When it comes to post-apocalyptic survival games, who do you think of? Is it DayZ, 7Days, RUST, or…?
Why have survival games become a global phenomenon? What is it that draws people to them? What makes players willing to invest hundreds or even thousands of hours in these challenging and combative games?
In fact, each of us has imagined how to survive in life-and-death situations. Survival games provide a platform for us to experience the thrilling challenges of survival in a safe environment, without facing real-life dangers.
So, among the well-known survival games DAYZ, 7Days, and RUST, which one is more suitable for you?
First, let’s talk about RUST. RUST interestingly combines survival elements with competitive aspects. Some elements in the game can bring you joy—players can use rocket launchers to attack a naked man being chased by pigs, or get stabbed by a group of spear-wielding players while listening to Russian war songs.
The game mainly focuses on player-versus-player (PVP) combat, where everyone spawns on the map, gathers resources to develop their bases, and attacks each other or each other’s bases to gain richer rewards.
Next is 7Days. The playability of 7Days is relatively high; although it has a lot of repetition, in survival games, repetition is not a big deal since the core of survival games is to gather resources and build homes. With a good grind, you can create your own empire. The exploration elements in the game are also quite interesting, with zombies hiding in every room, ready to scare you at any moment, creating a horror game atmosphere. It is recommended that timid players team up for exploration; I was quite startled during my first house search.
This game also focuses on PVP, where everyone spawns on the map, gathers resources to develop their bases, and attacks each other or each other’s bases to gain richer rewards.
Now, let’s focus on DayZ.
DayZ originated from a highly influential mod for ArmA 2, setting a standard for the entire survival game genre.
Compared to RUST and 7Days, DayZ may not be suitable for every player—because it is very hardcore!
Players must survive in Chernarus, a fictional region in Russia, where the backdrop is a large continent infected by an unknown virus that has turned the entire population into zombies. As a survivor, players must gather food, drinking water, weapons, and medical supplies to survive. The game features a large map, but players must avoid or fight zombies to survive. However, the most terrifying aspect of this zombie-filled world is not the zombies themselves, but the other survivors—humans.
Due to the significant amount of downtime in the game and performance not reaching ideal levels, you may find the first few hours of experience somewhat dull.
However, as long as you have patience (and preferably invite a few friends to play together), the world of DayZ will gradually reveal its unique charm.
DayZ has a slower pace, and encounters between players are infrequent, but each encounter can mean life or death, and you may even be killed and eaten by your opponent. This tense atmosphere undoubtedly adds to the game’s fun. Before starting the game, be prepared to face challenges and lower your expectations; this way, you may find more enjoyment in the game. Of course, the prerequisite is that you must survive in the game and avoid dying from dehydration in a short time.
Of course, seasoned players of DayZ know that this game is indeed hardcore. The items in the lower right corner only give you a rough idea; you won’t know exactly what illness you have, and you need a blood type testing kit to find out if you are type ABO.
New players looking to dive in, take note! To have a good gaming experience in DayZ, you need to wear gloves before dissecting animals, or remember to wash your hands afterward; otherwise, eating with blood on your hands can make you sick. On rainy days, avoid running around; getting wet can lead to a cold, and you can dry off by the fireplace. Walking barefoot will cause you to lose blood. If you find a gun early on, use the bullets; don’t expect to use the gun to attack other players.
If you get sick and don’t treat it, you’ll end up dead. If a teammate catches a cold, they need to wear a mask; otherwise, it will spread. If you get injured, using rags to bandage may lead to infection; it’s best to use bandages.
Over the years, the development team of DayZ has not slacked off, maintaining an active player count of over 40,000. Among many survival games, it seems that besides RUST, there are not many that can surpass DayZ in player count, showcasing the strength of hardcore survival game core players.
It can be said that the main reason DayZ still has many players today is its commitment to realism from the very beginning. This is one of the few games where players can truly experience the treachery of human nature in a post-apocalyptic world, where the intentions of the person on the other side of the screen are unpredictable. It is also one of the few games that has not changed its gameplay to conform to the times, still adhering to a slow-paced style. Hardcore survival enthusiasts should not miss it.
About DayZ
This is your story
DayZ is a hardcore survival game where players must do their utmost to survive against hordes of infected individuals and other survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. The game includes the terrains of Black Russia and Livonia.
Black Russia—a typical DayZ terrain, set in the post-Soviet state of Black Russia, covering 230 square kilometers of handcrafted environments based on real locations.
Livonia—this map covers an area of 163 square kilometers, filled with points of interest, allowing players to experience hardcore survival in a new environment. Players can test their survival skills by venturing into the unfamiliar Livonia region and see how long they can survive in this unprecedentedly dangerous world.
Meet other players
At any given time, up to 60 players can be accommodated; each player must take all necessary measures to survive. You can make friends, kill on sight, build bases, or perhaps be betrayed over a can of baked beans. Use VOIP to communicate with other players you get along with. Since you are always on the brink of death, every encounter is significant. Stay alert. Be cautious. Trust no one.
Survive in Black Russia
You need to worry not only about the infected but also about wild animals and harsh weather conditions. Avoid packs of wolves and crazed bears, find shelter from the harsh rain, and navigate your way to safety in the dark. You also need to familiarize yourself with complex survival mechanics, effectively managing your hunger, thirst, temperature, and other health parameters.
Scavenge for loot
Always ensure your gear is in good condition. Repair damaged clothing, craft makeshift devices, and explore seemingly lifeless cities to scavenge valuable resources. Fix a car, hide it in your secret base, and set up traps for protection. If you have enough courage, you can enter contaminated areas and keep your eyes peeled for valuable loot. Be sure to wear a full hazmat suit and gas mask; otherwise, you won’t last long there.
Seize opportunities
Intense PVP action can erupt at any time, especially in hot spots like abandoned military bases; players love to engage in thrilling shootouts in these areas. Some survivors want your gear, while others see hunting as a pastime. Some survivors may be more concerned that you will shoot first. Learn how to fight and know when to swallow your pride and retreat. A single bullet can change everything. Always watch your back.
Install mods
Head to the Steam Workshop and look for suitable custom servers. Join an active community of like-minded players and modify your DayZ experience to your personal taste. Browse thousands of fan-created features, maps, and weapons—all of which can be conveniently managed through the game’s launcher.
Enter Livonia
Livonia is filled with wildlife, ruins, and hidden locations, featuring 163 square kilometers of fields, forests, and mysterious landscapes, providing a unique new experience for newcomers and veterans of DayZ.
Explore the land
A plethora of intriguing unknown locations are quietly waiting for brave adventurers to explore. Discover eerie swamps, abandoned hunting lodges, sawmills, and deforested areas, as well as large quarries with leftover explosives.
Track bears
Food supply in Livonia is very scarce. To survive, you must learn how to hunt, fish, and forage in the unforgiving wilderness. Fortunately, compared to the previous apocalypse, this continent is now teeming with life.
Uncover secrets
Explore the southern region to find hidden entrances to mysterious underground complexes. When searching for your way there, make sure to stick with friends for mutual support. Don’t forget to bring plenty of supplies, especially a flashlight. Otherwise, you may get lost in the dark maze-like corridors once you enter.
