The Dead Await is Now in Early Access on Steam

indie.io :

[Georgia, T’bilisi] October 24, 2024 — The time has come for the living to face the hordes. Shotx, in partnership with indie.io, unleashes The Dead Await into Early Access today on Steam. Perfectly timed for the haunting season, this hybrid zombie survival and deck battler invites players into a world crumbling under the weight of the undead. The challenge lies in leading a caravan of survivors through a wasteland, where every decision could determine whether they live to see another dawn or fall victim to the apocalypse. 

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Blending strategic deck-building combat with immersive open-world exploration, The Dead Await appeals to both fans of card battlers and players who love deep, RPG-driven experiences. As players navigate a desolate landscape, they must scavenge for resources, manage their caravan, and engage in tactical, card-based combat against zombies, hostile factions, and other threats. Success in these encounters depends on a carefully constructed deck, with 50 combat cards for players to discover and use. These cards allow for strategic combat decisions, where every choice could tip the scales of survival. Whether attacking, defending, or discarding, the outcome of each battle hinges on wise deck management. The indie game studio plans to double the number of combat cards during Early Access, adding even more depth and variety to combat strategy.

Customization plays a vital role in The Dead Await. Players can mold each survivor into a unique character, from nimble lockpickers to ferocious berserkers, using a deep attribute, skill, and perk system.  Over time, survivors grow stronger, gaining new skills and perks that transform a rag-tag group into a hardened team of apocalypse veterans with rare and powerful cards at their disposal.

Managing the caravan is the key to survival. As the central hub of the journey, the caravan can be upgraded with workbenches, storage units, and other essential features to turn it into a mobile base. Players can modify the caravan’s performance by swapping out vehicle components—engine, suspension, and tires—each affecting how the caravan handles the treacherous terrain and how well the survivors fare in the face of relentless threats.

As players lead their caravan through the wastelands, factions will play a crucial role in shaping their experience. From the ruthless Force Nova, a group of former military personnel seizing control in the chaos, to The Spades, a faction of outlaws torn between morality and greed, these groups offer players tough choices. Aligning with factions can yield rewards, but players must decide whom to trust in a world where loyalty is as scarce as supplies.

Early Access offers players the first taste of The Dead Await's expansive world in Act I, and it’s only the beginning. Shota Bobokhidze, Founder and Lead Developer at Shotx explains the importance of community feedback and the vision for the future of The Dead Await.

“Our goal with Early Access is to take The Dead Await to the next level by listening to our community and bringing new ideas to life. Act II is already packed with exciting new features, some fully implemented and others in the prototype and testing phases. One standout feature you can look forward to is an all-new base-building system. You'll have the opportunity to establish a permanent underground base, customizing every detail to your liking and automating the production of essential resources, shaping your survival experience just the way you want it.” 

Shotx plans to continue expanding the game with more quests, characters, and combat cards, giving players even more ways to experience the moral complexity and tactical depth of surviving the apocalypse. 

The Dead Await is now available in Early Access on Steam for USD 12.99, with a 10% launch discount. Embark on a thrilling journey of zombie survival and strategic deck-building, lead the survivors, and uncover the dark truths of a world forever changed. Follow Shotx on X/Twitter  for the latest updates and community support.

Media:
Streaming Trailer | Marketing Assets 

ABOUT SHOTX
Shotx is an independent game studio founded in 2016, known for delivering innovative indie games for diverse audiences. Constantly pushing boundaries, Shotx experiments with genres, mechanics, and visual styles, creating unique and evolving experiences for players. With a passion for exploration and creativity, the studio thrives on crafting games that defy convention while staying true to their indie roots. Find out more on ShotX’s official website. 

ABOUT INDIE.IO

indie.io is home to over 100 of the world’s best independent video games and developers. Our platform was built with a singular vision: to provide support to independent developers where it was most needed and set the standard for gaming promotion. 

Established in Alabama, we’re powered by a team of 35 employees; a mix of semi-professional esports players, developers, and gaming enthusiasts whose passion and technical know-how fuel the company’s mission. As industry experts, we dedicate ourselves to providing innovative marketing support services and integrations; as players, we want to discover and elevate the creators of exceptional, inspiring, and unexpected games of every genre. Join us on our quest to cultivate a vibrant global community of players and creators alike!