Survival sandbox video games aren’t precisely uncommon, however the Norse myth-themed Rend has my consideration, because of its intriguing construction. Similar to Ark: Survival Evolved, gamers construct, craft, stage, combat (or tame) monsters and broaden. The huge distinction right here is that the gamers are break up into three rival factions of some dozen gamers on-line at time with an final, server-resetting purpose in sight. No getting ganked by random jerks right here – you and your faction are on this boat collectively, and after watching some streamed gameplay (and asking the devs just a few questions), this one is on my radar.
Unlike most survival sandbox video games, Rend has an ending. Matches play out over an estimated month or so, with gamers gaining rating by means of main cooperative or aggressive endeavours. The first faction to succeed in the purpose is topped winner, and the server is reset. Progression inside a match is RPG-like, with gamers ascending by means of a number of ability bushes. Faction-wide analysis additionally supplies development to all members – a excessive tide lifts all boats. Those who do properly on the finish of a match are awarded factors in direction of everlasting account perks that may be carried between servers.
Developers Frostkeep need Rend’s gamers to be thrown frequently into battle with one another, too. Their resolution is frequently scheduled battles (twice every week at current, though they could change or be set on a per-server foundation) referred to as Reckonings. There’s no shock to those, only a ticking countdown till the subsequent huge hour-long throwdown, so all three groups can put together and make it possible for their greatest fighters are on-line for a messy three-way brawl, with the winners discovering themselves a little bit nearer in direction of an total server victory. Outside of reckonings, skirmishing is allowed, however faction bases debuff enemy forces, giving the house group a significant benefit.
Right now, most of Rend’s core loop appears to be within the early entry model, however they’ve received loads of huge plans for the subsequent 6-12 months of improvement earlier than absolutely launching. A high-level underground area is without doubt one of the main upcoming options, and the builders describe delving down there as a group endeavour. The critters down there contemplate lone gamers to be tasty snacks. More creatures each floor and subterranean are on the playing cards, plus new siege weapons, a weapon mod system and (in fact) extra snazzy outfits to decorate up in.
Rend is out now on Steam for £23/€28/$30, and might be in early entry for an estimated 6-12 months.
