The new co-op survival game MISERY hit Steam this week – and it’s bound to catch the eye of anyone who’s ever lost themselves in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or the viral Lethal Company.
Simple visuals, addictive mechanics, constant time pressure – all wrapped in the bleak charm of a post-apocalyptic world. So what exactly is the MISERY indie game about, and is it worth diving in? Let’s find out.
Story and World
In MISERY, you play as PMC mercenaries guarding the secret Scientific Institute for Research of the Zaslavie Exclusion Zone (SIRZEZ) – once dedicated to studying anomalies and artifacts. When the experiments spiraled out of control, a nuclear disaster struck, and the Republic of Zaslavie became an isolated wasteland.
After the explosion, the region turned into radioactive ruins crawling with mutations, bandits, and deadly anomalies. Every day is a fight to survive; every night, a trap for your mind. It’s a world that doesn’t explain itself – you have to explore it, endure it, and try to survive in it.
Gameplay in a Nutshell
At its core, MISERY follows a straightforward but addictive loop – a perfect co-op roguelike rhythm. Each session begins with an alarm: an incoming nuclear bomb. You’ve got one minute to grab whatever you can and get to the bunker. Once the dust settles, it’s time to head out on daily raids into procedurally generated zones – crumbling research facilities, airfields, abandoned villages, and irradiated wastelands.
During these runs, you’ll scavenge for supplies (food, water, medicine, weapons), avoid or confront mutants and hostile survivors, and navigate deadly anomalies. Back in your bunker, the focus shifts to base building – expanding your shelter, setting up generators (gas or solar) and crafting stations, growing food, creating weapons, and decorating your base to make it a little more livable.
But that’s not all. MISERY also introduces a psychological effects system. Spending too long in the Exclusion Zone, especially at night, can trigger hallucinations and mental breakdowns. It’s not just a fight for survival – it’s a fight to stay sane.
The multiplayer element allows up to 5 players to explore, share loot, and defend their base together. Impressively, the game runs on Unreal Engine 5, providing a solid technical foundation even with its intentionally minimalist, retro-inspired visual style.
Style, Inspiration, and Atmosphere
MISERY fits perfectly into the growing trend of atmospheric indie survival/roguelike titles that favour tension and creativity over AAA realism. Even back in its demo phase, fans dubbed it a “pocket-size STALKER”, and honestly – the comparison holds up.
This is a true Stalker-like game: the radiation, the artifacts, the anomalies, the eerie Exclusion Zone atmosphere – all combined with the teamwork and pacing of Lethal Company. The result is a moody blend of survival horror, looting, and co-op exploration – a dream come true for anyone who loves that gritty, Slavic post-apocalyptic feel.
Developed by Platypus Entertainment and published by Ytopia, the game doesn’t try to compete visually with big-budget titles – and that’s its strength. The rough edges, desaturated landscapes, and low-poly aesthetic enhance the sense of unease and isolation. In a world obsessed with photorealism, MISERY proves that minimalism can amplify atmosphere.
Why You Should Try It?
- Fresh release: The MISERY game release on October 23 is still hot off the press – perfect timing to jump in early.
- For S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fans: Familiar themes, but with a fresh, co-op roguelike twist.
- For teams: 1–5 player multiplayer raids through the radioactive ruins of Zaslavie are perfect for a night of chaos with friends.
- For atmosphere lovers: The stripped-down visuals work hand in hand with the eerie tone.
- For indie explorers: A great reminder that small studios like Platypus Entertainment can deliver big emotions and unforgettable tension.
MISERY is proof that you don’t need a massive budget to create something immersive and memorable. If you’re into survival horror, Stalker-like games, and the thrill of co-op exploration under pressure – it’s time to grab your mask, check your Geiger counter, and sneak back into the Exclusion Zone.