Subsistence
Early access since Oct 2016
Subsistence is a sandbox, first person, solo or co-op, PvE open-world survival game. Struggle through changing seasons to build a base, develop technology and gear-up in the hostile environment. Defend yourself from wildlife, the elements and AI hunters (who also build bases in the world).
72% positive · 14K reviews
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Where to buy
Steam $13.99
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Evaluation
Subsistence is a long-running Early Access survival game developed solo by ColdGames, in Early Access since October 2016. The developer continues to ship substantial updates at a consistent pace. The most recent update — Alpha 68, released today on September 11, 2026 — added full Steam Workshop mod support, a new in-game mod manager, updated water rendering, and various other improvements. The developer noted in that post that the mod editor categories "will continue to expand over time based on feedback and suggestions from modders," signaling continued engagement.
Looking at the broader update history, major Alpha releases have arrived on a sustained cadence: Alpha 64 (September 6, 2024), Alpha 65 (December 20, 2024), Alpha 66 (September 26, 2025), Alpha 67 (February 26, 2026), and now Alpha 68 (September 11, 2026). This establishes a clear and ongoing pattern of development. The store description continues to describe the game as Early Access and explicitly characterizes it as a passion project in continued development. No announcement of a 1.0 release or conclusion of development has been made.
Evidence
Alpha 68 launched with Steam Workshop mod support, an in-game mod manager, updated water rendering, and other improvements. Developer notes the mod editor will expand over time based on community feedback.
Alpha 67 launched with a major engine upgrade (moving to full licensed source code), base painting, new crops, new cooking recipes, performance improvements, and more. Developer stated the engine move 'unlocks huge potential and freedom for continued development' and that 'many other planned features are now unblocked.'
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
ColdGames
Achievements
47
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP
About this game
Subsistence is a sandbox, first person, solo or co-op, PvE open-world survival game. Struggle through changing seasons to build a base, develop technology and gear-up in the hostile environment. Defend yourself from wildlife, the elements and AI hunters (who also build bases in the world). Progress your base technology for advanced item crafting and upgrades. Farm crops, fish, raise small animals, harvest and refine resources to rise in dominance in the world. Defend your base from Hunter attacks, and raid their bases to steal their loot. If you enjoy open-world sandbox survival games, resource gathering and grinding to build a base, you may enjoy playing the early access version of the game.
* Crafting mechanics.
* Dynamic base building.
* Dynamic seasons and weather systems.
* Weapon upgrade system.
* Mining and refining of ores.
* AI Hunters (with AI base building).
* Farming.
* Animal husbandry.
* Food cooking mechanics.
* World day-night cycle.
* Temperature change based on time-of-day and altitude.
* Character hunger/thirst/strength mechanics.
* Character clothing system.
* System for inviting/removing players to access bases.
* Central power system for bases (base items require power to function).
* Npc enemy leveling system.
The focus is not of primitive survival (although there are many elements during the early-game), but instead a focus on the base, its security, technology and resources.
Current features:
* Singleplayer and Co-op PvE sandbox experience.* Crafting mechanics.
* Dynamic base building.
* Dynamic seasons and weather systems.
* Weapon upgrade system.
* Mining and refining of ores.
* AI Hunters (with AI base building).
* Farming.
* Animal husbandry.
* Food cooking mechanics.
* World day-night cycle.
* Temperature change based on time-of-day and altitude.
* Character hunger/thirst/strength mechanics.
* Character clothing system.
* System for inviting/removing players to access bases.
* Central power system for bases (base items require power to function).
* Npc enemy leveling system.
DISCLAIMER (PLEASE READ):
The public Early Access is intended for those interested in supporting the project and participating in its continued development. You will most likely experience balancing issues, performance issues, bugs and missing features. If you are looking for a complete gaming experience, I would recommend allowing some time before trying out the game. There are many YouTube game-plays showing the current state of game. I am the sole developer of the project, which I work on as a passion project. I feel this is important to mention, so that those considering playing the game can make a more informed purchase decision. A full detailed list of the updates since launch can be viewed here: .Goals of the project:
The aim is to integrate the kinds of base-resource micro-management typically found in RTS titles, into a boots-on-the-ground shooter. Each base has an underlying economy of power and raw materials that must be maintained and expanded in order to rise in dominance.The focus is not of primitive survival (although there are many elements during the early-game), but instead a focus on the base, its security, technology and resources.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Sep 11, 2026
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