Darwin Project
Released Jan 2020
In Darwin Project, ten inmates must survive the elements, track each other, fight, craft tools, and use their social skills to be the last one standing. It's a unique take on battle royale with a Show Director to influence the match and Spectator Interactions to create a one-of-a-kind game show.
81% positive · 18K reviews
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Darwin Project launched out of Early Access as a free-to-play game on January 13, 2020. Since then, the developer has maintained a long-running pattern of updates including battle passes, new game modes, seasonal events, and feature patches. The most recent developer communication is a major update (Build 1.2.0) posted on August 6, 2026 — just one week before today's assessment date — which added Duel Mode, the return of Classic Mode, leaderboards across all modes, and full Japanese and Korean localizations. Prior to that, a feature patch on March 19, 2026 introduced an Easter Egg seasonal event and expanded Classic Mode to the public game. The developer has not announced the conclusion of content development, and the game continues to receive substantial updates at a sustained cadence spanning years. No specific future content has been announced beyond what has already shipped.
Evidence
Major Update Build 1.2.0 shipped, adding Duel Mode, Classic Mode return, leaderboards in all modes, and Japanese/Korean localizations, along with balance changes and bug fixes.
Feature patch for Easter Egg seasonal event, adding Classic Mode to the public game.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Scavengers Studio
Achievements
14
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Multiplayer · PvP
About this game
Darwin Project takes place in a dystopian post-apocalyptic landscape in the Northern Canadian Rockies. As preparation for an impending Ice Age, a new project, half science experiment half live-entertainment, is launched. It's called "Darwin Project" and it challenges 10 participants to survive the cold and fight to the death in a treacherous arena.
KEY FEATURES:
- SPECTATOR EXPERIENCE:
Through the Spectator Experience Extension, viewers can impact each Darwin Project match in several groundbreaking ways:
- SHOW DIRECTOR:
The Show Director is the living bridge between the players and spectators. He/She is the host and master who controls the arena with nuclear bombs, zone closures, gravity storms, and the power of their voice. This could be a real tool of self discovery; the start of your new career as a charming but deadly game show host.
- DYNAMIC, TACTICAL GAMEPLAY WITH SURVIVAL ELEMENTS:
Gather resources, craft tools, upgrade your gear, track your enemies, engage in both melee and ranged combat, and be the last inmate left alive.
KEY FEATURES:
- SPECTATOR EXPERIENCE:
Through the Spectator Experience Extension, viewers can impact each Darwin Project match in several groundbreaking ways:
- Cast votes to choose the target of a Power activated by the Show Director
- Place bets on which inmate or team they think will emerge victorious
- Bid for Powers normally reserved for Show Directors & unleash them in a Private Match
- SHOW DIRECTOR:
The Show Director is the living bridge between the players and spectators. He/She is the host and master who controls the arena with nuclear bombs, zone closures, gravity storms, and the power of their voice. This could be a real tool of self discovery; the start of your new career as a charming but deadly game show host.
- DYNAMIC, TACTICAL GAMEPLAY WITH SURVIVAL ELEMENTS:
Gather resources, craft tools, upgrade your gear, track your enemies, engage in both melee and ranged combat, and be the last inmate left alive.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Aug 13, 2026
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