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Wasteland 3

Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2020

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Quick resume

Following the critically acclaimed 2014 Game of the Year winner Wasteland 2, the RPG series that pioneered the post-apocalyptic genre in video games returns with Wasteland 3.

Global score

85/100

Genres

Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Adventure

Pros

  • Engaging story with meaningful choices
  • Deep tactical turn-based combat
  • Strong character customization and progression
  • Immersive post-apocalyptic world with humor
  • Cooperative multiplayer mode

Cons

  • Some bugs and technical issues reported
  • Loading times can be slow
  • Some combat difficulty spikes and balance issues
  • Limited exploration compared to open world rpgs
  • Ui and inventory management could be improved

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have extensive freedom to create and customize characters, choose dialogue options, and decide how to approach missions and combat."

  • Competence
    4

    "Combat and skill systems offer meaningful challenges and require strategic thinking; players receive feedback and can improve builds."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is primarily on single-player or cooperative play with friends, with no emphasis on ranked or leaderboard competition."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long play sessions, replayability with different choices, and habitual engagement with the game."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Co-op multiplayer mode allows working together with a friend to complete goals, enhancing cooperative play."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players can customize characters, build diverse skill sets, and modify equipment; base building and vehicle customization add creative elements."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize shared decision-making and mutual respect; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "The immersive post-apocalyptic world and engaging story provide strong escape from real-life problems."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players try different character builds, combat strategies, dialogue choices, and explore multiple story outcomes."

  • Exploration
    3

    "The game world is dense with multiple towns and factions; players explore new areas, find secrets, and interact with diverse NPCs."

  • Expression
    3

    "Character creation and customization, vehicle upgrades, and base building allow for player self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Set in a post-apocalyptic fictional world with imaginative characters and scenarios blending dark humor and surreal elements."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Players can feel part of a community through cooperative play and shared story experiences, though solo play is common."

  • Growth
    4

    "Character progression, skill development, and learning combat tactics provide opportunities for personal growth."

  • Health
    -4

    "The game involves sedentary play with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires sustained attention and focus during combat and story progression; not designed for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Social interactions are mostly surface-level or functional; no evidence of forming close emotional relationships."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead a team of Rangers and companions, making strategic and narrative decisions that guide the group."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate items, weapons, upgrades, and character levels throughout the game."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "While the game offers moments of flow and humor, it also includes challenging combat and tense situations."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visual effects, sound design, and music provide stimulating sensory experiences enhancing immersion."

  • Status
    -3

    "Achievements and progress are primarily personal; little emphasis on social recognition or popularity."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with branching plots, character interactions, and meaningful choices."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Combat and character building require logical planning, tactical thinking, and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Combat encounters and story decisions create suspense and excitement, though not extreme or constant tension."

  • Value
    4

    "Players perceive good return on investment through engaging gameplay, story depth, and replayability."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves tactical violence and destruction consistent with post-apocalyptic setting."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players manage resources, avoid threats, and strategically survive hostile environments and enemies."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026