Minecraft Zone
| Minecraft Zone | |
|---|---|
 Release poster | |
| Developer(s) | SOI Studios |
| Publisher(s) | Monsteristic |
| Director(s) |
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| Producer(s) | |
| Designer(s) | Freddie Goodwin |
| Programmer(s) | Owen Sterling |
| Artist(s) |
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| Writer(s) | |
| Composer(s) | Leo Carrington |
| Engine | Unreal Engine |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | November 18, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Third-person survival, extraction |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Minecraft Zone is a 2023 third-person action extraction survival video game developed by SOI Studios and published by Monsteristic, set in the 3D sandbox video game, Minecraft (2011) world and combines structured gameplay that of Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0's DMZ mode. Players must select a "base" weapon (e.g; a Wooden Sword or a Wooden Axe) and must use these weapons to kill mobs (Zombies, Skeletons, etc). Players can use Schematics to craft items on a cooldown and bring Acquisitions into future matches. Upgrades are also available among many other mechanics that allow the user to earn progress in different ways. The game lacks a conventional ending; with a "ending" planned, which has been officially confirmed by SOI Studios.
Announced on June 10, 2023, Minecraft Zone was released on November 18, 2023, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC.
Gameplay
In Minecraft Zone, players begin their adventure by selecting one of four available skins. The game introduces a unique map, diverging from traditional Minecraft games by adopting a conventional health system over the usual heart-based metric. Players start with 150 health points, which can be augmented by Armor Plates, each granting an additional 50 health points for up to a total of 300 points when maximum armor is equipped. Health diminishes when players encounter hostile mobs or sustain fall damage but regenerates over time.
Players have the opportunity to unlock various skins through purchasing bundles, achieving certain milestones, or progressing through the Battle Pass. The game also incorporates a Backpack system essential for inventory management, limiting players to carrying 16 items per match, excluding loadout weapons. Backpacks come in three sizes - Small, Medium, and Large - with the larger variants available as rewards in Tier II chests or upon completing Contracts. Losing a life reverts players back to the smallest backpack size.
Unique to Minecraft Zone are "Acquisitions" and "Schematics." Acquisitions are one-time use items that can be activated in subsequent games, but are forfeited if the player is eliminated mid-match. Schematics offer a more permanent benefit, allowing players to craft specific items, like a Diamond Sword, on a cooldown basis.
The game's economy revolves around Essence, a currency reset every match. Essence can be spent on perks, upgrades, enchantments, and other enhancements, earned through defeating hostile mobs and fulfilling Contracts.
Unlike traditional Minecraft, all map tiers in Minecraft Zone house the same hostile entities, while the first tier also includes friendly creatures such as Chickens, Pigs, Goats, Wolves, and Cows. The game maintains a familiar enchantment system, albeit with significant modifications that necessitate varied strategies each match. Enchantment tables remain pivotal for player advancement, echoing the enchantment mechanics of Minecraft: Java Edition, yet tailored to offer a distinct gameplay experience within Minecraft Zone.
In the first season, that started on January 16, 2024, the End Dimension was made playable during matches. In the End Dimension, players can unlock new Schematics and collect new Acquisitions while fighting the boss of the game – the Ender Dragon. In the normal map, players are able to find more lootable chests and PvP has been removed from players so its a focus on PvE. Diamond Gear can now be found as schematics instead of just Acquisitions.
The second season is scheduled to begin on March 12, 2024.
Synopsis
Characters and settings
The game is set in 2023.