Gamers who are anticipating a Last of Us threequel or are eager for a like-minded post-apocalyptic adventure should look no further than As One We Survive. Marrying the heartache and tension of The Last of Us with the satisfying base-building basics of a game like Valheim, As One We Survive seems to be the best of both worlds.
Development updates and backer demo builds have already laid a strong foundation for As One We Survive, according to Steam. Plus, gamers may be experiencing As One We Survive’s story of building a community amid helpless circumstances quite soon, as its upcoming early access period will give players an opportunity to work as one to help shape the game, as well.
As One We Survive Needs To Be On Your Radar
Essentially, The Last of Us, but more wholesome—perhaps more of a slice of life for what a comfortable life in The Last of Us’ town of Jackson was like—it is clear via the game’s title that a sense of togetherness and community is paramount. As One We Survive’s rich survival sim is a “unique blend of survival and colony management mechanics” with a looming story in which the protagonist’s “desperate journey to save his sick daughter.”
As One We Survive’s game loop is as follows:
- Form a Community: Recruit survivors to create a safe haven.
- Supply Runs: Gather food, water, and medicine for survival.
- Building and Resources: Construct facilities, create renewable resources.
- Uncover missions: Get intel from recruits, advance the story to help your daughter.
Here’s a full overview from the studio: “Using a unique blend of survival and colony management mechanics, you will have to form a community both to survive and find help for your daughter. Build and manage your community, protect your people from danger, and make tough decisions that will determine the fate of your group in a harsh and unforgiving world.”
In an ideal world, those “tough decisions” hit and actually impact the game’s story. Seeing multiple outcomes (even brutal) would be a feather in its cap, especially compared to some other linear post-apocalyptic games.
It’s Coming In 2026
As One We Survive has a planned early access release window in Q2 2026, it might be available as early as April. The apparent wholesomeness of the game’s story is where it truly has a chance to shine, wherein there is an emphasis on community and companionship that isn’t as prominent in a game like The Last of Us, whose story is harrowing from beginning to end.
As One We Survive has the potential to be truly somber, depending on what becomes of the protagonist’s daughter. Unlike The Last of Us, though, building a family together with NPC recruits and others who are willing to lend a hand could make its survival sandbox gameplay incredibly engaging.
- Created by
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Neil Druckmann, Bruce Straley
- First Episode Air Date
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January 15, 2023
- Current Series
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The Last Of Us
