Population Zero boasts both PvP and PvE game modes. The game allows you to switch between 7-day cycle variations depending on your preferences. Here is how they will work when the game lands on Steam Early Access on May 5th.

There are gamers who enjoy tackling challenges set by the game itself: fighting mobs, overcoming environmental hazards, and managing different levels of difficulty in a certain game. They prefer to experience video games in the singleplayer form (or in co-op), without the fear of losing progress to the players hardened by years of PvP encounters. The latter see entertainment in opposition and competition. Rivalry keeps them on the edge of their seats and thrusts adrenaline into their brave hearts!

We are gamers ourselves. We understand both groups and listen to their opinions and concerns. Thus, we came to the decision to implement separate PvE and PvP modes.

The first time you start a 7-day cycle you will join the Standard PvE mode. This session variant has the following features:

• Players are not able to do damage to one another and inflict status effects like stagger, bleeding, etc.
• Players are not able to loot other players’ corpses
• Players are not able to interact with other players’ items like chests, cocoons, or buildings
• Upon reaching the maximum mutation level colonists transform into the Void
• The Void are limited to a single life and 4 hours of playtime
• Death in the Void form finishes the session
• Account experience is rewarded for completing main quests and killing mobs

If you enjoy single-player or co-op experiences, then Standard PvE will be up your alley. It will also teach the genre newcomers the basics of survival on Kepler. The very first session in Population Zero starts in an instanced training dungeon, the Drop Zone, where you will get the hang of movement, platforming, and combat by going through several simple tasks.

If you are a seasoned survival veteran, the Standard PvE mode will serve as an appetizer for the main dish - the relentless PvP mode for the true daredevils willing to test their skills against their peers. Having reached Account Level 2 (the amount of account experience needed to unlock the mode is tiny - you will only have to complete a couple of the main quests), you will get access to the Standard PvP mode with higher stakes and bigger challenges. Here is a brief overview of that cycle variation:

• Players are able to do damage to each other and inflict status effects
• Players can loot other players’ corpses and chests, destroy chests, cocoons, and buildings
• Loot drop is dependant on gear rarity: the better the gear, the higher the chance of losing it
• Upon death, players lose all their resources
• Players get the same amount of experience points as in the Standard PvE mode
• The Void can cause damage to colonists and to their own kind
• In the Void form, slaying colonists grants additional account experience points

But wait, there’s more! Both PvE and PvP enthusiasts will get more demanding cycle alterations the further they progress.

Alternative PvE mode will offer a different questline with an unexpected plot twist and 150% XP bonus for completing the cycle.

PvP hotheads will enjoy the ultimate challenge of the Ironman Mode with permadeath which turns Population Zero into a roguelike experience. Those who survive will get a 500% increase in account experience.

As you can see, Population Zero is perfect for newcomers as well as hardcore survivalists. PvE modes will let you explore the planet on your own or in a group of friends without the pressure and threat from PvP devotees. On the other hand, if you are a competitive player Population Zero has two intense PvP modes that will take the most of your survival and combat skills.

So learn your game, up your skills, and conquer your foes! Embark on a journey across Kepler on May 5th.