It Comes In Waves
Released Apr 2023
A short, minimalist, experimental open-world adventure about guilt and grief. Explore, shoot, scavenge and bring a specimen to The Sanctuary. Beware PERMADEATH.
93% positive · 393 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $2.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
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Evaluation
It Comes In Waves launched on April 5, 2023 as a short, self-described minimalist and experimental game. On the same day as launch, the developer shipped a bug fix (v1.17), which appears to be the only post-launch update to the game itself. The developer has made no announcements of additional content, DLC, or expansions for this title. Instead, subsequent communications have all been about entirely new projects: a new game in the same universe ("Under A Star Long Cold") announced on January 15, 2024, and a separate larger project ("As Time Surrenders") announced on April 3, 2024. There is no DLC listed for the game, no roadmap, and no stated plans for future updates. The developer's attention has clearly moved on to new titles. The game appears to have launched as a complete, self-contained experience.
Evidence
Developer announces 'As Time Surrenders', described as a much larger dream project — developer is fully focused on new work, not this title.
Developer announces 'Under A Star Long Cold', a new game set in the same universe as It Comes In Waves — no mention of further updates to this game.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Merlino Games
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player
About this game
It all started when you left…
In "It Comes In Waves", you'll play as a lone outcast on a dangerous desert planet, trying to grow a specimen to bring to The Sanctuary. How can you grow anything in a world this barren?
It is a very personal, experimental and minimalist game.
The World
Eremar Prime is a harsh and unforgiving place. You'll need to scavenge for resources, fight off raiders and make tough choices to survive. You can also visit the local town (but don't expect a welcoming crowd).
Gameplay
"It Comes In Waves" is a minimalist game that combines exploration, combat, and resource management in a unique way. Water is the main resource. It constantly evaporates if you are out in the desert, so you will need to collect more or improve your equipment’s efficiency. Otherwise, you WILL die.
If you die, there is no reloading. You have to start fresh.
In "It Comes In Waves", you'll play as a lone outcast on a dangerous desert planet, trying to grow a specimen to bring to The Sanctuary. How can you grow anything in a world this barren?
It is a very personal, experimental and minimalist game.
The World
Eremar Prime is a harsh and unforgiving place. You'll need to scavenge for resources, fight off raiders and make tough choices to survive. You can also visit the local town (but don't expect a welcoming crowd).
Gameplay
"It Comes In Waves" is a minimalist game that combines exploration, combat, and resource management in a unique way. Water is the main resource. It constantly evaporates if you are out in the desert, so you will need to collect more or improve your equipment’s efficiency. Otherwise, you WILL die.
If you die, there is no reloading. You have to start fresh.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 21, 2026
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