly team with friends and claim what's not yours. Take your loot to your safe bunker to craft better gear. Some survive. The best persist! You can find the trailer here.

What's next?

In the coming months, we will continue to enrich the game with updates and features. With our latest big featurethe guild systemnow implemented, we are focusing on reworking the bunker system. The bunker is a safe haven where players can unlock new gameplay features, craft higher quality items and access more storage. Well explain the whole bunker system when it goes live for everyone who wants to know more. Additionally, we will organize regular playtests before Early Access to gather your feedback. Want to be part of our playtests? Join our Discord and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and not miss out on any news! On top of this, you can look forward to deeper insights into the game mechanics and exclusive interviews with the developers.

Closing Words

We want to thank our community, who has stood by our side from the very beginning, and our new fans who are now part of the family for being so positive and supportive! ~ Your Persist Online Team

[ 2024-06-26 23:00:31 CET ] [ Original post ]

Skogul, a Content Creator and one of the first to play Persist Online, will be streaming live on YouTube for everyone interested in the game. The stream starts on Friday, June 21st at 6 PM CEST, so make sure to tune in here: https://www.youtube.com/@SkogulTheGiant. One of the main topics will be: Is it worth grinding for skills early in the game? Can I survive using only skills and no weapons? Skogul has been with us since the very beginning of our development. While he can answer many questions, he might not be able to cover everything during the stream. If you have any unanswered questions afterward, join our Discord or start a discussion here on Steam and we will address them as soon as possible. Please note: We are still in the pre-alpha phase, so everything you see is subject to change as we balance and refine the game's content for optimal playability.

[ 2024-06-20 14:02:25 CET ] [ Original post ]

We are introducing a new feature to our game: the guild system! Heres everything you need to know!

General Information

All functions related to the guild system can be found in the safety zone, Junction, in a room on the ground floor of the community center. They are accessible via guild registries that look like wooden pillars adorned with books. Founding a guild requires cash, while name changes are initially free but may incur charges in the future. Initially, 8 people can be in a guild, but this can be expanded to a maximum of 50 members as the guild gains experience. There are no minimum level requirements for joining a guild; however, it does require an invitation. The invitee must be online to receive the invitation, and each invitation takes up a guild member slot. Therefore, you can only invite as many people as you have spaces available. The roles within a guild are Leader, shown with a crown, Officer, shown with a star, and Member, shown with a person icon. Each guild can have only one Leader, but it can have any number of Officers and Members. For instance, a guild could have 1 Leader and 7 Officers, or 1 Leader, 2 Officers, and 5 Members.
Each rank in a guild has different rights, listed as follows:

Member

Leave Guild Participation in Guild Quests See activity status of all members -> Light Green = Online -> Dark Green = In Bunker -> Red = Offline -> Grey = Invited

Officer

All Member rights

Kick Members Invite Members Accept Guild Quests Redeem Guild Quests Choose and Reset Guild Perks

Leader

All Officer rights

Disband Guild Change Guild Leader Change Guild Name Promote Member to Officer Demote Officer to Member

When clicking on a member's name, you can open further options for interaction. Each option is explained when hovering over it. To prevent members from frequently changing guilds, there is a 7-day waiting period called a "guild block" before they can join another guild. You need to go to the guild registries to interact with any guild function. Aside from that, all guild functions can be viewed using the default hotkey G. The maximum level for a guild is 50. Guilds level up by collecting guild XP. This is earned by completing guild quests.

Guild Quests

The quest tab unlocks once the guild has 4 members. A guild offers 12 randomly rolled guild quests, which can be accepted and completed. All quests renew every 30 minutes. Quests come in two different types: "kill" quests and "harvest" quests. Kill quests require guild members to defeat a certain number of enemies, while harvest quests focus on the frequency of harvesting. Each quest can differ in the number of kills or harvests required, the region in which you are completing the quest, the specific enemy or object to be harvested, and the available time for completing each quest. Guild quests are divided into different levels of difficulty, marked with a rating from 1 to 5 stars. The more stars a quest has, the more difficult it is. Quests that are more difficult offer the guild more XP. Additionally, there is a slight chance to find a "rare" quest. Rare quests have a golden-brown frame and offer double the rewards compared to non-rare quests.
The number of active or completed guild quests is limited. You can only have 1 active quest. However, 2 quests can be marked as completed at the same time. When 2 quests are marked as completed, youll need redeem one of them before being able to accept a new quest. A maximum of 4 quests can be completed within a 24-hour time frame. The XP earned through guild quests increases the guild's level. Each guild level unlocks a new guild point, and a level 1 guild already has 1 guild point. These guild points can be used to level up the guild perks that benefit every member. Guild influence will gain more importance in the future when we introduce Guild Claims.

Guild Perks

The perks tab unlocks once the guild has 4 members. Guild perks grant advantages to every guild member. There are various perks to choose from, including:

Loot chance Influence and guild XP Number of guild members

Each perk can be leveled three times. The first level requires 1 guild point, the second level requires 3 guild points, and the third level requires 5 guild points. The chosen perks can be reset every 7 days to adapt to the current needs of the guild, but it will cost 50 influence.

A Summary of how everything is interconnected

A guild can have between 8 and 50 members. By completing guild quests, the guild can earn guild XP to level up. Each guild level grants 1 guild point, which can then be invested in guild perks. For example, one perk increases the maximum number of guild members. Completing guild quests also grants guild influence. The acquired influence can be used to reset guild perks every 7 days.

[ 2024-06-06 14:26:51 CET ] [ Original post ]

After a few years of working on our new game, we are thrilled to officially introduce Persist Online to the world!

A first Look at the Game

Persist Online is an MMORPG with zombies, so you better get yourself a gun. Survive in an unforgiving open world, where every building is accessible. Forge a deadly team with friends and claim what's not yours. Take your loot to your safe bunker to craft better gear. Some survive. The best persist! [previewyoutube=sxzgFyMbVg0;full][/previewyoutube]

Our Journey so far

Five years ago, two CipSoft employees had the idea for a new MMORPG and began developing a rough prototype in their free time. In July 2021, this game received the unconditional support of CipSoft, transforming the hobby project into an official game in development called Persist Online. Since then, our team has been growing and working on the game with a lot of passion and dedication. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and have helped us stay on the right path to reach the goal of making our and your vision come alive. Your ideas, feedback, and support have inspired and motivated us to keep going! It WAS and IS very important to us to involve you in the development process.

What's next?

In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to enrich the game with updates and features. You can look forward to deeper insights into the game mechanics and exclusive interviews with the developers. A great multiplayer game can only thrive through its community. To this end, we will organize regular playtests before Early Access to gather your feedback so we can continue to shape the game together. Want to be part of our playtests? Join our Discord and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and never miss any news! We plan to publish Persist Online as a free-to-play game to make it accessible to everyone.

About CipSoft and the Persist Online Team

Founded in June 2001, CipSoft is still owned and managed by its original founders. With a team of 100 employees, CipSoft made its mark with Tibia, one of the first MMORPGs, which has been online since 1997. CipSoft handles all aspects of its MMORPG operations in-house, from community management and support to payment systems. The core team consists of 14 people who work full time on Persist Online. As we are a small team, we are focusing on a few channels for communication, with our Discord server being the best place to reach us: https://discord.com/invite/Kr89hJUwuS

Closing Words

We want to thank everyone who has supported us on our way to this important milestone in our journey. We look forward to completing the rest of the journey with you. Thank you so much! ~ Your Persist Online Team

[ 2024-06-03 12:25:08 CET ] [ Original post ]