Surviving the Aftermath is one of the few games that truly fit the description of “post-apocalyptic city builder.” Fallout 4 and State of Decay were both praised for their introduction of town-building elements to post-apocalyptic settings. However, apart from Frostpunk and its upcoming sequel, there aren’t many other games truly centered around rebuilding civilization.
After a few years of early access, Surviving the Aftermath is finally ready for its full release. Finnish developer Iceflake Studios announced the game’s 1.0 release date in a trailer Wednesday. The developers also chose to welcome the end of the beginning with a suitably explosive display.
The short video begins with Game Director Lasse Liljedahl announcing that after two years, 20 updates, and a lot of community feedback, Surviving the Aftermath leaves early access on November 16. He then talks about going out with a bang before producing several sticks of dynamite and blowing up a PC running the early access version of Surviving the Aftermath. The trailer then informs viewers that “The end is here,” and “a new era will begin.”
Developed by Iceflake Studios and published by Paradox Interactive, Surviving the Aftermath puts players in control of a post-apocalyptic settlement. Their decisions will determine if this new society rises from the ashes or is snuffed out for good. In some respects, the game is like the inverse of State of Decay. While some named survivors travel outside the walls to scout, locate supplies, and eliminate threats, the bulk of gameplay focuses on building, expanding, and sustaining the player’s burgeoning settlement. They’ll need to balance producing enough food, water, and other supplies with surviving post-apocalyptic perils like raiders, radiation, and mutated beasts.
Surviving the Aftermath has changed dramatically since its reveal during Paradox Interactive’s PDXCON 2019 event. So much so that some players describe it as being a totally different game after almost two years of early access. These changes include the addition of things like vehicles, quests, and outposts. Not to mention overhauling the game’s exploration, combat, economy, and technology tree.
There are also more new features coming with the full release. The 1.0 “Endgame” update will greatly expand Surviving the Aftermath’s late-game content. In addition to some late-game settlement options, players will be able to complete a new questline revealing what precisely went down during the apocalypse. They’ll also need to prepare their base for a new endgame threat. New and old fans alike will have a lot to look forward to when Surviving the Aftermath leaves early access in three weeks.
Surviving the Aftermath is available in early access and launches November 16th for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.