DayZ Mod update 1.7.6: new zombie logic, arrows, and a fight about cans

But first: zombie logic. Zeds' max target range has been reduced from 300 meters to 120 meters, they should zigzag less, and their running speed has been reduced. That doesn't mean you can rest easy: "zed attraction" now causes the undead to "loiter closer to players over time," sending them wandering into new territory. Early reports indicate it's a welcome addition.

In other DayZ news, it's now super easy to install the mod if you own Arma 2: Combined Operations on Steam. There's an extra step to jump to 1.7.6, though: after installing, right click on the mod in your library, select "Properties," hit the "Beta" tab, and select 1.7.6.1 in the drop down menu.

Oh, about the cans. 1.7.6 added new cans named for contributors to the mod, presumably because it seemed like a fun idea. A segment of the community did not think it was a fun idea, and said so (some more civilly than others), prompting the hotfix which removes them.

DayZ creator Dean "Rocket" Hall attempted to toss a bucket of water on the flames, writing in the forums, "Let's not slaughter everyone just because something didn't go quite according to plan and some people think it's going in the wrong direction."

I'd have been fine with tossing back a few Rabbitmans while eating my Herpy Dooves Canned Muffins, but I understand the complaint from hardcore roleplayers. I'm more of a LARPer, in that I would actually like a beer and a few muffins if anyone has some.

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Tyler grew up in Silicon Valley during the '80s and '90s, playing games like Zork and Arkanoid on early PCs. He was later captivated by Myst, SimCity, Civilization, Command & Conquer, all the shooters they call "boomer shooters" now, and PS1 classic Bushido Blade (that's right: he had Bleem!). Tyler joined PC Gamer in 2011, and today he's focused on the site's news coverage. His hobbies include amateur boxing and adding to his 1,200-plus hours in Rocket League.