Developer Vostok Games has been outlining the very intriguing ‘Freeplay’ mode for Survarium, its free-to-play multiplayer shooter inspired by classic survival shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
Players will explore a giant, irradiated wasteland together, scrapping for supplies and fending off monsters when they aren’t busy trying to kill each other.
If that sounds a bit like Day Z with mutated radiation monsters instead of zombies, well you’re not far wrong. Players can compete story and side missions in the Freeplay map zone, advancing their character and looting new gear while reacting to an ever-shifting environment.
“The game world continues without the participation of the players,” explains Vostok. “Mutants periodically attack the survivors and the survivors fight mutants or each other. Each event is a source of side quests for players. Depending on which faction has the most players, the balance of power can be shifted and make story missions easier or harder.”
And those slavering mutants aren’t the only problem you’ll face. Deadly radiation storms will ravage the landscape periodically, though they also provide opportunities for quick-thinking players.
“Approximately every 2 hours of real-time the Storm will occur. About 15 minutes before the start of the Storm players receive a warning and the game world will stop allowing new players to join. In the allotted time, the remaining players must find shelter or leave the area, otherwise they will perish. After the storm has passed there will be a number of very valuable items scattered around the area. Survivors of the storm get a 10 minute head start to search for these prizes after which some of the prizes are destroyed and the location accepts newly connecting players.”
Expect your fellow players to be the most dangerous threat to you picking up those supplies. Though players are encouraged to be occasionally ruthless, Vostok has come up with a Karma system to prevent rampant bastard-ism. Your level of general evil is indicated to other players, who will obviously be less likely to team up with you if you’re known for murdering your allies and devouring their remains. Bounties can also be put out on your head if you’re infamous enough.
Some interesting ideas there. Unfortunately the current open beta for Survarium only contains the game’s PVP mode, but you might want to check it out over on the game’s website to get a feel for the combat system.
