Z1 Battle Royale

47%
Game Brain Score Based on 38,282 reviews
  • stability
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Z1 Battle Royale Game Cover
H1Z1 may well have been inspired by the original version of PUBG, and it shows, but in Auto Royale it provides one of the most fun battle royale modes out there.
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Z1 Battle Royale is a free-to-play, fast-paced competitive Battle Royale game that has undergone a major overhaul to restore its classic feel and look. The game features updated combat and gun mechanics, restored vehicle mechanics, and the return of the PS3 era map with updated environment and lighting. Additional new features include in-match missions and more .

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

47%
Audience ScoreBased on 38,282 reviews
gameplay373 positive mentions
stability1,496 negative mentions
  • stability1,522 mentions

    The stability of the game is widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. Many reviews highlight persistent problems such as hit registration errors, desynchronization, and game crashes, leading to frustration among users. While some players find charm in the game's quirks, the overwhelming consensus is that it remains a buggy and unpolished title, often unplayable due to these ongoing issues.

    • “This is an awesome game. When it was released, it was very buggy, but now it is not buggy at all.”
    • “Many bugs have been fixed and the game runs great.”
    • “The developers are very active on updating this game and fixing bugs, constantly working hard to keep it bug-free (keep in mind it's still early access, although probably the best shape I've ever seen an early access game).”
    • “This game is a buggy mess.”
    • “The game is full of bugs and glitches, the community members I've encountered are toxic, the visuals and graphics are poorly done in my opinion and the colors look faded and relatively ugly.”
    • “This game is buggy as hell, but then again the reactions we get from our friends are great.”
  • gameplay1,489 mentions

    The gameplay of "Z1 Battle Royale" is characterized by its fast-paced, action-packed nature, which many players find thrilling and engaging. However, it is marred by numerous technical issues, including inconsistent shooting mechanics, bugs, and a lack of balance, leading to frustration among users. While some appreciate the nostalgic elements and community aspects, others criticize the game's reliance on microtransactions and frequent updates that often disrupt core mechanics, resulting in a mixed reception overall.

    • “The core gameplay of Z1 Battle Royale is undeniably intense and action-packed.”
    • “This variety ensures that no two matches feel the same, and it keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced, competitive, addicting, fun, and non-stop.”
    • “The gameplay is a mess, the hit registration is awful.”
    • “Every update they claim that they are making the gameplay better but it just keeps getting worse.”
    • “The mechanics are trash, when you fire your bullets just disappear and never register.”
  • graphics721 mentions

    The graphics of H1Z1 have received mixed reviews, with many players describing them as outdated and below par compared to modern standards, often likening them to games from previous console generations. While some appreciate the game's art style and find it enjoyable, a significant number of users express frustration over poor optimization, graphical glitches, and a lack of substantial improvements despite updates. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game can be fun, its visual presentation leaves much to be desired, especially when compared to competitors like PUBG.

    • “The graphics are amazing and the gameplay is awesome.”
    • “Very cool hunger games type survival, graphics and character movement are awesome!!”
    • “Good game, good graphics and nice gameplay.”
    • “The graphics look like you're playing Xbox 360.”
    • “The graphics are terrible, like not just bad but actually make the game glitch so badly that it is unplayable.”
    • “The graphics are below average and the game engine is not very optimized.”
  • optimization611 mentions

    The game's optimization has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting frequent frame rate drops, lag spikes, and overall poor performance, especially on lower-end systems. While some users note improvements in optimization over time, the consensus remains that the game is still plagued by bugs and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Many players express frustration with the developers' focus on cosmetic updates rather than addressing these critical optimization problems.

    • “Optimization has gotten better though, I'll say that.”
    • “The optimization seems fine, didn't have any drops or lag on the game.”
    • “Great game, well optimized, love it!”
    • “The game has struggled with optimization issues, resulting in occasional frame rate drops and lag spikes, particularly during intense moments or when multiple players are nearby.”
    • “This game is poorly optimized, detracting from any enjoyment I can even get from it.”
    • “The game is horribly optimized and runs like crap even on a good system.”
  • humor275 mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a major draw, with players enjoying the comedic moments that arise from its bugs, glitches, and chaotic gameplay. Many reviews emphasize that playing with friends enhances the experience, leading to laughter and memorable interactions, despite the game's flaws. However, some players express frustration over the game's decline and the developers' decisions, which they find ironically amusing. Overall, the humor is a mix of intentional fun and unintentional hilarity stemming from the game's issues.

    • “This game is really funny if you play with friends.”
    • “Funny game, feels like you're in the Hunger Games... kill, trash talk, and kill your teammates with axes... funny stuff.”
    • “It's hilarious seeing these devs complain about how they need so much time to make proper terrain with buildings, items, bushes, etc. making maps is easy, and they fail at it horribly.”
    • “I've had this game for a long time now, and honestly, it's not as funny as it used to be.”
    • “It is not funny at all.”
  • monetization253 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been heavily criticized, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" due to the excessive focus on microtransactions and cosmetic items. Users express frustration over the game's shift from a paid model to a free-to-play format filled with in-game purchases, feeling that the developers prioritize profit over game quality and community feedback. Overall, the sentiment reflects a deep dissatisfaction with the monetization practices, which are seen as exploitative and detrimental to the game's integrity.

    • “Although money hungry, all microtransactions are thankfully kept cosmetic.”
    • “No current 'pay to win' microtransactions (currently) - crates and keys are purely cosmetic items.”
    • “The game is filled with skin notifications, microtransactions, and branding, so the whole thing feels like one big advertisement, except I'm already a customer because I paid for the game.”
    • “They first sold H1Z1 (BR and survival) together for $20, then in a cash grab decided to split the game apart into 2 games and charged $20 a piece, and then after allowing people to buy this garbage for years...they delete Just Survive...the people that bought it should get their money back.”
    • “This game is a good example of why early access was a mistake, they shouldn't be allowed to have a marketplace and in-game microtransactions in early access games because it shows that the developer wants your money more than they want to make a playable game.”
  • story132 mentions

    The reviews indicate that the game lacks a significant story, with many players noting that it primarily focuses on gameplay rather than narrative. Some mention that while there is a minimal story present, it is often overshadowed by gameplay mechanics, leading to a perception of the game as a cash grab rather than a well-developed experience. Overall, the consensus is that players seeking a strong narrative should look elsewhere.

    • “The full story of H1Z1 is a hell of a story, starting from the beginning before the Just Survive and King of the Kill split. The game has been through so much, and it is truly an interesting read/watch.”
    • “A classic story to warn future developers to not abandon their original idea for a game for a quick cash grab.”
    • “King of the Kill: best game, best story, much sadness.”
    • “This game has no story.”
    • “If you want a game that doesn't give you bad thoughts about that rope and your second story window, don't buy this game.”
    • “The story is nonexistent.”
  • grinding54 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is often perceived as tedious and time-consuming, with many players expressing frustration over the repetitive nature of the tasks required to progress. While some find enjoyment in the grind, especially when playing with friends, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, leading to a sense of monotony and dissatisfaction. Overall, the grinding aspect is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the challenge while others find it excessively grindy and unfulfilling.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It can be a bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “The game can be grindy.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “Over a million glitches, you try spending your weekend to have some fun with some friends and all you do is lose your time on your event as the glitches make it incredibly tedious and discouraging to enjoy playing.”
    • “This game had a great concept and was reasonably fun when I first got it, but it is just another grindy game with weak rewards for the time put in.”
  • music42 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the lively atmosphere created by loud music and player interactions in the lobby, while others criticize the audio quality and overwhelming volume levels. Many find the soundtrack to be "fine" but not exceptional, with some players opting to mute the game due to the chaotic and often annoying audio from other players. Overall, the music adds a unique, albeit polarizing, element to the gameplay experience.

    • “My friend and I always play it when we are either bored and don't know what to do or getting ready to go out, as there is always a music party in the lobby.”
    • “I've got to admit the music entering the game was fantastic and it really got you in the mood for some hardcore gameplay. You get in with pretty decent graphics and when you have friends that got the game at the same time as you, you are all hyped to enter a 5-man server!”
    • “So then you get to the launch game level which gives you great music and nice PowerPoint slides with interesting tips (everyone is an enemy, etc.).”
    • “Fourthly, H1Z1 has earsplitting music and sound effects that sound straight out of a student film or a gun app on the app store; it's horrid.”
    • “The game launches with music and sound effects at near deafening levels then throws a character creation screen in your face before giving you a chance to lower those levels or adjust other settings.”
    • “During the game 'lobby' where everybody joins waiting to parachute into the game, it's a constant microphone spam fest, with people running around shouting, making noises, or just playing music so loud it's distorted.”
  • replayability40 mentions

    The game's replayability is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with many users noting its infinite replay value and enjoyment, especially in multiplayer modes. However, some players express concerns about bugs and gameplay balance, suggesting that improvements are needed to enhance the overall experience. Despite these issues, the game remains addictive and offers a variety of content that keeps players engaged.

    • “Great game with random drops and countless possibilities; it makes the game fun and very replayable.”
    • “A really enjoyable game with endless replayability.”
    • “Despite the split... tbh $20 is well worth the replay value of this game; it beats almost 90% of games out there that you play for maybe a couple of days then never see again.”
    • “Overall, H1Z1 is a boring game lacking variety, uniqueness, and replayability.”
    • “Lack of motivation to play it and no replayability.”
    • “No replayability and is an arcade-style kind of game; however, the game can be very fun with friends.”
  • emotional36 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly negative, with many players expressing feelings of heartbreak, frustration, and sadness due to recent updates and changes that have diminished their enjoyment. Users frequently mention tears and a sense of loss, reflecting on the game's decline and their emotional investment over the years. Overall, the sentiment is one of disappointment and a longing for the game's former glory, leading to a strong emotional response from the community.

    • “Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
    • “This game will make you want to cry yourself to sleep tonight, from either dying in the first 4 seconds of the game, or by being in the top 5 left alive and you get 1 bullet to the brain and it's all over.”
    • “I felt like it was my fault that the group had fallen apart when I think about it. I want to cry, no kidding; we had so much fun. Those were probably the best years of my life.”
  • atmosphere18 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to create tension and a spooky environment, while others feel it has lost its original creepy charm and intensity. Many appreciate the sound effects and graphics that contribute to the overall ambiance, but some criticize the current state of the game for lacking the thrill and immersion found in similar titles. Overall, the atmosphere is seen as a key element that can either enhance or detract from the gaming experience, depending on individual perspectives.

    • “Back in the day, this game used to be epic, with some truly chilling moments, battles, and an all-around creepy, amazing atmosphere.”
    • “This game does a great job at building tension and atmosphere for new players.”
    • “Overall, great atmosphere, good graphics, and an overall great game idea!”
    • “Although now when in combat if you try to shoot at someone, it's not very helpful that the game makes me want to shoot into the atmosphere.”
    • “This is not the H1Z1 I knew... lost the creepy atmosphere and made a joke out of itself.”
    • “Atmosphere is crap for a survival game, tons of players everywhere on most servers, filled with 12-year-old trolls and Twitch streamers screaming in their mics.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Character development is noted for its strong emphasis on character design, particularly in terms of clothing and visual aesthetics, which enhances the overall personality and individuality of each character. This attention to detail in design contributes to a more immersive and engaging experience for players.

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Critic Reviews

73% average critic score

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Play time

80hMedian play time
341hAverage play time
10-500hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 163 analyzed playthroughs

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