Why Early Access?

“THE DEAD is being built as a systems-driven game where horde behaviour, human AI, and player control all interact in unpredictable ways. Early Access allows the game to grow alongside the community, shaping these systems through real player feedback rather than assumptions.

Horde control, survivor encounters, balance, and performance all benefit from being tested at scale. Early Access lets us observe how players actually use these mechanics and refine them to feel responsive, fair, and fun.

The game is fully playable in Early Access, but not feature-complete. New content, mechanics, locations, and improvements will be added over time, guided by feedback from players who enjoy experimenting with evolving systems and watching a game take shape.

If you like being part of development — breaking things, suggesting changes, and helping define what the final game becomes — Early Access is the best place to start.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“THE DEAD is planned to remain in Early Access for approximately 12–18 months.

This timeframe allows for meaningful iteration on core systems such as horde control, survivor AI, balance, performance, and world expansion. Development may extend or shorten depending on feedback and how these systems evolve, but the goal is to reach a polished, stable release rather than rush to a fixed date.

Major updates will be released throughout Early Access, with regular improvements and additions based on community input.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The full version of THE DEAD is planned to expand on the core systems introduced in Early Access, with a focus on depth, variety, and polish.

Planned improvements include:

More human–zombie interactions, including varied survivor behaviours, base defences, and emergent encounters

Additional zombie abilities and horde commands, allowing for more tactical and expressive playstyles

A more complete and connected world map, with new locations, points of interest, and traversal routes

Improved horde behaviour and AI, making large groups feel more responsive and believable

More maps based on feedback from early access as we build the first world together

Progress Saving rather than starting over each session.

Expanded progression and balance, giving long-term goals without turning the game into a power fantasy

Performance, stability, and visual polish based on player feedback

Early Access content represents the foundation. The full release aims to deliver a more complete, cohesive experience shaped by how players actually engage with the systems.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“THE DEAD is currently in active Early Access development and is in a playable state, with some of the core gameplay loop in place.

The current build includes:

Third-person zombie gameplay with direct control of a playable zombie

Basic horde control mechanics, allowing you to command nearby zombies to follow you or be controlled at distance with live control over the hordes movements

Human enemies and scavenger groups with foundational AI

Survivor bases and points of interest to attack, disrupt, or avoid

One Unfinished open world Sandbox map. We are building this first world based on feedback and to work in new features to the world as they are built. Because of this save states would be broken on each update, so at this point progression saving does not make sense

Human and Zombie Balancing is likley to break and need balancing as we go due to each side gaining or loosing feature based on feedback.

Some features are incomplete or subject to change, and players may encounter bugs, balance issues, or placeholder content. Save wipes may occur during major updates as systems evolve.

Early Access players are encouraged to provide feedback, report issues, and help shape how the game grows.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“Yes. THE DEAD will be offered at a lower price during Early Access to reflect its current state and to thank players who support development early.

As new content, systems, and polish are added, the price is planned to increase for the full release. Players who purchase the game during Early Access will receive all future updates at no additional cost.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“The community is at the heart of THE DEAD’s Early Access development. Player feedback will directly shape how the game evolves, from horde mechanics to survivor AI and world design. As Zombie game lovers ourselves we want this world to look like an accurate reprisentation of what a post apocalypse world looks like from the perspective of a Zombie and we want your input to what that would look like.

Planned ways to involve the community include:

Feedback and bug reports: Players can submit ideas, report issues, and highlight balance problems through Steam discussions and social channels.

Surveys and polls: Community votes will help prioritize new abilities, features, and gameplay improvements.

Early testing of new systems: Major updates will often be released in stages so players can test and provide feedback before they are finalized.

Open communication: Regular dev updates, patch notes, and Q&A posts will keep players informed and engaged with development decisions.

Early Access players are not just testing the game — they are helping define the full version. Your input will shape how the horde grows, how survivors fight back, and how the THE DEAD world evolves.”