Zombies After Bloodmoons: A Gameplay Enhancement

Hey guys! Let's talk about a cool idea to make your 7 Days to Die experience even more awesome, especially if you're a fan of the WalkerSim mod. The basic idea? Regenerate zombies after blood moons if you've turned off the default respawn. This simple tweak could seriously boost the fun factor and keep those undead hordes coming, just when you want them.

The WalkerSim Advantage and the Problem

So, if you're not familiar with the WalkerSim mod, it's pretty darn cool. What it does is create a persistent simulation of zombie activity across the world. Instead of zombies just randomly popping up, they actually feel like they belong there, reacting to the world around them. This means you can clear out an area and actually feel like you've made a difference, because those zombies won't just magically reappear. This is a big win for players who want a more immersive and strategic gameplay experience.

The beauty of WalkerSim is the way it changes the flow of the game, letting you take control of how the zombie population behaves in the world. This is achieved by setting the AgentRespawnPosition config value to None. This prevents zombies from respawning, which, in turn, makes your efforts feel significant. You clear out a building or a town, and it stays cleared, unless something else happens. Without this feature, the game can become pretty boring, fast, especially if you have eliminated the local zombie population. Imagine the satisfaction of clearing out a massive horde, knowing you've made the area safer... for a while, at least. But there's a slight problem.

The 'Empty World' Syndrome

The flip side of the coin is that, without zombie respawns, areas can become too empty. If you clear out a location, it stays clear, and after a while, you might find yourself wandering through zombie-free zones. This can lead to a sense of stagnation, which isn't great for long-term gameplay. It’s like, you’ve won, but the game has lost its edge. Currently, the solution is to manually regenerate the global zombie map using debug mode. But, let's be honest, that's kind of a pain, right? Having to constantly go into debug mode to repopulate the world breaks the immersion and is, well, just not ideal.

The Blood Moon Solution: A Natural Reset

So, here's my suggestion: What if we could regenerate zombies after blood moons? Hear me out! Blood moons are basically zombie festivals, right? A massive wave of undead comes crashing down on your base. It's the perfect opportunity to re-introduce zombies into the areas you've cleared out. It makes total sense contextually. You clear an area, survive the blood moon, and then... bam... it's zombie-infested again. This keeps that gameplay loop alive and kicking. You're always clearing, always preparing, always battling, but within a predictable timeframe.

Why This Works

• Seamless Integration: It fits perfectly with the game's existing mechanics. Blood moons are already a major event, so adding a zombie reset feels natural. It doesn't break the flow; it enhances it.
• Maintains the Core Loop: You still get to experience the satisfaction of clearing areas, but the challenge is continuous. You are constantly fighting the zombies and strategizing how to keep the area clear.
• Enhanced Gameplay: Keeps the game from getting too boring. It prevents the world from becoming completely empty, ensuring you always have something to fight against, and making the world feel alive and dynamic.
• Strategic Depth: It adds a new layer of strategy. You'll need to consider how to fortify your base and how to handle the inevitable zombie resurgence after the blood moon. This is how you make sure you are ahead of the zombies.

How It Could Work

The implementation could be pretty straightforward. After each blood moon, the game would:

1. Check Config: Verify that AgentRespawnPosition is set to None. This makes sure the new feature is only enabled if the player wants it.
2. Regenerate Zombies: Use the WalkerSim system to reintroduce zombies to the areas that were previously cleared. The density of the new zombies could be tied to the game stage, ensuring the challenge scales as you progress.

Potential Customization

We could even add some customization options, such as:

• Frequency: Allow players to choose how often zombies regenerate (e.g., every blood moon, every two blood moons, etc.).
• Density: Let players adjust the zombie density after the reset, making it easier or harder.
• Area Control: Possibly allow the player to choose whether the regeneration happens everywhere or in a radius around the base or a POI (Point of Interest).

The Benefits: Why It Matters

This suggestion addresses a common pain point in the WalkerSim experience. It ensures that the world feels alive and dynamic, providing an engaging gameplay loop, without requiring constant manual intervention from the player. It is not just about convenience; it is about enhancing the core gameplay experience. This feature ensures that the core gameplay loop of clearing areas, surviving hordes, and making the world a safer place is never broken. It gives the player something to do, an enemy to overcome, and a world that feels alive.

Community Impact

This change would be warmly received by a large group of players using WalkerSim. It would be a significant step in the right direction for the game's experience. This tweak will help maintain the interest of the players, adding a new layer of enjoyment to the game.

Conclusion: Keeping the Fight Alive

Adding an option to regenerate zombies after blood moons is a simple yet impactful change that would significantly improve the WalkerSim experience. It keeps the game exciting, maintains the core gameplay loop, and ensures that the world feels dynamic and alive. It addresses a common problem with a natural and intuitive solution. This enhancement would give players a more engaging and long-lasting experience, and it's a win-win for everyone involved. So, what do you guys think? Let's make it happen!