Zoonomaly places the player inside an abandoned zoo where strange anomalies have turned the environment into a hostile space. The main objective is to uncover the cause of these disturbances while navigating enclosures filled with danger. The structure of the game is built around exploration, puzzle solving, and survival, with progress tied to gathering key shards scattered across different areas of the zoo. Each shard brings the player closer to unlocking the core secret hidden at the center of the location.

Gameplay structure

The experience in Zoonomaly is defined by avoiding direct conflict, since monsters cannot be destroyed. Instead, the player relies on movement, hiding, and tools to stay alive. A device called the Bloom O’Bang provides temporary defense and reveals hidden auras, making it a critical part of survival. Puzzles scattered throughout enclosures serve as progression gates, rewarding successful problem-solving with shards that push the narrative forward. The combination of stealth, puzzle mechanics, and exploration ensures that every section of the zoo carries both risk and reward.

Core responsibilities of the player

To progress through Zoonomaly, the player must manage several consistent responsibilities:

•         Exploring enclosures and locating puzzle areas
•         Solving challenges to obtain shards
•         Avoiding patrols of roaming anomalies
•         Using Bloom O’Bang strategically
•         Collecting shards to assemble the master key

Story and discovery

The narrative is revealed through gradual exploration. Environmental storytelling, scattered notes, and hidden details explain how the zoo transformed into a place filled with anomalies. As the player collects shards, new regions of the zoo open up, each with its own hazards and clues. The story does not unfold in a fixed sequence, which means different playthroughs may reveal the lore in varied orders. This fragmented style encourages players to piece together the mystery themselves.

Replay and long-term value

Once the final shard is collected, the player faces the core of the anomaly and concludes the main storyline. However, the game encourages replay through its nonlinear design, as multiple routes and different puzzle-solving orders change the pace of progression. Players can attempt faster runs, explore missed areas, or search for additional lore. Zoonomaly’s structure ensures that repeated playthroughs provide new experiences, keeping the focus on discovery and adaptation rather than repetition.