Open World Survival
Ongoing coverage on Open World Survival.
Latest coverage
RuneScape: Dragonwilds launch trailer – first RuneScape game on consoles, now available on Nintendo Switch 2
Jagex has launched RuneScape: Dragonwilds on consoles, marking the first time a RuneScape title has appeared on a console platform. The game, available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, features open-world survival and crafting elements with a new magic system. This launch includes all content from its Early Access period and introduces the 'Scorned Wilderness' update, concluding the Kuldra Saga narrative.
Should you start a new character and world for Valheim 1.0?
With the release of Valheim 1.0, players are debating whether to start a new character and world or continue with existing saves. Developers Iron Gate recommend starting fresh for the best experience, especially regarding new biome generation and cinematics. PC Gamer also advises a fresh start to fully appreciate the game's improvements since early access.
Coming Out in gaming this week — September 7, 2026
This week's gaming releases include a variety of titles across multiple platforms. Tiny Eden offers a cozy urban farming simulation on PC, while Halloween brings multiplayer action to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. SPRAWL zero provides a fast-paced cyberpunk FPS experience on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. Valheim's 1.0 release expands its brutal Viking survival gameplay on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and Switch 2. Folklands is a relaxing fantasy Nordic-inspired settlement builder for PC. Hot Wheels Infinite Rush offers arcade racing on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2. Finally, Welcome to Elderfield is a cozy horror RPG with simulation and strategy elements for PC.
Cult simulator Join Us recruits four real ex-cult members to "experience the game’s darkly satirical take on cult life"
The upcoming cult simulator 'Join Us' by developer Wolf Haus features an experimental marketing campaign involving four former cult members playing the game. Their reactions were mixed, with some finding the game's satirical take on cult life engaging and others less so. The game is set to release in March 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
The Last Disease Z Fuses The Walking Dead With Valheim in a Solo-Built Open-World Survival Game
The Last Disease Z, a solo-developed open-world zombie survival game, has launched in early access on PC. Inspired by The Walking Dead and Valheim, the game features undead hordes, mutants, and bandits on a desolate island. A free demo is also available.
'I would love that but we're cheap and poor': Jeff Kaplan speeds through everything players should know about his upcoming cowboy survival game, The Legend of California
Jeff Kaplan provided details about Kintsugiyama's upcoming open-world survival game, The Legend of California, set in gold-rush-era California. The game will feature a sandbox world with activities like trading, fishing, and ranch building, supporting up to 100 players on public servers with monthly resets. Kaplan also discussed potential future features like holiday events and pets, while acknowledging the game's current financial limitations.
Light No Fire only has "between 12 and 20" devs, says lead – but that's ok because a similar number…
Hello Games founder Sean Murray revealed that Light No Fire is being developed by a small team of 12 to 20 people, similar to the size of the No Man's Sky team at its launch. Despite the small team size, the company has developed tools and technology to maintain productivity across both ambitious titles. Updates on Light No Fire have been infrequent since its announcement.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds Physical Editions Revealed As Deluxe Version Packs In Collector Goodies
Jagex has announced Standard and Deluxe Physical Editions for RuneScape: Dragonwilds, launching on November 5th, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The Deluxe version includes exclusive collector's items and all digital bonuses. The game's digital launch is set for September 15th, 2026, with Update 0.12.1 currently available in Steam Early Access, featuring a significant overhaul to the Agility skill.
Respawn Monday #8: Palworld has taken over my life — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
The author expresses deep engagement with Palworld 1.0, highlighting its evolution from early access into a compelling open-world survival and base-building experience. The game's creature collection mechanics, base automation, and rewarding progression systems are praised, making it a standout title in the genre.
Palworld was originally a "factory game like Satisfactory" until it evolved into an open-world survival…
Palworld originally began development as a factory simulation game similar to Satisfactory, where players would manage creatures instead of machines. The concept evolved into its current open-world survival crafting genre, though elements of its factory sim origins remain, with Pals assisting in crafting and farming. Pocketpair's John Buckley shared these insights in a recent interview.
Everything New In Palworld 1.0 – New Pals, Mechanics, Tools, And More
Palworld has officially launched its 1.0 version, exiting early access with a significant update that introduces new islands, Pals, mechanics, tools, and extensive world improvements. Developer Pocketpair confirmed there will be no price increase from the early access version. The update includes a reworked story, new settlements, rebalanced Pal habitats, increased player level cap, and numerous enhancements to combat, crafting, and multiplayer features.
Palworld barges Dota 2 aside as PC player counts skyrocket following the game's 1.0 release
Palworld has seen a significant surge in player counts following its 1.0 release on PC and consoles, reaching over 489,000 concurrent players on Steam. This impressive relaunch figure places it above Dota 2 and highlights the success of the survival-crafting game, despite not reaching its early access peak. The game is available on PC and consoles, with sales boosted by a limited-time discount.
Palworld developer Pocketpair decides not to raise the open-world survival game's price tag as it nears a 1.0 launch later this week
Developer Pocketpair announced that Palworld will not increase its price from $29.99 upon its 1.0 launch on July 10th, as a thank you to players. The open-world survival game has surpassed 40 million players since its early access debut in January 2024 and will also be available on Xbox and PC Game Pass on launch day.
Funcom Releases Dune: Awakening Console Deep Dive, Announces Physical Edition
Funcom has announced that Dune: Awakening will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on September 22nd, with a physical edition available in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, and Japan. The game, already available on PC, is an open-world survival experience inspired by Frank Herbert's Dune. The console release will feature optimized controls, a 60fps target, a complete single-player campaign with scalable difficulty, and all updates added to the PC version since its launch.
Lost Isle Playtest
Wunder Entertainment has announced that a playtest is currently underway for their open-world survival game, Lost Isle, on PC via Steam. While registration details are not yet available, the game's listing provides some information about the upcoming title.
Brightfall – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
Brightfall is an upcoming open-world survival craft game for one to four players set on a cursed 17th-century island. Players must manage their light sources to survive encroaching darkness, scavenge resources, and craft tools to push back the gloom. The game features persistent knowledge unlocks across runs and cooperative gameplay where players can rescue each other from a dark transformation.
Playable Demo Available Now for Nokai, an Open-World Ocean Survival Coop Adventure
Pretty Potato Games has released a playable demo for Nokai, an open-world ocean survival adventure developed by Hrafnkell Þrastarson. The demo showcases core gameplay mechanics including exploration, combat, and ship progression, supporting solo and co-op play for up to five players. Nokai is planned for PC and will be featured in Steam Next Fest in October 2026.
Witchspire Early Access Preview - A Broom with a View
Witchspire is an upcoming open-world survival game in Early Access that blends creature collecting and crafting with magical combat. Players create a witch, explore a vast world, befriend and recruit familiars with unique abilities, and build bases. While the game offers deep gameplay and co-op for up to six players, the developers at Envar Games have confirmed plans for at least a year of post-launch content updates.
Open-World Survival Prequel 'Smalland 2 Lost Realms' Announced For Switch 2
Maximum Entertainment has announced Smalland 2: Lost Realms, a prequel to the open-world survival game Smalland: Survive the Wilds. The new entry is planned for a 2027 release on Nintendo Switch and will feature a larger world, deeper progression, creature companionships, and 10-player co-op.
PlayStation State of Play June 2026: What Actually Matters to Adult Gamers
Sony's June 2026 State of Play showcased numerous upcoming games for the PlayStation 5, with a focus on titles relevant to adult gamers. Highlights include Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine, Moon Studios' No Rest for the Wicked, and Santa Monica Studio's God of War Laufey. The event also featured new looks at Stuntman: Hollywood, Dune: Awakening, and a packed release schedule for Fall 2026, culminating in the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI.
