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The Survivalists

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, PlayStation 4 • 2020

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Quick resume

A living world full of surprises, secrets and danger awaits in The Survivalists, an adventure-filled survival sandbox set in The Escapists universe. Explore, build, craft and even train monkeys with up to three friends in a desperate bid to survive. Have you got what it takes to be a Survivalist?

Global score

77/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Casual, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy

Pros

  • Fun and unique monkey automation mechanic
  • Good cooperative multiplayer experience
  • Relaxing and accessible survival gameplay
  • Charming art style and sound design
  • Long playtime with exploration and crafting

Cons

  • Some bugs and glitches especially in multiplayer
  • Limited content and repetitive gameplay
  • Multiplayer progression restrictions (host-only unlocks)
  • Clunky ui and monkey management controls
  • Combat can feel buggy and unchallenging

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore, craft, and direct monkeys to perform tasks, showing high player control and decision-making."

  • Competence
    3

    "Game offers skill challenges in combat and crafting with feedback, but some players find combat buggy and crafting slow."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on cooperative multiplayer and solo play without leaderboards or ranked modes; no competitive elements emphasized."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report long playtimes, addictive crafting loops, and desire to keep playing despite some repetitiveness."

  • Cooperation
    4

    "Strong emphasis on multiplayer co-op and working with friends; monkeys also assist in cooperative tasks."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players build bases, craft items, and customize monkey roles; some complaints about limited decoration but overall creative freedom."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Interactions emphasize cooperation and shared goals; no evidence of power imposition or dominance over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a relaxing, fun escape with charming art and cooperative play to relieve stress."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and social connection; no indications of obligation or pressure to play."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore new islands, unlock recipes, and experiment with monkey automation and crafting strategies."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Game encourages discovering new islands, secrets, dungeons, and resources; exploration is a core activity."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some character and monkey customization (hats), but limited cosmetic options overall."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game features imaginative survival on islands with monkeys as helpers and fantasy elements like orcs and dungeons."

  • Fellowship
    4

    "Strong community and social play reported; players bond with friends and family through co-op."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn crafting, combat timing, and monkey management; some report a learning curve and skill development."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; some players note long sessions and grinding."

  • Idle
    -2

    "Requires active attention to manage monkeys and crafting; some waiting but generally continuous engagement."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Players form close bonds playing with family and friends; social interactions are meaningful and emotionally positive."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead monkeys and coordinate tasks; in multiplayer, some players take host or leadership roles."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression through unlocking recipes, crafting better tools, and expanding base and monkey capabilities."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Game is described as chill and relaxing with a gentle difficulty curve and enjoyable crafting loop."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visuals and sounds are pleasant and charming but not highly stimulating; enjoyable sensory experience."

  • Status
    -3

    "No social ranking or status systems; achievements are mostly personal or host-dependent in multiplayer."

  • Story
    1

    "Game has some lore and light story elements but is mostly gameplay focused without deep narrative immersion."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players plan resource gathering, monkey task assignments, and base defense; some strategic problem solving involved."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Combat and exploration have some tension but overall low difficulty and limited suspense."

  • Value
    2

    "Generally considered good value especially on sale; some complaints about price relative to content."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat exists but is mild and cartoonish; violence is not a major focus or appeal."

  • Survival
    3

    "Survival mechanics present but forgiving; players manage hunger and threats but with low penalty."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026