About us

Overview

Carpathian Survival is a realistic survival game set in the rugged wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains. Created by a solo dev seeking to bring more representation to his native country in the gaming industry, the game draws heavily on the unique landscapes, flora and fauna of this lesser-explored region.

Players take on the role of a man who wakes up alone in the dense Carpathian forest, with a vague memory of how he got there. To survive, they must craft weapons, build shelter, hunt wildlife, forage for food and brave the harsh natural conditions. The game, currently in Early Access, focuses on open-ended survival mechanics, with a planned narrative element in future updates.

Though the main objective for now is survival, there are plans in place to introduce an overarching story involving the mystery of the protagonist’s circumstances and the secrets hidden within the Carpathian wilderness.

Gameplay

Carpathian Survival is a single-player survival experience, with plans to introduce a co-op mode in future updates. Set in an open-world environment, players are free to explore the untamed wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains while managing a variety of survival mechanics.

To endure the harsh conditions, players must forage for food such as berries, mushrooms, and other region-specific plants, while also keeping track of thirst, hunger, health and exposure to weather. The game features a realistic ecosystem, where the primary threats come from native wildlife that roam the forest. From scavenging for resources to crafting tools and building shelter, every decision impacts the player’s chances of survival.

With its focus on realism and immersion, Carpathian Survival challenges players to adapt to their surroundings and master the art of wilderness survival.

Features

The game offers a more accessible approach to the survival genre, aiming to provide players with a relaxing yet immersive experience. Unlike many existing survival games, it emphasizes exploration and discovery at the player’s own pace, rather than overwhelming challenges.

Key features include:

• Open-World Exploration: A vast, detailed environment inspired by the Carpathian Mountains, teeming with realistic flora and fauna.
• Realistic Survival Mechanics: Players must manage thirst, hunger, health, and shelter, while gathering resources like berries, mushrooms and plants unique to the region.
• Dynamic Wildlife: Wildlife behavior is designed to simulate real-world ecosystems, with native animals acting as the only adversaries.
• Crafting and Building: Craft tools, weapons and shelters to aid in survival. The game encourages players to immerse themselves in its serene yet demanding wilderness, making it ideal for both hardcore survival enthusiasts and casual players looking for a less punishing experience.

Development

Carpathian Survival is the passion project of a solo indie developer at the start of his journey in game development. The game was in development for about two years before its Early Access release on the Epic Games Store late this year.

The inspiration for Carpathian Survival came from a real life lake the dev encountered during one of his journeys in the actual Carpathian Mountains. Struck by the beauty and untapped potential of the region, he became motivated to bring a piece of his native country into the gaming world—a realm where he felt it lacked representation.

The developer’s vision is to craft a game that celebrates the unique landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Carpathians while offering a survival experience rooted in realism. The release marks an important milestone for the creator, who continues to actively develop and refine the game based on community feedback.

Reception

Since its Early Access release, Carpathian Survival has garnered a mix of feedback from players. While many appreciate the realistic setting and the developer’s focus on creating a serene yet immersive survival experience, some have noted areas for improvement. Common critiques include the absence of a mission structure, a lack of a fully developed storyline, and the challenge of standing out in a crowded survival game market.

The developer has taken this feedback in stride, viewing it as an opportunity to grow and refine the game. Quick updates have already addressed some of the initial issues raised by players, and the focus remains on implementing constructive suggestions. With frequent updates and a commitment to community input, Carpathian Survival continues to evolve, laying the groundwork for a more robust and unique experience in the survival genre.