Survivalist Game Cover
Starting at $1.14Buy now

"Survivalist" is a horror RPG that offers single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing up to 2 players to explore the open world and build a community after civilization's collapse. The game features an innovative dialog system, action-RPG and real-time strategy elements, and challenging combat against fast zombies. Its grindy gameplay, numerous bugs, and high replayability make it a unique and hilarious experience. The sequel promises more of the same.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360

Reviews

81%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,293 reviews
story110 positive mentions
graphics43 negative mentions
  • Engaging storyline with meaningful choices that affect gameplay.
  • Fun base building and community management mechanics.
  • Affordable price for the amount of content and replayability.
  • Clunky controls and interface that can be frustrating.
  • Combat mechanics can feel unbalanced and chaotic.
  • Graphics are dated and may not appeal to everyone.
  • story403 mentions

    The game's story is a mix of engaging narrative and survival mechanics, featuring a variety of quests that impact the player's experience and choices. While some players appreciate the depth and character development, others find the story simplistic or frustrating due to its reliance on fetch quests and the constant need to manage resources for a diabetic character. Overall, the story is seen as a significant aspect of the game, providing motivation for exploration and community building, despite some criticisms regarding pacing and execution.

    • “The story was well thought out.”
    • “This game is truly awesome, with a brilliant storyline, and the ability to do almost anything you can imagine!”
    • “The story is intriguing and gives you a meaning to the world around you, giving you a reason to move and explore the world instead of just surviving.”
    • “The story feels like it could have been so much more than what it actually came off as at the start; the dialogue lines seem super flat and awkward.”
    • “The story is as generic and overdone as most other zombie-survival games.”
    • “I want to give it a 8/10 but I can't because there is no real main story and just side missions and a small storyline about medicine in the beginning which I still have not finished because it is just plain boring.”
  • gameplay216 mentions

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its depth, mechanics, and engaging story, while others criticize its outdated controls, clunky interface, and frustrating combat mechanics. Many appreciate the blend of survival, community management, and exploration, though some find the learning curve steep and the gameplay initially tedious. Overall, while the game offers a unique experience with interesting mechanics, it suffers from inconsistencies that may deter some players.

    • “The combat and gameplay are also pretty fun!”
    • “Gameplay is smooth, the controls easy, and building and managing a community--while seemingly overwhelming at times--is very satisfying when you do things right.”
    • “Fun gameplay and quests.”
    • “The lack of stealth mechanics plus zombies detecting you before you see them makes avoidance almost impossible at times.”
    • “The shooting mechanics are equally problematic; guns are wildly inaccurate even at close range, making it difficult to hit targets.”
    • “However, the gameplay is very dull, and incredibly unfair.”
  • graphics184 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are dated, simplistic, and reminiscent of older titles, often likening them to early 2000s or even 90s visuals. While some players find the graphics charming or acceptable given the game's indie status, others criticize them as a significant drawback that detracts from the overall experience. Despite the graphical shortcomings, many reviewers emphasize that the gameplay and story compensate for the visual limitations, making the game enjoyable for those who prioritize content over aesthetics.

    • “The graphics have grown on me a lot and I find this game super charming.”
    • “The visual aspect of the game is very impressive and you can tell a lot of work was put into the game's settings and artwork.”
    • “The graphics are great for this game and help with immersion.”
    • “The graphics are terrible.”
    • “The graphics are obviously bad, the music is annoying, and the combat seems lacking.”
    • “Horribly bad, outdated graphics (looks like Grand Theft Auto 1) and animations.”
  • music103 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it either poorly suited to the game's theme or repetitive and annoying. While some appreciate the catchy tunes and cheesy charm, others criticize the soundtrack for being out of place, particularly the techno and electronic tracks that clash with the zombie survival setting. Overall, the consensus suggests that the music detracts from the immersive experience, leading some players to mute it entirely or replace it with their own playlists.

    • “It's a super relaxing and well-made game and I am actually enjoying the music.”
    • “The soundtrack comes mainly from band arrangements and I have to admit I didn’t like it on first listen but they are pretty damn catchy and my opinion soon changed as I quite happily hummed along to my zombie massacre.”
    • “Its an excellent zoning out into zombieland, dealing with human issues mostly, did not expect a slaughter-driven game, got an excellent soundtrack and surprisingly well crafted and more above all a balanced gameplay.”
    • “The music is way off for this game.”
    • “The soundtrack is kind of all over the place, and kinda breaks the mood/immersion.”
    • “I recommend turning off the music entirely because the soundtrack must've been chosen by an eight year old tripping on LSD... it ranges from techno to gentle piano to some kind of vocals to high pitched beeps.”
  • grinding71 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and overly complicated, with players expressing frustration over the micromanagement required for tasks like resource gathering, farming, and character development. While some appreciate the depth of community management and the leveling system, many feel that the repetitive nature of these tasks detracts from the overall enjoyment, making the game feel excessively linear and time-consuming. Despite its potential, the lack of streamlined mechanics and user-friendly design contributes to a grindy experience that may not appeal to all players.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “No grinding, awarding level success.”
    • “I'm past 20 hours into the game and there's plenty to criticize; I feel like I've seen as much as this game has to offer, it feels a bit tedious at this point, and it's frustrating preparing for a showdown only to realize you've forgotten to equip something and have to trek all the way back to your home base to supply yourself.”
    • “Survivalist is tedious to play: mechanics are overly complicated; the camera zooms in way too close; there's no map to help you figure out where things are; and the UI is a bit weird (probably designed for a controller).”
    • “The game doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel and has the concept in the title, in which you survive and there's tedious survival elements, that however isn't as bad as the Fallout 76 or Metal Gear Survive elements in which your characters have the metabolism of a nuclear submarine.”
  • replayability36 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is generally viewed positively, with many players appreciating the multiple routes, choices, and endings that encourage different playthroughs. However, some users note limitations due to a lack of randomization and the potential for a finite experience, suggesting that while there is replay value, it may not be endless. The presence of side quests and varying player goals adds depth, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate exploring different outcomes.

    • “There are three routes to choose from for completing the game that add replayability.”
    • “Each new outpost you find even offers a series of side quests which are largely optional and often involve choosing to side with one community against another, so there is a lot of replay value if you want to see what each branching plot path offers.”
    • “The open sandbox type setup of the game ensures you will have plenty of replay value.”
    • “Because of the lack of replay value, the game's limited time for a playthrough is also puzzling.”
    • “No real randomization in the game, so replayability is limited to just doing better.”
    • “I don't think it will have too much replayability... I'm only a few hours in and I'm just now starting to construct my base.”
  • humor26 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated for its quirky charm and absurdity, with many players finding the intentionally bad graphics and goofy animations to be hilariously entertaining. The witty dialogue, unexpected quest twists, and amusing character interactions contribute to a lighthearted experience, while the ragdoll physics and comical combat add to the overall fun. Despite some criticisms of the controls and pacing, the game's humor is a standout feature that enhances its appeal.

    • “The dev is really a funny and creative person and this is reflected in the brilliant story and quirky combat.”
    • “I love this game, the pre-90s graphics look hilarious and pretty unnerving at the same time, the combat is fast and brutal, the ragdolls are a damned treat.”
    • “This game is like the first two Fallout games, it has witty humor, great dialogue, and many choices.”
  • stability17 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many players report a solid build with minimal bugs and smooth gameplay, others experience significant issues, particularly with multiplayer connectivity and pathfinding. Some users have encountered occasional glitches, but these are often described as non-game-breaking. In summary, while the game runs well for some, others find it frustratingly buggy, especially in certain modes.

    • “It's not expensive, it's not buggy, and most importantly, it's not early access.”
    • “It runs great on my low-end computer and is very fun so far.”
    • “The game mechanics are good and functional; the game is practically bug-free for me.”
    • “The multiplayer is buggy.”
    • “There are some bugs and glitches in that mode; they aren't game-breaking bugs, but they can be a bit annoying.”
    • “It's so buggy that I can't even finish the game.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for effectively capturing a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world, with well-crafted environments like abandoned towns and destroyed vehicles that enhance immersion. While the music is hit-or-miss, the overall ambiance, combined with a compelling story and engaging gameplay, creates a unique and addictive experience that resonates with players. Despite its small budget, the game's atmosphere stands out as a significant strength, making it a memorable survival adventure.

    • “It's a very atmospheric end of the world, zombie apocalypse, survival stuff.”
    • “Small dev, small budget, big love; this game, for some reason I can't put into words, hit a special place with me, something to do with the atmosphere.”
    • “+ Appropriate atmosphere - whether it's the abandoned towns or the destroyed cars, it definitely nailed the post-apocalyptic theme.”
    • “Small dev, small budget, big love. This game, for some reason, I can't put into words, hit a special place with me; something to do with the atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere and the twist in the story were just mind-blowing.”
    • “The appropriate atmosphere—whether it's the abandoned towns or the destroyed cars—definitely nailed the post-apocalyptic theme.”
  • character development7 mentions

    Character development in the game features a straightforward system where each character possesses five skills—firearms, fitness, construction, farming, and medicine—that can be improved through practice or skill books. While the potential for individual character growth is acknowledged, many reviewers find the overall execution to be simplistic and lacking depth, leading to a mixed perception of the game's narrative and design.

    • “Each character has 5 skills (firearms, fitness, construction, farming, and medicine) which affect what they can do in the game. Characters can increase these skills simply by doing them or finding skill books to boost them.”
    • “Fantastic game, with individual character development, tons of potential NPC allies and enemies, an expansive map to explore, and a good story. It often goes on sale for a mere couple of bucks, which is really just stealing money from the folks who deserve more for a really well-made game.”
    • “Individual character development, with uncomplicated stats and skills.”
    • “All in all, I'd like to say it's got decent potential, but its awfully bland setting and overall character design/story just leave me thinking it's never going to be anything but a decent or mediocre title.”
    • “Character development, while effective, is quite simple.”
    • “+individual character development, with uncomplicated stats and skills.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    Reviews highlight a mixed emotional experience in the game, with some players feeling a lack of depth in conversations that leads to shallow interactions, while others appreciate the emotional attachment to their group, enhancing the overall experience. However, there are also criticisms of certain characters and scenarios that evoke frustration rather than empathy, resulting in an emotionally taxing experience for some players. Overall, the emotional aspect of the game is seen as inconsistent, with moments of both connection and disconnection.

    • “It's challenging, thought-provoking, and emotionally taxing.”
    • “I think that emotional attachment to your group really makes the game epic.”
    • “A wholesome gaming experience where you can see someone put their heart and sweat into it.”
  • optimization3 mentions

    Overall, users report smooth performance with no significant issues, though there is a desire for future optimizations, particularly in sorting community member lists by skill for better gameplay efficiency.

    • “I have had no issues with performance in this game; everything worked very smoothly from the beginning.”
    • “That said, for my only grievance, hopefully future improvements will see optimization of the community member list, so you can sort by skill to pick the right survivor for a job.”
    • “The optimization in this game is lacking, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.”
    • “There are significant performance issues that need to be addressed for a smoother experience.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization model is generally viewed positively, as it is considered affordable and avoids the pitfalls of excessive microtransactions and high prices that offer little value in return.

    • “The monetization model is fair and allows players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers plenty of free content, making it accessible for everyone.”
    • “It's affordable rather than feeling like you're being robbed by microtransactions and high prices with little return.”
    • “The monetization model feels exploitative, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
    • “I feel pressured to spend money to keep up with other players, which ruins the experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Survivalist

Play time

25hMedian play time
32hAverage play time
6-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 19 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News