In an entertainment industry where zombies and the apocalypse are common, it wasn’t surprising that World War Z by Saber Interactive would have some success especially after the movie with the same name and a Mr. Brad Pitt also succeeded. But it’s not a stretch to say that the zombie-action genre in video games in somewhat oversaturated. Regardless, World War Z had a very strong launch on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Epic Games store in April because the developers innovating and yet drawing off of classic zombie elements from the past. This has led to the game’s first announcement of The Undead Sea, the first major update already available for free to owners of the base game.
This first of implied future major free content drops is filled to the brim and has players excited by what is being added and by the clarity from the developers. An all new mission in Tokyo headlines the update that will take players on an zombie-invested ferryboat. The ship’s cabins and decks must be cleared of the hordes, which will be difficult because of the tight, confined spaces aboard. Along with this comes a new type of “virulent” zombie that has the ability to spread toxins and rise again after being defeated if it isn’t put down properly.
Saber’s plan going ahead is to add much more free content that will be free of microtransactions. A new difficulty of six skulls is on the way, as well as a Weekly Challenge mode and a survival wave-based challenge. Listening to the community’s feedback since launch, private lobbies will also become reality down the road. Other quality of life changes in the works that will delight players include: changes to the field of view, the addition of more cosmetics, and the chance to swap out classes during player versus player versus zombie matches.
World War Z has combined elements of the beloved Left For Dead franchise with modern day mechanics to create a zombie-shooter that works and has players wanting more. Lucky for them, Saber’s plans suggest that more updates like The Undead Sea are coming in the future.