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Craft makeshift chainsaws and guns in How to Survive

Features
By Lorenzo Veloria published 25 September 2013

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Scrounge your way through the zombie apocalypse

Scrounge your way through the zombie apocalypse

Yes, How to Survive is another game about surviving the onslaught of undead flesh eaters on a lonely island--a setting you might have experienced before. But this isometric adventure has a lot more going for it than smashing brains and gory, red goo. With a surprisingly deep crafting system, looming day and night system, and survival elements that make you worry more about your health bar than your kill count, How to Survive seems like it's more than the average zombie game.

You start the adventure with nothing but the clothes on your back, and you'll have to scour the environment for items to fend off undead aggressors, food to keep you fed and watered, and a safe place to rest. While most games have you maintain a single health bar, you'll have to keep your hunger, thirst, and tiredness in check as well. You'll also have to find clean water, hunt the local wildlife, and even cook your food which uses the game's intricate crafting system.

Almost anything you pick up can be crafted into something useful. If you find up a stick, you can use it to break zombies' skulls, or combine it with a machete to break it down to ten arrows for your crafted bow. You can also upgrade your equipment with additional material. Add a balancing rod to your bow for faster target acquisition, put on pulleys to create a compound bow, or lash a molotov to an arrow for an explosive projectile. All of your items seem infinitely customizable, and you'll eventually find mechanical parts that you can piece together makeshift chainsaws, ballistic weapons, and protective armor as well.

Check out the following slides for more information and images.

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Jack is especially adept at smashing heads.

Jack is especially adept at smashing heads.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
You'll have to work with limited inventory space.

You'll have to work with limited inventory space.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
Upgrading your equipment gives you a better chance at surviving zombie hordes.

Upgrading your equipment gives you a better chance at surviving zombie hordes.

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
There are several types of threats on the island, including this massive beast.

There are several types of threats on the island, including this massive beast.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
Each character has a unique skill tree and attributes.

Each character has a unique skill tree and attributes.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Campfires keep away the things that go bump in the night.

Campfires keep away the things that go bump in the night.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Handmade chainsaws? Check.

Handmade chainsaws? Check.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Upgrading armor is just as important as improving your weapons.

Upgrading armor is just as important as improving your weapons.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Two players can join together for co-op in the story and challenge modes.

Two players can join together for co-op in the story and challenge modes.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Night brings out new threats, but you can use light to scare some of them away.

Night brings out new threats, but you can use light to scare some of them away.

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
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Lorenzo Veloria
Lorenzo Veloria
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Many years ago, Lorenzo Veloria was a Senior Editor here at GamesRadar+ helping to shape content strategy. Since then, Lorenzo has shifted his attention to Future Plc's broader video game portfolio, working as a Senior Brand Marketing Manager to oversee the development of advertising pitches and marketing strategies for the department. He might not have all that much time to write about games anymore, but he's still focused on making sure the latest and greatest end up in front of your eyes one way or another.

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