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Unturned

An unbelievably ugly zombie survival game. Attempt to create a life in the ruins of “modern-society” as you loot, kill zombies, and build bases. That is, of course, if you can tolerate the fact that the game is entirely unfinished. - One of the ugliest games I’ve ever seen - Everything takes way too long to do - Vehicles are ridiculously buggy - Shooting is stiff and unenjoyable - No artistic direction in any way, shape, or form - Gameplay loop is insanely repetitive and pointless (Reviewed on Xbox Series X)
Unturned Game Cover
77%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
stability, grinding
91% User Score Based on 219,904 reviews
Critic Score 10%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

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Unturned Game Cover

About

Unturned is a single player and multiplayer open world shooter game with a horror theme. It was developed by Smartly Dressed Games and was released on July 7, 2017. It received negative reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Unturned" is a horror shooter game that offers various modes including 2-player co-op, multiplayer, and single-player. The game boasts excellent mechanics, fun visuals, and a range of weapons to combat zombies and other players. However, it is very grinding, full of bugs, and can be hilariously glitchy, but the challenging PvP and dynamic nature systems make it a unique experience.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
Unturned screenshot
+3
Skip User Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 219,904 reviews
graphics3.1k positive mentions
stability1.1k negative mentions
  • The game offers a surprisingly deep gameplay experience with engaging survival mechanics, crafting, and a variety of activities that can be enjoyed, especially in multiplayer.
  • Despite its simplistic graphics, the game creates an immersive atmosphere that effectively conveys a post-apocalyptic setting filled with humor and tension.
  • Unturned's free-to-play model is well-implemented, focusing on cosmetic microtransactions that do not detract from the core gameplay experience.
  • The grinding aspect of the game is often seen as tedious and time-consuming, leading to a repetitive experience, particularly in solo play.
  • The game suffers from significant performance issues, including bugs and glitches that can detract from the overall enjoyment, especially in multiplayer modes.
  • While the game has potential for emotional investment, the community's toxicity and lack of a cohesive narrative can lead to frustration and a lack of depth in storytelling.
  • graphics
    8,979 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Unturned" are characterized by a simplistic, blocky art style reminiscent of games like Minecraft and Roblox, which some players find charming while others consider them outdated or unattractive. Despite the low-quality visuals, many reviews highlight that the game's engaging gameplay and depth compensate for its graphical shortcomings, making it accessible and enjoyable even on lower-end systems. Overall, while the graphics may not appeal to everyone, they contribute to the game's unique identity and are often seen as a non-issue compared to the fun and mechanics it offers.

    • “Unturned looks simple, but don’t let the graphics fool you—this game has insane depth.”
    • “There is just something about the simplicity of the graphics and play that create a depth of game that I wasn't expecting.”
    • “The blocky graphics had personality, the survival gameplay was fun, and the game felt special.”
    • “At first glance, you think, 'oh look, blocky graphics, this’ll be chill.' Five minutes later you’re starving, bleeding, being chased by a zombie in a construction hat, and questioning every life choice that led you to drink expired orange juice.”
    • “The graphics are downright ugly.”
    • “The graphics look like they’re straight out of Roblox, the controls feel clunky, and the gameplay loop gets boring fast.”
  • gameplay
    6,495 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Unturned" is characterized by its blend of survival mechanics, crafting, and open-world exploration, offering players a mix of cooperative and competitive experiences. While the graphics are simplistic and reminiscent of games like Minecraft, many players find the gameplay engaging and addictive, particularly when playing with friends. However, some reviews highlight issues with repetitive gameplay, clunky mechanics, and a toxic community, suggesting that the experience can vary significantly depending on the server and player interactions. Overall, the game is praised for its depth and variety, especially considering its free-to-play model.

    • “The survival mechanics, crafting system, and open maps keep you engaged for hours.”
    • “Unturned is a surprisingly robust survival sandbox that offers a wealth of gameplay without demanding high-end hardware or steep learning curves.”
    • “Its fun at first but nothing goes well in the survival, constant bugs and the gameplay kinda ass.”
    • “The gameplay loop gets old fast, and there is no story whatsoever.”
    • “The gameplay is surprisingly deep: crafting, base building, vehicles, guns, farming, and enough loot to turn you into a professional hoarder.”
  • story
    2,025 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of "Unturned" receives mixed feedback from players. While some appreciate the hidden lore and quests available on specific maps like Russia, many feel that the game lacks a cohesive narrative or overarching storyline, often describing it as a sandbox experience where players create their own stories. The addition of NPCs and quests has been positively noted, but players express a desire for more structured missions and deeper storytelling to enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, while there are elements of story present, they are often seen as minimal or secondary to the survival mechanics.

    • “Best story and lore you will ever know, I dead serious guarantee you.”
    • “Its simple graphics let the addicting gameplay and surprisingly rich story stand out, and I am happy to have found this game, even this many years after it released.”
    • “There's soooo much to do and find in each of the maps and an overarching story that you get to unravel as you play.”
    • “Gameplay loop gets old fast, and there is no story whatsoever.”
    • “The missions and objectives are unimaginative, often feeling like filler content rather than meaningful quests.”
    • “The game itself is pretty creative and fun to play, only thing I can say is that I wish there were quests on more vanilla maps.”
  • humor
    1,795 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Unturned" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting its absurdity and comedic moments, particularly when playing with friends. The game's quirky graphics and silly physics contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere, making even the most chaotic situations entertaining. Many reviews mention hilarious interactions, unexpected glitches, and the amusing antics of both zombies and players, creating a fun and often laugh-out-loud experience.

    • “It's like Rust but not as stinky, and also the characters really just make this game; they're so funny.”
    • “Zombies are relentless, bases collapse in hilarious ways, and somehow I end up running naked across the map yelling at a tree for cover.”
    • “Unturned is a delightful mix of survival gameplay, charming blocky graphics, and a healthy dose of humor that makes it a standout in the crowded zombie apocalypse genre.”
    • “I find this game unfunny, and absolutely unacceptable.”
    • “Not funny, didn't laugh.”
    • “Maybe I'm looking at it from a wrong angle, but at this moment the game is just not funny anymore.”
  • stability
    1,217 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed feedback from users, with many highlighting a significant number of bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. While some players report that the game runs smoothly and is enjoyable, others express frustration over frequent crashes, freezing issues, and game-breaking glitches, particularly in multiplayer modes. Overall, the game is seen as fun but in need of substantial improvements to its stability and performance.

    • “Great low spec game, fun to play, runs great on pretty much anything. It's a bit goofy also.”
    • “This game runs smoothly on most computers and is overall bug free.”
    • “For an alpha build, it's very stable; zombies have good pathfinding, enough guns that aren't buggy as well, it's free, stable FPS, complex crafting system, voice chat, etc.”
    • “This game is now a buggy mess and an empty shell of what it could've been.”
    • “The numerous bugs and glitches further detract from any potential enjoyment, making it a frustrating and often infuriating experience.”
    • “The game just is way too buggy of a state to really consider playing it anymore.”
  • optimization
    1,210 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from users, with many describing it as poorly optimized despite its simplistic graphics. Players report significant performance issues, including frame rate drops and lag, even on high-end systems, which detracts from the overall experience. While some users note that the game can run smoothly on lower-end PCs, the general consensus is that substantial improvements are needed to enhance performance and stability across all hardware configurations.

    • “The game is well optimized (the graphics definitely help) and can probably run on a potato.”
    • “Despite the vast maps, detailed systems, and hundreds of items, it’s optimized to run on low-end PCs.”
    • “The low-poly art style allows the game to run smoothly on a wide range of hardware, making it accessible for players with less powerful systems.”
    • “The game is also poorly optimized, the game randomly freezing sometimes for no reason at all.”
    • “I used to really like this game and even if I do like some of the newer stuff they have done, it is so poorly optimized and has such massive load times and stability issues now that I just can't justify keeping it downloaded at this point nor recommend it.”
    • “The optimization issue is very struggling especially when it lowers the fps where you need it higher most.”
  • grinding
    773 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and time-consuming, particularly in crafting and resource gathering. While some enjoy the depth and variety of activities like farming, base building, and looting, others feel that the repetitive nature of grinding detracts from the overall experience, especially in solo play. Overall, players suggest that the game is best enjoyed with friends to mitigate the grind and enhance the fun.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
    • “The game is boring solo, staying and farming military bases, or on another map zombies not spawning. Never tried multiplayer because no one plays Unturned.”
    • “This game is nothing more than a tedious slog, fighting uninteresting enemies while walking around a plethora of empty maps, completing fetch quests for little to no reward.”
    • “The game's main gameplay is mostly sluggish, boring, and just generally grindy, making you walk around or drive around the map hundreds of times and again doing the same tasks that quickly become repetitive.”
  • music
    467 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the catchy main menu theme and nostalgic elements, while others criticize the lack of in-game music and variety. Some find the minimalist soundtrack fitting for the game's atmosphere, enhancing the sense of isolation, while others feel it detracts from the overall experience, suggesting that more background music would improve gameplay. Overall, the music is seen as a highlight for some, but a significant area for improvement for others.

    • “And your soundtrack—ah yes, that melancholic, minimalist OST that makes me feel like I’m the last human alive in a world made entirely of sharpened shoeboxes.”
    • “The music, feeling, nostalgia, everything is so great about this game.”
    • “The final sunflower song in Plant vs Zombies: GOTY edition could make even the blockiest Unturned zombie break into dance and renounce the apocalypse entirely.”
    • “The lack of music gives it an eerie dead game feel that just made me uncomfortable.”
    • “The game has absolutely little to no soundtrack to begin with, you go into some pale, boring, extremely bland city/camp thing, you get overwhelmed by a group of endless zombies, and then you die.”
    • “The only bummer I have so far is the missing music and the extras with gold.”
  • replayability
    355 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Unturned offers significant replayability, largely due to its active modding community and the ability to create and share custom maps and game modes. Players appreciate the variety of gameplay experiences available through multiplayer servers and user-generated content, which keeps the game fresh and engaging. However, some users note that the base game can become repetitive over time, particularly in single-player mode, suggesting that the replay value heavily relies on community involvement and mod support.

    • “It's a hidden gem with insane replay value, a loyal community, and limitless potential if you’re creative.”
    • “With a passionate community and extensive modding support, Unturned provides endless replayability.”
    • “The game's vibrant art style and customizable content provide endless replayability, while its multiplayer modes offer thrilling cooperative and competitive experiences.”
    • “Absolutely 0 replayability.”
    • “This is mildly entertaining as far as single player goes, although very repetitive very quickly and little in the way of replayability after a few playthroughs.”
    • “The only thing bad about it is that it loses replayability after about 350 hours.”
  • monetization
    245 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is primarily free-to-play with optional cosmetic microtransactions, which many players appreciate for not being intrusive or pay-to-win. While some reviews express frustration over the presence of ads and certain predatory practices in community-run servers, the overall sentiment is that the game offers a fair and enjoyable experience without aggressive monetization tactics. Players generally commend the developer for maintaining a balance between accessibility and monetization, with most in-game purchases being non-essential and cosmetic in nature.

    • “Unturned's free-to-play model is generally well-implemented, with monetization primarily focused on cosmetic items.”
    • “Monetization exists, but it doesn’t dominate the experience or lock core systems behind paywalls.”
    • “This game is everything a free-to-play title needs: regular updates, great community, and limited microtransactions.”
    • “Overall, this game lacks the charm that it once did when I started playing, as it promotes in-game purchases more than actual updates, nor work on the supposed sequel.”
    • “Hypocritical and money-grubbing developer, pay-to-win servers in official listings despite being a fundamental rule that there should be no monetization in servers, e.g., real money in exchange for in-game currency.”
    • “The way the game functions is almost just a custom cash grab copy of Minecraft; you start out somewhere random getting used to your surroundings.”
  • atmosphere
    171 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, blending elements of tension and lightheartedness. Players appreciate the unique combination of simple graphics and sound design that effectively convey a post-apocalyptic setting filled with zombies, creating a sense of danger and adventure. While some reviews note occasional monotony or lack of depth in certain areas, the overall consensus is that the game successfully delivers a captivating atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience.

    • “The graphics are cool, the atmosphere is dark and creepy, and the gameplay keeps you on edge.”
    • “The colorful and varied environments, from dense forests to desolate towns, create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall gaming experience.”
    • “Unturned is a very immersive game with cartoon-like graphics that I find very enjoyable as it puts you into a tense atmosphere of attempting to fight off war-torn zombies in an apocalyptic environment.”
    • “The ambience sounds are almost non-existent due to their subtle nature, and half of the time you’ll be playing in complete silence, making a tedious and boring atmosphere over the player from time to time.”
    • “Despite its simplicity, the game manages to create immersive environments that effectively convey a post-apocalyptic atmosphere.”
    • “Only downside is it lacks a strong atmosphere; most of the land is barren except for trees and occasional towns and cities.”
  • emotional
    156 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with players expressing a wide range of feelings from deep investment in the story to moments of heartbreak and frustration. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong emotions, such as joy, sadness, and nostalgia, often describing it as a wholesome experience despite its challenges. However, the community's toxicity and the game's mechanics can lead to emotional distress, making it a rollercoaster of feelings for players.

    • “I love this game with a passion and I almost want to cry writing this review, but it needs to be said.”
    • “I've never been so emotionally invested in a game's story before.”
    • “This game has quite literally carried me through stressful times in life and has proven to be one of the most wholesome games I have ever played.”
    • “☐ heartbreaking”
  • character development
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is characterized by a mix of lighthearted and humorous designs that contrast with typical gritty survival themes, offering a refreshing experience. However, some narratives, like Iden's, suffer from abrupt transitions that hinder deeper character arcs. Overall, the game provides extensive customization options for character design, enhancing personalization, though some elements may feel incomplete in early access.

    • “This mechanic adds a layer of personalization and character development to the survival experience.”
    • “Goofy character design makes the game seem childish, but once you get used to it, it feels like a breath of fresh air compared to most of the grittier zombie survival games out there.”
    • “10/10 in-depth character design and breathtaking multiplayer.”
    • “Iden’s own character arc essentially stops around the same time, and a time jump entirely skips any sort of character development that would explain the very different version of her you take control of on the other side.”
    • “The gold upgrade is only five dollars but only gives you access to special servers and custom faces and character design.”
    • “I sense that some of the details are placeholder (HUD, character design, etc.) but every alpha or early access game has them.”
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10%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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159h Median play time
428h Average play time
21h Main story
96h Completionist
20-600h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 678 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Unturned is a open world shooter game with horror theme.

Unturned is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows and others.

The main story can be completed in around 21 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 96 hours to finish. On average players spend around 428 hours playing Unturned.

Unturned was released on July 7, 2017.

Unturned was developed by Smartly Dressed Games.

Unturned has received negative reviews from players and negative reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its stability.

Unturned is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Muck, Arma 3, Project Zomboid, DayZ, Brick Rigs and others.