Phantom Blade Zero patch nerfs Hua, cuts load times

The Phantom Blade Zero patch 1.0302256 is out. S-GAME's first major post-launch update adds new audio options, cuts start-up times on PC, nerfs the Hua boss fight and fixes bugs that could block progress. The notes went up on Steam on November 4.

The game launched on PC and PS5 on October 28 and, according to S-GAME, sold more than 4 million copies in its first 72 hours. With that many players sending feedback, a quick first patch was no surprise.

What's in the Phantom Blade Zero patch?

S-GAME sums the update up as new audio and control options, performance improvements, combat adjustments and bug fixes. The audio menu gets two new sliders: Hit Sound Intensity and Hit Impact Sound Intensity. On PC, you can now remap Interact / Talk on both keyboard and controller.

Weapon hits should also feel punchier. Some sound effects and dialogue lines have new volume levels, and weapon descriptions, some skill descriptions and controller button icons have been updated. TheGamer notes that weak-sounding weapons were one of the early complaints from players.

Was Hua, Deadly Betrothed nerfed?

Yes, but only on two difficulty settings. S-GAME says Hua, Deadly Betrothed now uses grab attacks less often on Wayfarer and Pathbreaker. Other difficulties are not affected. The patch also adjusts the combat behaviour of certain other bosses and enemies, plus some environmental mechanisms, without listing details.

TheGamer points out that Hua is the first optional boss and gives a quest linked to the true ending. Players giving up on her early may explain the change, though that is TheGamer's reading. S-GAME did not give a reason.

Performance and shader changes on PC

The biggest PC change is to shader compilation. Ray tracing shaders are no longer compiled at start-up by default, which S-GAME says significantly reduces launch times. If you played with ray tracing off, you will need a short one-time compile on your first launch after the patch. If ray tracing was already on, you can jump straight in. Turn it on later and the ray tracing shaders compile separately the next time you restart.

Stutter with Bluetooth controllers has been reduced, and NVIDIA Reflex now works when set to Auto with V-Sync enabled. Bug fixes cover progression blockers, spots where your character could get stuck, cutscene and visual issues and several combat problems. Hair also no longer renders incorrectly on certain AMD graphics cards with specific driver versions.

S-GAME added a warning: some third-party mods do not work with this update. If you run into problems, remove your mods first. Issues can be reported through the studio's official support page.

Catch up with the Phantom Blade Zero reviews, the day-one patch and the 4 million sales milestone.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Phantom Blade Zero patch change?

Version 1.0302256 adds new audio options, Interact key remapping on PC, faster start-up, fewer Bluetooth controller stutters, some boss tuning and fixes for progression-blocking bugs.

Was Hua, Deadly Betrothed nerfed?

Yes. S-GAME reduced how often Hua uses grab attacks on the Wayfarer and Pathbreaker difficulties. Other difficulty settings are unchanged.

Why do I have to compile shaders again after the patch?

Ray tracing shaders are no longer compiled at start-up by default. PC players who had ray tracing turned off need a short one-time compile on first launch. If you turn ray tracing on later, those shaders compile separately after a restart.

Sources

• Steam: Phantom Blade Zero Patch Notes (Version 1.0302256)
• TheGamer: Phantom Blade Zero's First Major Update
• S-GAME: official Phantom Blade Zero support page