If you’ve been enjoying survival titles like The Forest and Sons of the Forest and are looking for something new, the team behind Eshed has just launched Dreadzone, their debut post-apocalyptic mutant survival game, set in a harsh future of 2030.

In this game, a ruthless virus known as Zeno 29 has brought civilization to its knees, twisting its victims into savage mutants. To stop the spread, governments created isolated quarantine zones where the infected are left to survive or perish. You are one of them, sent to a forgotten region filled with abandoned factories, broken homes, underground tunnels, and dense, wild terrain.

Staying alive means using everything you can find. Players will hunt animals, scavenge ruins, complete missions, and trade with other survivors who are also trying to hold on. Building shelter is vital. It shields you from roaming threats and the cold nights. Crafting is just as important. You will need to smelt metal, cook food, and create tools and weapons that give you a better chance in this collapsing world.

As you explore deeper into the zone, the stakes grow higher. Silent factories, sealed bunkers, and crumbling buildings hide both useful supplies and deadly surprises. Mutants roam freely, zombies are always nearby, and wildlife is unpredictable. Armed soldiers also patrol the area, and they are not interested in talking.

The direction you choose affects how the story unfolds. Some players may search for the last scientists, hoping to find a cure for the infection. Others might surrender to the virus and side with the growing mutant forces, striking back at those who turned their backs on them.

Dreadzone offers both cooperative and competitive play. While it was designed with PvE in mind, a new PvP mode has been added based on community feedback. While in this mode, players will not be able to destroy each other’s bases or see nametags and GPS markers, but they will still be able to compete against one another. For those who want to focus on teamwork and exploration, the original mode is still the best option, especially since dedicated servers are not yet available.

Controller support has been added in a limited form. Most gameplay functions work with a controller, but menus and certain features such as structure elevation and HUD toggles are not yet fully mapped. It is playable, but players should expect to use a keyboard and mouse in some situations.

The developers say Early Access will last around six months, depending on how much feedback they receive and how quickly they can expand the game. The final version is planned to include more areas to explore, new types of enemies and NPCs, farming and taming systems, more gear and weapons, and a deeper sense of progression. AI will be improved and more missions will be added to support a fuller narrative.

The game’s current version already includes a complete map, a wide selection of weapons and buildable items, multiplayer support, and a variety of threats to face. There are no plans for a price change after the full release, so if you choose to wait, you can expect to pay the same amount later on.

Dreadzone is out now in Early Access on Steam for $29.99 with a 15% launch discount available until July 31, 2025.