yes yes yes i know zombie media is inherently reactionary because it symbolizes the 3rd world hordes rising up to take back our undeserved products of exploitation
but fuck me if this game hasn't given me some of the most memorable multiplayer experiences ever. There's just something about driving down the highway in a sprinter van with your friends smoking cigs, reloading guns and reading books in the backseat as the rain comes down that's such a fucking vibe. Roadtripping across the map to the new city addition after scouring countryside towns for food and weapons is an adventure and a half every time. Covering each other's backs as you make your way into an infested part of town is somehow the most tense and exciting experience I've had in a multiplayer game in a long time.
Another big draw for me is that after the first few days of a run when you've gotten fully established the game can be as intense or relaxed as you want it to be. Don't feel like killing zeds? Stay inside and read, work out, listen to the radio, go fishing, build a fort, maintain your car, organize your loot, etc. The simulation depth of this game very consistently allows you to follow the "if you can do it in real life you can probably do it in the game" thought process. That's how I discovered that you can poison any prepared food with small amounts of bleach, that getting an open wound while you're covered in blood increases the likelihood of getting an infection, that drinking several bottles of wine and taking sleeping pills is not a good combo, and the list of needlessly detailed aspects of this game goes on.
The game has been in development since like 2011 and as a result the modding scene is starting to rival that of Skyrim or Minecraft. Something you want to do that isn't in the game? Almost certainly a mod for that.
The only games I've really played in the last 3 months have been this and Halo Infinite. It's on sale right now, ten bucks, get it now before the devs increase the price.
I played it forever ago. there was no multiplayer and i think these 3d characters look worse?!
Its a cool game tho, doesnt the multiplayer devolve into sadism?
I only ever played with friends, so multiplayer for me was mostly "Hey when you guys go out looting can you try to find seeds and gardening tools?" and "Oh shit guys I'm not going to make it I'm going to stash my loot in a closet and go out to the forest to watch the sun rise" and "This is the fifteenth house we've looted that doesn't have an AR in it. What kind of trash ass dollar store Kentucky is this?"
PVP is a toggleable option. If you have it turned on you're able to attack any player even if they don't have it turned on but you get a big skull and crossbones next to your name. You just gotta find the right server. Most light-RP servers have rules like "if you must be a raider you have to verbally/textually engage with players before you attack them, no RDMing". A lot of the players that have been playing since before this big update generally understand that dying on a run is a real drag so they'll avoid just flat killing you. I got held up a couple times and only once have i just been straight fucked out of nowhere.
As Frank said this game really shines in co-op. Get some friends to pick it up, you won't regret it.
ok thanks!