Survival Sandbox
Ongoing coverage on Survival Sandbox.
Latest coverage
DayZ Cool Edition getting a Nintendo Switch 2 version [update: release date]
Bohemia Interactive announced that DayZ Cool Edition will be released on Nintendo Switch on August 20, 2026. The survival sandbox game, known for its hardcore multiplayer experience, will launch with a planned price of $69.99.
Online RPG Everwind recaps its early access to date: ‘We couldn’t have gone far if you hadn’t stood by our sides’
Four months into its early access period, the online RPG Everwind has reflected on its journey, thanking players for their support. Despite a recent dip in player numbers, the developers have made significant improvements to multiplayer stability, progression, and added new features. A roadmap for future content is expected soon.
Multiplayer train-centric survivalbox EverRail roars its way down the early access railroad tracks
The multiplayer train-centric survival sandbox game EverRail has launched into early access today. Developed by Aesir Interactive, the game challenges players to manage a mobile fortress on a constantly moving train, scavenging for resources and rescuing survivors while battling hostile robots. The early access version includes updates based on playtester feedback, such as first and third-person view options, expanded survival systems, and new combat and exploration gameplay.
Necesse teases its July 30 Rust & Romance update with NPC relationships, biomes, and bumper cars
Necesse is set to receive its 'Rust & Romance' update on July 30th, introducing NPC relationships and new settlement features inspired by games like Stardew Valley. The update also includes a new Scrapyard incursion, expanded biomes, and bumper cars. A free weekend on Steam will coincide with the launch.
Survival sandbox EverRail is set to enter early access next week on July 20
The survival sandbox game EverRail, developed by Aesir Interactive, is set to enter early access on July 20th. The game will be in early access for at least 12 months, during which the developers plan to expand the world, polish gameplay systems, and integrate community feedback. Players can team up with up to three others to scavenge supplies and passengers from gliders launched from the train.
Palworld’s 1.0 launch weekend sees a surge of players, Steam peak of 850K, and glowing reviews
Palworld's 1.0 launch weekend saw a significant surge in players, reaching a peak of 853,393 concurrent users on Steam and climbing to the second most played game on the platform. The game has received "overwhelmingly positive" reviews on Steam, with players praising the new update and the developer's decision to maintain the original price.
Critter-hunting multiplayer survival sandbox Palworld officially launches today with its 1.0 patch
Palworld has officially launched its 1.0 version, exiting early access with a massive update that includes new content, 72 additional Pals, and rebalanced gameplay mechanics. The survival sandbox game, developed by Pocketpair Games, has amassed over 40 million players since its early access debut. The game is currently available for under $19.
ARK Survival Ascended releases free Genesis Ascended map, Tides of Fortune and Dragontopia paid DLCs
ARK: Survival Ascended has released three new content additions: the free Genesis Ascended map, the paid Tides of Fortune DLC, and the paid ARK: Dragontopia DLC. Genesis Ascended is a reimagining of an ARK: Survival Evolved map with an ocean biome, while Tides of Fortune is based on content from the MMO Atlas. Dragontopia introduces a new high-altitude region, dragons to tame, and a dragon skill tree.
After spending more than a decade in early access, robotic survival game Scrap Mechanic enters 1.0 later this month
Axolot Games announced that its robotic survival sandbox game, Scrap Mechanic, will officially launch its 1.0 version on July 24th, after more than a decade in early access. The 1.0 update will include a significant graphical upgrade and new content for the survival experience, with more details expected closer to release.
Valheim’s price is going up in September as the devs won’t confirm post-launch content
Iron Gate announced that Valheim's price will increase to $29.99 when it exits Early Access on September 9th. The developers have not confirmed if more content will be added post-launch, focusing on bug fixes and quality of life improvements, with the 1.0 update specifically targeting the Deep North biome rather than oceans.
Rust gets even more cutthroat by adding its own version of apartment rentals
Facepunch Studios has introduced apartment rentals as a new feature in Rust, allowing players to rent rooms with various perks. The update also includes player-run shops within the apartment complex, and maintains the game's cutthroat PvP elements with eviction policies and a master key for burglary. Additionally, changes to softcore mode, a new clan system, and improved animations are part of the latest update.
Dino survivalbox PixARK unveils new DLC that sends you into underground ruins this August
PixARK, the voxel-styled survival sandbox game, is releasing a new DLC called Terracrypt this August. The DLC will introduce a new underground ruin map with 12 biomes, 11 new species, and new factions, alongside features like genetic creature engineering and base building enhancements. The base game will also receive updates including single-player save functionality and an updated creature scanner.
Survival sandbox Sand Raiders of Sophie sees 200K new players since its early access launch
The survival sandbox game Sand: Raiders of Sophie has attracted over 200,000 new players since its early access launch last week. The developers have released an initial patch addressing server issues and bugs, with a roadmap indicating future updates like a lobby browser, matchmaking improvements, and new content such as additional biomes and weather hazards.
PixARK: Terracrypt DLC Announced
Snail Games has announced the upcoming Terracrypt DLC for their sandbox survival game, PixARK. The new content will be available on PC via Steam in August, with console releases to follow.
EVE Frontier's Cycle 6: Sanctuary is a 'bedrock' for the game's future
EVE Frontier's latest major update, Cycle 6: Sanctuary, introduces significant changes including modular ship-building, direct flight controls, and new NPCs. Community Manager Ben Sisson emphasizes the importance of player feedback in shaping the game's development, calling Cycle 6 a 'bedrock' for future improvements. Fenris Creations is also planning to implement a player representation council similar to EVE Online's CSM.
Survival sandbox Sand Raiders of Sophie has officially launched into early access
The survival sandbox game Sand: Raiders of Sophie has officially launched into early access, allowing players to build and pilot modular mechs for scavenging and combat. Despite a "Mixed" review score on Steam, primarily due to a lack of matchmaking, the game is available at a discounted price of under $20 until July 6th.
Join Us Hands-on Preview - Honey, I started a cult
Join Us is a satirical cult-comedy sandbox survival game from indie developer Wolf Haus Games, previewed at Summer Game Fest. The game features base-building, farming, indoctrination, and third-person combat, with a focus on dark humor and player choice. It is set to launch for PC and Xbox Series X|S in March 2027.
In the middle of its Steam beta, survival sandbox Outward 2 delays planned July 7 launch to next year
Nine Dots Studio has delayed the launch of Outward 2 from July 7th to 2027, citing player feedback and a desire to deliver a more polished product. The challenging action RPG with survival elements is currently in its Steam beta, which will continue until June 22nd.
Lost Skies’ patch built ‘after hours’ is live with treasure changes and ship scanning
A new patch for the survival sandbox game Lost Skies has been released, featuring improvements to island loading, ship part scanning, and treasure chest mechanics. The update was reportedly developed by a dedicated team at Bossa Studios outside of normal working hours, leading to community speculation about the publisher Balor Games and the game's development roadmap.
Multiplayer zombie survivalbox State of Decay 3 announces a 2027 release window in new gameplay trailer
Undead Labs has announced that State of Decay 3 is targeting a 2027 release window for Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC. A new gameplay trailer showcased features like plague nests, improved combat, and a larger map. Alpha testing will be expanded later, followed by beta testing.