CHEMISTS: Dead Zone — Update 0.4.34: Artifacts, Reputation, and Optimization
Hey, Chemists! We’re rolling out update 0.4.34 — this patch brings new artifact mechanics, an expanded reputation system, and major optimization improvements.
What’s new in the Zone:
Weak forms of artifacts now appear in toxic anomalies (both regular and radioactive) — grab them while you can before they vanish.
Players have spotted a red glow in the water — it’s a sign of an artifact nearby. Check suspicious spots, but stay alert.
All artifacts (including modified ones) can now be dismantled into components.
Some mobs may drop weak versions of biological artifacts.
Artifacts no longer spawn instantly in anomalies at game start — they now require time to form.
Economy and Reputation:
The Trader in the bar now offers exchange options for faction vouchers: universal ↔ faction, as well as event cards for universal vouchers.
The Lab Technician now accepts modified artifacts (4 types) for exchange — but only if you have good reputation with the Scientists.
In the city bunker, you can now build reputation with the Civilians by delivering goods after completing a specific quest.
Completing a dungeon now rewards you with 2× the usual amount of universal faction vouchers.
New Quests and NPCs:
The Lab Technician has a major assignment for loyal faction members.
Meet the new NPC — Fisherman Logan — in the Swamps location. He has his own set of tasks and requests.
Usability and UI:
Dismantle items with the G key: select an item in your inventory and press G to break it down.
The current quest panel design has been updated.
Quest entries are now larger and show an item photo if you need to find it — so you always know what you’re looking for.
Item info display has been improved: you can hide the description and focus on the stats when there are too many details.
The 2D world map display has been updated.
Optimization and Performance:
Decorative, highly detailed car models that were just sitting on the map have been removed.
LOD systems have been set up for models that previously lacked them.
The minimap has been optimized: markers for points of interest, NPC positions, and warehouses have been removed to reduce strain; all detailed markers are available on the main map.
Quick performance tools have been added: F2 — FPS counter, F3 — PC load stats.
Other Changes:
Prices for boiled and fried meat of all types have been rebalanced.
The glow effect has been removed from TT, SKS, and SVD weapons of the “Summer Marathon” series.
If you lost the key to Outcast Mine #256, you can now talk to the owner and get it back via an exchange.
Thanks for staying in the Zone with us! Share your thoughts in the comments — we value your feedback!