A New Open-World Survival RPG Feels Like Rust and The Last of Us Combined

by

Survival games are incredibly popular right now, and a new one called Ardem is hoping to stand out by taking inspiration from games like The Last of Us and Rust. Developed and published by the small indie team at Techtive Games, Ardem is currently available as an open alpha, with plans for an early access release sometime in 2026.

When people talk about survival games that combine player-versus-player combat with cooperative elements, Rust is often the first game that comes to mind. Released in early access back in 2013, it quickly became popular worldwide. Unlike other well-known survival games like Subnautica and The Forest, Rust stands out due to its large scope and ambitious goals: players begin with very little, but can eventually build huge, intricate bases, participate in large-scale PvP battles, and team up to raid other players. However, Rust has a gritty, industrial look and focuses heavily on action and features commonly found in massively multiplayer online games. The new game, Ardem, takes a slightly different approach, leaning more towards the presentation style of The Last of Us.

Ardem Captures the Dynamic Open-World Survival Mechanics of Rust

Whether you play solo or with others, you can discover unique, deserted places, collect supplies, construct bases, fix up vehicles, and bring power back to a broken world.

Let’s start with a simple question: what is Ardem? Techtive calls it an immersive, open-world survival RPG, and while that gives you a basic idea, the game actually offers much more than that. Here’s a rundown of Ardem’s main features and systems, according to its Steam page:

  • 64 km² of fully handcrafted world with hundreds of unique locations to explore.
  • Player actions permanently alter the conditions and structures of the world.
  • Diverse enemy types with unique behaviors and attack patterns.
  • Deep base-building system with exceptional creative freedom.
  • Hundreds of objects to customize and decorate your shelter.
  • Dynamic electricity system with multiple power sources and uses.
  • Innovative vehicle system with upgrades, modules, and customizable attachments.
  • Fully customizable weapon system with attachments and modifications.
  • Fully personalizable character system for appearance, gear, and playstyle.
  • Dynamic temperature and clothing system that realistically simulates weather, warmth, and protection.
  • Grow crops, hunt wildlife, and fish to stay alive.
  • Play solo, co-op, or online with up to 64 players per server.
  • Host your own server and tailor your experience. PvE, PvP, or Roleplay, your choice.

Similar to Rust, Ardem is set in a large, open world that players can change and build together. However, while Rust focuses heavily on action, shooting, and player-versus-player combat with raids and events, Ardem is a more relaxed and survival-focused experience. The core gameplay in Ardem revolves around things like keeping vehicles running, finding reliable food sources, and restoring power, rather than constant fighting.

This change in focus is clear in Ardem‘s look and feel, which is both more realistic and more imaginative than Rust‘s. While Ardem does include zombie characters for players to deal with, the game isn’t set on a strange, war-torn island like Rust. Instead, Ardem focuses on everyday, relatable environments, making it similar in tone and style to The Last of Us.

Ardem Shares The Last of Us’ Tranquil Apocalyptic Flair

At first glance, Ardem feels incredibly serene—that is, until the zombies appear. Despite the threat of the undead, the game possesses a strange beauty. Nature has reclaimed the world, with plants growing over the remains of buildings and trees flourishing inside homes and offices. This sense of isolation permeates the game’s atmosphere and influences how you play.

The focus of most marketing for Ardem is on exploring, building, and staying alive, not fighting. The game takes place in a world where humans aren’t in charge anymore and have to find resources, be resourceful, and change to survive. This feeling of thoughtful isolation has become popular in games like The Last of Us and State of Decay. While the setting feels familiar, it’s also harsh and desolate.

Ardem’s Early Access Will Let Players Put It Through Its Paces

It’s important to note another game that Ardem brings to mind: The Day Before. Widely considered one of the biggest flops of 2023, The Day Before received a very low score from IGN (1/10) due to its unfinished gameplay, poor enemy behavior, a desolate world, and awkward multiplayer. Like Ardem, it clearly drew inspiration from The Last of Us and also emphasized crafting and customization.

Unlike The Day Before, which failed in a confusing and mysterious way, Ardem is being released with a lot of openness and communication. The developers have shared frequent updates and even let players try the game before it’s fully released. Ardem seems more likely to succeed because it focuses on survival and RPG gameplay within a manageable open world, unlike the many Last of Usinspired zombie games already available on Steam. When Ardem* enters early access, players can decide for themselves if it’s good, but for now, it looks promising.

Read More

2026-01-03 13:07