Abiotic Factor

About

In "Abiotic Factor," players navigate a chaotic, otherworldly research lab after a containment breach, fighting off hostile anomalous entities and the Order, a militaristic sect seeking to seize powerful artifacts. As a GATE employee, it's up to you to secure the lab, protect survivors, and uncover the truth behind the catastrophe. With a mix of FPS action and adventurous exploration, prepare for a thrilling, immersive experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+33

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 31,658 reviews

story972 positive mentions

grinding630 negative mentions

The game features an engaging and expansive narrative that draws players in, blending survival mechanics with a well-crafted storyline and immersive exploration.
The retro-inspired graphics and charming art style enhance the atmosphere, creating a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic titles like Half-Life.
The humor and quirky character designs contribute to a unique personality, making the gameplay enjoyable and lighthearted despite its darker themes.

The game suffers from significant optimization issues, leading to poor performance and frame rate drops, especially on lower-end systems.
Some players find the linear progression and grinding aspects tedious, with a lack of replayability once the main story is completed.
The story is criticized for being cliché-ridden and poorly paced, with some players feeling it comes to an abrupt standstill.

story
2,722 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
63%
1%
The story of "Abiotic Factor" has received praise for its engaging and expansive narrative, which draws inspiration from the likes of Half-Life and SCP. Players appreciate the blend of survival mechanics with a well-crafted storyline that unfolds through exploration, environmental storytelling, and interactions with NPCs, making it feel immersive and rewarding. While some find the linear progression and quest clarity challenging, the overall consensus is that the game offers a compelling experience that keeps players invested in both the story and gameplay.
- “Set in a mysterious underground research facility, the game mixes survival mechanics with an interesting story that keeps you hooked from the start.”
- “The story is superb, and the gameplay is fantastic.”
- “The story is interesting, the map design is awesome and brings an old school game feeling every time I play the game.”
- “As a multiplayer experience my feelings are a bit more mixed, as the linear and story-driven nature means that some things will just fall through the cracks as tasks are delegated and attention divided.”
- “The story is unfinished, coming to a standstill the moment you reach the security sector.”
- “The story is cliché-ridden and poorly paced.”
gameplay
2,668 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
60%
4%
The gameplay of "Abiotic Factor" has been widely praised for its engaging blend of survival mechanics, crafting, and exploration, set within a nostalgic half-life-inspired environment. Players appreciate the depth and variety of mechanics, including unique features like mini-games for mundane tasks, which enhance the overall experience without feeling tedious. While some users noted issues with balance and certain mechanics being overly punishing, the cooperative gameplay and rich narrative elements contribute to a fun and immersive experience, making it a standout title in the survival genre.
- “I love how you unlock shortcuts as you move on and really have a sense of progression throughout the gameplay.”
- “The survival mechanics are great, and as you choose a spot to build a base, you slowly unlock more and more crafting recipes and upgrade both your base and your own equipment, all while at the same time uncovering the mysteries the research facility has to offer.”
- “The gameplay strikes a nice balance between exploration, crafting, and combat.”
- “It feels like these 'survival mechanics' are just tacked on to increase the play time.”
- “Just about the only thing it has to differentiate itself is the setting, which does extremely little to alleviate suffering the exact same mind-numbing gameplay loop as its peers.”
- “The core mechanics of abiotic factor are painfully repetitive and uninspired.”
graphics
1,750 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
64%
5%
The graphics of "Abiotic Factor" are intentionally retro, drawing heavy inspiration from the aesthetics of the original Half-Life, which many players find charming and nostalgic. While some reviews note that the graphics may appear dated or simplistic, they argue that this style complements the game's atmosphere and gameplay, enhancing the overall experience rather than detracting from it. However, performance issues and optimization concerns have been highlighted, suggesting that the game may struggle on lower-end systems despite its low-fidelity visuals.
- “The art style as a homage to Half-Life 1 is extremely well done and beautiful; characters are charming and the sound design is so fitting.”
- “The graphics are simple but captivating; the combat is tight and satisfying, the story is funny and interesting, and the maps are beautifully handcrafted with perceivable care.”
- “The graphics hit that nostalgic feel of Half-Life 1 perfectly, and the environment looks fantastic too, especially the anteverses.”
- “In some areas I can't even get over 15-20 fps with everything on low or off, but in others 50-60 easy with graphics on medium and high.”
- “Tldr: game is good but wait a while before buying, it is horribly optimized to the point that most systems that would easily get 45-85 fps in most high graphic games are going to struggle badly with this game.”
- “I had a hard time starting this game initially due to the graphics and the objectively bad voice acting.”
humor
1,020 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in "Abiotic Factor" is a standout feature, blending quirky, dark, and absurd elements that keep players engaged and laughing throughout their experience. Many reviews highlight the game's clever writing, funny voice acting, and the chaotic situations that arise during gameplay, especially in multiplayer settings. The combination of survival mechanics with a lighthearted tone, reminiscent of classic titles like Half-Life, creates a unique atmosphere that balances humor with moments of genuine tension and horror.
- “Plus, the humor and parody elements give the game a unique personality—it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a refreshing change.”
- “The commentary and overall story is hilariously wonky, apart from the absolute tragedy that is masked with humor and science.”
- “Abiotic factor isn’t just a game—it’s an odyssey that will leave you laughing, sweating, and planning your hydration schedule like an Olympic athlete.”
grinding
712 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
7%
88%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While some find it excessively tedious, particularly in skill leveling and resource gathering, others appreciate the balance between grinding and progression, especially when playing cooperatively. Overall, many players note that while grinding exists, it is often manageable and can be mitigated through teamwork or game settings, making the experience enjoyable rather than a chore.
- “The journey and content is compelling and the shortcuts you unlock after completing key areas makes the game rewarding and not tedious.”
- “Crafting isn't tedious, and exploring is satisfying; you're finding different areas and new concepts that mostly make sense in the context of the zone you're in.”
- “My regular gaming buddy and I have rarely played a game that was just so much pure fun as this one: no grinding, no major bugs, a compelling story, and a really creative crafting system that makes fun weapons and traps without getting bogged down.”
- “It's a good game but... so many balance and grinding issues that makes no sense and needs to be fixed before this game is worth its price.”
- “The only way this is possible is by grinding, which is extremely boring and does not feel intended at all.”
- “I did not really enjoy the game, the lore was nice to experience but overall it felt like a bit too much grinding/too much time spent salvaging for me.”
atmosphere
600 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
42%
1%
The atmosphere of "Abiotic Factor" is widely praised for its immersive and nostalgic qualities, drawing strong inspiration from classic titles like Half-Life and Project Zomboid. Players appreciate the game's detailed world-building, eerie sound design, and the blend of humor and tension that enhances the overall experience. The unique setting and art style contribute to a captivating environment that keeps players engaged, making it a standout title in the survival crafting genre.
- “The atmosphere and the worldbuilding clearly have a good amount of love put into them.”
- “The sound design and music are standout features, enhancing the eerie, mysterious atmosphere of the game.”
- “The atmosphere is immaculate and the survival is entertaining, unlike something like raft.”
- “The biggest thing I don't like about this game is when the 'fog atmosphere' spawns in and how long it takes to go away.”
- “But keep in mind that this game doesn't keep its atmosphere for long, and the novelty of it wears off very quickly.”
- “Maybe I came in with the wrong expectations but a crafting survival game with a half-life coat of paint seemed extremely appealing, and while they definitely nailed the humor and atmosphere for the first zone, the game becomes completely different once you get past that.”
optimization
470 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
61%
22%
The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting poor performance, especially at higher resolutions and in later game areas. Despite some improvements noted in updates, issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and overall subpar performance persist, particularly for users with mid-range hardware. While the game shows promise and is enjoyable, players are advised to wait for further optimization before fully committing to it.
- “Once this is optimized correctly, grab some friends and hop in.”
- “I have to say it was quite rough early on, but as this game's getting more updates, it's getting more and more optimized and I no longer have my PC heating up my room when I play for an extended period of time.”
- “This game is genuinely well thought out and executed, sure there are a few bugs and performance-related issues that need to be ironed out but overall is one of the most enjoyable games I've played in a long while.”
- “It's genuinely a good game, it really is, but Jesus Christ it needs to be optimized big time.”
- “Tldr: game is good but wait a while before buying, it is horribly optimized to the point that most systems that would easily get 45-85 fps in most high graphic games are going to struggle badly with this game.”
- “The main downside is the optimization; performance should be better but it is not terrible.”
stability
156 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
65%
Overall, the game's stability is generally well-received, with many players noting it as one of the least buggy early access experiences they've encountered. While some minor glitches and performance issues exist, particularly in multiplayer and on older PCs, most players report a solid and enjoyable gameplay experience with few game-breaking bugs. The developers are actively working on improvements, and many users express optimism for future updates enhancing stability further.
- “My time with the game has also been entirely bug-free, which is a nice change from some less well-cooked early access titles.”
- “The devs are very on top of keeping things playable and bug-free, while adding more content over time!”
- “Basically bug-free, feature complete for the first 4/6 zones, very minor balancing that is getting regularly patched, and just an overall amazing game.”
- “There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to navigate through a world that stutters and freezes like it’s auditioning for a role in a horror movie.”
- “But it also has some downsides such as: it's very laggy and I mean very laggy. Sometimes the game freezes for a couple of seconds and there are the occasional crashes which I don't have to tell you are extremely annoying.”
- “I will admit though, as of late, I've been having a rather annoying issue where when I attempt to open a storage container in the mid-late game, my computer freezes up solid requiring me to force it to shut down and reboot.”
replayability
110 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
56%
7%
Replayability in this game is a mixed bag; while many players find it highly enjoyable and engaging, especially in multiplayer settings, others note that the lack of procedural generation and a linear story can limit replay value. Some players appreciate the character customization and different playstyles, which can enhance replayability, but others feel that once the game is completed, there is little incentive to replay. Overall, the game offers decent replayability, particularly for those playing with friends or exploring different character builds, but it may not satisfy those seeking infinite replay potential.
- “The combination of procedural elements and randomized events ensures that every session is unpredictable, making it perfect for replayability.”
- “It's also highly replayable, as there are an infinite number of possibilities on where to build your base and how you go about building it, along with so many different playstyles and ways to tackle problems.”
- “Endless replayability, perfect co-op, incredibly addicting.”
- “But since I mostly play solo, it's not very replayable.”
- “I don't think the game has much replayability; once you've played it once, you've pretty much seen it all.”
- “There isn't any random generation to the map and very little to the loot, so the replay value isn't as high as other survival crafting games.”
music
82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
43%
4%
The music and sound design in the game are widely praised for their ability to create an immersive and atmospheric experience, enhancing feelings of isolation and tension. Reviewers note that the soundtrack is minimal yet effective, complementing the game's visuals and scenarios, while also contributing to the overall gameplay experience. Some players appreciate the nostalgic and relaxing qualities of the music, although a few express a desire for more suspenseful tracks during critical moments.
- “The sound design and music are standout features, enhancing the eerie, mysterious atmosphere of the game.”
- “The atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s tone, enhancing the sense of isolation and tension.”
- “The gameplay is fun, the music is really good and it oozes atmosphere.”
- “The game is fun, I just think the biggest factor taking away from it is the soundtrack.”
- “This game doesn't have any suspension through the soundtrack leading up to and during moments that would have otherwise been much more scary.”
- “All I want is a digital soundtrack, please.”
emotional
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, often citing nostalgia and the ability to relive joyful gaming moments from their youth. The game elicits a wide range of feelings, from laughter to fear, and fosters a sense of community and personal investment through its engaging gameplay and customization options. Despite some performance issues, the heartfelt design and player-driven experiences contribute to a unique emotional journey that resonates strongly with many players.
- “It has the ability to not only enjoy a heartfelt game when I get home from work, but also takes me back to when I was younger, a good time, where I would come home from school and jump on the console.”
- “For whatever reason, abiotic factor has this strange quality, one which I cannot identify, that makes me extremely emotional.”
- “It is the first game that has made me feel like the character, afraid, alone, unsure of what is going on, what to carry, what to do.”
monetization
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
33%
62%
The game's monetization model currently features no microtransactions or in-game purchases, which many players appreciate as a refreshing change from typical cash-grab practices. Some users suggest the addition of ads instead, believing it would better support the game without compromising its integrity. Overall, the absence of predatory monetization is seen as a positive aspect that enhances the gaming experience.
- “There are no microtransactions (yet) and even a well-thought-out role system.”
- “No DLC, no microtransactions (as of May 2024).”
- “I hope the game will get the recognition it deserves so people might remember what games were without predatory monetization practices and why people fell in love with gaming in the first place.”
- “Cheap, shallow effortless cash grabs.”
- “Because these developers care about their creation unlike these other corporate companies that crap out garbage with in-app purchases to make up for their crappy game design.”
character development
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
50%
30%
Character development in "Abiotic Factor" is highlighted by its unique and often intentionally quirky character designs, which contribute to the game's humorous tone. Players appreciate the extensive customization options and the vibrant, detailed world that enhances the overall experience, showcasing a thoughtful blend of art and storytelling inspired by classic titles like Half-Life 1.
- “I love the character designs, customization, and the world itself.”
- “[b] *Stunning art:* [/b] The visuals are top-notch, with detailed environments and cool character designs that make the game world come alive.”
- “- Character design is almost intentionally atrocious; it might be that aforementioned sense of humor?”
- “A lot of work and thoughtful ideation has come together to make the world of Abiotic Factor flourish; from the character design, set pieces, and down to the comically over-the-top science humor.”
- “Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting game heavily inspired by the story, world, and character designs of Half-Life 1.”