Steam: Survival PvPvE shooter free to play now
Set in a gritty open world, Deadside blends tactical survival gameplay with a strong focus on realism and immersion. Rather than using zombies or sci-fi elements, it drops players into a desolate, war-ravaged post-Soviet region. Spanning over 225 square kilometers, the game lets players roam dense forests, deserted villages, industrial zones and military outposts in search of gear, weapons and resources.
Deadside combines classic survival elements with intense PvPvE gameplay. You begin with almost nothing and must gradually build up your resources, whether through looting, completing missions or battling bandits and other players. Realism is key: weapon mechanics are physics-based, and one wrong move can cost you precious progress. The game also keeps things exciting with dynamic missions. Tasks like bandit raids or heavily guarded convoys regularly appear on the map, offering valuable loot but drawing the attention of other players.
One of Deadside’s core features is base building. Using gathered materials, you can construct a shelter and gradually expand it into a full-fledged fortress. Bases serve as both a retreat and a safe place to store valuable gear, though they need regular upkeep to avoid falling into disrepair.
Reviews: More beginner-friendly than the competition
According to a review by the YouTube channel LevelCapGaming, Deadside stands out with a more beginner-friendly approach compared to survival shooters like DayZ. The survival mechanics are less punishing and more focused on exploration, making it appealing to players who don’t want to commit several hours each day. However, the AI received criticism for its lack of tactical behavior – often charging directly at players without using cover. At the time of the review, Deadside had about 32,000 Steam ratings and held a "Mostly Positive" score of 77%. Here's the video review from LevelCapGaming:
Free weekend on Steam
Deadside was created by the indie studio Bad Pixel and published by tinyBuild. The survival shooter first launched in Early Access in April 2020 and saw its full release in December 2024. On March 25, the game received Update 1.4, which introduced a new map and additional content. To celebrate, players can try the PvPvE shooter for free during the weekend from March 28 to 30. If you enjoy it, you can get Deadside for 40% off, with the price reduced to around $15 instead of $24.50 until April 3.
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