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Wayward

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2016

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Quick resume

You awake to discover yourself no longer in the company of good men or a fine seafaring vessel. Treasure... you remember something about treasure. Wayward is a challenging turn-based, top-down, wilderness survival roguelike. Explore, build, and most importantly survive in these unforgiving lands.

Global score

86/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Early Access, Strategy

Pros

  • Deep and rewarding crafting system
  • Challenging survival mechanics
  • Procedurally generated exploration
  • Active developer support and updates
  • High replay value with skill progression

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and unintuitive ui
  • Tedious inventory management
  • Harsh difficulty spikes early on
  • Limited social and multiplayer features
  • Some players find reputation system frustrating

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have high control over actions, crafting, exploration, and survival strategies with multiple playstyles and difficulty settings."

  • Competence
    5

    "The game demands skillful management of resources, crafting, combat, and survival mechanics with clear feedback and progression."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is mainly on individual survival and progression; multiplayer exists but is not the core competitive element."

  • Continuation
    4

    "High replay value with procedural generation, skill progression, and ongoing updates encourage long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Multiplayer mode supports cooperation but most player experiences and content focus on solo play."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Extensive crafting system, base building, and mod support allow for creative problem solving and customization."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize survival and mutual respect rather than dominance or power over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive survival gameplay and exploration provide strong distraction and escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest and discovery rather than obligation."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Players encouraged to explore mechanics, try different strategies, and discover crafting recipes."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Procedurally generated islands and underground caves promote curiosity-driven discovery."

  • Expression
    3

    "Character and base customization through crafting and building enable player expression."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Fantasy elements like magic, enchanted items, and mythical creatures blend with survival realism."

  • Fellowship
    -2

    "Community exists but gameplay is mostly solitary with limited social interaction."

  • Growth
    5

    "Skill leveling, recipe unlocking, and character progression provide strong learning and development."

  • Health
    -3

    "Sedentary gameplay with complex inventory and micromanagement; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires continuous attention and planning; turn-based but not idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Minimal social or emotional connections; interactions are mostly functional and survival-focused."

  • Leadership
    -3

    "No strong leadership roles; players mostly manage their own survival and base."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on accumulating items, crafting upgrades, and unlocking new abilities."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Some players find it relaxing once familiar, but overall the game is challenging and tense."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Pixel art and music provide moderate sensory stimulation; gameplay tension dominates."

  • Status
    -3

    "Achievements and milestones exist but social recognition is limited; focus is personal."

  • Story
    2

    "Minimal narrative; emergent stories arise from gameplay and exploration."

  • Strategy
    5

    "High mental challenge requiring planning, resource management, and tactical combat."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Permadeath, random events, and survival tension create suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    5

    "Low price with extensive content and replayability offers excellent value for time and money."

  • Violence
    2

    "Combat and killing creatures are part of survival but balanced with crafting and building."

  • Survival
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around avoiding death, managing resources, and overcoming threats."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026