The survival MMO Population Zero speaks on its website and on social media about being a “reimagination of the survival genre.” But what does that mean? Does the game really do so much differently?
What is Population Zero? Visually and gameplay-wise, the MMO resembles a mix of No Man’s Sky and Last Oasis, the latest survival hit on Steam.
So you are a colonist stranded on the planet Keppler-438b. There, you must survive, fight against aliens in PvE and against other players in PvP, and build your own shelter. Additionally, there are 3 NPC factions you can join through quests.
The game emphasizes diverse biomes and vast worlds that you can explore. A glimpse into this world is provided by the latest video about the game:
However, in terms of visuals or classic survival elements, Population Zero differs little from other games in the genre. The significant differences lie in the unique gameplay rules.
Population Zero focuses on short sessions
What makes Population Zero special? The survival MMO relies on four features that set it apart from other titles in the genre:
- On the planet Keppler-438b, thousands of players are supposed to coexist simultaneously, and there should be no loading screens between areas. Such a large number is uncommon in survival titles.
- A game session lasts 7 days in the real world. After that, there is a reset, during which you can unlock permanent rewards.
- You receive random missions that you must complete within the 7 days to “win” a session.
- With each death, you mutate until you eventually become a massive super-alien. However, you are eliminated from the session if you are defeated as a super-alien.
Furthermore, Population Zero strongly emphasizes the narrative aspect. During a session, NPCs and quests are meant to reveal more about the planet. There is a main quest you can follow, but you are not required to.
Why should you participate in sessions? By participating in a game session, you collect account XP. This will later be needed to unlock new game modes and content.
According to official statements under a YouTube video from Population Zero, 2 PvE and 2 PvP modes are planned, for which you must first experience the regular game.
Additionally, you can unlock mechanics such as personal respawn points or cosmetic upgrades through account XP.
Can Population Zero convince players?
What do the first testers say? Currently, Population Zero is in a closed beta. Keys for it have been mass-distributed by larger sites and also through social media, so theoretically many 10,000 players could have had access.
Nevertheless, there are quite few reviews and information about the game. On the site of MMORPG.org.pl, users criticize the game for issues that many other survival titles also have:
- Murad: “I played the beta. There is a hub that you must return to from every corner of the map. Players gather there and zerg PvP around the capital.”
- Meemmento: “Unfortunately, the game has the same problems as ARK. Terrible desynchronization and lots of lag on the servers. I doubt it will get better by May.”
Under a YouTube video from the channel, the weapon selection is also criticized. In Population Zero, there are only “medieval” weapons like spears or swords.
The game eschews technical equipment and firearms of any kind, which does not appeal to everyone. Some criticize the weapon choice as illogical, after all, one has traveled from one planet to another and suddenly has no technology left.
Another point of criticism is that currently only 3 different types of weapons are available, all focusing on melee combat. Ranged weapons are reportedly in the works. We reveal more about the combat system here.
When will Population Zero be released? On May 5, the MMO is set to enter Early Access. For this, Population Zero must be purchased for around 30 euros, either through the official website or Steam.
However, it currently seems that only a version with English writing and voice acting is planned. If you have problems with that, we recommend one of the other survival games that we have collected for you in a list.
