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Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors is a game that I could happily play every day for the rest of my life, and now I can do that on the Nintendo Switch.
Vampire Survivors Game Cover
92%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
grinding, monetization
99% User Score Based on 112,795 reviews
Critic Score 86%Based on 15 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchAndroidPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox Cloud GamingXboxSteam DeckiPhoneWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCTabletXbox Game PassWeb BrowserCloudMac OSPhoneXbox OneiPadMobile Platform
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Vampire Survivors Game Cover

About

Vampire Survivors is a single player and multiplayer survival hack and slash game with fantasy and dark fantasy themes. It was developed by poncle and was released on October 20, 2022. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Mow down thousands of night creatures and survive until dawn

Genres & Tags
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Vampire Survivors screenshot
Vampire Survivors screenshot
Vampire Survivors screenshot
Vampire Survivors screenshot
Vampire Survivors screenshot
Vampire Survivors screenshot
Vampire Survivors screenshot
Vampire Survivors screenshot
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99%
Audience ScoreBased on 112,795 reviews
gameplay2.9k positive mentions
grinding581 negative mentions
  • gameplay
    6,244 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Vampire Survivors" is characterized by its deceptively simple mechanics, primarily involving movement and automatic attacks, which create an addictive loop of progression and strategy. Players engage in runs lasting around 30 minutes, during which they collect experience gems, unlock new weapons, and evolve their abilities, leading to a satisfying sense of power and accomplishment. Despite its minimalist design and repetitive nature, the game offers a wealth of content, frequent updates, and a variety of characters and builds, making it a compelling choice for fans of roguelikes and casual gaming alike.

    • “It basically defined the bullet-heaven genre and is a masterpiece of gameplay and sound.”
    • “Its many weapons, stages, and characters are fun and keep the gameplay loop going, and the multitude of secrets and unlocks really elevate the game to a place where one could play it for, say, 63 hours.”
    • “The game strikes a perfect balance between challenge and empowerment, hooking you in for 'just one more run' that can quickly turn into hours of gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay itself is very repetitive and the graphics are mediocre.”
    • “If you have no patience for gameplay which feels repetitive and involves basically just walking around (attacking is done automatically), give this one a pass.”
    • “The gameplay loop gets stale and repetitive over time but for $5 its more than what I could ask for.”
  • graphics
    2,544 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Vampire Survivors" are characterized by a retro pixel art style that evokes nostalgia for classic games, particularly the Castlevania series. While many players find the visuals simplistic and reminiscent of 8-bit or 16-bit graphics, they appreciate how this aesthetic complements the game's addictive gameplay and chaotic action. Overall, the graphics may not be cutting-edge, but they effectively serve the game's design and enhance the overall experience, proving that engaging gameplay can outweigh visual fidelity.

    • “The pixel art style is charming and fitting for the game's dark theme.”
    • “The graphics are simple but effective, creating an atmosphere that perfectly balances the eerie and the action-packed.”
    • “Don't let the graphics fool you; this game is ridiculously fun and addicting.”
    • “The graphics in this game made me hold off on purchasing it for a few months.”
    • “The visuals look unappealing at first glance, but the gameplay quickly reveals its charm.”
    • “The graphics are vapid - if not painful to look at, making me feel forced against my own will when I'm told by luminous green arrows to run in one direction across the undifferentiated, bland landscape.”
  • music
    2,224 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Vampire Survivors" has received widespread acclaim for its catchy, nostalgic chiptune soundtrack that evokes classic games like Castlevania. Players appreciate the variety of tracks available, which enhance the gameplay experience, although some note that the music can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's addictive nature and overall enjoyment.

    • “The music hits the Castlevania vibe just right without being a ripoff.”
    • “The soundtrack is amazing, the unlocks and ways you can build your character keep me coming back for another session.”
    • “The music is so massively epic!”
    • “The art is bad, the music is bad, and pretty much every aspect of this game is low effort.”
    • “The graphics are just okay, the gameplay is quite simple, and the music, well, it's okay but sometimes a bit boring.”
    • “The music is repetitive and frankly not that interesting.”
  • replayability
    1,549 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game "Vampire Survivors" is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players highlighting its vast array of unlockable characters, weapons, and builds that encourage experimentation. Many reviews note that the game's simple mechanics combined with its depth and frequent updates create an engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more, often describing it as "infinitely replayable" for its low price. Overall, it is considered a standout title in the roguelike genre, offering significant value and enjoyment for both casual and dedicated gamers.

    • “The infinite scaling of combat, aesthetics, and numerous ways to build your character allows for a lot of replayability.”
    • “From its very low entry fee, charming pixel presentation, addicting gameplay, and endless replayability, this game is worth your money and time.”
    • “The game's procedural generation system ensures that each playthrough is unique, adding to its replayability.”
    • “It's not a 10/10 since I don't come back to it regularly and already 10 hours in has already kind of exhausted most of its replay value for me.”
    • “The replayability is huge! However, once you unlock everything, the game loses its charm and replayability.”
    • “While the game itself is a dopamine factory and the process of building up characters and figuring out map strategies is undeniably fun, there is one glaring issue that can detract from the long-term replayability.”
  • story
    893 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is largely considered minimal or non-existent, with many players noting that it lacks a coherent plot or character development. While some appreciate the light humor and lore sprinkled throughout, most agree that the gameplay is the main draw, making it a fun, casual experience without the need for a deep narrative. Overall, players seem to enjoy the game for its mechanics rather than any storytelling elements, with many expressing a desire for more story content in future updates.

    • “The intricate web of lore and storytelling weaves its magic throughout the game.”
    • “Engrossing quests and captivating dialogue breathe life into the rich tapestry of Diablo's universe, introducing memorable characters and gripping narrative arcs that kept me invested and hungry for more.”
    • “The storyline is rich and compelling, keeping players engaged as they unravel the mysteries of the vampire-plagued world.”
    • “If you're looking for some sort of coherent story, rational worldbuilding, or clever content, go elsewhere because the game basically makes no sense at all.”
    • “All the pieces are in place--there are interesting looking characters, lore entries in the form of collections, settings and locations in levels, etc.--but they don't really add up to a plot or story.”
    • “In all seriousness though, if you are really on the fence about this game like I was, you'll be disappointed at first and wonder why you spent that money for just 4 levels with potato graphics and potato story.”
  • grinding
    654 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews highlight that the game features significant grinding, particularly in the early stages, which can feel tedious and repetitive for some players. However, many find the grinding rewarding, as it leads to satisfying unlocks and achievements, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a grindy gameplay style. Overall, while the grinding aspect is a common point of contention, it is often viewed as a core part of the game's charm and replayability.

    • “As someone who loves achievements, I also adore the fact that game progression is tied directly to the achievements, so 100%ing the game isn't tedious and is as simple as just beating the game and unlocking everything.”
    • “Very fun and not too grindy.”
    • “Not too grindy, just rewarding enough to keep you hooked and complex enough to keep you exploring.”
    • “This is not achieved through skill, or learning attack patterns or anything - just grinding and dying at the same point over and over again until you get the money needed to buy the stat boosts.”
    • “The only downside is that the tracks loop a lot, which can be pretty tedious over the course of a 30-minute run.”
    • “It feels very repetitious and grindy and while it's clear there are different builds to try, the core gameplay loop doesn't motivate me enough to try them all out.”
  • humor
    548 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and charm, featuring a mix of self-deprecating jokes, Italian cultural references, and absurd character names that resonate particularly well with Italian players. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter through its quirky mechanics, hilarious bestiary descriptions, and the sheer chaos of gameplay, making it an enjoyable experience that keeps players engaged and entertained for hours. Overall, the humor adds a delightful layer to the gameplay, enhancing its addictive nature and making it a standout title in the genre.

    • “Despite a few visual hiccups and a tough start for beginners, this hilarious game is a blood-pumping, action-packed adventure that's hard to put down, making it a must-try for roguelike enthusiasts looking for a challenge and a good time.”
    • “The writing is pure gold, dripping with dark humor and witty banter that will leave you cackling like a witch on Halloween.”
    • “Every single time I play it, I find myself laughing out loud at how bonkers this game is and for the price?”
    • “There's no real story or proper end-boss, and the writing is unfunny ironic jokes about something being in another castle.”
    • “Jim Sterling's unfunny and greasy hands got into the game and added a bunch of political statements into something that was a fun casual game.”
    • “Not funny”
  • monetization
    256 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is widely praised for its absence of microtransactions, ads, and predatory practices, allowing players to enjoy a full gaming experience for a low price. Many reviewers highlight the game's addictive nature and substantial content, emphasizing that it stands out in a market saturated with cash grabs and exploitative monetization strategies. Overall, players appreciate the developer's commitment to providing a fun, engaging game without the typical financial pitfalls associated with modern gaming.

    • “It's funny because it feels like it has all the marks of a game that could have been incredibly predatory and full of microtransactions, but they made all these addictive features, design, and choices and then just made it a super cheap game with no bullshit.”
    • “A $5 game that sells like gangbusters, no predatory monetization, and has more replay value than a lot of AAA games should be applauded, especially by today's slipping standards.”
    • “In a world of microtransactions, this game has none... just pure content and smooth progress!”
    • “Now due to its success, it just became a cash grab for the creator who pumps out easy DLCs by doing asset swaps and adding achievements... just sad.”
    • “The gameplay loop seems as if it's been sinisterly designed to milk money from you through microtransactions, but... there aren't any.”
    • “In a world of high-priced AAA games littered with bugs, monetized with ludicrous microtransactions and NFTs, and released years before they are ready, Vampire Survivors is an extremely inexpensive, nostalgic little slice of roguelike heaven.”
  • optimization
    197 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, "Vampire Survivors" is praised for its solid optimization and impressive performance, particularly on lower-end hardware, with many players reporting smooth gameplay even with numerous on-screen effects. However, some users note significant performance drops in late-game scenarios when many enemies and effects are present, suggesting that further optimization is needed in these situations. The developers are actively working on updates to address these issues, which has been positively received by the community.

    • “There is a lot to unlock, everything runs smoothly and you progress after every round.”
    • “Plus what makes this game so appealing is that the devs regularly supply both content updates and software upgrades to improve game performance and longevity, which you really don't see many devs giving this level of support to a game.”
    • “The game has some severe performance issues at later stages (make sure to build your afk build soon enough), but that's something the devs have addressed already so hopefully they will find a way to fix that.”
    • “The game could use a big optimization boost in the late game, though, when you start farming.”
    • “Steam Deck performance: it's playable, but as enemy spawns start to increase with late game power-ups and weapons, the frame rate starts to drop down to 9-15 fps in some cases.”
    • “The game has some severe performance issues at later stages, but that's something the devs have addressed already, so hopefully they will find a way to fix that.”
  • stability
    121 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, particularly for its performance on the Steam Deck, where it runs smoothly with minimal issues. While some players report occasional bugs and glitches, these are often described as minor and do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. A few users experienced more severe problems, such as save corruption after updates, but these instances appear to be less common.

    • “It's cheap, it runs great on Steam Deck, a session is 30 minutes but you can put your Steam Deck to sleep if you need to stop and you can continue your run when you wake it from sleep.”
    • “The developers continue to stay involved, it's not buggy at all, and is a perfect Steam Deck game.”
    • “Early access quality is solid, the game is playable and has little to no glitches.”
    • “Game broke after updates, all my saves and backups are broken. After spending hours troubleshooting, I've given up.”
    • “My only other gripe is that the online co-op is super buggy.”
    • “I would recommend this game when it's actually working for a change, which is extremely rare now, but for now I can't in good faith recommend something that is extremely buggy to the extent of being unplayable for even a second.”
  • atmosphere
    94 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of "Vampire Survivors" is widely praised for its captivating blend of gothic pixel art and haunting sound design, creating an immersive experience that draws players into its dark, foreboding world. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke nostalgia while maintaining a thrilling tension, enhanced by detailed environments and a memorable soundtrack. Overall, the atmospheric qualities significantly contribute to the game's addictive gameplay and replayability, making it a standout title in the indie game scene.

    • “Every corner of this world pulsates with life, and the atmospheric graphics draw you in, making it impossible to escape its grasp.”
    • “The pixel art style and nostalgic soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere that complements the gameplay beautifully.”
    • “The dark and gothic atmosphere perfectly complements the game's vampire-themed narrative.”
    • “Drenched in the blood of demonic hordes and shrouded in the darkness of its haunting atmosphere, Vampire Survivors is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.”
    • “Honestly, it’s more fitting to say this game gets you 'in the zone' more than saying it has atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is the opposite of dark and cold.”
  • emotional
    84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to foster deep connections and evoke a wide range of feelings, from joy and nostalgia to frustration and catharsis. Players appreciate the heartfelt storytelling, well-developed characters, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges, often describing the experience as both wholesome and engaging. Many reviews emphasize the game's capacity to make players feel young again, providing emotional comfort and stability through its gameplay and narrative.

    • “What truly sets Vampire Survivors apart is the emotional investment it fosters.”
    • “The story delivers a layered, emotionally captivating experience with a cast of unforgettable characters.”
    • “Sometimes I want to cry myself to sleep, but then I remember this game exists and everything is okay again.”
  • character development
    31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the unique character designs and abilities, while others criticize the lack of a compelling story or deep progression. Many reviews highlight the aesthetic appeal and fun gameplay mechanics, but note that the absence of substantial character development can lead to a repetitive experience. Overall, while the character designs are praised for their creativity and charm, the game could benefit from a more engaging narrative and deeper character progression.

    • “The graphics are stunning, the storyline is gripping, and the character development is on point.”
    • “One of the things I really enjoyed about Vampire Survivors was the character development.”
    • “From the haunting landscapes to the intricate character designs, every detail is meticulously crafted, immersing players in a world teeming with danger and intrigue.”
    • “The only downsides are that there isn't much of a story or character development, and some elements can feel repetitive after a while.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics are simple and repetitive, and the lack of a compelling story or character development makes it difficult to become fully immersed in the game world.”
    • “Don't expect a story or character development, but an old school arcade game filled with thousands of enemies.”
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86%Critics’ scoreBased on 17 critic reviews
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Buy Vampire Survivors

22h Median play time
37h Average play time
14h Main story
49h Completionist
9-55h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 862 analyzed playthroughs
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Vampire Survivors developer Poncle says it's working on 15 projects, including DLC and new titles

Yesterday on shacknews.com

Vampire Survivors developer Poncle is ramping things up, working on 15 new games and opening studios in Italy and Japan

Yesterday on eurogamer.net

Vampire Survivors’ developer is working on over 15 projects, including IP collaborations

Yesterday on videogameschronicle.com

Reminder: Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard From Vampire Survivors Out Now For Switch 1 & 2

Yesterday on nintendolife.com

Return to Pixhell mixes Dark Souls with Vampire Survivors for a grimdark challenge

April 20 on pocketgamer.com

Review: Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard From Vampire Survivors (Switch) - An Expert Adaptation Of Excess

April 20 on nintendolife.com

Vampire Survivors’ new spinoff switches genres but keeps the good vibes

April 20 on theverge.com

A floating magical skull goes to war with his own headless body in this necromantic roguelike that combines Vampire Survivors-like combat with Teamfight Tactics-inspired army building

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Frequently Asked Questions

Vampire Survivors is a survival hack and slash game with fantasy and dark fantasy themes.

Vampire Survivors is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

The main story can be completed in around 14 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 49 hours to finish. On average players spend around 37 hours playing Vampire Survivors.

Vampire Survivors was released on October 20, 2022.

Vampire Survivors was developed by poncle.

Vampire Survivors has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked Vampire Survivors for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

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

Similar games include BALL x PIT, Megabonk, Halls of Torment, Slay the Spire, 20 Minutes Till Dawn and others.