THE DEAD WE KNEW: Open World Survival

THE DEAD WE KNEW: Open World Survival

Early access since Oct 2026

Explore a dangerous open world, loot abandoned places, build your shelter, produce food, and manage your resources. Survive alone or in co-op against zombies, hostile humans, and the growing dangers that come with the fog.

12% positive · 305 reviews
Not yet
In early access, content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
In early access, content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned

Where to buy

Steam $19.12 $22.50 −15%
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Evaluation

THE DEAD WE KNEW: Open World Survival launched on Steam in Early Access on October 22, 2026. In its launch-day post, the developer says there is still a long road ahead and plenty of work left to improve the game, and describes the release as just the beginning. The developer also commits to actively following community discussions, answering questions, and posting progress updates as development continues. Because the game is still in Early Access and the developer has said ongoing work will continue, the full version of the game is still being built.
Evidence
Launch-day developer post says the Early Access release has a long road ahead with a lot to improve and plenty of work to do, and promises ongoing progress updates and community-driven development
news post · Oct 22, 2026 source development ongoing
high
Release announcement describes the launch as just the beginning of the game
news post · Oct 22, 2026 source content planned
medium

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
MAY19 STUDIO
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op

About this game

BUILD, GROW STRONGER, SURVIVE

There is no truly safe place in the middle of a broken world. That’s why you must create your own. Use what you can find in abandoned structures, deep within the forest, and throughout the world around you to build a shelter that can keep you alive.

Start with a simple cabin and gradually turn it into a stronger, larger, and more livable base. Organize your shelter, craft the items you need, create a place to rest, and prepare for the dangers that come with the night.

But remember: this world does not belong to you. If you want to stay alive, hiding will not be enough. Every piece you collect, every fire you light, and every wall you build will determine your chances of survival.

FIGHT TOGETHER WHEN THE FOG ROLLS IN

Time passes, the weather changes, and every new day turns into a new struggle for survival. In a 24-hour day and night cycle, gather resources, reinforce your shelter, and prepare for the threats ahead.

The direction of the wind can change, rain can suddenly begin to fall, and dense fog can completely destroy your visibility. But the fog is not only a part of nature; it is also a warning sign of one of the greatest dangers. When visibility drops, zombies can become more aggressive and attack from within the darkness and fog.

Try to survive alone or fight against this dangerous world with up to 4-player co-op support. Explore together, defend together, build together, and fight to stay alive.

SURVIVE WITH WHAT YOU HUNT, GROW, AND FIND

Hunger is just as ruthless as the dangers waiting outside. To survive, you will need more than weapons and shelter; you will need food. Search abandoned places for supplies, make use of the resources nature provides, and find a way to feed yourself.

In the forest, you can hunt animals such as deer, process their meat, cook it over a fire, and eat it. But ready-to-eat food will not always be available. Work the soil, plant vegetables such as tomatoes, grow your crops, and use the ingredients you gather to prepare more nutritious meals.

From a simple bite to a warm bowl of soup, every meal you make will directly affect your struggle to survive.

Last evaluated Oct 22, 2026
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