Gray Zone Warfare release window expectation, platforms and everything we need to know

Gray Zone Warfare is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated releases. So, what is all the fuss about? For one, GZW is incredibly realistic – so fans of Insurgency: Sandstorm will feel right at home here. Add to the mix stunning visuals, sophisticated bullet mechanics and a character model with a skeletal system that can be damaged via projectiles, and you get the idea. No, GZW is not for the faint of heart. Here’s everything you need to know about Madfinger Games’s upcoming tactical shooter.

So, is there Gray Zone Warfare release date?

There’s no concrete release date for Gray Zone Warfare right now, but we do know that it’s slated for 2024. That’s according to the Steam store front page, which merely states: ‘Planned Release Date: 2024’. It’s also worth saying that when it does arrive, it’ll be in early access form, rather than a full release.

This is because Madfinger wants to lean on the community to make the ‘ultimate tactical FPS experience together’, which we massively respect. As with any early-access game, there will be tons of content and updates. Madfinger confirmed on their website they will release ‘regular updates featuring new content, expanding world-building, adding new weapons and gear, unveiling new quests and environmental storytelling, as well as optimizing and fixing bugs before concluding the Early Access phase.

They go on to say the early access period’ The approximate timeline ‘may span several years, depending on community feedback and the fulfillment of our shared vision’. Here’s what will be included in the early access version, when it launches:

• Three distinct PMC factions supporting up to 48 players in total, with a maximum of 16 players per faction
• The expansive 42 km² open world of Lamang, based on a real location, showcasing an unprecedented representation of a jungle
• Ruthless AI behavior, with hundreds of enemies reacting to the player‘s moves through the actions and emotions
• Complex external and terminal ballistics simulation for a realistic shooting experience
• Comprehensive simulation of realistic firearm recoil based on real-world data
• An innovative health system that intricately simulates even bodily cavities and damage effects
• A network of six unique vendors offering 150 quests in total
• Eight highly customizable weapons with over 400 interchangeable parts
• A diverse array of over 80 equipable gear items for tactical advantage.
• An engaging, interconnected player progression system
• Detailed character creation and extensive apparel customization options
• Formidable squads, allowing for up to four members for coordinated gameplay
• Integrated social features, including Friends, VOIP, and Messenger, for enhanced player interaction

There are some notable differences to the planned full version, which promises a far larger map with more diverse biomes, faction-based AI with unique behaviours and a dynamic weather system. There’s even a trading system planned for players and fully customizable gear. Here’s the full list:

• A complete map featuring all locations and diverse biomes
• A hazardous Ground Zero area with end-game enemies and new storylines
• Different types of AI behaviors based on the enemy type, situation, time, or weather condition
• Faction-based AI with its own agenda involving quests, patrolling, scavaging, and attacking others
• Factions featuring progression systems and diverse reputations
• Immersive environmental storytelling featuring mature and engaging plots
• Advanced quest system encompassing both main and side storylines
• Game-changing, captivating seasonal events
• Resource-intensive and survival-focused crafting
• Dynamic weather changing the gameplay experience
• An accelerated day and night cycle
• Unique skills system based on the player‘s achievements, not grind
• Customizable ‘hooch‘ player‘s base quarters
• Enhanced weapon customizations
• Fully customizable gear
• Complex trading system for players

So, tell me about GZW’s gameplay

Sure. Gray Zone is a tactical, team-based shooter that supports both PVE and PVP gameplay. Set in the fictional Democratic Republic of Lamang, the main selling point is the level of realism offered to the player. For example, different ammo types will have varying levels of penetration. Soft lead core ammunition (FMJ) may struggle to penetrate double-layered metal, while tungsten core can blast through this easily. According to the devs, ‘The simulation considers factors like kinetic energy density, angle of obliquity, deformation, and the differences between full and partial penetration’.

But that’s not all. The team has successfully built a model to mimic a bullet’s energy transfer after impact. They explain: “This involves accounting for factors such as the bullet‘s rotation, deformation, tumbling, and alterations in behavior after penetrating a barrier. For instance, firing through a wooden wall may diminish penetration while increasing blunt force trauma.”

‘Firing through a wooden wall may diminish penetration while increasing blunt force trauma’

MadFinger Games

There’s also a sophisticated ricochet system that accounts for both the characteristics of the projectile and those of the obstacle. This means that wood will result in a wider ricochet angle and lower velocity compared to a hard material like steel. When you add to the mix a dynamic recoil system, influenced by factors including muzzle velocity and the weight of the gun, you have an incredibly realistic simulation.

This level of realism extends to the character models. A bullet will cause varying levels of damage depending on where it hits – and what the player is wearing. As the devs explain: “This leads to diverse outcomes: a bullet might ricochet harmlessly off the armor, penetrate it to cause significant damage, or pierce through only to be stopped by the back plate. Each scenario is meticulously calculated, reflecting the complex realities of ballistics and armor interaction, ranging from severe internal trauma to more superficial wounds.”

Severe wounds will lead to bleeding and potential damage to the character’s internal organs. Minor injuries will affect aim, movement speed and even impaired hearing, making it easier for the enemy to pick you off.

What platforms is Gray Zone Warfare coming to?

Right now, we know that it’s coming to PC – but we’re not sure whether or not it’s coming to console. Those on PC will be pleased to know that Nvidia will be supporting the game with DLSS 3 and Reflex. “Starting day one, DLSS 3 will accelerate performance, Reflex will reduce system latency by up to 50% for more responsive gameplay, and hardware-accelerated, ray-traced Unreal Engine 5 Lumen lighting will increase the game’s graphical fidelity even further,” the company confirmed in a statement.