survival mechanics

AppWizard
January 30, 2026
Cairn is a limb-by-limb climbing simulation game set for release on January 30, 2026, developed by The Game Bakers. Players take on the role of Aava, a renowned mountain climber, as she attempts to conquer Mount Kami. The game features a 15-hour journey focused on the careful placement of limbs on rock faces, with mechanics that initially seem unrefined but encourage players to adapt. Aava faces challenges such as narrow ledges and a diegetic stamina system indicated by her physical state. Players can place pitons as temporary safe zones during climbs, which require strategic placement due to their limited availability. The game incorporates survival mechanics, emphasizing Aava's need to eat, drink, and rest. Aava's character is developed through her struggles and interactions with other climbers, with a focus on realism and emotional stakes. The game features stunning art and atmospheric weather dynamics, drawing comparisons to titles like Death Stranding and Baby Steps while establishing its own identity.
AppWizard
January 28, 2026
A shift in survival gaming is occurring with the introduction of mobile bases on trains, with at least six or seven games set for release in 2026. Frostrail, developed by FakeFish, is a solo or co-op first-person shooter where players navigate a frozen world aboard a train, scavenging for resources and upgrading their engine for survival. EverRail allows up to four players to use drones for reconnaissance and engage in combat, featuring a respawn mechanic where players take on new characters after death. Enginefall is inspired by Snowpiercer, featuring a megatrain where players loot and battle through various train cars, transforming them into strategic bases. Frostliner combines city-building with survival as players manage a train filled with citizens, upgrading it and ensuring their safety while exploring with additional vehicles. Steel Artery: Train City Builder focuses on constructing a steampunk city on rails, requiring resource management and strategic planning for economic success. Railborn features a customizable train system for traversing different biomes, allowing players to scavenge and rebuild ecosystems while creating unique train cars.
AppWizard
January 8, 2026
The New Game Plus Showcase, created by content creators, aims to generate excitement around video game announcements without charging developers for participation. The inaugural showcase occurred on January 8, 2023. Deep Dish Dungeon is a dark survival game combining base-building mechanics and survival elements, available for wishlist on Steam, with plans for release on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. The Blood of Dawnwalker is an open-world fantasy ARPG where players live as a human by day and a vampire by night, set for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. Prologue: Go Wayback! is a survival game featuring procedurally generated maps, currently in Early Access on Steam for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the gaming landscape, the period following The Game Awards often sees a lull in major presentations until the summer showcases like Summer Game Fest or the Xbox Games Showcase. However, this year has marked the emergence of a notable event—the New Game Plus Showcase, commonly referred to as New Game+. This initiative, crafted by content creators, aims to rekindle "genuine excitement and conversation" surrounding video game announcements. Uniquely, it does not impose fees on developers for participation, setting it apart from many other industry events. Announced on December 29, the inaugural showcase took place on January 8 at 1 P.M. PT / 4:00 P.M. ET. Deep Dish Dungeon This intriguing dark survival game from Pokuch and META Publishing presents an engaging blend reminiscent of Valheim and Prey, combining base-building mechanics with survival elements and mysterious alien powers. Gamers can wishlist it now on Steam, with plans for release on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC platforms like Steam, GOG, Epic Games, and PS5. The Blood of Dawnwalker A captivating gameplay presentation and developer interview highlighted The Blood of Dawnwalker, an open-world fantasy ARPG where players navigate life as a human by day and a vampire by night. The showcase emphasized the dynamic interactions within the game world, which reacts to player actions. This title is anticipated for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5. Prologue: Go Wayback! Brendan "PLAYERUNKNOWN" Greene shared insights into his new survival game, Prologue: Go Wayback!, during the showcase. The game features procedurally generated maps and deeper survival mechanics, currently available on Steam in Early Access for .99, with a free demo accessible for players. Beautiful Light A fresh glimpse into Beautiful Light, an extraction shooter inspired by STALKER, revealed intense combat scenarios against mutants and other players, set against atmospheric backdrops. This title is slated for a December 2026 release on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Project Shadowglass Starhelm Studios provided an exclusive look at Project Shadowglass, an immersive sim that challenges players to orchestrate daring heists in a dark fantasy realm. Unlike many retro-style pixel graphics games, this title adopts a first-person perspective, enhancing its unique appeal. It is set to launch on Steam, with wishlist options available now. Aphelion DON'T NOD showcased Aphelion, a sci-fi action-adventure game featuring an astronaut named Ariane who must navigate a perilous frozen world to rescue her partner, Thomas. The presentation highlighted the game's musical elements and is expected to release on Xbox, Steam, and PS5 in late 2026. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn A developer interview for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a third-person ARPG from Owlcat Games, explored character creation and the game's world responsiveness. Set in the beloved sci-fi universe of the TV show, it promises an engaging experience for fans and newcomers alike. Distant Shore: BRETAGNE Distant Shore's latest title is an action-adventure physics-based puzzle game where players manipulate objects in their environment using magnetic forces. Currently available for wishlist on Steam, it promises to offer a unique gameplay experience. Avowed Obsidian Entertainment discussed Avowed, a fantasy RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. The developers revealed updates including new playable races and enhancements to weapon classes. Notably, the game will also be available on PS5, with preorders now open. Grounded 2 Obsidian also presented Grounded 2, showcasing new insect encounters and various items players can craft. The highlight was the ridable ladybug buggy mount, equipped with a water gun, adding a whimsical touch to the survival experience. Outward 2 The sequel to Nine Dots' immersive RPG, Outward 2, is set to challenge players with a more difficult survival experience. The developers shared insights during the New Game Plus showcase, with an Early Access release planned for Q3 2026 on PC. Forsaken Realms: Vahrin's Call Inspired by Fable and The Elder Scrolls, Forsaken Realms: Vahrin's Call is an open-ended action RPG that emphasizes player freedom and deep interactions within its fantasy world. It is expected to launch on PC in 2026, with console releases to follow. Dragontwin Draconic Interactive AB is developing Dragontwin, an open-world strategy RPG that allows players to customize and fly dragons into combat. Currently in Early Access for Patreon supporters, it will be available on PC and consoles later. Atomic Heart DLC #4 The showcase featured a first-look teaser for the upcoming fourth DLC for Atomic Heart, generating anticipation among fans eager for new content. The CUBE Mundfish revisited The CUBE, an MMO shooter set on a massive, rotating cube in the sky. This unique environment promises to shift gameplay dynamics, and players can wishlist it now on Steam. IMMORTAL: Gates of Pyre IMMORTAL: Gates of Pyre, an RTS that combines accessible gameplay with complex mechanics, was highlighted in a developer interview. It has been in development for five years and is set to launch on Steam in the future. ExeKiller ExeKiller is a retro-futuristic western action game that blends various gameplay styles, offering players the freedom to approach quests in multiple ways. It is currently available for wishlist on Steam. Far Far West Developer Evil Raptor is crafting Far Far West, a co-op shooter where players embody robot cowboys tackling bounties. This title is set to launch on PC in 2026, appealing to fans of cooperative gameplay. Erosion Erosion presents a captivating open-world roguelike experience with time-looping mechanics and a strong narrative focus, set in a post-apocalyptic Wild West. A playtest is currently live on Steam, with a full release planned for Spring 2026 on both Steam and Xbox. The Division 2: Survivors and The Division 3 The Division 2 developers showcased the upcoming winter-themed extraction mode, Survivors, while also confirming the development of The Division 3 and a mobile game inspired by the original title." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99, with a free demo available. Beautiful Light is an extraction shooter inspired by STALKER, scheduled for release in December 2026 on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Project Shadowglass is an immersive sim focused on orchestrating heists in a dark fantasy realm, set to launch on Steam. Aphelion is a sci-fi action-adventure game featuring an astronaut navigating a frozen world, expected to release on Xbox, Steam, and PS5 in late 2026. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is a third-person ARPG set in the sci-fi universe of the TV show, featuring character creation and world responsiveness. Distant Shore: BRETAGNE is an action-adventure physics-based puzzle game where players manipulate objects using magnetic forces, available for wishlist on Steam. Avowed is a fantasy RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, with updates on playable races and weapon classes, and will be available on PS5. Grounded 2 features new insect encounters and a ridable ladybug buggy mount, enhancing the survival experience. Outward 2, the sequel to Nine Dots' RPG, will offer a more challenging survival experience, with Early Access planned for Q3 2026 on PC. Forsaken Realms: Vahrin's Call is an open-ended action RPG emphasizing player freedom, expected to launch on PC in 2026. Dragontwin is an open-world strategy RPG allowing players to customize and fly dragons, currently in Early Access for Patreon supporters. Atomic Heart DLC #4 was teased during the showcase, generating anticipation for new content. The CUBE is an MMO shooter set on a rotating cube, available for wishlist on Steam. IMMORTAL: Gates of Pyre is an RTS combining accessible gameplay with complex mechanics, set to launch on Steam in the future. ExeKiller is a retro-futuristic western action game that allows multiple gameplay styles, available for wishlist on Steam. Far Far West is a co-op shooter featuring robot cowboys, set to launch on PC in 2026. Erosion is an open-world roguelike with time-looping mechanics, currently in playtest on Steam, with a full release planned for Spring 2026 on Steam and Xbox. The Division 2 developers showcased the upcoming winter-themed extraction mode, Survivors, and confirmed the development of The Division 3 and a mobile game.
AppWizard
December 15, 2025
Embark Studios has released a winter-themed update for Arc Raiders called Cold Snap, introducing a new challenge: frostbite, which affects players in snow-covered environments. Four of the game's five maps—Dam Battlegrounds, Blue Gate, Buried City, and Spaceport—have been transformed with heavy snowfall, requiring players to manage their exposure to the cold to avoid health depletion from frostbite. Players can stock up on medical supplies or seek shelter to mitigate this effect. The update features two limited-time reward tracks: the Flickering Flames Event, where players earn Merits to unlock rewards like gear and cosmetics, and the Candleberry Banquet Project, which involves looting event-specific items to reveal scenes and earn additional rewards. Additionally, the Cold Snap update introduces the first Expedition Project, allowing players to reset their accounts for a fresh start, earning temporary buffs and permanent unlocks. A new Raider Deck with an ice hockey theme will be available starting December 26, offering various rewards without an expiration date. The update will be available on December 16.
AppWizard
December 6, 2025
The PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted 2025 stream showcased several upcoming space and sci-fi games, including: - High On Life: A sequel featuring a vibrant universe, quirky humor, and a new skateboarding mechanic for traversing alien landscapes. - Remnant Protocol: A space flight simulator with full VR support, focusing on a galactic rebellion with procedurally generated missions. - Lunar Strike: A narrative adventure set on the Moon’s South Pole in 2119, where players navigate a colony facing sabotage, emphasizing survival mechanics. - Luna Abyss: A single-player adventure exploring a derelict megastructure with intense shooting mechanics, inspired by 'bullet hell' genres, with a demo available on Steam. - Down with the Ship: A strategic auto battler where players design spaceships and engage in combat, available in single-player and multiplayer modes with a demo on Steam. - Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!: A game featuring nostalgic bug-hunting action with retro visuals and FMV cutscenes starring Casper Van Dien as Johnny Rico. - Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes: A roguelite game combining narrative-driven gameplay with real-time tactical battles, focusing on managing ships and crews. - SOL Shogunate: An action-RPG described as a "samurai space opera," set on the Moon with vast cities and epic battles among samurai families.
AppWizard
November 30, 2025
The latest update for Space Engineers 2, known as the Vertical Slice 2 (VS2), introduces the first full implementation of planets and enhances the survival experience. The update features the Almagest star system, including the brown dwarf star Delfos and the planets Verdure and Kemik, which offer diverse biomes and destructible elements. A new survival mode is introduced with a storyline, base contract systems, and an innovative building system that allows players to create holographic designs before committing resources. The update also includes a grid power system, various consumables, and tools for ore detection and drilling. The VS2 update will launch on December 1 and is currently available at a 20% discount until December 8. Future features, such as wheels, weapons, and mechanical blocks, are planned for the VS2.2 'Survival Extensions.'
AppWizard
November 29, 2025
Into the Fire's early access launch has been delayed to 2026, previously set for 2025. Players will take on the role of a retropunk firefighter in Dante's Archipelago, managing temperature and water supplies while rescuing survivors from volcanic eruptions. The game features a sanctuary called The Hub for recuperation and tool crafting, with an arsenal that includes an axe, foam grenades, and water-dousing shotguns. A notable vehicle in the game is a propeller-driven sledge. The new trailer reveals supernatural elements such as fire jellyfish and ghostly apparitions. Closed playtests will be available to members of the game's Discord community.
AppWizard
November 23, 2025
Dune Awakening is a survival MMO set in the Dune universe, featuring a vast multiplayer environment and social dynamics. Developer Funcom is offering regular free trials, with the latest trial allowing players to explore the game for up to ten hours until November 27. The game emphasizes character progression and survival mechanics, focusing on sunlight and water management. Players can find water sources, craft items, and purify blood for drinking water. The game includes PvP combat and dedicated PvE areas, with a focus on establishing secure bases. Dune Awakening has a steady player base, achieving peak daily counts in the thousands. The game is currently available at a 25% discount until December 1, priced at .49 / £31.49.
AppWizard
November 22, 2025
Steam is not hosting its own Black Friday sale, but Fanatical is offering a Black Friday sale with various game discounts. Notable titles include: - Borderlands 4: .99 (£41.99, 30% off) - Dynasty Warriors: Origins: .59 (£41.59, 36% off) - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: .23 (£30.23, 28% off) - V Rising: .23 (£11.23, 62% off) - Marvel's Spider-Man 2: .49 (£35.49, 29% off) - Ghostrunner 2: .59 (£5.59, 84% off) - Horizon: Forbidden West - Complete Edition: .39 (46% off) - The Precinct: .74 (£13.74, 45% off) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater: .49 (£38.49, 45% off) Fanatical's Flash Deals will feature three discounted titles daily from November 21, 2025, to November 30, 2025.
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