This year, one of the standout games I’ve had the pleasure of previewing is Prologue, the inaugural project from PlayerUnknown Productions. Spearheaded by Brendan Greene, the visionary behind PUBG, this studio has ambitious plans. Combining groundbreaking terrain generation technology with the core elements of top-tier survival games, Prologue delivers an experience that is far more demanding than its straightforward premise implies: you simply spawn into a random world, battle the harsh environment, and make your way to a distant weather tower. Following extensive playtesting, PlayerUnknown Productions is now set to release Prologue into early access next month, complete with a host of new features.
As a survival game, Prologue masterfully balances simplicity with genuine challenge. Players must constantly monitor their hunger, thirst, and body temperature while exploring a massive, procedurally generated forest. Scattered cabins provide crucial shelter, offering better gear, food, and cooking stations. A physical map and compass are your only navigation aids; the game offers minimal hand-holding. Finding the elusive weather tower can be a visually straightforward task if the terrain is kind, but a brutal test of endurance if it’s not.
While procedurally generated worlds are not new – No Man’s Sky is a prime example – Prologue distinguishes itself by crafting remarkably realistic and dynamic terrain that reacts to environmental conditions. Heavy rainfall can transform ordinary muddy patches into treacherous quagmires, significantly impeding progress. Similarly, rocks become slick and dangerous in cold, wet weather. Nightfall dramatically reduces visibility, though the occasional flash of lightning during a thunderstorm can offer a fleeting glimpse of the path ahead.
PlayerUnknown Productions has dedicated considerable effort to perfecting its terrain generation and weather systems. They’ve also added new practical items, such as binoculars and matchbooks for crafting fires. But the most significant changes are set to arrive with Prologue’s early access launch next month.
Beyond the core ‘Go Wayback!’ survival journey, new game modes and customizable settings will be introduced, allowing players to fine-tune their Prologue experience. A ‘Free Roam’ mode offers a relaxed exploration of the generated world, perfect for mastering navigation and capturing breathtaking screenshots without the constant threat of death. For those seeking ultimate challenge, the ‘Objective: Survive’ mode eliminates the tower objective, focusing solely on extended survival. Furthermore, custom settings provide granular control over difficulty, enabling players to choose preferred weather conditions, increase cabin density, halt the progression of time, and much more.
Adding to these new features is a robust map editor. While the game’s randomized terrains are a core part of its appeal, this editor allows players to create and modify maps, even importing custom images and designs for the game to integrate into its procedural generation. For instance, the early access trailer demonstrates a user incorporating a maze layout directly into a Prologue map.
Mark your calendars: Prologue enters early access on Thursday, November 20, and will be available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store.
For those seeking more immersive adventures, consider exploring the top single-player games. While many acclaimed open-world titles offer meticulously crafted environments, Prologue provides a unique and expansive experience for intrepid explorers.
What survival games are currently captivating your attention? Are you planning to dive into Prologue? Join the discussion and share your thoughts and screenshots with the gaming community!