Step into a world irrevocably changed by a devastating zombie outbreak. This 3rd-person action game places you in the shoes of a survivor tasked with more than just staying alive. It's about rebuilding a semblance of civilization amidst the chaos. You'll need to band together with other scattered survivors, each possessing unique skills, to establish a safe haven. The core experience revolves around managing resources, fortifying your base, and venturing out into a dynamic open world to scavenge for essential supplies like food and ammunition.

The environment is not static; it evolves in real-time, shaped by your decisions and the persistent threat of the undead. This means your actions have tangible consequences, and the world dynamically generates challenges and opportunities based on your choices and the escalating zombie danger.

What is the core gameplay loop?

The gameplay loop is centered on survival and community management. Players must balance the immediate need for resources with the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable settlement. This involves:

Base Building and Defense: Designating and fortifying a home base to protect survivors and resources from zombie hordes.
Scavenging and Raiding: Undertaking dangerous expeditions into the open world to find vital supplies, weapons, and medicine.
Survivor Management: Recruiting and managing a roster of playable characters, each with distinct talents and personalities, ensuring their needs are met and their skills are utilized effectively.
Exploration: Navigating a dynamic, open-world environment that reacts to player actions and the ongoing zombie threat.

What makes this game unique?

The defining characteristic of this title is its emphasis on persistent world simulation and community survival. Unlike many zombie games that focus solely on individual survival, this game challenges players to build and maintain a functioning community. The world's dynamic nature means that threats and opportunities arise organically, creating a constantly evolving challenge. Player choices directly impact the state of the world and the survival of their group, fostering a sense of responsibility and consequence.

Key Mechanics and Features

Dynamic Open World

The game features an open-world environment that is not only explorable but also reactive. The zombie population and available resources change based on the passage of time and the player's actions, creating a sense of a living, breathing, and dangerous world.

Resource Management

Survival hinges on careful management of limited resources. Players must constantly balance the need for food, medicine, ammunition, and building materials against the risks involved in acquiring them.

Survivor Talents and Permadeath

Each survivor you encounter has unique skills and traits that can be crucial for the community's success. The threat of permadeath for your characters adds a significant layer of tension and strategic consideration to every decision.

Third-Person Action and Strategy

The game blends third-person shooter mechanics with strategic decision-making. Combat is a direct element, but effective survival requires careful planning, resource allocation, and tactical engagement.

Basic Game Information

This is a main game, originally released on June 5, 2013. It is available on Xbox 360 and PC (Microsoft Windows).

Additional Content

The game has 2 downloadable content (DLC) packs available. There are no expansions or remakes, but one remaster has been released.