The long road through the wasteland is finally reaching its destination. indie.io, in partnership with the talented developers at Shotx Studio, has officially announced that their ambitious post-apocalyptic deck-builder, The Dead Await, will leave Early Access and hit version 1.0 on May 18, 2026.
Since its initial Early Access launch in late 2024, The Dead Await has carved out a unique niche for itself by blending the high-stakes tension of a zombie survival RPG with the strategic depth of a deck-builder. If you’ve been looking for a game that tests both your tactical mind and your survival instincts, this is the one to watch.
What is The Dead Await?
In The Dead Await, the world as we knew it is long gone, replaced by blackened ruins and ravenous monsters. You aren’t just a lone survivor; you are the leader of a caravan. Your mission is to navigate a sprawling open world, manage a rag-tag group of survivors, and uncover the dark truth behind the outbreak—all while trying to build the foundations of a new civilisation.
What makes the game stand out is its dual-layered gameplay:
- The Survival RPG: Manage your caravan’s resources, including food, water, and fuel. You’ll need to swap out vehicle components like engines and tyres to ensure your mobile base can handle the treacherous terrain.
- The Deck-Builder: Combat isn’t just about clicking fast; it’s about playing smart. You’ll build and refine a deck of cards based on your survivors’ attributes and gear, engaging in sophisticated card-based battles against both the undead and desperate human factions.
Key Features Arriving with 1.0
The 1.0 release isn’t just a label; it brings the “Final Act” of the story and a host of refinements based on community feedback. Here is what you can expect:
- Deep Character Customisation: Use a robust system of attributes, skills, and perks to build anything from a suave lockpicker to a frontline berserker.
- Sanity & Trauma Systems: The apocalypse takes a toll. You’ll need to manage your team’s mental health and the long-term effects of injuries. Sometimes, a survivor’s mind is a bigger threat than the zombies outside.
- Crafting & Scavenging: From the classic nail-mounted baseball bat to specialised weapon mods, the crafting system allows you to turn wasteland junk into life-saving gear.
- Expanded World: Explore derelict cities, discover new settlements, and make choices that permanently impact the fate of your caravan.
Get Ready for the Outbreak
If you can’t wait until May 18, The Dead Await is currently available in Early Access on Steam and the indie.io Store. Jumping in now allows you to get a head start on building your deck and mastering the caravan mechanics before the full story concludes later this month.
Note: The 1.0 update is expected to deliver a more refined experience with the final story beats, so now is the perfect time to wishlist the game or start your journey in the wasteland.
The Dead Await 1.0 launches May 18, 2026. Will you rebuild civilisation, or become just another body in the ruins?
Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2393580
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