We know we usually don't post about this that often, sorry for the long post, but this is a special occasion that we wanted to share with all the community, thank you for your patience. More surprises are coming soon. You can try the updated Open Alpha or Demo for FREE today.
In just a few days we will be present at Gamescom 2023, in Germany. You will be able to find us in hall 10.1 booth B-093 and hall 02.1 stand A-0007.
But for those at home, who can't make it, we also have something HUGE for you. Gain access to a 10 times bigger map (10 square kilometers), vehicles, new weapons and zones. Find out more.
An updated Steam demo and an updated full build. Also exclusive open alpha opportunity for the most loyal fans.
We are talking about new weapons, an expanded map, new enemies and a whole lot more.
If you do not own it yet on Steam, it's fine. You can play the Updated Demo on Steam right now. It's free, it has most of the new elements added to it, you can get a taste of what's to come at Gamescom. Even if on a smaller map (only 1km2), the horror and survival will be the same, just in a smaller dose.
If you are interested to spice the experience, you can try the Open Alpha on our website. Which, it brings all of the above mentioned plus two exclusive weapons: SAP-6 and the AK-47. With these bad boys at your side your survival chances will exponentially grow...if you find the ammo for them. Find them somewhere well hidden on the map.
Something HUGE for those who got Full Game Early
Not only you will get access to everything mentioned earlier, but also the possibility to explore the full map. Nearly 10 times bigger (10 square kilometers), with vehicles, new weapons, new enemies and a lot more. Your experience will be close to similar to those from Gamescom.
If you haven't bought it already, you can get it directly, early and cheaper from our website and support our development progress. If you did, you can already head to your profile library and download the new updated build right now. Keep in mind it does get updated regularly, so you can check back again later for something new.
And yes, of course, you will also get a Steam Key as soon as it releases on Steam, you will not be forgotten. But in the meantime, make sure you wishlist it, if you haven't already. And if you will be in Cologne next week, see you there, let's meet.
Updated Gamescom Open Alpha Ready to Play & New Trailer
HUGE Progress Update #6
The big moment you've all been waiting for is here! In just a few days we will be present at Gamescom 2023, in Germany. You will be able to find us in hall 10.1 booth B-093 and hall 02.1 stand A-0007.
But for those at home, who can't make it, we also have something HUGE for you. Gain access to a 10 times bigger map (10 square kilometers), vehicles, new weapons and zones. Find out more.
An updated Steam demo and an updated full build. Also exclusive open alpha opportunity for the most loyal fans.
We are talking about new weapons, an expanded map, new enemies and a whole lot more.
If you do not own it yet on Steam, it's fine. You can play the Updated Demo on Steam right now. It's free, it has most of the new elements added to it, you can get a taste of what's to come at Gamescom. Even if on a smaller map (only 1km2), the horror and survival will be the same, just in a smaller dose.
If you are interested to spice the experience, you can try the Open Alpha on our website. Which, it brings all of the above mentioned plus two exclusive weapons: SAP-6 and the AK-47. With these bad boys at your side your survival chances will exponentially grow...if you find the ammo for them. Find them somewhere well hidden on the map.
Something HUGE for those who got Full Game Early
Not only you will get access to everything mentioned earlier, but also the possibility to explore the full map. Nearly 10 times bigger (10 square kilometers), with vehicles, new weapons, new enemies and a lot more. Your experience will be close to similar to those from Gamescom.
If you haven't bought it already, you can get it directly, early and cheaper from our website and support our development progress. If you did, you can already head to your profile library and download the new updated build right now. Keep in mind it does get updated regularly, so you can check back again later for something new.
And yes, of course, you will also get a Steam Key as soon as it releases on Steam, you will not be forgotten. But in the meantime, make sure you wishlist it, if you haven't already. And if you will be in Cologne next week, see you there, let's meet.
Things are progressing nicely. We did mention a few Development Updates ago about the upcoming caves. Well, in this Progress Update you will get a small taste of what dangers await for you in the dark crevices of these cliffs.
We would also like to highlight one high fire rate weapon that will become available in your arsenal of deadly arms really soon: the Uzi.
Next week you should be looking forward to something major, so make sure you stay tuned.
Deep Dark Dangerous Caverns
We have discovered a series of chambers in the earth as well as in the side of the local hills and cliffs. They seem mostly naturally been made through natural processes, however what we discovered inside...isn't anything close to what one could call...natural.
The inside of the caves seem contaminated by the virus. Walls are drenched in the mutagenic tissue, pulsating and emanating a horrible odor. Securing the perimeter and infiltrating shouldn't be too difficult. We need to make sure we have stocked on sufficient weapons, ammunition and manpower in order to properly explore and decontaminate the caverns.
However, the situation seems to be getting even more dire. In our previous reports we have mentioned about a variant who seems human-like in appearance. It would appear that these caves are the main nests and hatchery for these specimens.
The reproduction seems to take place without the fusion of gametes. The parturition process seems to be taking place in an accelerated rate. An egg-like capsule with various protective membranes gets expulsed by a specimen, usually attached to a high ceiling, acting as a birthing surrogate in this unnatural process.
The UZI, a reliable submachine gun to get the job done
The Uzi submachine gun was designed by Captain (later Major) Uziel "UzI" Gal. The Uzi can be a convenient multi-purpose submachine gun. This compact automatic weapon has been used throughout the world as a police and special-forces firearm.
What makes this gun special, other than its fast fire rate? The creator combined a variety of features from other past attempts to create similar weapons, in order to produce a gun that was not only easy to load, but also would offer an unprecedented compactness, reasonable stability and accurate even when fired automatically, as well as extremely well-tooled and durable, not even mentioning the light weight advantage.
The Uzi is meant to be used as a personal defense weapon and it will keep serving that purpose against any hostiles one would encounter on the island. Make sure to always stock up on magazines.
This week’s Community Highlight: 島津の鉄砲兵 (Shimazu-no-teppouhei)
For our Japanese fans, we have a special treat from 島津の鉄砲兵. De nada.
GIANT Tree-like Monstrosity & Bringing Creatures to Life
Progress Update #4
Things are growing bigger and are getting livelier. We've started this Progress Update Log with a giant (work in progress) baby-like creature, as big as a building. Now, we will be looking at something even bigger, more colossal and more intimidating, reaching heights of small skyscrapers.
Secondly, we'll be offering a quick sneak peek of some of the previously featured models and some of their animations. Bringing to life something that shouldn't be alive in the first place is a real challenge, but you can be the judge of that, let us know your feedback in the comments or on Discord.
Massive trees made out of meat?!
Seems that we are on a spree. We've discovered one more unusual specimen. This form of life is unmistakably the result of the virus' rapid mutation and adaptive capabilities. In order to proliferate, the virus gave birth to yet another monstrous atrocity, one that that grows to colossal sizes.
While we've seen in the past mutagenic variants that imitate human beings or animals, even small household objects to entire houses, this variant seems to imitate the flora, meaning from small plants to trees.
The world's largest tree known to man is called Hyperion, which is a coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). It can reach heights of over 116.07 meters (380.8ft), however those species of trees are not native to the island. It would seem it replicates some of the local trees in some of its features and then supersizes them.
This variant of the virus seems tree-like in shape only, but organic wood tissue is quite solid in some parts and soft (meaty) in others. Its height is astonishing, it doesn't seem to be capable to move, but it is still unclear. It shouldn't even be possible to be alive in the first place with this mass to size ratio, and survive under its own weight. Still under investigation.
Little has been discovered so far. It does seem to have a sort of head, but contact hasn't been established. If it is hostile or neutral it is still unknown. The long branches (tendrils) constitute the crown which is above the previously mentioned head. It does seem to occasionally release some hard to identify sounds, it is uncertain if it is a form of communication or some basic organic responses to the environment.
It's ALIVE...thanks to animation
The virus infects both the living and unliving...it devours and irreparably alters almost anything, assimilates it and it keeps spreading. It takes different forms and it even manages to moves, in unnatural ways.
While the virus spread seems chaotic, there is a certain regularity, an order to the chaos. The movements of a seemingly haphazard collection of walking pieces of meat have a certain fluency to them. They move so that must mean they are alive, but are they really? Do the creatures created by the virus have any form of consciousness?
This week’s Community Highlight: Menos Trece
For our Spanish fans, we have a special treat from Menos Trece. De nada.
Progress is steady, but significant. We are exploring with new variations of existing enemies, big and small, new mechanics and also experimenting with new creatures, introducing them to the island...organically and intrusively. The virus may not be part of the island's ecosystem, but it will make sure to do its best to fit in, to consume and grow.
Reminder that it is less than a month until Gamescom, so make sure you tune in and if you are in the area, drop by to say hi!
Home Savory Home
We've discovered yet another specimen. This form of life is unmistakably the result of the virus' rapid mutation and adaptive capabilities. In order to proliferate, the virus gave birth to yet another dangerous atrocity, one that adopts and replicates the look of inanimate objects.
While we've seen in the past mutagenic variants that imitates human beings or animals, or others that consumes entire buildings, this is new on our radar. From small household objects to entire houses, with everything inside of it, the virus replicates it.
Why such a variant exists is still being investigated, however, it is being hypothesized that the behavior could be similar to the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) carnivorous plant. It attempts to lure unsuspecting victims in its clutches, just to entrap and consume them. Extreme caution is advised.
This variant of the virus uses meat-like tissue as its main brick and mortar. Its spread is rapid, despite being made out of living tissue, its sturdiness is astonishing.
If further studied, analyzed and brought under control, it may prove to be a valuable resource to be used in the future. Having potentially unlimited building materials, created organically, could potentially fix the housing problem and even aid future war efforts.
Naked & Explosive Hunter Variations
A genetic mutation is a change to a gene's DNA sequence to produce something divergent. It creates a permanent change to that specimen. Genetic variations are important for humans to evolve, which is the process of change over generations...and genetic variations are also important to the virus.
Viruses usually create new strains. New strains get created when viruses replicate themselves. When copying, sometimes mistakes get made. Those mistakes create a slightly different versions of the virus and its biochemical spawn.
Variants of the similar type of specimens get created, with small mutations, some significant, some minor. Some have functional purpose, adaptive to new surroundings or circumstances, while others are only remnants of the evolution phase of the mutagenic virus.
This week’s Community Highlight: STAF_52
For our French fans, we have a special treat from STAF_52. Je vous en prie.
Barbie-themed Bonus
Look forward for some major reveals and some animated wonders.
Still hard at work, we are raveling some more of our progress, including one new upcoming long-ranged explosive enemy and a deeper look what's under the hood of the cars.
Getting bombed by the enemy
We've discovered a new specimen. This form of life is yet again the result of the virus' rapid mutation and adaptative capabilities. In order to proliferate, the virus gave birth to yet another dangerous atrocity, one that had adopted some very peculiar offensive and defensive traits.
For the time being, we will give it the code name "bomber", due to its rotund shape and its explosive capabilities. Based on our intel, this creature is capable of long range attacks. Poisonous gas and fluids are stored in its vividly colored ganglion and may be used offensively. Anyone unlucky enough to get hit, will have its visibility affected, as well as their circulatory and nervous system.
Eliminating this enemy in close quarters is not advised. The previously mentioned ganglion is highly volatile, due to its thin membrane and acumulation of gases inside the confined space, you might be the subject of a timely death due to an explosion. It should have a weakness to avoid any collateral damage. Specimen still under investigation.
Approach it with caution. Avoid its line of sight or standing its proximity at all costs.
More details about the vehicles
The automotive industry has seen a lot of changes in the recent years. How is such a wonder of technology assembled? We won't bore you with the fine details, however we can reveal one thing: having a car at your disposal will prove essetial to your island survival, for offensive, defensive and utility purposes.
When figuring out how to reach your destination faster, you won't have time to be picky about the model or the color of the car. What you need from a reliable vehicle is to be sturdy, functional and filled up with gas.
Daylight is limited and you will often times find yourself traveling at night. The headlights will prove essential for your navigation as well as fending off some of the photosensitive creatures.
Speed will prove vital in many time sensitive situations. Conventional traffic laws and speed limits might not apply when facing a crisis of such magnitutde. So, do not be shy to put the pedal to the metal.
However, remember: always keep your eyes on the road.
This week’s Community Highlight: Square Table Gaming
Open World setup: Vehicles and monsters + Classified Footage
Progress Update #1
Radio silence now over. Apologies for the hiatus. We've been hard at work and we've got a lot to show off. We have been focusing on bringing a bunch of new content while also getting the team more organized, in order to bring everyone bigger and more consistent updates.
We have been preparing new enemies for you to fight, new locations to explore, new mechanics and secrets to discover, as well as fleshing out the narrative and story threads. The map is vast and can now be traversed via vehicles, making travelling quicker and more efficient. The new creatures are as terrifying as ever, so always be prepared for the unexpected.
However, that is not all. We've been heavily preparing for this big moment at the end of August. We want to meet some of you in person too, at this year's Gamescom 2023, which is taking place from Aug. 23 to 27 in the Koelnmesse Congress Center in Cologne, Germany. So this is our official announcement that we will be there and have even more ready to show you. Meet you there!
In the following weeks you will find out more, so look forward to that, but until then, here's just a taste.
Travel the open roads
Vehicles will become your main transportation method, if you plan to traverse this vast and treacherous landscape. You will get from point A to point B faster than on foot and safer.
While driving during the day it may be relaxing, under the guise of darkness the island hides its dangers. Luckily, cars have functional headlights whisch should help you better navigate the dark roads ahead of you. What awaits you at the end of these roads? That is for you to discover, however, always be prepared for the worst.
A sneak peek at upcoming giant monster
The infection affects big and small creatures...the pathogen can mutate them in a variety of ways.
Their distorted body can grow to colossal sizes, absorbing and even merging with its surroundings.
Houses, vehicles, electric poles, entire tunnels...nothing is safe.
This is only a taste of what's to come. Keep in mind this is all work in progress.
Classified Footage Trailer
In case you missed it last month on our YouTube channel, you get to watch now. We are currently working on preparing something new, so stay tuned. Slowly, you will get to discover the truth behind a deadly pathogen outbreak on a secluded island. When a secret military operation goes wrong, you'll need to scavenge food, weapons and supplies to survive the nightmare.
The naked truth is revealed
A new type of hunter will be stalking you. This...thing, may seem human in appearance, you may even be fooled to believe it once was one...but you would be sorely mistaken. This is just a replica, a grotesquely deformed copy of what a human would look like, created by the mutagenic virus.
Its purpose, behavior and abilities are still being investigated. One thing is certain thou: it may look human, but it does not have any humanity. Do not hesitate to use deadly force if it becomes hostile.
This week’s Community Highlight: Casual Wardog
An enthusiastic approach from Casual Wardog. Worth a watch.
Steam Development Update #18: New weapons and explosives
Steam Development Update #18: New weapons and explosives
Attention, Mercenaries!
We have some new weapons and explosives we want to share with you! These will be key components to assist you in the battle against the infection.
What to expect?
New weapons and explosives coming to Vorax:
New ranged weapons are coming to the Mediterranean Island. Helping you stay safe from a distance, you will be able to use them for your advantage.
Soon, new traps will be available. Clever placement is key to survival. A well prepared escape route using these new tools can be the difference between life and death.
Ranged weapons with explosive ammunition are the finally upcoming addition we want to share. You will be able to clear out swarms of infected by using new tools.
Weapons and tools that are already in the game:
Crafted axe
Chainsaw + gas
Crafted Bow and arrow + stone arrows
Army knife
Pistol (9 mm)
Shotgun (12 gauge)
Steel axe
Hammer
Crafted pickaxe
Crafted hammer
Crafted Sledgehammer
Crafted saw
Some thrilling images of what to expect!
The beginning pistol has a large magazine capacity and is serviceable for a start. Be sure to not overestimate it’s power though, as the strength of the infection only grows stronger.
The shotgun is a great weapon to take out swarms of infected. With less shots than any of the other ranged weapon, this one sure packs a punch with it’s limited ammo!
It might be small compared to other melee weapons, but the army knife is no toy. With quick stabs, it is great to use in isolated combat!
This week’s Community Highlight
FloppySword takes on Vorax for the first time! Join them as they try to survive their first nights… it is harder than it seems. Make sure to check out his channel and don’t forget to subscribe!
Steam Development Update #17: New Infections and Caves
New Infections and Caves
Greetings, Mercenaries,
More news are around the corner, keep a lookout for the new enemies, as well as the cave system being implemented!
Things to be Expected?
New caves with monster “nests”, spawning near endless amounts of monsters and infected. A frightening six armed, eye-staring infected monster wandering the abyss with unique behaviors creating exciting gameplay. New quests will be added to further gameplay!
Updates that are currently being worked on:
We have a large part of the map currently in the works, with 16 square kilometers to be explored. The new vehicles are also getting improved. These vehicles will make your journey across the island a lot safer and more convenient, keep a lookout for them as they will only spawn in specific locations on the map!
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come!
Here is how the new monster will look. You will soon never know when the darkness is staring back at you.
Here are some monster “nests”, take caution when approaching one of these. Make sure to prepare before entering the underground of the caves.
Here’s a preview of the new 16-square-kilometer map to give you a small taste of what’s to come!
Community Highlight
For this week's community highlight, we have GameEdged giving us a clear walkthrough of the barren lands of the Mediterranean island in the early stages of the game.
Make sure to check out his channel and make sure to subscribe!
We are adding vehicles to further your journey across the unknown Mediterranean Island…
What is to expect?
In some specific locations on the mysterious map, vehicles will spawn to be used. Stay vigilant of what horrors might lurk around these, before finding yourself in a death bound situation. It might help you cross the infected Mediterranean island a lot faster, but it will not be an easy job to retrieve one of these.
Here are a few images of what to expect!
Here is what a car that you may find in these barren lands might look like. Perhaps they are not the most reliable, but will do the job.
The infection has taken a toll on all things. The interior may be damaged but is still serviceable.
There’s no time for stopping at a traffic light! If you see one of these on the map, appreciate them and move on before it’s too late.
How will it impact the players?
The ominous atmosphere across the map will be broken by the light these vehicles bring to the island! Driving one might be a luxury, but be aware of the dangers that lurk around them. Gasoline will be a key component to power them, so always keep a can by your side, before you find yourself in an inescapable scenario…
How will it impact the game?
Vehicles will spawn in certain locations on the strange, fragmented Mediterranean Island. This can make certain situations you might find yourself in simpler, or problematic, depending on the circumstances you may find yourself in. Be sure to stay vigilant when using vehicles before it’s too late…
