The Last Stand: Aftermath

The Last Stand: Aftermath may be a bit light on its gameplay loop, but there are enough unique mechanics to interact with in this zombie roguelike.

77%Game Brain Score

gameplay, story

stability, optimization

81% User Score Based on 2,621 reviews

Critic Score 73%Based on 8 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $0.47

Buy NowGet on Steam $24.99 Buy NowGet on Xbox Games Store Buy NowGet on Epic Games Store

About

The Last Stand: Aftermath is a single player survival shooter game with a horror theme. It was developed by Con Artist Games and was released on November 16, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"The Last Stand: Aftermath" is a survival-action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The player must scavenge for resources, craft items, and navigate through a dangerous landscape while managing their health and stamina. With a focus on melee combat and strategic decision-making, the game offers a challenging and immersive experience in a grim, post-apocalyptic setting.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

+25

Skip User Reviews

81%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,621 reviews

gameplay208 positive mentions

stability101 negative mentions

Engaging gameplay loop with a unique infection mechanic that adds urgency to each run.
Solid graphics and atmosphere that enhance the post-apocalyptic experience.
Rewarding progression system that allows players to unlock new skills and upgrades for future runs.

Frequent bugs and glitches, including invisible enemies and issues with character movement.
Repetitive gameplay that can become monotonous after several runs, with limited variety in enemies and environments.
Combat mechanics can feel clunky, particularly with aiming and melee attacks, leading to frustrating deaths.

gameplay
633 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
60%
7%
The gameplay of "The Last Stand: Aftermath" is characterized by a compelling roguelite loop that combines exploration, crafting, and combat, with a unique infection mechanic that adds urgency and strategic depth. While many players appreciate the tension and risk-reward dynamics, some criticize the repetitiveness and bugs that can detract from the experience. Overall, the game offers a mix of nostalgic elements from previous titles and new mechanics, making it engaging for fans of the genre, despite some balancing and optimization issues.
- “For players who appreciate roguelikes with emotional weight and methodical survival gameplay, Aftermath is a compelling experience.”
- “It offers a thoughtful fusion of exploration, crafting, and combat, wrapped in a thematic arc that reinforces its mechanical core: every run is a sacrifice for the greater good.”
- “The gameplay is addictive, with a perfect balance of tension, exploration, and strategy.”
- “It's repetitive, boring, and missing most of the gameplay mechanics that made the previous one so fun.”
- “The gameplay is very repetitive and dull.”
- “The gameplay loop is a bit too generic all around.”
story
401 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
70%
7%
The game's story revolves around playing as a volunteer infected with a virus, tasked with scavenging and gathering intelligence to aid humanity, which adds a layer of urgency and sacrifice to the gameplay. However, many reviews highlight that the narrative is often shallow and predictable, lacking depth in character development and emotional engagement, with some players feeling that it serves merely as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a compelling driving force. While environmental storytelling and lore elements are appreciated, the overall consensus is that the story could benefit from more complexity and character interactions to enhance the experience.
- “You play as a volunteer who has been infected with the virus, and instead of waiting for the end, you take on one final mission: travel beyond the walls of the surviving compound, scavenge what you can, and gather intelligence that might help humanity.”
- “The game presents a rich and thought-provoking storyline that unfolds through well-written dialogue, environmental storytelling, and character interactions.”
- “With its atmospheric world, intense combat, deep gameplay mechanics, and compelling storytelling, The Last Stand: Aftermath stands out as a must-play for fans of the genre.”
- “The storyline ending was underwhelming and the game loop kind of just turns into a grind-endgame-points every session after you reach the final stage.”
- “The story is barely there and not really interesting.”
- “The story is laughably cliché and so predictable.”
graphics
180 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
46%
3%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the moody and gritty art style that effectively enhances the atmospheric experience. While some players appreciate the detailed environments and realistic lighting, others have reported significant technical issues, including bugs that prevent the game from displaying graphics properly. Overall, the visuals are generally considered good, but optimization and performance issues detract from the experience for some users.
- “The visuals are moody and grounded, with abandoned neighborhoods lit by flickering streetlights, empty parking lots filled with scattered debris, and overgrown suburbs reclaimed by nature.”
- “Visually, the last stand: aftermath channels a muted, gritty aesthetic—think mid-2000s survival horror filtered through modern polish.”
- “The graphics are surprisingly good for a company that's mostly worked in Flash before, the characters are basic but memorable, and the story is engaging enough despite being very simple.”
- “This game has a well-known bug that appears on many people's systems; the game does not display graphics past the intro screen and there is no known fix. Some people have found strange loopholes that may or may not work on their system, but I couldn't get any of them to work. The developer also no longer actively develops the game, so this will never be fixed. I would not recommend gambling on the chance that it may work on your system.”
- “It's a mistake to judge the demo based on the low budget, outdated graphics (from 10-20 years ago) and lack of expansive character dialogue options.”
- “The graphics aren't anything to brag about and maps are bordered off with invisible barriers that sometimes let you slip through some cracks and you can get stuck.”
stability
107 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
1%
94%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting a variety of bugs and glitches, including invisible enemies, soft locks, and issues with AI behavior. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these problems, others express frustration over game-breaking glitches, particularly in later levels. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" and "unfinished," leading to mixed feelings about its playability and enjoyment.
- “No major problems with anything I've encountered and no glitches or crashes.”
- “The game runs great on GNU/Linux through Wine/Proton.”
- “Compared to some AAA launches, it is fairly bug-free; I have noticed a few issues that a good beta tester should have found, but nothing has straight broken my game or stalled progress.”
- “However, the game is so buggy that it spoils your playing experience; you cannot shoot enemies from the high ground, there are invisible enemies until your character dies, strong enemies teleport when they crush into out-of-bounds areas, and traps behind walls that players cannot see.”
- “The game is fun, but the final 'endgame' area is too buggy to finish, with teleporting enemies and invisible enemies that are still hitting you. I want to see how the story ends, but sadly it's now time to uninstall it.”
- “At its worst, Last Stand: Aftermath is a broken mess, with glitches ranging from fun to frustrating to game-breaking.”
replayability
92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
51%
3%
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while many players appreciate the roguelite elements and unique character builds that enhance replay value, others feel that the lack of content and progression options limits long-term engagement. Some reviews highlight the addictive gameplay and randomized maps as significant factors contributing to replayability, while others express disappointment over the game's short campaign and repetitive nature. Ultimately, the game offers decent replay value, but improvements and additional content could elevate it further.
- “Choosing from different characters with unique gear and traits at the start of each run adds replay value.”
- “The mutation/infection system really adds to the replayability of the game, lending a sense of urgency to each decision you make.”
- “The game has a huge amount of replayability with its roguelite gameplay.”
- “For a game built around replayability, there's surprisingly little to unlock or progress early on.”
- “One con is that the replayability isn't great even in the end game.”
- “The game's campaign mode is also relatively short, with little replay value once you've completed it.”
optimization
71 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
55%
24%
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting smooth performance and good graphics, while others experience significant stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, particularly in demanding environments. Many users suggest that the game requires further optimization to address these issues, especially given its graphical demands and inconsistent performance across different systems. Overall, while some players find it playable, the consensus indicates that optimization is a major area needing improvement.
- “The game looks great and runs smoothly.”
- “Overall good gameplay, item management, combat system, levels, performance, and graphics.”
- “I encountered a few bugs from the day 1 build, but most have been patched out quickly within the first few weeks and the devs seem committed to improving the player's quality of life and the game's performance.”
- “Really bad console game with some of the worst optimization I have seen in a long while.”
- “Very poorly optimized, and a lot of gameplay features are poorly implemented as well.”
- “The game also starts lagging because of the lack of any performance improvements, no matter the settings.”
atmosphere
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
80%
15%
5%
The atmosphere in "The Last Stand: Aftermath" is widely praised as one of its most compelling features, effectively immersing players in a tense, post-apocalyptic world. The combination of gritty visuals, haunting sound design, and a sense of desperation creates a gripping experience that enhances gameplay and storytelling. Overall, the game's atmospheric elements contribute significantly to its appeal, making it a standout title in the roguelike survival genre.
- “Even when the runs are short and the odds are grim, the sense of progression, the weight of each choice, and the haunting atmosphere make it a memorable addition to the roguelike survival landscape.”
- “The attention to detail in the world design, from the hauntingly abandoned buildings to the atmospheric lighting and weather effects, creates a sense of desolation and dread.”
- “The atmosphere is quite absorbing with the post-apocalyptic survivors rummaging through a decade of decay in diverse environments, particularly when the bleak mood is set by night and heavy rain.”
- “The music and atmosphere are very dark and spooky, giving the fear of what is coming and what will kill you.”
- “It gets the atmosphere and immersion right for a zombie game, but other than that, there is nothing else positive.”
- “An eerie atmosphere and 'realistic' feel to the world adds to the immersion.”
grinding
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
1%
97%
The reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is a mixed experience; while some players find it initially engaging and rewarding, many others describe it as tedious and repetitive, especially in the later stages. The need for extensive grinding to upgrade characters and progress can lead to frustration, with complaints about combat mechanics and environmental interactions adding to the grind's burden. Overall, while the game offers a fun roguelite experience, the grinding can detract from enjoyment, particularly as players reach the endgame.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “After unlocking the last location, the game feels super repetitive, and after the boss fight, the game is basically grinding to get the needed achievements.”
- “Towards the later part of the game, there is a lot more grinding and wasted time trying to get through the early levels to reach the later levels, which is a chore and not particularly exciting.”
- “At its best, Last Stand: Aftermath is a grindy roguelike, with initially addictive but ultimately repetitive and pointless gameplay.”
music
35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
60%
9%
The music in the game is characterized by a somber and ambient soundtrack that effectively enhances the atmosphere of isolation and tension, though opinions vary on its overall quality. While some players appreciate the moody sound design and how it complements the gameplay, others find the music to be bland or repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as fitting for the game's dark themes, but it lacks variety and may not stand out as memorable.
- “The soundtrack complements this with somber tones and sparse, unsettling ambiance that reinforces the isolation of wandering through a dying world.”
- “The audio design is equally effective, with moody ambient music and unnerving creature sounds that keep the tension dialed in.”
- “The music and atmosphere are very dark and spooky, giving the fear of what is coming and what will kill you.”
- “Likewise, there is music, but it is very subdued, and there are not many tracks.”
- “On the other side, I found the music a bit bland after some time (indeed it took like 10+ hours to notice that) and the ragdoll effect from explosions can be a bit too much.”
- “The music is a bit... boring.”
humor
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
94%
17%
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with players finding amusement in quirky bugs and mechanics, such as characters defying gravity and humorous animations. While some bugs provide genuine laughs, others can be frustrating and detract from the experience. Overall, the game balances its comedic elements with engaging gameplay, though the prevalence of glitches can sometimes overshadow the fun.
- “Very nice, and funny, with the right balance of good combat and easy but meaningful crafting.”
- “The fact that the leaving area animation with the car is the same in all of the areas regardless is the most immersion-breaking and funny thing I've seen.”
- “Never in the many hours of playing video games (not even League of Legends), have I ever been so frustrated and laughing at myself at how each death is suffered.”
- “It's not funny anymore if you have to spend quite some time getting your character there in one piece, just to see them clip through the map floor.”
- “The jokes feel forced and often fall flat, making the humor feel more like a chore than a source of enjoyment.”
- “I expected clever humor, but instead, I was met with tired clichés that didn't land at all.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the emotional aspect of the game compelling, particularly appreciating its gripping story and the weight of moral choices that enhance immersion and connection to the game world. The high-stakes gameplay evokes feelings reminiscent of survival narratives like "The Walking Dead," though some players feel a detachment due to the inevitability of character deaths. Overall, while the game offers touching moments and a sense of progression, it may not resonate deeply with everyone in the long term.
- “For players who appreciate roguelikes with emotional weight and methodical survival gameplay, Aftermath is a compelling experience.”
- “The story is gripping, with emotional weight that makes every decision impactful.”
- “The moral choices and consequences faced by the player add depth and immersion, creating an emotional connection to the game world and its inhabitants.”
monetization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players feel it leans towards a cash grab, capitalizing on nostalgia with minimal updates and content, others appreciate its lack of pay-to-win mechanics and rewarding grind. Overall, opinions vary on whether the game genuinely respects its legacy or simply seeks to profit from it.
- “Honestly worth every dollar, and it really rewards the grind without bolstering pay-to-win properties or in-game purchases.”
- “The game is great and has had one of the best releases I've seen all year. Almost every game that's come out has been a buggy mess with a multitude of issues or immediately plastering you with microtransactions.”
- “Updates and patches are few and far between; it feels like a cash grab from the first two games.”
- “I feel like this game is just a quick cash grab for the fans of the last stand games back in the flash games' glory days.”
- “I went in, expecting this to be some cash grab, banking on a name and nostalgia.”
character development
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
28%
43%
Character development in the game is largely criticized, with many reviewers noting a lack of depth and meaningful choices, particularly in the story and NPC interactions. While some mention interesting elements in character progression and customization, the overall sentiment reflects a disappointment in the limited upgrade options and a generic narrative that fails to engage players beyond the initial hours.
- “The RPG elements, including character development and skill progression, add layers of strategy and customization.”
- “Not bad ... interesting character development.”
- “Additionally, the game's story is lackluster, with a generic post-apocalyptic setting and little in the way of character development or meaningful choices.”
- “No NPC character development.”
- “Giving this game 0 depth in any sort of character development, the story gets boring after like the first 2 hours then is just like... uggh I want a refund but then you're too late, this game is a catfish.”

Skip Critic Reviews

73%Critics’ scoreBased on 8 critic reviews

Skip Game Offers

Buy The Last Stand: Aftermath

25h Median play time

321h Average play time

10-56h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 31 analyzed playthroughs

Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like The Last Stand: Aftermath

92%2.4kreviews

Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days

2025

Strategy

86%8.1kreviews

ZERO Sievert

2024

Survival Role Playing

78%9.5kreviews

EVERSPACE

2017

Shooter

+10

82%46kreviews

Remnant: From the Ashes

2019

Survival Role Playing Shooter

+12

77%3.5kreviews

Night of the Dead

2024

Open World Role Playing

More games like The Last Stand: Aftermath

Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Last Stand: Aftermath is a survival shooter game with horror theme.

The Last Stand: Aftermath is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and others.

On average players spend around 321 hours playing The Last Stand: Aftermath.

The Last Stand: Aftermath was released on November 16, 2021.

The Last Stand: Aftermath was developed by Con Artist Games.

The Last Stand: Aftermath has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its stability.

The Last Stand: Aftermath is a single player game.

Similar games include Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days, ZERO Sievert, EVERSPACE, Remnant: From the Ashes, Night of the Dead and others.

The Last Stand: Aftermath

Platforms