The WILDS

Early access since Feb 2022

Become iconic animals and fight for survival in the The WILDS. Finding food, water, and shelter will be the easy part, protecting your family from hungry predators and a harsh environment will separate the weak from the strong. Welcome to a uniquely immersive animal experience...

75% positive · 622 reviews

Not yet

In early access, content planned but development status unclear

Low confidence

Content Planned

Development Uncertain

Not yet

In early access, content planned but development status unclear

Low confidence

Content Planned

Development Uncertain

Where to buy

Steam Updated 11 Oct 2026 $4.99

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Evaluation

The WILDS is a one-person developed Early Access animal survival RPG that was actively receiving updates from launch in February 2022 through August 2023. During that period, the developer shipped two major content updates — a large world expansion in April 2023 and the addition of Eagles in July 2023 — along with a steady stream of feature patches improving gameplay systems like pack management, flight mechanics, and animal behaviors. That active development came to an abrupt halt on September 14, 2023, when the developer posted a studio-level announcement explaining that Unity's surprise decision to impose a per-install fee model had led them to cancel their Unity subscription entirely and begin migrating the game to Unreal Engine. The developer was candid that this was a massive undertaking — they had never used Unreal Engine before and acknowledged the timeline was completely unknown. The game was described as entering "a dormant period for an undetermined amount of time." The developer expressed clear intent to continue work on the game in Unreal Engine, but there have been no public updates of any kind since that September 2023 announcement. The game remains purchasable and listed on Steam in its Early Access state. With no communication for nearly three years since the engine migration announcement, and no indication of whether the Unreal rebuild is progressing, the future of the project is uncertain. Anyone purchasing the game today should be aware that it is in an unfinished Early Access state and that active development has been suspended since September 2023.

Evidence

Developer announced abandoning Unity engine due to its new per-install fee policy, cancelling their subscription and beginning a full rebuild in Unreal Engine. The game entered an indefinite dormant period. Developer expressed intent to continue but gave no timeline, noting they had never used Unreal before. This is the last communication from the developer.

news post · Sep 14, 2023 source development ongoing

high

Eagles added as a new playable animal (Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle subspecies), along with revamped flight mechanics. This was the second major content drop of 2023.

news post · Jul 9, 2023 source content shipped

high

Media

Details

Developer

Gluten Free Games

Publisher

Gluten Free Games

Achievements

Platform

Windows

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player

Animals Nature Open World Survival Wolves Hunting Exploration Life Sim Realistic Relaxing Foxes Cats Simulation Horses Character Customization

About this game

The Most Realistic Animal Role-Playing Experience

Welcome to The WILDS, a unique journey into the unforgiving wilderness where you take on the lives of iconic animals tasked with just one thing, survival. Learn to stalk through tall grass as a Cougar and ambush your prey. Forage for food and water as a Red Deer while staying vigilant for ferocious predators that are lurking in the depths of the forest for a meal of their own. Take on the challenges of life in the wild and establish your place in the hierarchy of the Animal Kingdom.

Build A Pack And Raise A Family

The wilderness can be harsh but you won't have to face the world alone. Form and maintain strong bonds with other wild animals to create your own pack. Claim secluded dens where your new family can make a home to rest, socialize, and even breed babies!

An Expansive Roster Of Animals

Ten playable animals already added including the Wolf, Deer, Bear, Raven, Raccoon, Cougar, Boar, Fox, Moose, and the brand new Eagle!

Deep Customization And Rewarding Progression

Create your perfect animals with dozens of customizable physical features, personality traits, and abilities! Everything about your animal will contribute to their various strengths and weaknesses as they strive to survive.

Dynamic Time, Seasons, and Weather

Gorgeous sunsets over crystal clear lakes, moonbeams glowing down through towering pines, and snow covered peaks during harsh winter storms. The world around you will change dynamically through the year bringing brand new experiences each new day!

A Dedication To Detail

The goal is ultimate immersion for you to live your life as an animal. Grass bends under your foot, dirt is kicked up by your stomping hoof, a cold puff of fog from your panting wolf in winter. No detail will be ignored.

Disclaimer: The WILDS development is currently on hiatus while I retrain myself with Unreal Engine after the Unity Runtime Fee debacle. I am currently working on some learner games before I attempt the rebuild of The WILDS.