Survarium

"Survarium is a free-to-play, massively multiplayer, Science Fiction Open World game that offers various game modes including co-op and PvP. Players can survive in anomalies to find valuable artifacts with unique properties, and new DLCs are regularly available for purchase featuring exclusive weapons. The game encourages fighting in a squad or solo, with higher risks leading to higher rewards."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

52%

Audience ScoreBased on 7,392 reviews

gameplay285 positive mentions

optimization89 negative mentions

gameplay
808 mentions
35 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Survarium has received mixed reviews, with players praising its immersive atmosphere and solid gun mechanics, while also criticizing its repetitive mechanics, technical issues, and pay-to-win elements. Many players find the combat engaging and reminiscent of classic FPS titles, but express frustration over unbalanced matchmaking and a lack of meaningful progression. Overall, while the game shows potential with its unique mechanics and design, it suffers from significant flaws that detract from the overall experience.
- “Before devolving into pay-to-win and content bloat, the game was an exquisite pleasure: a multiplayer stalker-like with great maps/level design, gorgeous graphics, and a satisfying explore and capture mechanic.”
- “This is a fantastic game, it is truly immersive, action-packed gameplay.”
- “The gameplay is fun and the textures are good.”
- “Despite its intriguing premise, the game suffers from technical issues, lackluster graphics, and unpolished gameplay.”
- “The survival mechanics feel shallow and repetitive, failing to capture the intensity and depth found in similar titles.”
- “The gameplay is slow and boring, movement is sluggish as hell, and the game has horrible performance for as average as it looks.”
graphics
772 mentions
53 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the visuals as impressive for a free-to-play title, often comparing them favorably to other games in the genre. However, numerous comments highlight significant optimization issues, leading to poor performance and low frame rates even on high-end systems. Overall, while the aesthetic and atmosphere are appreciated, the technical execution leaves much to be desired, with many players experiencing graphical glitches and inconsistencies.
- “The graphics are absolutely stunning and the maps are beautiful.”
- “The graphics are amazing, they help with immersion and are quite impressive for a free-to-play game.”
- “The graphics are good, the gameplay is awesome and the sounds are most likely the best in-game sounds in all gaming history so far.”
- “The graphics are hot garbage, the guns look like they're made out of play-doh, the only good gun sound is the Mosin Nagant and even that one is kinda scuffed.”
- “The graphics are terrible, it's as if you're playing Call of Duty 4 graphics, and no, I'm not talking about the remastered version.”
- “The graphics are underwhelming, the Stalker graphics just don't work in this day and age.”
story
236 mentions
10 % positive mentions
81 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and content, with many players expressing disappointment over the minimal narrative and repetitive missions. While some appreciate the atmospheric setting reminiscent of titles like "Stalker," they lament the absence of a robust single-player campaign or engaging storylines, often describing the existing missions as grindy and uninspired. Overall, players hope for future updates that will introduce more substantial story elements and diverse gameplay experiences.
- “I really hope that the developers can continue to support and run this game because the concept and setting are so incredible and deep; they could really tell a hearty story if they really wanted to.”
- “It's a fun experience with a post-nuclear-esque story and fantasy game elements, and is pretty realistic despite the nuclear fantasy stuff.”
- “I liked the setting and story; the introduction/tutorial was fun.”
- “The game promised a Stalker-esque open world back in 2015-2016 but has gotten only one semi-linear PvE mission since then.”
- “No storyline at all; you can have fun for a bit then instantly get bored.”
- “The developers promised some 'not quite Stalker-like' story-based free play experience and delivered a subpar arena PvP shooter with loads of grind instead.”
optimization
232 mentions
15 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including frame rate drops and lag, even on high-end systems. While some users note improvements over time, others describe it as poorly optimized, with graphics that do not run smoothly and require lowering settings for acceptable performance. Overall, the consensus indicates that while there are moments of good optimization, the game still needs substantial work to enhance its performance across various hardware configurations.
- “Good game ... well optimized.”
- “The game has been optimized fairly well, much better than in the earlier days, the game runs really smooth now, and the graphics actually don't look half bad.”
- “The graphics are really good and for an alpha/beta, it is surprisingly well optimized with my rig at max settings at 45-60fps.”
- “The game is very poorly optimized with freezes, bugs, and framerate drops all the time.”
- “This game is a pile of unoptimized crap.”
- “Poorly optimized is a big understatement; I don't even know the gameplay seeing how I can't play at all.”
atmosphere
161 mentions
63 % positive mentions
35 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is frequently praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, often drawing comparisons to the beloved S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. Players appreciate the detailed environments, sound design, and overall aesthetic that create a rich post-apocalyptic setting, although some note that the gameplay and content could benefit from further development to fully realize its potential. While many find the atmosphere engaging and enjoyable, a few critiques mention that it can feel repetitive or lacking in depth.
- “The atmosphere is just so epic, sitting with a rifle in a bush, listening to grasshoppers and waiting for a Vladimir to get in my sight - boooooooommm *echoing*.”
- “Survarium's post-apocalyptic atmosphere leaves absolutely nothing left to be desired, from its abandoned cities & schools with overgrown vegetation, to its decaying wastelands, ruined industrial sites & its crumbling military bases, as mother nature begins to once again take over & rule with anomalies expanding across the planet with terrifying speed.”
- “The atmosphere in this game is something to see; the visual environment coupled with the sound is the best I've seen.”
- “Its obviously a very dead game, a poor man's Tarkov that lacks the tense, frantic atmosphere that Tarkov gives you.”
- “The factions ruin the atmosphere for me at least.”
- “I don't recommend this game to anyone, as its main appeal is the slavshit weapons and the pseudo-Stalker atmosphere that it fails to provide on both levels.”
grinding
133 mentions
2 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized, with many players noting it as excessively tedious and time-consuming, particularly at higher levels where progression slows significantly. While some find the grind rewarding and manageable, others feel it is exacerbated by a pay-to-win model that allows players to bypass much of the effort required to unlock gear and upgrades. Overall, the consensus is that while grinding is a core part of the experience, it can detract from enjoyment, especially for those unwilling to invest significant time or money.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “Incredibly pay to win and overly grindy.”
- “The game consists of hardcore grinding and nothing else; there is nothing to do but grind for items or pay real money for them.”
- “This game is just grinding and nonstop mind-numbing actions in maps that are not good at all; it seems cheap from the start.”
stability
132 mentions
4 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous players reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and matchmaking issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. Many reviews highlight that despite being in early access for several years, the game remains riddled with technical problems, including crashes and unresponsive features. While some players find enjoyment in the gameplay, the overwhelming consensus is that the game's stability issues make it frustrating and often unplayable.
- “Amazing game for a free-to-play title, looks and runs great.”
- “My experience on this game so far is amazing, no bugs, no glitches, just pure fun.”
- “Note: the gameplay itself seems to be bug-free for the most part, and the netcode is pretty solid as well.”
- “I've played for a few years now, always buggy and filled with cheaters.”
- “Game in general is pay to win, if you want good armor with decent weapons and attachments you will have to pay, game is suffering from lack of players as well as the game is quite buggy and unbalanced, but the gameplay at times can be fun, but it ends up being ruined by the horrid hitboxes (hitting invisible walls etc.).”
- “The game is very poorly optimized with freezes, bugs, and framerate drops all the time.”
monetization
92 mentions
3 % positive mentions
41 % neutral mentions
55 % negative mentions
The monetization system in the game has been widely criticized for being heavily reliant on microtransactions, often described as a "cash grab" that leans towards pay-to-win mechanics. Players express frustration over the high costs of premium items and the impact these purchases have on gameplay balance, making it difficult for free-to-play users to compete. While some acknowledge the game's potential and enjoy the core gameplay, the aggressive monetization strategies and lack of meaningful content updates have led to disappointment and a sense of abandonment by the developers.
- “Remember it's free-to-play, so there have to be microtransactions, but they're not that intrusive and you can play the game without spending any cash.”
- “There are some slightly higher level items behind microtransactions but mostly equipment access is XP based so not too much pay-to-win aspects.”
- “It's not pay to win; it follows the same example as World of Tanks, where premium guns and equipment are not as good as in-game purchased stuff.”
- “This is one of those early access games that delivered beautiful visuals and gameplay, but also included pay-to-win microtransactions.”
- “Okay, perhaps it is a small team and things take time, I get that, but it sure doesn't stop them from having ridiculously expensive monetization schemes in place with 30€ weapons and premium accounts to moderately lower the endless grind.”
- “Cash grab, once it used to have a lot of potential, now it's just a blatant run for your money without substance.”
humor
47 mentions
98 % positive mentions
-4 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often described as unintentional, stemming from its numerous bugs, glitches, and the absurdity of its pay-to-win mechanics. Players find amusement in the game's chaotic nature, such as encountering cheaters, ridiculous in-game scenarios, and the irony of spending money on items that ultimately lead to frustration. Overall, while the game is criticized for its flaws, many players still enjoy it for the laughs it provides, especially when playing with friends.
- “Very funny for playing with your friends.”
- “The bots themselves can be quite ridiculous and funny at times, especially in the killcam.”
- “I have to say the game was fun... that is if you want to laugh at all the hilarious things you can do.”
- “The humor in the game falls flat; it tries too hard to be funny but ends up being cringeworthy instead.”
- “I expected some lighthearted moments, but the jokes are stale and often miss the mark.”
- “The attempts at humor feel forced and often detract from the overall experience rather than enhance it.”
music
34 mentions
44 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its immersive and atmospheric qualities, effectively complementing the post-apocalyptic setting with dark and dreary tones. While many players appreciate the soundtrack and sound design, some express a desire for more options to customize their audio experience. Overall, the music enhances the gameplay experience, although a few users noted issues with audio playback and the absence of music in certain scenarios.
- “The soundtrack is pretty solid for the loading screens as you wait for a game.”
- “The music is what you'd expect from a post-apocalyptic game: dark, dreary, and depressing.”
- “Music is fantastic, the audio overall is phenomenal.”
- “The music is what you'd expect from a post-apocalyptic game: dark, dreary and depressing.”
- “There is no music really to be heard; then again, I feel that in this type of gameplay where a fraction of a second counts, music would take away from that factor.”
- “All I get is music and a black screen.”
emotional
15 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players expressing deep feelings and even tears during gameplay, while others criticize the game's mechanics and development issues, leading to frustration. Despite the negative feedback, a few players highlight a unique emotional connection to the game, suggesting it has the potential to resonate with fans of the genre if improved. Overall, the emotional impact varies significantly among players, reflecting a divide between those who find it moving and those who are disappointed.
- “I cried.”
- “Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
- “I've never played another shooter that made me feel this way.”
replayability
9 mentions
33 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it lacking and unengaging, others appreciate recent improvements and patches that enhance the experience, leading to increased replay value. The community's feedback seems to have influenced positive changes, but significant issues remain for many users.
- “Came back to this game after a year and it's been a good break. The devs have listened to some of the community and really improved the game; definitely more playable.”
- “There are a lot of patches coming in every day or every two days, and to be honest, the patches make the game more playable and fun every time.”
- “Replayability value: 8/10.”
- “It sucks and has little to no replay value.”
- “Until the developers can get off their butts and fix what needs to be fixed, there's no replayability, no fun (for the most part), or anything like that to get out of this game.”
- “Replayability: *see previous points*”
character development
4 mentions
75 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted for its strong design and features, particularly the dashmap and skills system, which enhance gameplay. However, there are contrasting opinions, with some criticizing the overall character design and animations, suggesting a lack of cohesion in the game's aesthetic.
- “The character development features and dashmap feature are the best of all.”
- “Interesting character development, including skills, weapons, and leveling.”
- “Really good character design, especially the item design.”
- “The character development feels shallow and uninspired, making it hard to connect with any of the characters.”
- “I was really disappointed with how the characters evolved; their arcs were predictable and lacked depth.”
- “The lack of meaningful choices in character development left me feeling like my decisions didn't matter at all.”