Overview and Context
Released in October 2013, How to Survive entered the gaming landscape during a high point for zombie survival media. Developed by French studio EKO Software and published by 505 Games, this title blended top-down action RPG mechanics with crafting and survival elements. Set on a isolated archipelago infested with undead creatures, the game tasked players with managing basic human survival needs while fighting for their lives.
Developer and Available Platforms
EKO Software designed the game to emphasize quick tactical decisions, crafting, and cooperative play. Initially released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, it later expanded to the Wii U. The game also received a definitive version titled How to Survive: Storm Warning Edition, which was made available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, bundling all DLC pack additions and extra challenges.
Story and Narrative
The game kicks off after a shipwreck leaves your selected protagonist stranded on a dangerous tropical island. The main plot is straightforward: stay alive, search for other survivors, and find a way off the island. The narrative is heavily driven by Kovac's Rules, a series of survival guide pages scattered across the map by an eccentric, self-proclaimed survival expert named Kovac. These pages deliver practical gameplay tutorials wrapped in dark humor, animated style guides, and quirky dialog that gives the game its distinct personality.
Graphics and Visual Design
Visualized from an isometric top-down perspective, How to Survive captures a gritty tropical aesthetic. Dense foliage, makeshift survivor camps, and dark swamp areas create a convincing atmosphere. A key dynamic feature is the day-night cycle, which drastically alters visual visibility and gameplay tension. At night, terrifying nocturnal zombies emerge, forcing players to rely on flashlights and campfires. While character animations feel slightly dated by modern standards, the lighting effects and environmental ambiance hold up well.
Gameplay and Crafting System
The core game loop balances active combat with resource gathering. Players must monitor hunger, thirst, and sleep meters alongside health. The crafting system is the real highlight, allowing you to build unique weapons, armor, and medicinal items using scavenged junk. Combining a bendy straw, a motor, and a gas tank can create a powerful flamethrower, giving players plenty of reasons to explore every corner of the map. Local and online two-player co-op mode adds significant replay value.
Final Recommendation
Is How to Survive (2013) worth playing today? Yes. Despite its age and mid-budget scope, it delivers an entertaining mix of hack-and-slash combat, creative crafting, and humorous survival lore. If you enjoy isometric action RPGs like Diablo combined with survival mechanics, How to Survive is an underrated title that is well worth playing, especially in co-op mode.
