During recent development, I’ve been thinking a lot about one question:
If players have already experienced the core loop of exploration, gathering, building, and combat… what else would they want to do in this wasteland world?
Since announcing the project, I’ve received a lot of feedback in the comments. Many players have shared their thoughts and suggestions, and today I’d like to talk about a few of them — and hear more from you. I genuinely enjoy communicating with everyone, and your ideas often spark inspiration. As an indie developer without a large team dedicated to planning or analysis, I have to develop and think at the same time, hoping to discover the right “direction of inspiration” along the way.
For example, some players told me that “extraction shooters” are trending recently and suggested exploring elements of that style. The idea is to enter a smaller, dedicated map filled with hostile NPCs, monsters, and high-value loot. Within limited time and space, players scavenge gear and supplies while deciding when to extract. The more you carry, the higher the risk; play it safe, and you may earn less. Successful extraction lets you bring part of the loot back to the main world. This type of mode has a faster pace, clear goals, tension, and a strong sense of achievement — a good short-session experience outside the main world.
Many players also expressed interest in more cooperative PvE, especially modes like team-based raids or attacking major hostile strongholds. In these scenarios, players would clear enemies of increasing difficulty, push through defenses, break into fortified zones, and possibly challenge boss-level creatures for unique rewards.
I’d love to know how you feel about these ideas, or if you have better ones in mind.
Another direction I’m considering is recurring world events, such as periodic mutated zombie outbreaks, escort missions for resource convoys, enemy invasions in certain areas, or limited-time supply contests. I’m curious what everyone thinks about these kinds of events.
Of course, I want to emphasize that these expanded gameplay modes won’t change the core identity of The Apocalypse. The goal is simply to give players more pacing options within the wasteland world, enrich long-term progression, and make the game more replayable.
Now, I’d really love to hear your honest thoughts in the comments — they genuinely influence the future direction of the game!