11/17/23

Release ZBrush 2024 from Maxon

Soft ZBrush

Among the key changes in ZBrush 2024 is the new feature called "Repeat to Similar Feature," which aims to save time. It allows modifications made to one mesh to be automatically applied to all other meshes with similar topology. Besides transferring sculpting details, this function works with changes in Polypaint or Polygroups and can even replace each mesh with another.
Additionally, the Anchors brush, introduced in ZBrush 2023.2, received an update that enables users to reposition parts of a sculpt without manually creating a mask to isolate that part. Furthermore, the old Transpose function has been improved: the Transpose line now anchors to the center of the mask and stays in the correct position when the mask is updated.

Additionally, a new ability has been introduced to utilize all ZBrush stroke types with Insert Mesh brushes, allowing for more precise control over the placement of inserted meshes. This includes employing DragDot for positioning individual meshes added by InsertMultiMesh brushes. There is also a new type called DragStamp, which serves as a more controlled alternative to the existing DragRect.
Apart from these features, the Knife brush has been updated, enabling users to split meshes into parts. Among other changes are the new options Grow All and Shrink All for masks, as well as Crease Unmasked and Uncreased Unmasked options for creating creases on unmasked areas of the model.

It's noteworthy that ZBrush Surface Noise library has integrated 25 types of noises from Cinema 4D, a 3D modeling and animation software by Maxon. This addition is expected to provide new opportunities for adding random surface variations to models when detailing or painting them in ZBrush.
Another significant change in ZBrush 2024 is that it's now available solely through a subscription model. Although Maxon discontinued the previous policy of perpetual free updates for ZBrush following their acquisition of Pixologic in 2021, perpetual licenses remained available until ZBrush 2023.

Based on the new information, ZBrush 2024 is not available as a perpetual license. However, perpetual licenses for ZBrush 2023 will remain available until the end of the ZBrush 2024 release cycle. This also means that owners of perpetual licenses will need to switch to a subscription to access the new features introduced in ZBrush 2023.1 and ZBrush 2023.2. Previously, Maxon's website indicated that new features would be "reserved for the next paid upgrade," but the company confirmed that upgrading the perpetual license to ZBrush 2024 is not possible.

ZBrush 2024 is compatible with Windows 10 and higher, as well as macOS 11.5 and higher. The software is available only through a subscription model. The subscription cost for ZBrush is $39 per month or $359 annually.