Image source: Mytona
The wait for Fntastic’s open-world survival MMO The Day Before has been a long one. In fact, at one point it seemed as though it might never see the light of day following a controversy that caused quite a stir amongst the gaming community. But its Early Access launch is now fast approaching, set to take us on an adrenaline-fueled journey through a post-pandemic America swarming with zombies and desperate survivors. If you’re as excited as us, here we’ll be recapping the whole saga of its release and everything we know about The Day Before and its gameplay so far.
The Day Before, a New Zombie Game That Almost Never Was
The Day Before was first announced in January 2021, instantly piquing the interest of zombie survival enthusiasts and quickly making its way to the top of Steam’s wishlist. The game generated a significant amount of buzz, with gamers eagerly awaiting its release to get a taste of the immersive, post-apocalyptic world that Fntastic promised to deliver.
But to say the road to The Day Before’s release has not been without its bumps would be an understatement. The game was initially slated for launch on March 1, 2023, but a series of unexpected twists and turns led to multiple delays. It was removed from Steam due to a dispute over its name, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty. However, the issue was eventually resolved, and the game was reinstated on Steam.
The Day Before’s release was then postponed to November 10, 2023, only to be delayed yet again. The developers finally settled on an Early Access release date of December 7, 2023 (exact times here), much to the relief of eager fans. However, it’s important to note that this will be an Early Access release on Steam, with console versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S being delayed indefinitely.
The Day Before Is Launching in Early Access, But Not on Consoles
As of now, The Day Before is slated to launch on PC via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. However, the console release is expected to happen only when the game is ready for a full launch, with Early Access being exclusive to PC.
Despite the wishful thinking of some fans, there are no current plans for The Day Before to be released on PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch. From what we’ve seen so far, the game’s highly detailed graphics would likely require significant compromises to run on these platforms.
The Day Before Gameplay & Mechanics
Open-World MMO Survival – Set in the desolate lands of a post-pandemic America, The Day Before challenges players to survive in a world teeming with flesh-hungry infected and other survivors. The game mixes elements of resource collection, exploration, and combat, with both Player versus Environment (PvE) and Player versus Player (PvP) aspects.
Survival Mechanics – The game features a variety of mechanics, including tracking health, hunger, and thirst meters, decorating a personal ranch, driving vehicles, and modifying weapons. These elements contribute to a comprehensive survival experience that challenges players to strategize and adapt to the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world.
Post-Pandemic America – Players wake up in a post-apocalyptic version of America’s East Coast, known as New Fortune City, where they must do whatever it takes to stay alive. This involves scavenging for resources, searching abandoned vehicles and buildings, and defending yourself against the infected and other survivors.
Woodbury Colony – The game begins with players being rescued by survivors from the Woodbury Colony. This colony serves as a hub where players can create their characters, accept missions, and exchange their loot for Woodbury Coins, the in-game currency.
Character Customization and Progression – Players have the opportunity to create unique characters and develop them according to their preferred playstyle. Players can actively participate in rebuilding society by completing quests and bringing in valuable loot to earn Woodbury Coins.
The Day Before is built on Unreal Engine 5, delivering stunningly detailed graphics that add to the game’s immersive quality. The developers have put significant effort into creating a visually impressive experience, from the vast landscapes and cityscapes to the intricate details of the vehicles and buildings.
Will The Day Before Live Up to Hype?
With its mix of survival mechanics, open-world exploration, and MMO elements, The Day Before has a lot of potential. The game’s unique features, combined with its realistic graphics and engaging gameplay, make it a promising addition to the survival genre.
While The Day Before has faced its share of criticism and skepticism due to its rocky journey to release, the anticipation surrounding its launch is undeniable. As we inch closer to its release date, players worldwide are gearing up to dive into the zombie-infested world of New Fortune City.
The Day Before represents a thrilling new entry into the world of survival MMOs. Despite the hurdles it has faced, the game’s intriguing premise, rich gameplay mechanics, and stunning graphics make it a title to watch out for. As December 7 approaches, players across the globe are eagerly waiting to step into the post-apocalyptic world of The Day Before and test their survival skills against the infected and other survivors.
