Abiotic Factor is a hit as the Half-Life style survival game leaves early access

News of Half-Life 3 would of course be momentous, but I don't feel a need for it any more. Deep Field Games is already scratching the 'science gone wrong' itch in spectacular style with Abiotic Factor, a survival game that's heavily inspired by the Valve series, feeling closest to its original 1998 incarnation in particular. After more than a year in early access, it's racked up an impressive Steam review score of 96%. Now, it's just launched into 1.0, and the reception has already carried it to a fresh high on the platform.

Boasting support for anywhere between one and six players, Abiotic Factor finds you trapped in a secret underground research facility in the wake of a devastating containment breach that has sprung up all manner of anomalies. Threats are rushing in through dimensional portals, while a mysterious military group appears to be pursuing a no-holds-barred approach to cleaning up the mess. As a poor group of scientists caught in the middle, all you can do is prepare for an experience we rate among the best survival games in recent years.

Finding that pitch-perfect point between terrifying and silly, this is already a game I'd have happily recommended, especially if you're into the aesthetic of classic Half-Life. But if you've been holding off, now is the time to start. Abiotic Factor 1.0 is here, and the 'Cold Fusion' launch update brings a wealth of additions to the table, led by the ability to access the frozen Residence Sector in an attempt to restore it to safe living conditions. Beyond that, you'll head into the heart of enemy territory, the Praetorium, and even further still as you bring the end of the main story to its ultimate conclusion.

There's lots to help you overcome what's ahead, of course. The biggest addition is the Enhancement Bench, which allows you to improve all manner of weapons, armor, shields, and backpacks with a variety of extra upgrades. There's also an Item Manager that makes organizing your storage much simpler, an influx of new trader NPCs, additional skill levels and perks to unlock, and better base building with features such as grid-snapping cubicles to help keep your home in order.

So far, the launch has already been a hit. Within its first day out of early access, the Abiotic Factor Steam player count has hit a peak of 22,304, beating its original launch high to set a new all-time record. That number is likely to rise as we move into the weekend, and reviews show no sign of slowing down either; recent responses remain at that elusive 'overwhelmingly positive' tier, with 96% of users giving it the thumbs up. If you want to join, there's a Steam sale discount for the 1.0 launch, so be sure to grab that while you can.

Abiotic Factor 1.0 is out now on Steam, with a 20% discount through Tuesday July 29, meaning you'll pay $27.99 / £23.99 if you buy it now. Get it here and find out if you've got what it takes to hold out against the horrors.

For more great options to enjoy with your friends, here are the best co-op games on PC in 2025. If you've been contemplating a second screen or an upgrade, we've picked out the best gaming monitor to suit your budget.

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