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2026 Roadmap - Version 35 vs Version 36
Jun 26, 2026, 02:43 PM
Added the June 26, 2026 post-July development-direction section (planned improvements)
Jul 4, 2026, 06:21 PM
Added July 3, 2026 dev direction: August Update targeted end of August, stability focus, FF ~40 percent
11Overview22The 2026 Roadmap was officially revealed by inZOI Studio in two parts. Part 1, shared on December 26, 2025, covers the quarterly content updates that form the core of the game's Early Access development. Part 2, revealed on January 2, 2026, focuses on three experimental initiatives: modding tool expansion, the new Canvastown world, and online multiplayer. A separate team handles Part 2 content so it does not pull resources from core game development.44Director Hyungjun "Kjun" Kim has emphasized that all timelines are subject to change based on development progress, testing results, and community feedback. The studio follows a "Fundamentals First" approach, meaning core gameplay polish takes priority over ambitious new features. By mid-March 2026, the team confirmed that all 32 items on the Fundamentals First checklist for the first half of the year had been completed, with approximately 60 major features folded into the March 2026 Update (v0.7.0) alone. By the time the anniversary update shipped, 55 Fundamentals First items had been completed in total, progressing faster than the studio originally anticipated.66The studio aims for seven to eight major updates throughout 2026. Each update goes through internal testing, a community beta period (when applicable), and gradual rollout. Weekly developer diaries published through the official forums and social media keep players informed of what is planned, in progress, and in testing. In a special letter published alongside the anniversary update, Kjun announced that starting in April 2026, the team would slow down the pace of new feature releases to focus on bug fixes, content refinement, optimization, and overall quality improvements.88Q1 2026 Delivery Status1010Between January and March 2026, the development team shipped several hotfixes and one major content update. The following table tracks which Q1 roadmap features have been delivered as of the March 2026 Update (v0.7.0, released March 26, 2026) and which remain in development.1212FeatureStatusNotesFreelance Delivery CareerDelivered (v0.7.0)Added as a courier job in the March 2026 anniversary updateFlorist CareerDelivered (v0.7.0)Flower shop business with six farmable flowers, bouquets, and flower basketsMemory SystemDelivered (v0.7.0)Zois form and recall memories of significant eventsMinimapDelivered (v0.7.0)Draggable minimap showing Zois, family members, and property icons with filtersCalendar and BirthdaysDelivered (v0.7.0)Birthday tracking with milestones and recurring holidaysNews FeedDelivered (v0.7.0)In-game news feed tracking neighborhood events and Zoi activitiesMultitaskingDelivered (v0.7.0)Zois can eat while walking, hold conversations while carrying food, and react to nearby interactionsMovie Theater BusinessDelivered (v0.7.0)New business type with four movie genres and popcorn machinesVehicle ImprovementsDelivered (v0.7.0)Bicycles, public parking lots, family parking spaces, and vehicle theft mechanicsBaby ImprovementsDelivered (v0.7.0)Customizable baby appearances, adjusted needs, teething progression, and new baby interactionsUnreal Engine 5.6Delayed to April 2026Beta branch available since March 5; full rollout postponed for stabilizationMulti-Job SystemNot yet deliveredZois holding multiple jobs with interviews and performance evaluationsPolice CareerNot yet deliveredLaw enforcement career with patrol cars and real-time criminal searchesBeauty and Salon CareerNot yet deliveredActive salon gameplay and appearance customization careerCompetitive SystemNot yet deliveredRivalry mechanics where interactions determine winners and losersReputation SystemNot yet deliveredPublic reputation based on local community perceptionEuropean ArchitectureNot yet deliveredEuropean-style architecture, furniture, and outfitsHanok ArchitectureNot yet deliveredTraditional Korean hanok building style and Hanbok outfits1515Q1 2026 Update History1616The following patches were released during Q1 2026. Each one addressed bugs, added small content, or laid groundwork for the larger anniversary update.1818VersionDateHighlightsv0.5.3January 9, 2026Hotfix addressing gameplay stability issues and minor bug fixesv0.5.4January 15, 2026Added the Drink Dispenser for mixed beverages; fixed food portioning, trials, vehicle, UI, and arrest-related bugsv0.6.0February 12, 2026Mini update with Lunar New Year content, new outfits and accessories, Build Mode assets, and core stability improvementsv0.6.1February 24, 2026Hotfix with Hanok presets for Aram Estate and Junghwa Parkville, Fundamentals First improvements, Lunar New Year event refinements, Horse Mask giveaway, pathfinding fixes, weather damage compensation rebalance, and clothing rendering correctionsv0.7.0March 26, 2026Anniversary update with approximately 60 major features, 1,300+ new items, minimap, multitasking, Memory system, News Feed, Freelance Delivery career, Florist career, Movie Theater business, baby improvements, vehicle overhaul, and seasons2020Unreal Engine 5.6 Migration2121One of the most significant technical changes planned for Q1 2026 was the migration from Unreal Engine 5.4 to 5.6. The migration was deferred from March to April and ultimately shipped in v0.8.0 on April 29, 2026. The upgrade targets improved rendering performance, better memory management, and enhanced stability across all platforms. On March 5, 2026, KRAFTON opened a public beta branch on Steam so players could preview the engine upgrade. The beta was Steam-only, did not support mods, and allowed players to opt out at any time. Save files remained compatible between the 5.4 and 5.6 branches.2323Although the full engine rollout was originally scheduled for the March 26 anniversary update, KRAFTON confirmed on March 13 that remaining stabilization tasks required more time. The UE 5.6 upgrade was postponed to an April 2026 patch. The studio noted that the transition itself was successful and that the April release would bring the performance gains to the entire player base.2525Part 1: Quarterly Content Updates2727The quarterly roadmap was first published on December 26, 2025, and subsequently updated on March 27, 2026 alongside the anniversary celebrations. Kjun noted that the scope of planned content becomes intentionally lighter toward the second half of the year. This reflects the studio's decision to dedicate more resources to Fundamentals First improvements rather than expanding content endlessly. The following sections reflect the updated version of the roadmap.2929Q1 2026 (January to March)3131The first quarter focuses on career expansion, social systems, and creative features. The major technical change is the migration from Unreal Engine 5.4 to 5.6, which went through a public beta on Steam starting March 5 before the full rollout was postponed to April 2026.3333FeatureCategoryDetailsMulti-Job SystemCareersZois can hold multiple jobs simultaneously with interviews, remote work, and performance evaluationsBeauty and Salon CareerCareersNew active career path with salon gameplay and appearance customizationPolice CareerCareersLaw enforcement career with patrol cars and real-time criminal searchesFlorist CareerCareersFlower shop career with seed purchasing, planting on fertile soil, and bouquet creationFreelance Delivery CareerCareersFreelance job where clients place delivery orders for the Zoi to fulfillCompetitive SystemSocialInteractions determine winners and losers, with rivalry mechanics for shared goalsReputation SystemSocialZois build public reputation based on local community perceptionFlower FarmingActivitiesFull flower farming with arrangement crafting, bouquet making, and fragranceMemory SystemFeaturesZois form and recall memories of significant events, including traumaMinimapNavigationEarly-version minimap for navigating Dowon, Bliss Bay, and CahayaCalendar SystemFeaturesBirthday tracking with recurring holiday supportEuropean ArchitectureBuildingNew European-style architecture, furniture, and outfitsHanok ArchitectureBuildingTraditional Korean hanok building style and Hanbok outfitsEngine UpgradeTechnicalMigration from Unreal Engine 5.4 to 5.6 for performance and stability (delayed from March to April 2026)3535Q2 2026 (April to June)3636The second quarter opens with a deliberate shift toward stability and optimization. April's primary goal is full-scale bug fixing, memory leak patching, and expanded graphics settings for lower-spec hardware. The Unreal Engine 5.6 migration that was delayed from March will roll out to all players during the April patch. Alongside the technical polish, Q2 introduces several high-profile content additions across two main themes: Jobs and Freelancing in April, and High School Life in May.3838Q2 2026 Status Update (April Realignment)4040By late April 2026 the original Q2 plan above had shifted in delivery. The April content drop labelled Jobs and Freelancing did not ship as a single major update during the month. Instead, April delivered three small hotfixes (v0.7.3, v0.7.4, and v0.7.5) focused on autonomous behaviour edge cases, crash stability, and Lumen ray-tracing tuning on lower-end hardware. No major new features arrived during the month.4242On April 24, 2026, Director Hyungjun "Kjun" Kim sent a community letter clarifying that May would also not be a major content release. The team's priority through April and May is stabilisation and strengthening foundational systems before the next large content drop. Several features previously associated with the April update were named explicitly as being prepared but not ready, including the Hair Stylist career, the Clothing Store career, the first-person camera perspective, MetaHuman preset import for character creation, and multi-selection for Build Mode.4444In the same period, Kjun also confirmed that the team is now openly targeting an early 2027 window for the full 1.0 release, with the PS5 version treated as a parallel priority rather than a fixed H1 2026 launch. See PlayStation 5 Version for the platform-specific timeline.4646Confirmed Q2 Delivery Status (as of April 24, 2026)4848Shipped: April hotfixes v0.7.3, v0.7.4, v0.7.5; one-day post-anniversary save-file fix v0.7.1; shoulder-view camera restoration v0.7.2.Deferred from April: Multi-Job System, Freelance career expansion, Hair Stylist career, Clothing Store career, weekly income for player-created content, expanded retirement and pension systems.Deferred beyond May: High School Life on-site experience, Schools feature, additional career variety, MetaHuman preset import, first-person camera mode.Still tracking on schedule: Unreal Engine 5.6 full rollout (originally postponed from March to April; current status awaits the next major patch).5050The Fundamentals First initiative continued through the April hotfix cycle. The 55-item completion count reported at the March 28 anniversary has continued to grow during April's stabilisation work, although KRAFTON has not released a refreshed total since the anniversary letter.5252April: Jobs, Freelancing, and Stability5454The April update centers on two pillars. First, the career system receives a major expansion. The multi-job system allows Zois to hold more than one job at a time, complete with interviews, promotions, collaborative tasks, vacations, remote work options, and a retirement and pension system. A new freelance system adds side work such as package delivery that Zois can pursue alongside their main employment. The revenue model for player-created content shifts from one-time payments to a weekly income structure, making creative businesses more sustainable.5656Second, the update focuses heavily on stability. Kjun confirmed that the team would slow down new feature releases and instead prioritize addressing bugs, refining content that was introduced quickly during Q1, resolving system memory leaks, and improving overall quality. Expanded graphics settings are also planned to give players with lower-spec hardware more control over visual fidelity and performance.5858May: High School Life6060May brings the highly anticipated High School Life update, transforming the existing rabbit-hole school system into an on-site experience. Teen Zois will attend classes, take exams, participate in prom, and go through graduation ceremonies. The update introduces unique classmates with their own personalities and school-specific social interactions, giving teen gameplay a depth comparable to the adult career tracks.6262Q2 Content Summary6565FeatureCategoryDetailsMulti-Job SystemCareersMultiple simultaneous jobs with interviews, promotions, remote work, vacations, retirement, and pensionsFreelance SystemCareersSide work including package delivery; weekly income for created content replaces one-time paymentsFreelance CareersCareersWriting, game development, photography, and blogging as formal freelance career pathsTaxi DriverCareersNew transportation career optionElderly CareersCareersCareer paths designed specifically for elderly ZoisHigh School LifeEducationOn-site school experience with classes, exams, prom, graduation, and unique classmatesPrison PropertiesPropertiesFull prison facilities including yard, library, workshop, cafeteria, shower, and visitation roomK-Pop ContentActivitiesIdol styling, stage outfits, dance motions, and superstar performance eventsVoice CustomizationFeaturesExpanded voice options for character creationReward SystemGameplayRanks, tiers, and goal-based progression rewardsThemed EnvironmentsBuildingNeon slums, fantasy themes, and diverse lot designsUE 5.6 Full RolloutTechnicalComplete migration from UE 5.4 to 5.6 for all playersStability and OptimizationTechnicalMemory leak fixes, expanded graphics settings, and bug-focused development cycle6767Q3 2026 (July to September)6868The third quarter introduces travel mechanics, social events, and expanded vehicle systems. As with the second half of the year overall, Q3 has a lighter content scope than the first two quarters because the studio is dedicating more development time to Fundamentals First improvements behind the scenes.7070July: Travel and Prison7272July adds the ability for Zois to travel between cities through an immigration and travel system. Players will be able to move their households across Dowon, Bliss Bay, and Cahaya, with the Cahaya resort receiving enhanced content and additional activities. The prison system also launches in July, introducing full prison facilities with a yard, library, workshop for laundry and sewing, a lounge, cafeteria, shower area, and visitation room. Family tree and cross-city connection fixes accompany the travel system to ensure household continuity.7474September: Festivals and Vehicle Interactions7676September brings city-wide festivals and user-created holidays into the calendar system. Players can design their own recurring celebrations and participate in community events. Vehicle interactions receive a significant expansion, adding repair shops, car washes, in-car audio systems, conversations while driving, and the ability to call taxis. The taxi driver career also becomes available, tying into the new vehicle interaction framework.7878Q3 Content Summary8080FeatureCategoryDetailsTravel SystemGameplayImmigration and travel between Dowon, Bliss Bay, and CahayaCahaya Resort ExpansionWorldEnhanced resort content and activitiesPrison SystemPropertiesFull prison facilities with yard, library, workshop, cafeteria, showers, and visitation roomPart-Time JobsCareersExpanded part-time job availability, including roles for teenagersCity FestivalsEventsCommunity-wide festival events and user-created holidaysVehicle InteractionsGameplayRepairs, car washes, audio systems, in-car conversations, and taxi callingEvent Memory and DiaryFeaturesDetailed event tracking with diary entries tied to memoriesCurved WallsBuildingExperimental support for curved walls in windows, walls, and poolsValue SystemGameplayEnhanced value system with deeper personality integration8282Q4 2026 (October to December)8383The fourth quarter rounds out the year with social system depth, building expansions, and terrain editing tools. The scope is intentionally the lightest of any quarter, as the bulk of the team's effort shifts toward Fundamentals First improvements and preparing the game for its eventual 1.0 release.8585October: Karma System8787October introduces a reworked karma tracking system that follows changes in a Zoi's karma throughout their entire life. The karma report feature receives improvements including a summary view, letting players see at a glance how their Zoi's moral decisions have accumulated over time. This ties into the existing personality system, creating more meaningful consequences for player choices.8989December: Fame, Celebrities, and Social Media9191December closes out the year with a celebrity and social media system. Zois can build fame through performances, social media posts, and public appearances. The update introduces influencer mechanics, a reputation-based fame ladder, and interactions tied to celebrity status. Players will be able to guide their Zois toward becoming public figures, with new gameplay around managing fame, dealing with fans, and leveraging social platforms.9393Q4 Content Summary9595FeatureCategoryDetailsKarma SystemGameplayLifetime karma tracking with improved reports and summary featuresBasementsBuildingFull basement construction supportTerrain EditingBuildingTerrain editing feature launch for custom landscapesWall Decoration ModulesBuildingInterior and exterior wall decoration expansionFame and Celebrity SystemSocialCelebrity mechanics, influencer gameplay, social media, performances, and reputation9797Part 2: Beyond the Fundamentals9898Part 2 of the roadmap was revealed on January 2, 2026 through the "Beyond the Fundamentals" developer post by Kjun. It covers three major initiatives handled by a dedicated internal team, separate from core game development. All three are in active R&D, meaning timelines and scope may shift based on testing and community feedback.100100Modding Roadmap103103The modding roadmap outlines a progression from improved asset tools toward full scripting support by year's end. The goal is to make modding accessible to creators of all skill levels while eventually supporting Lua-based gameplay modifications. In October 2025, KRAFTON announced that the scripting language for mods would change from Blueprint to Lua. The team explained that, following an internal review, Lua was chosen because it is more feature-complete, user-friendly, and better documented for long-term expandability. This decision pushed all script modding features into 2026, but the studio believes the trade-off will result in a stronger modding ecosystem.105105Beyond scripting, the modding team is developing wizard-style GUI tools to help users who are unfamiliar with the Unreal Engine approach modding more easily. These wizards will cover character appearance (CAZ), sound replacement, vehicle modification, and eventually data-driven modding assisted by AI. The studio is also exploring a dedicated GUI for cheat functions, HTML-based interfaces for mod creation, and creator support programs. Dedicated Discord support channels with staff assistance are planned to help the modding community grow.107107MonthMilestoneDetailsJanuaryModKit ImprovementsJSON-based asset handling replaces older formats; in-game mod management system added to the base gameMarchCAZ Wizard ExpansionExpanded CAZ Wizard supports accessories, motions, and facial modifications; improved project management with search and asset merging; Sound Wizard upgrades for partial audio replacements; runtime installation of graphics asset mods during gameplayJuneVehicle ModdingVehicle modding support launches; migration to Unreal Engine 5.6 begins; content template modding tested (farming as first example); CLO platform integration under testing; PS5 and Mac mod support in researchOctoberAI and Multiplayer ModsMultiplayer-linked modding tested; AI-assisted data modding wizard in developmentDecemberLua ScriptingLua script modding support launches, enabling full gameplay modifications and complex custom behaviors109109Canvastown Roadmap110110The Canvastown roadmap outlines a phased rollout for the new compact world, designed for lower-spec hardware and built on the Fate Engine. Canvastown also is the anchor world for inZOI Online. First announced on November 14, 2025 in a Brainstorm with Kjun forum post, Canvastown is built on the philosophy of "shared narratives." Players can capture specific life scenarios and invite others to experience those exact moments. The Fate Engine generates procedural scenarios that give the compact world a sense of emergent storytelling, even on machines that cannot run the full Dowon, Bliss Bay, or Cahaya maps.112112The Fate Engine is not limited to Canvastown. Starting in May 2026, its functionality will expand to cover Dowon, Bliss Bay, and Cahaya as well, allowing the procedural scenario system to generate emergent stories across all worlds. Canvas update and download features will also launch in May, letting players share their Canvastown creations with the community.114114MonthMilestoneDetailsMarchFate Engine IntegrationFate Engine and Canvastown systems connected; core scenario generation testedMayFate Engine ExpansionFate Engine functionality expanded to Dowon, Bliss Bay, and Cahaya; Canvas update and download features added for CanvastownJuneCanvastown #1 ReleaseBoutique village with approximately 40 customizable lotsOctoberCanvastown #2 ExpansionPastoral rural expansion with roughly 50 lots and a serene countryside aesthetic116116Online Multiplayer Roadmap117117The online multiplayer roadmap describes a phased approach to multiplayer, starting with account systems and building toward large-scale dedicated servers. The team has called this "a new direction for the genre" and treats all dates as aspirational. Throughout 2026, the developers plan to actively discuss multiplayer features with the community to shape the direction of inZOI Online.119119The long-term vision is ambitious: by October 2026, the studio aims to support hundreds to thousands of concurrent players on dedicated servers, allowing them to explore major cities, meet other players, and engage in social interaction at scale. This would effectively move the game from a shared-session model toward something closer to an MMO life simulator. The studio has been careful to note that multiplayer is handled by a separate team so that it does not slow down single-player content development.121121MonthMilestoneDetailsJanuaryAccount FoundationAccount-linked personal Zoi creation; save-and-resume for hosted sessionsFebruaryWeb LobbyWeb-based main menu, plaza, and lobby; new online chat channels and chat rooms; updated My Zoi feature for online useMarchPersonal HousingPersonal house customization saved to account; other users can enter homes and play togetherJuneHost Tools and ModsHosts can adjust game rules and manage participants; official inZOI mods usable in multiplayer sessionsOctoberLarge-Scale ServersDedicated servers supporting hundreds to thousands of concurrent players; exploration of major cities, meeting other players, and social interaction at scale123123PlayStation 5 Timeline124124In August 2025, KRAFTON officially announced that inZOI would launch on PlayStation 5 in the first half of 2026 (this date was officially revised on May 15, 2026 to the first half of 2027). The PS5 version will be fully optimized for console controls and performance, bringing the same core gameplay experience available on PC. An Xbox Series X|S release is also under consideration, though no timeline has been confirmed.126126The modding roadmap includes a June 2026 milestone for PS5 mod support research, though the studio has noted that mod availability on console may be restricted or delayed depending on platform policy and partnership considerations. A specific PS5 launch date has not been announced as of March 2026, but the H1 2026 window was the official target until May 15, 2026, when producer Hyungjun "Kjun" Kim's dev diary revised the PS5 launch to the first half of 2027.128128Anniversary Update Spotlight130130The March 2026 Update (v0.7.0), released on March 26, 2026, marked the one-year anniversary of inZOI's Early Access launch. It represents the single largest content drop in the game's history, with approximately 60 major features and over 1,300 new items.132132Two of the most notable additions are the Memory system and the News Feed. The Memory system allows Zois to form, store, and recall memories of significant life events (including traumatic ones), making their behavior feel more reactive and personal. The News Feed surfaces neighborhood events and Zoi activities in a scrollable timeline, giving players a window into the broader community around their household.134134Other highlights include the minimap (draggable, filterable. This shows family members and property icons), a new multitasking system (eating while walking, reacting to nearby interactions), the Freelance Delivery courier career, an expanded Florist career with six farmable flowers and bouquet crafting, a Movie Theater business type with four genres and popcorn machines, improved baby Zois (customizable appearance, teething progression, adjusted needs), bicycles as a vehicle type, public and family parking lots, vehicle theft mechanics, seasonal weather, and keyboard customization.136136Fundamentals First Initiative138138KRAFTON has structured the 2026 roadmap around a principle they call "Fundamentals First." Rather than chasing flashy new features, the team prioritizes family story progression, birthday systems, autonomy controls, and NPC behavioral improvements as the foundation. New content like Canvastown and multiplayer run on separate tracks so they do not slow down these core improvements.140140The Fundamentals First checklist is a massive list of improvements spanning more than a dozen categories: Family and Relationships, Zoi Behavior and Autonomy, UI/UX/HUD, Interactions and Social Systems, Economy/Shopping/Jobs, Transportation and Travel, Animation and Presentation, World/Environment, CAZ (Character Appearance), Build Mode, Systems and Progression, Crime and Trial, and Children/School/Education. Director Kjun compiled the list by reviewing feedback from multiple online communities and Discord servers, and has publicly acknowledged that not every item may be technically feasible within 2026.142142The checklist was divided into two halves. The first half (32 items) was completed by mid-March 2026, with the anniversary update serving as the delivery vehicle. After the March release, the total count of completed Fundamentals First items reached 55, progressing faster than the studio originally anticipated thanks to strong community support and feedback. KRAFTON stated that the team would then shift focus toward stability and technical polish before beginning work on the second-half items.144144The second half of the list emphasizes building system expansions (basements, terrain editing, curved walls), deeper social mechanics, and ongoing quality-of-life improvements. Kjun has stated that the share of development resources dedicated to Fundamentals First will increase as the year moves into its second half, which is why the quarterly roadmap becomes intentionally lighter in Q3 and Q4. The studio views this trade-off as essential to preparing the game for its eventual 1.0 release.146146In addition to the major checklist, Kjun identified seven high-priority polish items that were already in active development at the time of the roadmap reveal: umbrella left-hand positioning for better multitasking, door lock visual cleanup, mission interaction icon display, vehicle collision deceleration, TV channel-change reactions, group side-by-side walking with dialogue, and custom keybinding support. These represented what the director called "the most painful gaps" in the moment-to-moment gameplay experience.148148Community Reception150150The 2026 roadmap received a broadly positive reception from the inZOI community, with players praising the transparency of the quarterly breakdown and the separation of core improvements from experimental R&D projects. The Fundamentals First approach was welcomed as a sign that KRAFTON was listening to player feedback about prioritizing polish over feature creep.152152Multiplayer plans drew the most divided reaction. Some players were excited about the prospect of large-scale servers and co-op housing, while others voiced concerns on the official forums that multiplayer development might divert resources from single-player content. KRAFTON addressed this by repeatedly emphasizing that a dedicated, separate team handles Part 2 initiatives.154154The delay of the UE 5.6 upgrade from March to April was met with mild disappointment but general understanding, particularly after KRAFTON opened the beta branch so players could preview the performance improvements early. The completion of all 32 first-half Fundamentals First items by mid-March was seen as a strong signal that the studio was delivering on its promises. The subsequent announcement of 55 total completed items at the anniversary further reinforced community confidence in the development pace.156156Q2 Status Update (May 15, 2026)158158As of May 15, 2026, the live build is v0.8.5 and the Q2 content drop schedule has shifted. Director Hyungjun "Kjun" Kim's May 9 dev message confirmed that the High School expansion previewed in April (full classrooms, gym, cafeteria, band room, art room, prom, non-height-changing high heels) did not ship in v0.8.x and is not the next major content drop. The next major update is now scheduled for June 2026 and headlines foundational PlayStation 5 features rather than Schools.160160Confirmed June 2026 targets, all subject to change: DualSense microphone-based birthday candle blowing, a fishing mini-game leveraging adaptive-trigger feedback, a customizable ring menu shared by PC and console, video streaming from local files with adjustable audio and camera angles (direct streaming from media companies remains unavailable due to licensing), and enhanced physics including water-spill slip and improved ragdoll responses. Producer Kjun framed these as foundational systems rather than feature additions, designed as building blocks for future content.162162Between May 4 and May 15, four hotfixes shipped: v0.8.2 (May 2), v0.8.3 (May 11), v0.8.4 (May 13), and v0.8.5 (May 15). v0.8.3 fixed an infinite NPC spawning bug that had been accumulating extra Zois in saves since v0.8.0, paired with a scheduled save-file cleanup on May 12 at 9:00 AM. v0.8.4 followed two days later with needs-decay and city vehicle simulation fixes. v0.8.5 arrived on May 15, restoring the ability to immediately cancel mid-action interactions such as Hack Bank and Take a Bath, and fixing a Build Mode regression where the Sit interaction failed on certain modded furniture. Full hotfix details live on the May 2026 Update page.164164The full High School content drop, the first-person view, and the MetaHuman import workflow previewed in April remain in development. The 1.0 launch target of early 2027 and the PS5 launch alignment with 1.0 are unchanged from the April 17 community letter.166166Q2 Status Update (May 24, 2026)168168Producer Hyungjun "Kjun" Kim's May 24, 2026 development diary added the High School system back into the June 2026 update lineup alongside the foundational PlayStation 5 features previewed on May 9. The June 2026 update is now confirmed as a dual-headline release: the foundational systems (DualSense interactions, ring menu, local video streaming, enhanced ragdoll physics, expanded Look At system) AND the active High School experience that replaces the v0.8.x rabbit-hole school.170170Confirmed High School System Features172172Academic activities: classroom interactions across subjects, presentation skills affecting grades and projects, art class (students can be mocked for poor work), science lab classes with experiments, a cafeteria lunch systemSports and extracurriculars: cheerleading with skill progression, American football on a dedicated field, soccer, arcade gamesSchool events: prom with decorated auditorium, graduation with stage-walking, diploma acceptance, handshakes, speeches, sports games and competitionsCreate-a-Zoi assets: cheerleading, football, and soccer uniforms; graduation caps and gowns; crime masks; new tights and stockingsSocial features: new couch interactions (chatting, cuddling, showing items), new phone calls, chance card pop-ups, new social outingsAuditorium transformations whose decorations change based on event type (sports, prom, graduation)174174Kjun's diary emphasized that community feedback would continue to drive refinements after the High School launch. The original April 12 preview (full classrooms, gym, cafeteria, band room, art room, prom, non-height-changing high heels) is largely reflected in the May 24 update preview, plus the addition of cheerleading and football progression systems.176176Confirmed PlayStation 5 Launch: First Half of 2027178178Kjun's May 15, 2026 development diary officially revised the PlayStation 5 launch from the previous H1 2026 target to the first half of 2027. The team explained the console version is not a one-to-one port: the interface is being redesigned around the DualSense controller (on-screen controls, radial menus), the UI is being tuned for television screens viewed at greater distance, screen transitions are being reworked, and performance is being optimized for the PS5's fixed hardware while preserving the large open cities and autonomous Zois. Unlike the PC's Early Access model, the team intends to deliver a polished and complete experience from day one without a large-scale public beta. Gameplay demonstration videos will be released to gather community feedback before launch.180180Q2 Status Update (May 28, 2026)182182On May 28, 2026, the team shipped v0.8.6, the final May hotfix and the current live build. It rebalanced the Hunger need, fixed an infinite loading hang when entering Build Studio, restored the effect of the Road Traffic Density setting, fixed a lobby-white graphics issue and a Mac-only Build Mode deletion bug, and bundled several crash fixes. Full details are on the May 2026 Update page. No new content systems were added in v0.8.6; it was a stability pass ahead of the June content update.184184In a late-May developer update, Director Kjun signaled a roadmap adjustment in response to community feedback. The team is reviewing and adjusting the overall roadmap and discussing reducing the number of entirely new features. After the upcoming school update, the focus is expected to shift more heavily toward deepening existing systems so that traits, memory, relationships, autonomous behavior, and daily-life loops feel connected and life-like, rather than continuously adding large new systems. The team also noted that festival systems and city-wide events are in preparation for future updates. These are stated directions, not dated commitments, and the June school update remains the next major content drop.186186Q2 Status Update (June 5, 2026)188188In the June 5, 2026 weekly developer update, Director Kjun reaffirmed that the team's focus has shifted toward increasing the depth and overall quality of the game world rather than simply adding new features, strengthening the connections between character behavior, relationships, daily routines, and the various simulation systems so the world feels more cohesive and alive. To support that direction, the studio reorganized parts of its development team into newly structured teams tasked with building a more polished, stable, and complete version of the game, dedicating resources to deepening existing systems and improving immersion alongside new content. The same update described in-progress work to make baby appearances look more natural, to develop new hairstyles, and to refine the genetics system, while noting that structural limitations within the game mean these improvements are still ongoing. As with the other late-spring developer messages, these are stated directions and in-development efforts rather than shipped features. The live build remains v0.8.6 (May 28, 2026), and the June school update is still the next major content drop.190190Kjun's reply in the same June 5 update confirmed several specifics for the upcoming school release. Middle school and high school will be merged into a single stage; the team concluded that separating them within the current life cycle would reduce the overall school experience. The update also begins distinguishing age-specific characteristics and lets characters gain unique traits as they grow. Community reception of the previewed baby appearance improvements, new hairstyles and outfits, functional high chairs, and the dedicated salon and clothing store content has been positive, and the interface is being improved so players can see where unlockable items are obtained. Once unlocked, an item stays freely available. Store-specific hairstyles and clothing drew mixed opinions, with some players preferring fully open customization, a balance the team says it is still weighing.192192The May 29 update added further detail from the development build: vehicles can now perform U-turns properly there, issues with family members riding together were identified and fixed, and the new GPS and minimap navigation was well received in preview footage. The team is also preparing festival systems and city-wide events for future updates, and it has begun reviewing the overall roadmap, discussing fewer entirely new features in favor of depth once the school update ships. Underground basement building and more realistic car physics remain in progress; some of that work may arrive with the June update and some later. All of these items describe the development build, not the live v0.8.6 patch.194194Q2 Status Update (June 12, 2026)196196In a June 12, 2026 development update, Director Kjun announced that the next major update is scheduled for June 18, 2026. He apologized for sharing the schedule later than the team intended and noted the update had been at risk of a further delay, because the team has been focusing on strengthening the depth of core systems: the way autonomous behaviors, personalities, memories, and relationships interact, plus the quality of animations and the overall life-simulation experience. The June 18 date is a target rather than a locked commitment, and the studio said it would share more about this direction in the following weeks. As of June 13, 2026 the live build remains v0.8.6 and the update has not yet shipped.198198Q2 Status Update (June 19, 2026)200200The June content patch shipped on June 19, 2026 as v0.9.0, the High School update, one day after the June 18 target. It is the seventh major content update since Early Access launch. The long-running High School expansion, previewed since April and repeatedly rescheduled, is now live: teenager Zois attend active high schools in Dowon, Bliss Bay, and Cahaya, taking timetabled classes, sitting Thursday tests, joining clubs, attending prom, and graduating as Young Adults. A same-day v0.9.1 hotfix followed. The full feature breakdown is on the June 2026 Update page.202202Alongside High School, v0.9.0 shipped a clothing store business type, reworked the hair salon business, family co-driving and an experimental Advanced Driving Mode in Driving and Vehicles, GPS mini map navigation, an experimental first-person view, expanded romance and baby systems, teenager ambitions, and large Create a Zoi and Build Mode additions, plus ModKit and mod improvements including integrated CLO Connect. The separate Active Mode was confirmed still in development and was not part of this update.204204After the Update: Base-Game Focus for the Next Patch206206In a same-day director's message, Kjun set the direction for the next update: rather than another large feature drop, the team will focus only on stabilizing the base game and strengthening the connections between existing content, so the simulation feels closer to real life. Two approaches were stated:208208Better numerical control over the internal values, priorities, and conditions that affect Zoi behavior, needs, schedules, and overall simulation flow.Active situation-control features that give players clearer ways to understand, guide, and manage what is happening in the game.210210Kjun acknowledged the build still had not fully met the team's goals for base-game stability and simulation depth, and raised the idea of letting the community help fill some gaps through mods. The next delta is expected to be quieter on new features as a result.212212Development Direction After v0.9.0 (June 26, 2026)214214A week after the High School update, with no new development video, director Kjun shared a written note on the team's direction. A v0.9.2 hotfix had shipped the previous day, on June 25, 2026, clearing a batch of post-update issues. Internally the team reorganized its process: rather than keeping a separate group focused only on bug fixing and stabilization, every developer now contributes to the improvement areas below while continuing to resolve bugs and raise overall stability.216216The stated primary goal after July is to eliminate bugs, stabilize existing features, and make every system work together naturally, so the game feels as close to real life as possible. The note lists the areas the team plans to work on next. These are planned directions rather than shipped features:218218Family and characters: family photo capture and saving, editing whole families together, expanded family relationship and bond settings, family presets, and adding family members during play.Conversations, personality, and emotions: context-aware conversations, expanded dialogue choices, value-based acquired traits, an improved Aspiration system, further Expectations work, more personality traits, a higher maximum trait count, a new Donut Trait specialization system, child-specific ambitions, and better emotional expression.Life, careers, and daily activities: improved meal behaviors, more dishes, an ingredient-based cooking system, fewer unnecessary object cleanups, further career-system work, better Smart Zoi behavior, and job-interview advantages for top graduates.Skills, furniture, and content: an improved skill system, expanded furniture functionality, unattended food on ranges and stoves able to start fires, more career content, better toddler interactions, and an Expectations system that activates only in fitting situations.Autonomy and relationships: deeper autonomy traits, the ability to stay overnight at another character's home, an expanded romance system, stronger family-relationship storytelling, and NPCs that start interactions with the player more naturally.220220Kjun framed the project as a game being made together with the community and asked players to keep sharing feedback, saying plans would be revised where needed. None of the items above has a confirmed release; they describe where development is headed after July rather than content in the live build.222+Development Direction Update (July 3, 2026)224+In a July 3, 2026 development update, director Kjun clarified the timeline for the plans shared the previous week. The list of improvements from the June 26 direction note is the content the team is preparing for the next major update, which it is targeting for the end of August 2026. Rather than pushing to add many new features in that update, the team plans to focus more on reducing bugs and improving stability, after finding more issues than expected in recent builds.226+Kjun added that the separate Foundational Features (FF) work is continuing in parallel, with roughly 40 percent of the FF items handled so far and a heavier focus planned for the second half of 2026. The current live build is v0.9.3 (July 1, 2026), and a further stability hotfix was in preparation at the time of the post. As with the June 26 note, everything here describes development direction and targets, not content confirmed in the live build.
