Dean Hall, the creator of the survival classic DayZ, is currently working on a new game: Icarus. It was originally scheduled for release in August. However, there is now a delay with a consolation: starting at the end of August, pre-order customers can play the beta.
What kind of game is this? The new survival MMO from RocketWerks takes place in space and has a dystopian sci-fi flair. After a failed terraforming project, the “Icarus Program,” a special material was discovered on the “second earth.”
You are part of one of the squads exploring the new planet, collecting the material, and uncovering its mysteries. You will return to the new planet repeatedly, putting your life on the line. Because you must face various dangers:
- The wildlife of the planet does not welcome you, and you must defend yourself
- Hunger and thirst must be fought against so you can explore the world at all
- Oxygen is also running low since the planet’s air is toxic
- Random weather events make your life even harder
The focus of the game is heavily on PvE aspects and offers classic survival features like crafting and exploration. However, you are always pressed for time. If you don’t reach the landing ship that takes you back to the orbital station in time, you will be left behind. Icarus is among our 8 new survival games to look forward to in 2021.
When and where will Icarus be released? Icarus was supposed to be released on August 12, but it has now been postponed to November (via Steam). Currently, only PC (Steam) is known as the platform. There will be multiple beta tests before the release.
- You can access the Steam page for Icarus here
Roadmap reveals beta content
This is what the beta offers: Along with the announcement of the delay, the developers provided a roadmap showing which contents you can play during the different weekends of the beta:
- August 28-29: Focus on exploration and building, only the forest biome is playable
- September 11-12: Storms sweep across the world and pose a danger, still only in the forest
- September 25-26: the arctic biome is accessible and brings new animals and snowstorms
- October 9-10: you can explore the desert biome with its new dangers
- October 23-24: factions are coming, for which you can complete missions
- November 6-7: a special community event with prizes
The beta starting in August will no longer be under an NDA, as the developers invite streamers and content creators to produce content for their communities. So, starting August 28, you will likely see videos and streams about Icarus.
How do I participate in the beta? If you pre-order Icarus, you will receive guaranteed access to the beta tests. The developers also want to distribute keys to content creators so they can invite their communities. So keep an eye out on Twitch if you want to participate.
Icarus sounds promising, and with Dean Hall behind the project, a creative mind is in charge. DayZ, which also came from him, is considered one of the founders of the modern survival genre. It remains immensely popular and is among the best and most beloved survival games overall:
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