Phantom Blade Zero Patch Notes: Faster PC Startup, an Easier Hua Fight and New Hit Sound Options

The latest Phantom Blade Zero patch notes are out. S-GAME posted Version 1.0302256 on 4 November, and the biggest change for PC players is a reworked shader process that "significantly" reduces startup times. The patch also makes Hua, Deadly Betrothed use her grab attacks less on the two lower difficulties, adds new hit sound options, cuts Bluetooth controller stutter and fixes bugs that could block progress. It comes days after the game passed 4 million sales in 72 hours.

Phantom Blade Zero patch 1.0302256 at a glance

Why is Phantom Blade Zero compiling shaders again?

This is the one thing to expect after updating on PC. S-GAME changed the shader process so ray tracing shaders no longer compile by default at startup. What happens next depends on your settings:

• Ray Tracing was off: you'll recompile shaders once on your first launch after the patch. S-GAME says this should take only a short time.
• Ray Tracing was on: you can start playing without recompiling.
• Turning Ray Tracing on later: the ray tracing shaders compile separately the next time you restart the game.

Did Phantom Blade Zero nerf Hua?

Partly. S-GAME "reduced the frequency of grab attacks" used by Hua, Deadly Betrothed on the Wayfarer and Pathbreaker difficulties. Other difficulty settings aren't affected. The patch also adjusts the combat behaviour of "certain bosses and enemies" and some environmental mechanisms, without naming them.

What's new in the patch?

• New audio settings: Hit Sound Intensity and Hit Impact Sound Intensity.
• [PC] Remapping: Interact / Talk can now be remapped on keyboard and controller.
• Better performance in certain areas, and improved weapon hit feedback.
• Adjusted volume on certain sound effects and dialogue.
• Updated weapon and skill descriptions and controller button icons.
• [PC] Bluetooth: less stuttering with a Bluetooth controller.
• [PC] NVIDIA Reflex: now works when set to Auto with V-Sync on.

What bugs did the patch fix?

• Issues that could block progression in certain conditions.
• Environmental issues that could leave your character stuck.
• Various cutscene, visual and combat issues.
• Hair rendering incorrectly on certain AMD graphics cards with specific drivers.

S-GAME doesn't list the affected quests or areas. If you still have a problem, report it on the official support page.

Will the patch break my Phantom Blade Zero mods?

It might. S-GAME warns that "some third-party mods are not compatible with this update", and says to remove any installed mods if you have problems after updating.

Is the patch on PS5?

S-GAME's notes mark some changes as PC-only with a [PC] tag. The rest have no platform label, and the post doesn't say when they reach PS5. We'll add that if S-GAME confirms it.

How many people are playing Phantom Blade Zero?

About 322,000 people were playing on Steam when we checked on the morning of 4 November. It costs £49.99 / $59.99 / €59.99 on Steam. For editions, PC requirements and S-GAME's driver advice, see our Phantom Blade Zero launch guide.

Watch the Phantom Blade Zero launch trailer

The official launch trailer on PlayStation's YouTube channel.

More Phantom Blade Zero on iGame Magazine

• Phantom Blade Zero Sells Over 4 Million Copies in 72 Hours: The Launch in Numbers: the launch in numbers
• Phantom Blade Zero Is Out Now: Release Date, Launch Time, Price and PC Requirements: price, PC requirements and launch guide
• The Best Games of 2026 So Far, Ranked by Critics: how it ranks among 2026's best games

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