This game actually popped up recently in conversation with a buddy of mine. I’m glad he mentioned it though, this looks to be square in my wheel house. Survival, exploration and zombies? And BOATS? Oh yeah!

A cooperative survival game set in a world where humanity has largely retreated to the sea after a zombie outbreak devastated life on land. The game places players among the remaining survivors who rely on boats not only for transportation, but also as their primary means of shelter, crafting, and long-term survival. The undead dominate the mainland, forcing people to seek refuge offshore. Players will spend much of their time maintaining and upgrading their vessels while making dangerous trips back to land in search of resources, supplies, and equipment. These expeditions appear to form the core gameplay loop.

Unlike many survival games that revolve around a fixed base, Last Harbor uses a mobile home system. Not only do boats serve as bases that can be expanded, but they will also house additional survivors. Improvements to a vessel are also intended to help players navigate the game’s island-filled environment more effectively while offering better protection against threats.

The setting draws inspiration from Washington State’s San Juan Islands. According to the announcement, the developers looked at personal experiences spent on a boat in the region during the 2020 lockdown period. The result is a coastal environment designed to combine natural beauty with a sense of isolation. Players will explore abandoned towns, remote shorelines, and island communities while managing the dangers of the world around them. However, leaving a vessel unattended comes with its own risks, as other players may take advantage of the opportunity to steal loot or interfere with a carefully planned expedition.

We’re looking at a Raft meets Rust type of online play, then? That’s yet to be revealed. Gunfire and loud confrontations can attract unwanted attention, potentially drawing nearby zombie hordes or alerting other survivors in the area. As a result, players may need to balance aggression with caution when navigating dangerous situations.

While much of the world is hostile, certain locations are intended to provide temporary relief. Safe harbors will function as social hubs where players can interact with others, rent protected anchorage, and regroup before returning to the open waters.

Last Harbor is expected to arrive on Steam in 2027. The developers have also stated that playtests are planned for later this year.