Palworld News & Guide
Palworld News & Guide
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Once Human is basically Pokémon now, if you can believe it. Is that a lawsuit I smell coming?
Once Human is basically Pokémon now, if you can believe it. Is that a lawsuit I smell coming? I was utterly hooked on Once Human last year, and really loved the horror vibes and tense gameplay. Sadly, as I figured out some builds and got more powerful, enemies became minor annoyances instead of tangible threats, and the magic was largely lost. That doesn't mean I don't give it a go every now and then, just to see what's happening. So, color me surprised when I opened the game recently to find that it now has a Pokémon -like scenario running. Yep, you can now capture and battle Deviations in true creature-collector style, and the gameplay is a lot like Palworld . Which makes a lot of sense, considering the coming Palworld x Once Human crossover coming at the end of this month. https://www.reddit.com/r/Palworld/comments/1npwxl2/once_human_palworld_collab_event_starts_october_30/ I don't know why seeing the Manibus and the Wanderer (the walking bus) roll up on a Cattiva excites me so much, but it looks pretty dang epic. So, in this scenario, you'll select your starter Poké Deviation and then create a few Binding Grenades, which are super cheap and easy to make. You then head out into the world and battle other Deviations in the wild. If, like me, you're tempted to take one on with nothing but a knife, don't. Get your Deviation out and make a crossbow, at least. Some of them can be pretty tough and will one-shot you. Screenshot by Destructoid Once you've weakened the Deviation, chuck a Binding Grenade at it, and voila, it's yours. You'll need to add it to your stock manually, or else it just stays a normal deviation that functions like it used to. Once you've captured a Deviation and added it to your PokéDex Symbiosis, you need to battle other Deviations to level up. So yeah, it's really familiar, except that you can have three Deviations active at the same time, so that's a nice twist. So, should we expect a lawsuit? One of the patents Palworld got sued for is the ability to throw balls and release creatures contained within, which is why Pals now spawn out of thin air when we summon them. I see that Once Human has taken the same approach with that mechanic. That alone likely won't stop Nintendo, though, and you can bet that if the company finds anything worth suing for, it probably will. We all know how Nintendo operates with such things, so it's probably only a matter of time. Regardless, it does little good to speculate about such things. In the end, Once Human has turned into SCP Palword , and it's actually recaptured my interest for the time being. Definitely not something that was on my bingo card, but we knew all along that the potential was there for Once Human to take this sort of approach eventually. Honestly, I'm only surprised that it took them so long. But I'm really keen to hear from you guys—will you be checking out Once Human again? And do you think this latest move opens them up to a potential lawsuit? The post Once Human is basically Pokémon now, if you can believe it. Is that a lawsuit I smell coming? appeared first on Destructoid .
DestructoidOct 14
This new demo, a delightful mix of Valheim and Minecraft, is available this week only
This new demo, a delightful mix of Valheim and Minecraft, is available this week only Is it just me, or is the survival-crafting genre having something of a golden age these last few years? We've had countless titles—including Palworld , Enshrouded , and Runescape Dragonwilds —as standout entries. But while this new title clearly draws inspiration from many others, it feels most like a satisfying mixture of Minecraft and Valheim , with enough unique twists to make it feel brand-new. I never played Enshrouded , to this day, but I can safely say that the combat in Palworld —and most modern crafting-survival games—feels a little too easy for the most part. So color me surprised when I had some trouble with Everwind , a new title by developers Enjoy Studio S. A. and publishers Bohemia Interactive. Here's how it all went. I spawned into the world, which I aptly named "the world" given how I'm such a creative genius, and dove straight into ignoring all the tutorial messages, because who has time for that? I cut through a few enemies and made my way down a tower, finally emerging into the world. I'd taken a slight beating, but I was in pretty good shape. Until the skeletons outside saw me. I guess they didn't take kindly to me slaying all their comrades inside. What felt like a never-ending horde of them attacked me, though it was only really about four of them. These things are tough; they don't go down easy, and they seem to hit harder than I do. Thankfully, I survived this encounter and limped my way over to an archery range to take stock and hopefully cook some food. Some animals gave up their pixels so I could get meat, and I cooked up some eggs I found. With this, I headed out into the water to find a... flying ship? Screenshot by Destructoid Yes, it is as cool as it sounds. It's a literal flying ship. And I quickly figured out how to fly it, and then set off for a curious question mark that had appeared on my screen, up above, on a floating island. Yeah, did I mention this game has flying ships, challenging combat, and floating islands? Uh oh... I can see a lot of my future free time getting sucked into this title. It took a long, long time to get to the island. It turns out ships aren't all that good at flying upwards, who knew? I reached my destination, quickly bested two more skeletons, and then opened the door to a tower to find something called a Skeleton Champion. I'll admit it, I panicked. I even ran when I realized I was outmatched. It's at this point that flying ships get a little less cool. Screenshot by Destructoid You see, most of the ship is underwater when it's in the water, so you can actually get on the thing. But when you've parked your flying ship on land, well, there's no easy way back up. Of course, there's a way to teleport back to your ship, but remember, I've been ignoring the tutorial messages, so I've no idea how to do that. So, in the end, the only option was to fight. This thing tracked me like a bloodhound on steroids, and short of jumping off the island and to my death, I couldn't shake it. So, fight I did, and after my sword broke, I just went on punching it in the face. Very satisfying, but inevitably, this led to my untimely death. Screenshot by Destructoid Well, I'm hooked. Maybe, backed up by a few friends, I'll pay Mister Skeleton Champion another visit in the future, but for now, I think I've had quite enough. If you'd like to prove you're a better gamer than me and cut down the Skeleton Champion with a wooden sword, all while wearing an old wooden cutting board and some rope as "armor," please, be my guest, and share your story in the comments. You can grab the demo on Steam , and it's available this week only, until Oct 20. Maybe it becomes available again in future, but if I were you, I wouldn't take that chance. It really is a must-play. The post This new demo, a delightful mix of Valheim and Minecraft, is available this week only appeared first on Destructoid .
DestructoidOct 13
Top 20 Most Popular Steam Games Of All Time
Top 20 Most Popular Steam Games Of All TimeWildly popular Steam is the world's most popular destination for PC gaming, so if a game makes it to the top of the platform's charts, that's saying something. Recently, EA's Battlefield 6 launched on October 10 and reached more than 745,000 peak concurrent players. That makes it the No. 14 biggest Steam game of all time based on concurrent players. It's the second time that Battlefield 6 ranks in the top 20 as well, as the game's open beta stands at No. 2 with more than 520,000 peak concurrent players. In this post, we're rounding up the top 20 most popular games of all time on Steam based on peak concurrent users. The data was supplied by SteamDB . There are some important things to know about this list. It includes both free-to-play and paid games, along with the non-traditional "game" called Banana where players continuously click the banana until they get a new one. Another thing to know is that the numbers in this list do not represent a game's entire reach, as the figures pertain only to Steam games on PC. Plenty of the games on this list are available via other PC storefronts, on console, or Game Pass. Finally, the nature of concurrent players means it's only a snapshot of one moment in time. The peak gaming hours in North America and Asia, for example, do not overlap. Finally, you might expect GTA 5 to show up on this list, but it does not, despite being one of the best-selling video games in history . That's because GTA 5 on PC via Steam recently split into two games--GTA V Legacy and GTA V Enhanced . The peak concurrent records for those games are 364,548 for GTA V Legacy and 187,059 for GTA V Enhanced. Combined, this would amount to more than 551,000 people, which would squeeze into the top 20. 20. Battlefield 6 Open Beta - 521,079 Record achieved on August 9, 2025. Preorder on Steam 19. Path of Exile 2 – 578,569 Record achieved on December 8, 2024. Get on Steam 18. Hollow Knight: Silksong - 587,150 Record achieve on September 6, 2025. Get on Steam 17. Apex Legends – 624,473 Record achieved on February 18, 2023. Get on Steam 16. Marvel Rivals – 644,269 Record achieved on January 11, 2025. Get on Steam 15. Goose Goose Duck – 702,845 Record achieved on January 12, 2023. Get on Steam 14. Battlefield 6 - 747,440 Record achieved on October 10, 2025. Get on Steam 13. Baldur's Gate 3 – 875,343 Record achieved on August 13, 2023. Get on Steam 12. Hogwarts Legacy – 879,308 Record achieved on February 12, 2023. Get on Fanatical 11. New World: Aeternum – 913,634 Record achieved on October 3, 2021. Get on Steam 10. Banana – 917,272 Record achieved on June 20, 2024. Get on Steam 9. Elden Ring – 953,426 Record achieved on March 5, 2022. Get on Fanatical 8. Cyberpunk 2077 – 1,054,388 Record achieved on December 10, 2020. Get on Steam 7. Dota 2 – 1,295,114 Record achieved on March 6, 2016. Get on Steam 6. Lost Ark – 1,325,305 Record achieved on February 12, 2022. Get on Steam 5. Monster Hunter Wilds – 1,384,608 Record achieved on March 1, 2025. Get on Fanatical 4. Counter-Strike 2 – 1,862,531 Record achieved on April 12, 2025. Get on Steam 3. Palworld – 2,101,867 Record achieved on January 27, 2024. Get on Steam 2. Black Myth: Wukong – 2,415,714 Record achieved August 22, 2024. Get on Fanatical 1. PUBG – 3,257,248 Record achieved on January 13, 2018. Get on Steam
GameSpot - All ContentOct 10
The 36 Best Survival Games To Play In 2025
The 36 Best Survival Games To Play In 2025Survival games aren't all created equal, and determining the best ones is no easy feat, as community consensus can vary wildly. But there's no denying that the genre has become one of the most popular in the gaming industry, with several high-profile releases every year garnering millions of players. When it comes to classifying a game as a "survival" experience, you're primarily looking for it to have elements that make gameplay out of the idea of keeping yourself alive, such as a health, hunger, or thirst meter you need to keep replenishing, and requirements of clothing yourself and building a shelter so you don't succumb to the elements. There are usually objectives you'll pursue, but there isn't always a dedicated story or plot. Some of the best survival games just have a set of goals to get you started, with the rest of the experience being an open sandbox. However, some games manage to incorporate other elements into the survival loop; in fact, a few of our picks for the best zombie games also land here, as the undead are a popular enemy in survival games. Check out our picks (in no particular order) for the 33 best survival games on the list below. They showcase all kinds of different experiences within the genre, and are also widely available in 2025. These games span all platforms, but if you're looking for even more to play, check out our picks for the best PS5 games , best Switch games , best PC games , and best Xbox games . Minecraft Developer : Mojang Release Date: November 18, 2011 Platforms : PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android Minecraft is the game that shaped the bulk of the survival genre and a large part of the gaming industry as a whole. Released back in 2011 (following earlier alpha and beta versions), Minecraft is the second- best-selling video game of all time behind Tetris, selling over 300 million copies as of late 2023. It popularized the sandbox style of survival games, allowing players to do whatever they wanted and build anything that came to their mind. It's still a global phenomenon in 2024 and there are plenty of Minecraft spin-offs to satisfy your desire for more of the pixelated franchise. See on Amazon Rust Developer : Facepunch Studios Release Date: December 11, 2013 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC While you might have some strong opinions one way or the other regarding Rust, it's difficult to deny its overall impact on the survival game genre. When Rust was released in 2013, there were few other games like it on the market. It starts you out with nothing but a patch of clothing and you have to claw and scrap your way to simply obtain a simple weapon. From there, you can construct a large base, invade other players' bases, and fight for control over an island. It's not considered as hardcore of a survival game in 2024, and its community is notorious for griefing new players, but Rust is still one of the better survival games you can play today. See on Amazon Ark: Survival Evolved Developer : Studio Wildcard Release Date: June 2, 2015 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android There are few survival games with a more enticing description than Ark: Survival Evolved. The game starts you off on an island with no clothing or weapons and you have to scrounge for materials to start building survival necessities. However, in the background, you'll hear some sharp screeches and eventually see your first dinosaur. Ark allows players to kill, tame, and ride all manner of prehistoric creatures to aid them in their survival. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that comes with full base-building and multiplayer elements. A remade version of the game, Ark: Survival Ascended, was surprise-released in 2023; you can check out our Ark tips for new players to help you get off to a good start. See on Amazon Valheim Developer : Iron Gate Studios Release Date: February 2, 2021 Platforms : Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Every so often, a game comes out of nowhere to completely take the gaming industry by storm. In 2021, Valheim became a Steam darling, launching with little hype around it but quickly shooting to the top of the selling charts. If you've played Valheim, you know why it became an instant success. The game's distinct graphical style mixed with Norse lore that's integrated flawlessly with the gameplay instantly hooks new players. Pair those elements with some fantastic base-building and a map begging to be explored, and you have the recipe for one of the best survival experiences on the market. Valheim is still not a complete game in 2024, however, so there's even more content on the horizon for the title. See on Humble Subnautica Developer : Unknown Worlds Entertainment Release Date: December 16, 2014 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC No survival game on the market can match what Subnautica brings to the table. The game begins with you crashing onto an alien planet after your spaceship malfunctions. From your escape pod, you emerge and find a world entirely covered with water as far as the eye can see. The only way to survive is by swimming down into the water below, where dozens of unique species of fauna and flora call home. The sheer terror that arises from playing Subnautica is next to none, as several massive underwater creatures are aiming to kill you. Subnautica has few, if any, weak points, as the world is stunning, the exploration is stellar, and the base-building is fantastic. If you've already played Subnautica or want an updated version of the game, check out Subnautica: Below Zero. It's a direct sequel to the original that features a new map, updated mechanics and gear, and all-new ocean creatures to encounter. Fanatical and GameSpot are both owned by Fandom. See on Fanatical DayZ Developer : Bohemia Interactive Release Date: December 16, 2013 Platforms : PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC DayZ is another one of the original big survival games to enter the genre, and it's where a lot of veterans got their start. Initially a mod for Arma 2, DayZ is a multiplayer-only survival title where you simply strive to survive. There's no base-building or any additional goals you need to complete. You can either work together with other players on your server to outlast everyone else or you can be a lone wolf, eliminating as many players as possible. DayZ isn't a battle royale title, but it did spawn the creation of H1Z1, which in turn inspired PUBG (and, by extension, Fortnite). See on Amazon Sons of the Forest Developer : Endnight Games Release Date : February 23, 2023 Platforms : PC Sons of the Forest is the sequel to the critically acclaimed game The Forest, which was a staple in the survival genre for years. While The Forest is still revered by many fans, Sons of the Forest takes everything up a notch. Just like in the original, you start off deserted on an island with some sinister energy. Right from the beginning, you have to forage for supplies to survive the night. Fortunately, you have a companion named Kelvin to help you at the start, but you can acquire other companions as well. As the game goes on, you can explore the massive island that features dozens of terrifying caves, meet new characters, take part in some story missions, and even design a base so the creatures of the night can't harm you while you try to sleep. See on Steam No Man's Sky Developer : Hello Games Release Date: August 9, 2016 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1+2, PC What started as one of the most criticized video game launches of all time has turned into arguably the best turnaround story in gaming history. No Man's Sky was released to critical disdain in 2016, but the developers at Hello Games have never stopped working to deliver the game it initially promised. Since then, a series of free updates have transformed No Man's Sky into one of the premier survival games on the market. As you explore the galaxy and thousands of procedurally generated planets, you can now take part in multiplayer features, such as building a base with a friend. You can also design your own spaceship and engage with a plethora of new story additions that take place all across the galaxy. This year's major update, Worlds II, also added the ability to swim underwater and discover new treasures and creatures below the surface. The update transforms landscapes above ground as well, adding mountain ranges, valleys, and vast plains on countless planets in new star systems. The most recent update in No Man’s Sky brought the title to the Nintendo Switch 2, so you can experience the game with the beefier version of Nintendo's console, as well as on the original Switch and its other platforms. See on Fanatical 7 Days to Die Developer : The Fun Pimps Release Date: December 13, 2013 Platforms : PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC Zombie games were extremely popular back in the mid-2010s, but 7 Days to Die stands out as arguably the best one. It's a survival-horror FPS that features RPG elements, an open world, and a robust crafting system that will have you hooked in no time. There are also terrific base-building mechanics that bring to mind the old tower defense titles, as you have to protect your loot from hordes of zombies knocking at your front door. The plot of 7 Days to Die is also instantly gripping, as you have seven days to prepare yourself for the zombie horde. If you aren't ready, you'll perish. After more than a decade in early access, 7 Days to Die is releasing in full in June 2024, with a new console version to come . See on Amazon The Long Dark Developer : Hinterland Studio Release Date: September 22, 2014 Platforms : PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC The Long Dark features a plot similar to that of several other survival games: You're a pilot who's crash-landed in the Canadian wilderness and you need to immediately find a way to survive, or else you'll die. While the plot is familiar, The Long Dark takes you on a true journey of survival. There are no other players to help you and the wilderness is full of animals that want to chew on your flesh. Not to mention, the frigid temperatures of Canada are harsh and unforgiving. If you want to survive, you have to think for yourself and take careful measures to simply ensure you can last another day. See on Walmart Conan Exiles Developer : Funcom Release Date: January 30, 2017 Platforms : PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC The world of Conan the Barbarian has been reimagined in several different games, but the definitive version of the character's world lies in Conan Exiles. A multiplayer survival experience, Conan Exiles is an open sandbox where you have to scrounge, build, and fight in order to survive. You can fend off enemies using basic combat or sorcery and team up with other players to secure your place in the world. The map in Conan Exiles is quite expansive, featuring full cities, dungeons with plenty of loot, and other sights to see. See on Fanatical Raft Developer : Redbeet Interactive Release Date: May 23, 2018 Platforms : Android, PC Raft starts you, and possibly some friends, out on a tiny piece of wood in the middle of the ocean. Your goal is to navigate the vast waters to find debris to expand your raft and try to survive against all of the perils around you. Hungry sharks are waiting to climb aboard your raft and munch on anything they can get their teeth on as well as land creatures such as polar bears and hyenas. After enough crafting, you can eventually make quite an impressive base that's able to sustain itself and fend off enemies. There's also a story in place, allowing you to reach the endgame and partake in additional content. We have Raft guides to help you get going, such as how to unlock all characters . See on Steam Astroneer Developer : Redbeet Interactive Release Date: May 23, 2018 Platforms : PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC The point of many survival games is to scrap and claw your way to a point where you're able to sufficiently supply yourself with all the necessities to survive. In Astroneer, you're essentially given those necessities right from the start, as the only survival element you need to worry about is oxygen. As long as you have enough oxygen, you don't have to worry about anything else. Instead, you can focus on the phenomenal exploration and crafting systems Astroneer possesses, which can keep you busy for hours on end. You're able to build massive bases, construct vehicles, and develop crafting stations to sustain anything you build. Astroneer is a huge sandbox that you can get lost in within a matter of minutes. See on Humble Grounded 2 Developer : Obsidian Entertainment Release Date: July 29, 2025 Platforms : PC The original Grounded was one of the best survival games on the market for years, so Obsidian Entertainment certainly had their work cut out for them when developing Grounded 2. Fortunately, the sequel has surpassed every fan's expectations, and it's still only in early access. Grounded 2 takes everything from the first game and ups the ante with a new map, enemies, and items to craft. You're still shrunken down to the size of a pebble, but this time, you and up to three friends in co-op are placed in a playground. There are hours of exploration in front of you and plenty of unique enemies and bosses to encounter along the way. Grounded 2 also introduces new ways to get around the map in the form of the buggy, along with plenty of other craftable items to help you survive and reach new locations on the map. It's an even better experience than the original Grounded, and updates are arriving all the time to add more content. See on Amazon Don't Starve Developer : Klei Entertainment Release Date: April 23, 2013 Platforms : PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, PC Boasting some of the most eye-catching graphics in a game, Don't Starve is a brutally challenging survival game set in the wilderness. The world you're thrown into is filled with magic, science, and other strange elements you can discover. There are mysterious creatures to encounter as well as a plethora of items and resources to scavenge. You can build a base to survive the elements, but you won't want to spend a ton of time there, as the world of Don't Starve makes you want to explore every inch. See on Amazon Escape From Tarkov Developer : Battlestate Games Release Date: July 27, 2017 Platforms : PC While Escape from Tarkov isn't a survival game in the traditional sense, it requires players to survive in an arena of other players and NPC enemies. You have to craft items to stay alive, and a timer hurries you to escape the arena with as much loot as you can carry. The only traditional survival element you have to worry about is your health, but Escape from Tarkov features plenty of other survival aspects that allow it to sneak into the genre and onto this list. The game is a hardcore FPS that demands precision, in-depth knowledge of your surroundings, and a little bit of luck. It also popularized an entirely new genre in gaming, called the "extraction shooter." That's led to, among other things, new and upcoming games, such as a revival of Bungie's Marathon . See on EFT's website Frostpunk Developer : 11 Bit Studios Release Date: April 24, 2018 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC Survival games don't always have to revolve around combat, and Frostpunk is one of the better examples of this. Frostpunk is a city-builder survival title that takes place in an alternate version of the 19th century. You're thrust into the role of the leader of a new city that needs to overcome obstacle after obstacle to maintain the city and its citizens. You have to make extremely difficult choices regarding the future of the city while also ensuring it doesn't get reduced to rubble. It's a unique experience in the survival game genre that provides hours of memorable and stressful gameplay. See on Fanatical RimWorld Developer : Ludeon Studios Release Date: November 4, 2013 Platforms : PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC RimWorld is another city-builder simulator that tests your ability to manage and grow a group of colonists on a science-fiction-inspired civilization. Your colonists need to be taken care of thoroughly, which includes mending their wounds, feeding them, and even monitoring their moods. RimWorld goes extremely in-depth with the simulation of being the leader of a colony, and you'll need to be more than a colonist manager if you want to survive. There's combat with different factions, deep trading systems, a unique crafting aspect, and decisions you have to make for the good of the colony. See on Fanatical Project Zomboid Developer : The Indie Stone Release Date: November 8, 2013 Platforms : PC One of the earliest zombie survival titles to hit the market was Project Zomboid, which took a different approach to the survival genre. The gameplay is unlike any other game, taking place on a giant map that splits whenever you enter a building or other indoor location. Your goal is to survive against hordes of zombies by crafting items, taking advantage of RPG elements, building defenses, and hunting/fishing for food. You also have to contend with your character's inner demons and natural survival needs. Though there are some customizable difficulty options, this game is hardcore, so you'll want to use our guides like how to avoid zombie bites , how to heal , how to forage , and the best skills in Project Zomboid . See on Humble Pacific Drive Developer : Ironwood Studios Release Date: February 22, 2024 Platforms : PlayStation 5, PC There might not be a more differentiated survival game on this list than Pacific Drive. It's a first-person driving simulator that takes place across different locations in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. All you have is your car and your sense of direction in Pacific Drive, and if you lose either one, you're done for. The game pits you against supernatural forces that want to stop you from driving further and delving into the mysteries of the region. You're able to upgrade your car by using a garage as a base, and there are tons of different ways to make your car stronger. If you check it out, be sure to check out our guide to Pacific Drive secrets and tips . See on Amazon State of Decay 2 Developer : Undead Labs Release Date: May 18, 2018 Platforms : Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC The State of Decay franchise is one of the most successful in the survival genre, boasting two titles with a third on the way. While the original State of Decay launched the franchise, it's the second one where everything comes together. State of Decay 2 is a massive improvement over the first game, featuring better survival mechanics, stronger AI, and a much more expansive world to explore. The gameplay loop is very similar to other survival games, forcing you to find resources that you use to craft items for survival. However, the community aspect in State of Decay 2 is where it separates itself from other titles, as you're able to take full advantage of the multiplayer mechanics. See on Steam Palworld Developer : Pocket Pair Release Date: January 19, 2024 Platforms : Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Even though Palworld was only released early in 2024 and it tends to copy some elements from another franchise, it's still one of the better survival games released in recent memory. The survival elements blend perfectly with the Pal-catching gameplay loop, as you're able to use the Pals you catch to produce resources, craft items, and keep your base in working order. Certain Pals can also be used in combat, either against Pal Tower bosses or wild Pals you want to catch. There's no story in Palworld, but the survival elements are abundant for both your character and all of your Pals, making it one of the better survival games to play right now. We've got a list of Palworld tips and tricks to get you started, as well as a roundup of all the Pals in the game, which is currently available on Game Pass. See on Steam Kenshi Developer : Lo-Fi Games Release Date: March 20, 2013 Platforms : PC The real-time strategy and survival genres don't mix often, but Kenshi proves they can work extremely well together. Kenshi is mainly an RPG with survival elements that takes place across a huge sandbox where your imagination tells the story. There's no plot or narrative in place with Kenshi, so you and some companions can travel across the world and become whatever you want to be. You're free to play any role you choose, including that of a simple farmer all the way to an oppressive warlord. See on Humble This War of Mine Developer : 11 Bit Studios Release Date: November 14, 2014 Platforms : PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Android, PC From the same developers who brought us Frostpunk comes This War of Mine, a military survival simulator that focuses on the effects war has on civilians. The game primarily takes place in a single building, as snipers and enemy troops are waiting outside for anyone to enter their crosshairs. Inside the building, you need to maintain your character's health by feeding them and keeping morale as high as possible. You can scavenge for resources to craft survival items, cook food, and make medicine. You're mainly able to scavenge for resources at nighttime, where you can meet other NPCs who are trying to survive the war just like you. This War of Mine ends when a ceasefire has been called, but the time for that to happen is completely random, giving you no end in sight. See on Fanatical Stranded Deep Developer : Beam Team Games Release Date: January 23, 2015 Platforms : PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Stranded Deep is a game that takes elements from other survival titles but adds its own spin. The game starts off with your boat crashing on an island, and you need to survive the first few days to have any chance at getting rescued. Getting food, water, and avoiding the sun are your top priorities, but there are also enemies you need to fend off. Stranded Deep takes place both on the island and underwater, both of which are not overly safe. Luckily, you can craft a slew of different items to survive, including bases, vehicles, weapons, and more. See on Steam Planet Crafter Developer : Miju Games Release Date : March 24, 2022 Platforms : PC If you find yourself playing Minecraft or another sandbox survival game and keep looking up to the sky wondering what it'd be like to design your own planet, then Planet Crafter is right up your alley. Planet Crafter is a terraforming survival game that gives you free rein over an entire planet. You start by making your play habitable by stabilizing its ecosystem, and from there, you can craft new items and structures using the planet's resources and eventually build a small settlement. The game supports up to 10 players on every planet as well, so you and some friends can terraform large chunks of the environment to completely transform it. See on Steam Enshrouded Developer : Keen Games Release Date : January 24, 2024 Platforms : PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S Enshrouded is a modern survival game with plenty of content to consume, frequent updates from the developers, and an enjoyable gameplay loop. It's an action-RPG that takes place on an open-world map. You have all the basic tropes of a survival game, including base-building, in-depth crafting, and exploration to score more gear for your character and base. The base-building and crafting especially stand out, as you can make a variety of weapons and gear as well as build quite impressive structures. However, at the heart of Enshrouded is a well-laid-out story that forces you to explore every corner of the map and goes hand-in-hand with the game's survival aspects. See on Steam Once Human Developer : NetEase Games Release Date : July 9, 2024 Platforms : PC, iOS, Android Once Human is a game that can't be defined by a single genre. It's a third-person survival game with RPG elements that takes place in an open world where you can engage in multiplayer with other random players on your server. At the start of Once Human, you're introduced to the story, which involves post-apocalyptic mutations taking over the world, but this takes a backseat to the exploration and survival aspects. Once Human takes place on a huge map that is split up into different zones, each with a corresponding level requirement. To reach new zones with a higher level, you have to complete missions, clear out enemy locations, and keep building up your base. Your level dictates what weapons you can use, the vehicles you can drive, and the base items you can construct. Throughout all of this, though, you have to ensure your character has enough food, water, and stamina to sustain themselves. See on Steam Atomfall Developer : Rebellion Games Release Date : March 27, 2025 Platforms : PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S Atomfall is a survival RPG title that sees survival elements take a backseat to the worldbuilding and overall plot that the game immediately throws you into. However, the survival elements in Atomfall aren't to be ignored, as you have a heartbeat you have to constantly monitor. The higher your heartbeat, the less stamina you have and the more vulnerable you are. The game also features minimal healing, so keeping your HP up is paramount. Putting survival aside, Atomfall is a fantastic open-world RPG with an engaging story that has multiple endings, difficult combat, and extremely well-designed quests. See on Fanatical Dune: Awakening Developer : Funcom Release Date : June 5, 2025 Platforms : PC Dune: Awakening is a fantastic survival experience that stays true to the novels that serve as Dune's source material, while giving players a slew of content to consume right from the beginning of the game. You begin as the survivor of a crashed ship on the desolate and dangerous planet of Arrakis, and through the help of a mysterious voice in your head, set out to become a true lord of the desert. Dune: Awakening features some terrific base building that scales as you progress, plenty of story and side missions to keep you busy, and thrilling traversal that revolves around the dreaded sand worm. If you spend too much time in the desert, the monstrous worm will always find you--and if it does, you're dinner. The game also features vehicles, a staggering endgame, and even some in-depth PvP content--Dune: Awakening is an MMORPG as well, so you'll always be around other players on Arrakis. See on Steam Scum Developer : Gamepires Release Date : June 17, 2025 Platforms : Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Scum's developers describe it as one of the most punishing survival games on the market, and its gameplay certainly backs up that claim. The game is set in a prison, the environment around you is harsh, and there's no time for dilly-dallying; otherwise, you'll succumb to the elements. Even while in prison, though, you have to participate in manual labor, interact with other prisoners, and try to simply make it to the next day. Once you get out of prison, you'll take part in substantial base building, loot and craft a plethora of gear and items, and even find some vehicles to drive around the world. But even after you get going with the equipment you need, you'll have to make sure all of your gear and items are maintained properly. Scum is a demanding survival experience that tests your abilities and patience, but it's extremely rewarding and enjoyable after you understand its mechanics. See on Fanatical V Rising Developer : Stunlock Studios Release Date : May 17, 2022 Platforms : PlayStation 5, PC Plenty of survival games feature the same basic gameplay loop of gathering loot, building a base, and exploring the world to find new resources and repeat the process. While V Rising does implement a similar formula, the way it goes about it is drastically different from other games. In V Rising, you're a vampire with nothing to your name, and you need to find a way to survive and become a lord amongst the living. However, being a vampire, you have to avoid the sun at all costs. This is a major dilemma, as the sun is present for half of each day in V Rising. While you can still go out during the day, you need to stick to the shadows to find the resources you require to build a base, upgrade gear, and beef up your inventory. This twist on the classic survival foundation always keeps you on your toes, but it's just a part of what makes V Rising such a good experience. The base building is expansive, the world gets more interesting as you explore, and there's even some PvP if you want to get more into the combat side of things. See on Fanatical Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Developer : GSC Game World Release Date : November 20, 2024 Platforms : Xbox Series X|S, PC Stalker 2 is a game that doesn't just limit itself to the survival genre. While it is a survival game at its core, it also features substantial horror elements and features a more in-depth story than other games like it. Stalker 2 is all about getting to the heart of Chornobyl, but to do that, you need to survive against dozens of dangerous and unpredictable enemies and anomalies that can pop up at any time. You'll also interact with factions made up of dozens of different characters and face choices that can drastically affect the outcome of your story. Along your journey, you'll have to maintain your character and gear as well as craft new weapon combinations to deal with freshly mutated enemies that never seem to stop coming. Stalker 2 is a heart-pounding experience with great first-person shooter gameplay and plenty of survival elements to keep you engaged throughout its story. See on Best Buy Abiotic Factor Developer : Deep Field Games Release Date: November 9, 2023 Platforms : PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Abiotic Factor is a retro-style survival game that features intentionally primitive graphics and mechanics. However, it still provides an unforgettable gameplay experience and supports up to six-player co-op. In Abiotic Factor, you play as a scientist who has a specific PhD, which determines what kind of build you have access to. As your chosen scientist, you have to survive an alien invasion in a hostile battle zone that consists of several unique environments. You need to explore every inch of the map to find new items to craft to survive the constant threats from aliens, human soldiers, and even security robots that have turned on the human race. This scientific twist on the survival game genre is extremely refreshing, and you can use your character's brain as well as your own to figure out your next moves. See on Fanatical Terraria Developer : Re-Logic Release Date: May 16, 2011 Platforms : PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android Terraria has become one of the most successful indie games of all time, and while it's not solely classified as a survival game, it meets more than enough criteria to fall into the genre. The game features extremely unique graphics, as it takes place from a side-scrolling perspective that follows your character around from left to right and up and down. Your first task is to build a central base just so you can survive the world around you, but eventually, you have to venture into new and dangerous locations. Terraria's primary exploration takes place underground, and you'll have to dig far and wide to find different resources, areas, and even bosses. Of course, you can also head east or west, where several varied environments are waiting to be explored. Terraria is a true survival sandbox, and it can be surprisingly difficult when it comes to combat and even basic exploration. However, no matter how challenging the game gets, you'll always have something to do. See on Steam
GameSpot - All ContentOct 7
Best Steam Autumn Sale 2025 Game Deals
Best Steam Autumn Sale 2025 Game DealsThings are starting to get a little chilly right now, and on schedule, the Steam Autumn Sale has gone live . Like previous years, this is where you can score some great deals on hundreds of games, ranging from blockbuster AAA titles to quirky indies that deserve your attention. Depending on your budget, you can easily pick a GOTY contender for its best price yet, or if you don't mind skipping your morning pumpkin spice latte, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised with the low-budget and highly entertaining game you've grabbed instead. The sale starts today, September 29, and runs through October 6. We'll be keeping this list updated with noteworthy specials, so be sure to check in for our top picks. On the slight chance that nothing here interests you, there are several more Steam Sales to prepare your finances for throughout the rest of 2025. Steam Next Fest brings a stack of game demos to try out when it kicks off on October 13, Steam Scream is a celebration of horror games, and Steam's Animal Fest celebrates Animal Day with the critters that share the planet with us. If you do miss out on the Steam Autumn Sale, then you'll have to wait until December 18 for the Steam Winter Sale, which runs through January 5, 2026. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance $21 ( $30 ) See on Steam Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound $21 ( $25 ) See on Steam Dune: Awakening $40 ( $50 ) See on Steam Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 $35 ( $50 ) See on Steam Doom: The Dark Ages $47 ( $70 ) See on Steam Assassin's Creed Shadows $42 ( $70 ) See on Steam Atomfall $35 ( $50 ) See on Steam Blue Prince $22 ( $30 ) See on Steam Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 $40 ( $50 ) See on Steam Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth $42 ( $70 ) See on Steam Indiana Jones and the Great Circle $56 ( $70 ) See on Steam Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 $42 ( $60 ) See on Steam Monster Hunter Wilds $49 ( $70 ) See on Steam The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered $40 ( $50 ) See on Steam Palworld $20 ( $30 ) See on Steam Stellar Blade $48 ( $60 ) See on Steam Schedule I $14 ( $20 ) See on Steam Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 $30 ( $60 ) See on Steam Ghost of Tsushima: Directors Cut $40.19 ( $60 ) See on Steam God of War Ragnarok $48 ( $60 ) See on Steam Marvel's Spider-Man 2 $48 ( $60 ) See on Steam Helldivers 2 $32 ( $40 ) See on Steam Forza Horizon 5 $30 ( $60 ) See on Steam Peak $6.39 ( $8 ) See on Steam Cyberpunk 2077 $21 ( $60 ) See on Steam House Flipper 2 $27.88 ( $40 ) See on Steam The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy $48 ( $60 ) See on Steam Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma $48 ( $60 ) See on Steam Gradius Origins $32 ( $36 ) See on Steam System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster $24 ( $27 ) See on Steam Mycopunk $12 ( $15 ) See on Steam Mafia 3: Definitive Edition $3 ( $30 ) See on Steam Two Point Campus $3 ( $30 ) See on Steam Desperados 3 $4 ( $40 ) See on Steam Nine Sols $15 ( $30 ) See on Steam Street Fighter 6 $20 ( $40 ) See on Steam Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon $35 ( $60 ) See on Steam Ultrakill $16.74 ($25) See on Steam Monster Train 2 $20 ( $25 ) See on Steam
GameSpot - All ContentSep 29
Once Human x Palworld Crossever Event Announced, Kicks Off on October 30
Once Human x Palworld Crossever Event Announced, Kicks Off on October 30As part of this crossover, Once Human will get appearances by various Pals from Palworld, as well as a unique event-only island.
Video Game News, Reviews, Walkthroughs And Guides | GamingBoltSep 26
Retailers are giving up on Xbox Series and selling consoles for absurdly low prices
Retailers are giving up on Xbox Series and selling consoles for absurdly low prices Multiple retailers in the U.S., Australia, and Oceania are reportedly halting sales of Xbox Series S and X. Costco in New Zealand is clearing out its Xbox hardware stock. In the U.S., Sam's Club is no longer selling the console in its online store. Shoppers report that EB Games is doing the same in Australia. Reports on Reddit show a Costco unit in New Zealand selling the Xbox Series X 1TB for half its original price, which is equivalent to $255 U.S. dollars. Earlier this month, several deal monitors spotted the same console at a clearance price of $369 at Sam's Club in the U.S., down from its original $499. https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/1np99za/costco_new_zealand_clearing_out_their_xbox_stock/ Xbox sales haven't been in good shape for a while. Estimates from VGChartz show it has a historical hardware market share of 12% (vs. PS5's 29% and Nintendo Switch 1's 56%, in units sold), with sales dropping in half since the first console price hike in May 2025. A second price hike in the U.S. is coming on Oct. 3, which will take the Series X 1TB to $649.99 and make the Series S 512GB the cheapest unit at $399. If sales trends follow those of the first price hike, sales should drop further in October, which would make stocking the console not worth the investment to retailers. Low historical hardware sales, paired with a second price hike that Microsoft blames on "changes in the macroeconomic environment," are likely making these stores pivot away from Xbox. Destructoid has reached out to Sam's Club for comment, while a Costco store in the U.K. confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz they're no longer selling Xbox consoles. Microsoft has pivoted away from gaming hardware and towards Game Pass for years. The Game Pass catalogue is growing and getting more relevant games on the day of their release, like Palworld in early access and the 2025 indie hit Hollow Knight: Silksong . But in the hardware front, Microsoft's latest investment was in a partnership with Republic of Gamers, which led to the release of the handheld ROG Xbox Ally X. Microsoft seems more interested in partnering with third parties to release hardware than working on new proprietary consoles. Meanwhile, Microsoft's competitors only grow stronger. PS5 sales are stable despite the console suffering its own price hikes in 2025, and the Nintendo Switch 2 became the fastest-selling gaming hardware in U.S. history despite early stock issues that are now solved. Now that retailers are responding to Microsoft's decisions on Xbox's new pricing, we should soon see how their decision to halt Xbox sales will affect the future of Xbox Series consoles and their successor, if there is any. The post Retailers are giving up on Xbox Series and selling consoles for absurdly low prices appeared first on Destructoid .
DestructoidSep 24
Palworld Is Getting Its Own Cozy Game Spin-Off
Palworld Is Getting Its Own Cozy Game Spin-OffEarlier in September, Nintendo revealed that Pokemon is getting a cozy game, Pokemon Pokopia . Apparently the developers of Palworld had similar ideas, because Pocketpair has now unveiled a spin-off cozy game of its own called Palworld: Palfarm. Much like Pokemon Pokopia, Palfarm lets players gather pals to help them live a quiet life as a farmer while handling the harvest, the cooking, and even the business of selling the food. The chosen pals also lend their special abilities to the player to make things easier on the farm. However, it does appear that this game has a dark side. Pocketpair has confirmed that some pals will attack the communities you create in Palfarm. The trailer also has an unnerving sequence of a gunshop owner playing with a weapon that's much darker than the Pokemon games are willing to go. Continue Reading at GameSpot
GameSpot - All ContentSep 23
Palworld: Palfarm Announced – Farming Spin-off Coming to PC
Palworld: Palfarm Announced – Farming Spin-off Coming to PCRun a farm together with your Pals, interact with various residents and much more in Pocketpair's upcoming cozy life sim.
Video Game News, Reviews, Walkthroughs And Guides | GamingBoltSep 23
Palworld Farming Spinoff Palfarm Announced
Palworld Farming Spinoff Palfarm Announced Hot off the heels of announcing the 1.0 launch window for Palworld, developer Pocketpair has announced a new spinoff called Palworld: Palfarm. As the name suggests, it's a farming simulator featuring the titular Pals. Although Palworld already has farming elements, Palfarm solely focuses on this aspect. Players move to an island to work alongside Pals to till fields, grow crops, craft tools, and cook dishes. Crops and other crafted goods can be sold or purchased at a market.   Some Pals offer unique skills to assist with farming, and players can increase their bonds with the critters by giving them gifts or speaking to them regularly. Players will also need to defend their farm from invading Pals looking to ruin their work. Palworld: Palfarm also supports multiplayer. The timing of this announcement is curious, given it comes after the recent reveal of Pokémon Pokotopia , a farming spinoff of the popular franchise with which Pocketpair is currently embroiled in a patent lawsuit . Palfarm's trailer even ends on a stinger showing the character tossing its Pal Sphere (the series' version of Poké Balls) to catch a monster, a mechanic Nintendo patented seemingly in response to Palworld's success, and one of the main patent violations cited in the suit.  Palworld: Palfarm has no release window, but it’s slated to launch on PC via Steam. 
Game InformerSep 23