Info about DARKEST DAYS:

Official game description:
The world has become a wasteland due to a sudden zombie virus outbreak.
You will start as a fragile survivor in this world, overcoming various threats around you and uncovering the secret of the zombie virus.
**A Vast, Living Open World**
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Explore every corner of the seamless open world offered by DARKEST DAYS.
The apocalyptic world, realistically rendered, delivers an immersive experience.
Your journey begins in the desolate town of Sand Creek, where death fills the air.
From desert villages to snow-covered islands and charming resort cities, explore the diverse themed open world, uncover the origins of the zombie virus, and write your own story.
**A Variety of Vehicles for Survival in the Open World**
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Explore the vast open world of DARKEST DAYS using a range of vehicles.
From everyday family cars once used before the apocalypse to powerful trucks and specialized vehicles like police cars and ambulances, you can utilize modes of transportation to navigate the wasteland.
Vehicles can also be used to plow through hordes of zombies. Collect different vehicles and upgrade them with apocalypse-ready modifications to enhance their survival potential.
**Surviving the Endless Zombie Threat**
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In DARKEST DAYS, a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a massive zombie outbreak, you'll face terrifying undead creatures that constantly threaten your survival.
These zombies exhibit aggressive behavior and unpredictable movement, sometimes using different attack patterns to hunt you down.
To survive, you must use every means available. Take them out one by one with precise shooting or unleash devastating firepower with explosives to wipe out entire hordes.
**Build Your Own Sanctuary With Residents**
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In a world full of dangers, you can construct your own shelter to survive.
Recruit various survivors who have endured the apocalypse to form a community with you.
Build facilities for survival with their help to create a safer haven.
Recruited residents can enhance your shelter's production efficiency or become reliable companions in combat and exploration.
**Diverse and Immersive Multiplayer Experiences**
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Beyond the tense single-player mode, DARKEST DAYS offers dense and engaging multiplayer modes.
Team up with other players to survive endless waves of zombies, or take on terrifying giant mutant zombies to earn rewards.
However, cooperation isn’t the only path to survival. Venture into competitive combat zones to compete against others for rare resources while experiencing thrilling battles.
When it comes to survival, there is no single right answer.

Release date: 23 Apr, 2025

Categories: Open-World Exploration, Survival, Base Building, Resource Management, Cooperative Multiplayer, Competitive Multiplayer, Character Progression, Real-time Combat


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Overall Enjoyable Experience (weight 0.61): The game is generally well-received, with many players finding it enjoyable, engaging, and surprisingly good, especially for a free-to-play title. It offers a fun and addictive experience that keeps players hooked for extended periods.
- Engaging Zombie Apocalypse Theme (weight 0.34): The game excels in its zombie apocalypse theme, offering satisfying zombie-killing mechanics, diverse zombie types, and a tense atmosphere. Players enjoy the looting, survival elements, and comparisons to popular zombie games like State of Decay.
- Fair Free-to-Play Model (weight 0.22): A significant positive is the game's fair monetization model. It's free-to-play with no forced pay-to-win elements, allowing players to progress and enjoy the game fully without spending money, relying on grinding and in-game rewards instead.
- Responsive Combat & Controls (weight 0.17): Combat and controls are highlighted as comfortable and satisfying. The game offers good hit feedback, responsive shooting mechanics, and intuitive controls, making the gameplay accessible and enjoyable for various players, including beginners.
- Dynamic Gameplay & Variety (weight 0.1): The game offers dynamic gameplay with well-implemented RPG elements, skill trees, and a variety of weapons. This diversity in mechanics and weaponry allows for strategic choices and keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- Satisfying Base Building & Management (weight 0.1): The game's base building and community management features are highly appreciated. Players enjoy customizing their shelters, recruiting residents, and the blend of building with RPG and survival elements, providing a sense of progression and achievement.
- Vast Open World Exploration (weight 0.09): The game features a vast, explorable open world with plenty of activities, including quests and free roaming. The open-world design, combined with fast travel and cross-platform play, enhances the sense of freedom and adventure.
- Good Graphics & Optimization (weight 0.08): The game's graphics are considered good and well-optimized, running smoothly even on lower-spec PCs and mobile devices. This accessibility and performance contribute to a comfortable and visually pleasing experience.
- Active Developer Support (weight 0.06): The developers are actively engaged with the community, listening to feedback, and consistently releasing improvements and new content during the beta phase. This responsiveness fosters a positive outlook on the game's future.
- Engaging Storyline (weight 0.05): The game's story is generally considered decent, engaging, and easy to follow. It provides a good narrative flow that helps players immerse themselves in the game world and progress naturally through quests.
- Enjoyable Grind & Looting (weight 0.05): Players enjoy the grinding and looting aspects of the game, finding satisfaction in acquiring better gear and seeing their skills improve. The farming-upgrade loop is addictive and provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Immersive Atmosphere & Tutorial (weight 0.04): The game provides a strong atmospheric experience with good sound design, creating tension and immersion. The tutorial is well-made, making it easy for new players to adapt to the shooter mechanics and overall game world.

Common complaints:
- Poor Mobile PC Port (weight 0.95): Many players reported that the game feels like a low-quality mobile game poorly ported to PC, citing outdated graphics, clunky controls, and a general lack of polish. This significantly impacts the PC player experience.
- Technical Issues & Bugs (weight 0.86): The game is plagued by numerous bugs, glitches, and stability issues, including frequent crashes, disconnections, and unresolvable black screens on launch. These technical problems severely hinder gameplay and prevent many users from even starting the game.
- Unoriginal & Generic Gameplay (weight 0.85): The game is frequently criticized for being a generic and uninspired copy of other zombie survival games, particularly 'State of Decay'. Reviewers feel it lacks originality, depth, and fails to deliver on the genre's core elements.
- Repetitive & Tedious Grind (weight 0.82): The core gameplay loop, including combat, missions, and looting, is described as highly repetitive and tedious. The grind for materials and progression quickly becomes boring, leading to player fatigue.
- Aggressive Monetization (weight 0.18): The game features aggressive and predatory monetization, with many elements described as 'pay-to-win' or 'pay-to-fast'. Players feel pressured to spend real money to progress or gain advantages, which detracts from the free-to-play experience.
- Limited Multiplayer Experience (weight 0.14): Despite being advertised as a multiplayer or open-world game, the actual multiplayer experience is severely limited. Players report being unable to easily play with friends, with most content being solo-focused and multiplayer restricted to specific, often unengaging, areas.
- Clunky Controls & Movement (weight 0.11): The game's controls are described as clunky, stiff, and poorly optimized for PC, often feeling like a direct mobile port. Character movement and combat mechanics are also criticized for being unnatural and unresponsive.
- Overly Long Tutorial (weight 0.1): The tutorial is excessively long, boring, and cannot be skipped, forcing players through hours of unengaging instruction. This often leads to early player abandonment and frustration.
- Lack of Language Support (weight 0.05): The game lacks support for multiple languages, particularly German and Russian, making it difficult for non-English speakers to understand the story, quests, and item descriptions, hindering immersion and accessibility.
- Weak Story & Characters (weight 0.04): The game's story, character interactions, and NPC dialogues are described as generic, superficial, and unengaging. The lack of depth in narrative and character development fails to immerse players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Looting, Crafting, Base Building (weight 0.21): The game features a core gameplay loop centered around looting, crafting, and base building in an open-world zombie apocalypse setting. Players collect resources, upgrade their shelter and gear, and manage survivors, drawing comparisons to games like State of Decay.
- Mixed Solo and Multiplayer (weight 0.19): The game offers both solo and multiplayer experiences, with various modes including PvE, PvP, co-op, and extraction. While much of the early game is solo, multiplayer content like raids and co-op missions become available at later levels.
- Multiplayer Level Locked (weight 0.07): Multiplayer and co-op modes are not immediately accessible, requiring players to reach a certain character level (typically level 11 or 15) before they can access these features and dedicated multiplayer zones.
- Level-Based Progression (weight 0.05): The game incorporates a level-based progression system where character, weapon, and gear levels significantly impact combat effectiveness. Different map regions and enemies are also level-tiered, influencing difficulty and loot.
- NPC Companions (weight 0.04): Players can recruit and manage NPC companions who can assist in combat, be sent on missions, and provide inventory support. These companions can also be leveled up and equipped with better gear.
- Limited Endgame Content (weight 0.03): The current character level cap is 40. Reviewers note that content becomes scarce after reaching this maximum level, leading to a lack of activities and potential boredom.
- Adjustable Aim Assist (weight 0.02): The game includes an aim assist feature, even for mouse users, which some players found intrusive. This feature can be disabled, and some players noted it affected headshot accuracy.

Performance notes:
- Inconsistent Optimization (weight 0.13): While some players experience severe performance issues, others report that the game runs smoothly with stable FPS and few bugs, even on older or mid-range PCs. There's a notable inconsistency in optimization experiences among players.
- Antivirus False Positives (weight 0.01): Several antivirus programs, including Kaspersky, are flagging the game's executable file as a trojan, preventing players from launching the game. This is a critical issue impacting game accessibility.
- Small File Size (weight 0.01): The game's file size is relatively small, around 13 GB, which some attribute to limited content.
- Mouse Resolution Bug (weight 0.01): A specific bug causes the mouse to only move on half the screen when adjusting the resolution in-game. Reinstalling the game does not resolve this issue.
- Limited Voice Acting (weight 0): Only cutscenes within the game are voiced, which might be a point of feedback for players expecting more voice acting.
- Motion Sickness in Fullscreen (weight 0): Some players report experiencing 3D motion sickness when playing the game in full-screen mode.
- V-Sync Update Needed (weight 0): There is a suggestion that the V-Sync option needs an update, implying current V-Sync implementation is problematic.

Recommendations:
- Not Recommended/Waste of Time (weight 0.32): Many players do not recommend the game, citing it as a waste of time and not worth playing, even for free. Some suggest playing alternative games like State of Decay or Once Human instead.
- State of Decay Comparison (weight 0.16): The game is frequently compared to State of Decay, with many recommendations for fans of that series or the zombie survival genre. However, some suggest playing State of Decay or Once Human instead for a better experience.
- Future Potential/Improvements Needed (weight 0.12): Many players acknowledge the game's potential and express hope for future improvements and updates. They believe the game could become much better with further development and polish.
- Worth Trying (Free) (weight 0.08): A significant number of players recommend trying the game, especially since it is free. They suggest forming one's own opinion rather than relying solely on reviews.
- Enjoyable/Will Continue Playing (weight 0.08): Some players genuinely enjoy the game, finding it fun, relaxing, and a good fit for their preferences, especially for solo play or casual sessions. They express a desire to continue playing.
- Once Human Comparison (weight 0.04): The game is often compared to Once Human, with many reviewers suggesting Once Human offers a superior experience in terms of gameplay, graphics, and overall quality.
- Simple Zombie Shooter (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for players who enjoy simple zombie shooters, mindless wandering, or light survival experiences. It's seen as suitable for casual play without high expectations.
- Darkest Days Recommendation (weight 0.02): Some players specifically recommend 'Darkest Days' for fans of grind-heavy, chaotic zombie MMOs, or those looking for a game to fill a few hours without caring about realistic graphics.
- PC Play Suitability (weight 0.02): There's a mixed sentiment regarding playing the game on PC; some recommend it, while others advise against playing mobile games on PC or suggest playing other PC-specific titles instead.
- Resource Management Advice (weight 0.02): Players offer advice on resource management, recommending that new players prioritize upgrading their base and saving materials rather than wasting them on early item crafting like guns.
- Better Paid Alternatives (weight 0.01): Players suggest that there are much better, albeit paid, survival games available, such as 7 Days to Die, DayZ, or Days Gone, implying this game falls short in comparison.

Other player notes:
- Early Stage, Room for Improvement (weight 0.19): The game is in its early stages (beta/early access) and has significant room for improvement across various aspects, including graphics, polish, and content. Many issues are considered normal for a newly released or beta title, with expectations for future updates.
- Free-to-Play with Monetization (weight 0.13): The game is free-to-play and cross-platform (PC/mobile), which is seen as a major strength. While it includes microtransactions, many reviewers consider them 'pay-to-progress' rather than 'pay-to-win,' and not overly intrusive, though some express concerns about long-term viability.
- Better with Friends (weight 0.02): The game is perceived as significantly more enjoyable when played with friends. Reviewers suggest that better multiplayer integration, including accessible co-op sessions and interaction at the main base, would greatly enhance the experience.
- Misleading Genre Marketing (weight 0.01): There is confusion and disappointment regarding the game's genre, with some reviewers stating it is not a true survival game despite being marketed as a PC survival RPG. This discrepancy leads to misleading expectations.
- Unexplained Player Bans (weight 0.01): Several players reported receiving inexplicable permanent bans, often without clear reasons or despite not using cheats. This issue significantly impacts player trust and satisfaction.
- Review Bombing Concerns (weight 0.01): Many negative reviews are attributed to 'review bombing,' often from players who have not played the game extensively or understood its mechanics. This suggests that some criticism may not be based on a full experience.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.24): Players expressed significant disappointment due to the game's overall low quality, particularly its outdated graphics, clunky controls, and numerous bugs. A major source of frustration was the game feeling like a poorly optimized mobile port on PC, leading to unfulfilled expectations regarding gameplay depth, multiplayer features, and general polish. Aggressive monetization practices, including pay-to-win elements and expensive microtransactions, further contributed to this negative sentiment, as did misleading advertising that misrepresented the game's actual content and quality.
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Frustration stemmed primarily from technical issues such as server connectivity problems, frequent crashes, and game-breaking bugs that prevented progression or even launching the game. Players also found the excessive grind for resources and progression, coupled with aggressive monetization, to be highly frustrating. Tedious and unskippable tutorials, repetitive missions, and poor AI for companions and enemies added to the overall exasperation, making the gameplay experience feel like a waste of time.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.2): Players found satisfaction in the game's core loop of grinding, looting, and zombie combat, often appreciating its free-to-play model. The game's ability to run well on lower-spec PCs, its immersive atmosphere, and engaging story elements contributed to a positive experience for many. The sense of accomplishment from progression and the overall entertainment value, especially when playing casually or with friends, were also key drivers of satisfaction.
- Anger (weight 0.05): Anger was largely driven by perceived dishonesty and greed from the developers, particularly concerning misleading marketing and aggressive, pay-to-win monetization. Players were infuriated by game-breaking bugs, unjustified bans, and the overall low quality of the game, which they felt was a blatant cash grab or a poorly executed mobile port. The presence of cheaters and a toxic community further fueled this anger, leading to strong negative reactions and a sense of being scammed.
- Hope (weight 0.04): Despite the game's current flaws, players expressed hope for future improvements, updates, and content additions. This sentiment was often tied to the game's beta or early access status, with players believing that developers would address bugs, improve optimization, and add promised features. The desire for better language support and more engaging multiplayer experiences also contributed to this forward-looking optimism.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement was generated by the game's potential, its engaging open-world zombie genre, and the thrill of combat and exploration. Players enjoyed the fast-paced gameplay, the tension of zombie encounters, and the addictive nature of the progression system. The prospect of future updates and new content also contributed to a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm for the game's development.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Players found enjoyment in the game's core gameplay loop, including looting, combat, and progression, often highlighting its addictive qualities. The ability to play casually, explore the open world, and engage in satisfying zombie combat contributed to a fun experience. Playing with friends and the overall entertainment value, despite some flaws, were also significant factors in their enjoyment.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy was expressed through the sheer fun and entertainment derived from playing the game, often noting how quickly time passed. Players found joy in the combat, particularly zombie shooting, and the sense of progression. The accessibility of the game and the ability to play with friends further enhanced this positive emotion.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom arose from the game's repetitive missions, unengaging gameplay, and lack of variety in content. Players found the tutorial excessively long and tedious, and the overall experience quickly became monotonous. The game's mobile feel and lack of depth in interactions also contributed to a general disinterest and lack of desire to continue playing.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion stemmed from unclear game mechanics, strange design choices, and the discrepancy between the game's actual quality and its negative reviews. Players were puzzled by issues like high GPU usage for a seemingly low-fidelity game, and the rationale behind certain progression systems or multiplayer limitations. The prevalence of negative reviews for a free-to-play mobile game also caused bewilderment among some players who found the game enjoyable.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players were surprised by the game's quality, often exceeding their low initial expectations for a free-to-play title or mobile port. Unexpected positive experiences, such as enjoyable vehicle systems, large maps, or engaging combat, contributed to this surprise. Sudden zombie encounters and the game's ability to be fun despite negative reviews also elicited this emotion.
- Acceptance (weight 0.01): Acceptance was demonstrated by players acknowledging the game's flaws, such as basic graphics, monetization, or its mobile port nature, as inherent to its free-to-play model or early development stage. This allowed them to tolerate certain issues and appreciate the game for what it was, often viewing it as suitable for casual or short-term play despite its imperfections.
- Optimism (weight 0.01): Optimism was driven by the game's beta status and the expectation of continuous improvements and developer responsiveness. Players saw potential in the game's core ideas and believed that ongoing updates would address current bugs and enhance the overall experience, leading to a better future for the game.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation was primarily focused on future game events, content updates, and the potential for new features like skins or improved multiplayer experiences. Players looked forward to the game's evolution and believed that additional content would further enhance their enjoyment.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance was caused by heavy monetization, constant irrelevant dialogues, and persistent technical issues. Players found the tedious tutorial, cheesy mechanics, and aggressive in-game chat to be particularly irritating, indicating a lack of respect for player time and a frustrating user experience.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust was expressed due to the game's extremely poor overall quality, including its visuals, controls, and optimization. Players found the game's mechanics and monetization practices to be repulsive, often describing it as a cheap copy or a poorly made mobile port. Offensive global chat content also contributed to this strong negative reaction.
- Desire (weight 0.01): Players expressed a desire for more language options, particularly German and Russian, as well as voiceovers in dialogues. They also wished for more survival functionalities, diverse maps, character customization options, and better game balance, indicating a longing for a more complete and refined experience.
- Defensiveness (weight 0): Defensiveness arose from players defending the game against negative criticism, particularly accusations of being pay-to-win or a bad mobile port. They often countered these claims by highlighting the game's free-to-play nature, its early access status, or by dismissing negative reviews as unfair or misinformed.
- Concern (weight 0): Concern was primarily related to technical issues such as antivirus software flagging the game as a trojan or malware, raising security worries. Players also expressed concern over the cost of monetization bundles, potential pay-to-win aspects, and the game's long-term longevity and future release model.
- Immersion (weight 0): Immersion was achieved through the game's engaging quests, well-crafted world, atmospheric sound design, and compelling story. Players felt drawn into the game's post-apocalyptic setting, appreciating the overall experience and the strategic depth that contributed to a sense of presence within the game world.}