The Dead Await

The Dead Await

Released May 2026

Build your deck and try to survive in The Dead Await, a deck-building RPG set during a zombie apocalypse. As one of many survivors, set out across the desolate world, discover the truth about the outbreak, and rebuild human civilization - or die trying.

66% positive · 159 reviews
Not yet
Recently released, post-launch plans unclear
Low confidence
Recently Launched
Not yet
Recently released, post-launch plans unclear
Low confidence
Recently Launched

Where to buy

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Evaluation

The Dead Await launched its full 1.0 release on May 18, 2026, after roughly 1.5 years in Early Access and over 3 years of total development. The 1.0 launch post describes the release as the complete experience — all three acts of the story are now accessible, all main and side quests are finished, and the game's world is fully open. The developer stated: "the full experience is now complete and ready for players worldwide." Since launch, the developer has shipped two small patches (v1.0.1 on May 22 and v1.0.3 on May 26) focusing on bug fixes, and a quality-of-life update called "Trading 1.5" on May 25 that added dynamic shop discounts, player ranks, and improved combat animation speeds. None of these post-launch updates introduce new story content or announce future expansions. The game launched only 34 days before today (June 21, 2026). While the developer has not stated that no further content is planned, they have also made no announcements about upcoming DLC, expansions, or continued post-launch content beyond the fixes already delivered. The prior development history shows a pattern of substantial updates during Early Access (including the major Act II expansion in October 2025), but the 1.0 launch post frames the game as a finished product. Given how recently it launched, there is simply not yet enough post-launch history to determine whether additional content will follow.
Evidence
Developer announces 1.0 launch, describing it as the complete experience: 'the full experience is now complete and ready for players worldwide,' with all three acts, quests, and content now accessible.
news post · May 18, 2026 source development ending
high
Launch announcement confirms the game is set to leave Early Access on May 18, 2026 after roughly 1.5 years in Early Access.
news post · May 4, 2026 source content shipped
medium

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
indie.io
Achievements
25
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

The Dead Await is a deck-building open world survival RPG set in a zombie apocalypse. The world as we know it ended, torn apart by hordes of ravenous monsters. Humanity still clings on in the sea of blackened ruins, cold ashes, and man-eating creatures.

You're the leader of a caravan of survivalists whose goal is to figure out the truth behind the zombie apocalypse and, if possible, build the foundations for a new civilization! But be careful: Zombies might want to feast on your brains, but humans may very well prove the greatest obstacles during your long drive...

  • Explore a vast world torn apart by a zombie apocalypse, from derelict cities full of loot and zombies to new settlements founded by survivors with opportunity and backstabbing abound.

  • Gather food, water, fuel, and gear to survive the drive. Manage your resources to ensure everyone gets to the destination safely.

  • Manage your team's sanity! Manage the impact of trauma, long-term effects of injuries, and, of course, resource scarcity. Zombies might turn out to be the least of your problems...

  • Build the survivor you want using a robust attribute, skill, and perk system. Experiment with combinations and character builds, from a suave lockpicker to a mindless berserker and everything in-between.

  • Paired with the character system is sophisticated card-based combat. Build up your deck during your travels, taking a team of rag-tag survivors to veterans with incredibly rare cards at their disposal!

  • Gear matters: Give your survivors an edge with weapon and equipment mods - plus a good meal - and watch them conquer the wasteland!

  • Build your group of survivalists to work as a team in combat!

  • The caravan is at the heart of your journey to discover the truth. Upgrade it with workbenches, storage, and other features to turn it into a true mobile base.

  • Swap out vehicle components to modify the caravan's performance. Engine, suspension, tires, all affect how you traverse the world - and your chances of surviving!

  • Craft everything you need to survive, including the classic nail-mounted baseball bat. They don't make them like they used to, after all!

  • With what you find in the wild, cook meals to give yourself permanent bonuses or a quick fix before a fight!

Last evaluated Jun 21, 2026
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