Abiotic Factor

Abiotic Factor is a co-op survival game by Deep Field Games, an indie studio from New Zealand also known for Unfortunate Spacemen.

Plot

Abiotic Factor is set in an underground research facility overrun by paranormal creatures. We play as scientists struggling to survive.

Mechanics

Abiotic Factor is a first-person game. We start off by creating a character, that is, their appearance, backstory, initial abilities, strengths and weaknesses. These choices affect gameplay - for example, a culinary researcher cooks better than the others, construction engineers are great at base building while weapon analysts are competent in combat.

While traversing the facility we'll dispatch enemies, gather useful items and resources by dismantling equipment we come across. Though the facility is vast and consists of numerous sectors, we'll also get to visit other places through various portals.

Resources are required to craft items and weapons. Though we can scavenge gear, the best weaponry must be crafted from scratch.

Resources are also used to build and expand our base. Our command center is rather makeshift at first, soon becoming increasingly advanced, equipped with new rooms like kitchens and bedrooms. The facility still functions and so we can use all it has to offer, including electricity. One must always be on guard though, as enemies lurk everywhere and the power is cut off at night.

As befitting a survival game, we must keep our character's condition in mind, eating, drinking, sleeping and taking care of our hygiene on the regular. Food can be scavenged from vending machines, grown on farms and even butchered off our enemies. Scattered sofas are good places to nap at, while bathrooms will keep us clean.

Game modes

Abiotic Factor supports singleplayer and online co-op.

Technical aspects

Abiotic Factor runs on the Unreal Engine 5. The game features a slightly exaggerated retro artstyle.