The recent unveiling of Join Us at the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct has stirred excitement among gaming enthusiasts. This co-op or single-player survival sandbox from Wolf Haus Games presents a unique twist on the genre, blending traditional survival mechanics with a quirky narrative that invites players to join a cult in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Unconventional Gameplay Mechanics
In Join Us, players assume the role of a follower sent by an “omnipresent cult leader” to establish a new outpost in a rural area. Joe Dietsch, co-founder and CEO of Wolf Haus Games, likens this endeavor to franchising a fast-food chain, where each player is tasked with creating their own version of the cult. As they settle in, players will engage in activities such as farming, base-building, and recruiting local NPCs to strengthen their compound.
Each character within the game possesses unique skills, allowing players to strategically recruit individuals based on their abilities. For instance, a player might identify a high-level scientist at a gas station, essential for unlocking advanced agricultural techniques like hydroponic farming. This dynamic adds depth to the recruitment process, enabling players to tailor their cult’s capabilities.
A Cult of Many Faces
Players will not merely manage resources; they will lead their followers toward a shared vision of salvation. The game features a dynamic skill tree that evolves based on the choices players make regarding their cult’s ideology. Whether opting for a violent path, embracing nature as a druid cult, or exploring themes of UFOs and ghosts, these decisions shape the narrative and gameplay experience.
Dietsch emphasizes the importance of these choices, noting that they can lead to unexpected consequences. For example, a cult known for lavish feasts may attract new members but also face challenges in food production. To mitigate these issues, players can adopt tenets like ritual fasting, which could eventually lead to more controversial practices, such as cannibalism, should they choose to explore that route.
Humor in Survival
While many survival games lean into themes of anxiety and horror, Join Us takes a different approach, infusing humor into its gameplay. Dietsch explains that the game aims to explore the comedic aspects of conflict, offering a refreshing alternative to the often grim narratives found in similar titles. With its blend of absurdity—think pig-riding characters and weaponized school buses—the game promises a lighthearted experience amidst the chaos of survival.
Scheduled for release in 2026, Join Us invites players to embrace the eccentricities of cult life while navigating the challenges of a world on the brink of collapse. As anticipation builds, one can only hope that the world remains intact long enough for this whimsical adventure to unfold.
