Developers at Brazilian studio NoShadow have finally announced a firm release date. Scavland, a top-down post-apocalyptic RPG with pixel art, will launch in Steam Early Access on September 4, 2026. Six years in development, a team that has quadrupled in size, and a vast world that promises to be both deadly and enchanting. The game is now available for wishlisting, so you can prepare for your dash through the radioactive wastelands early.
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What is Scavland and why is there so much buzz around it?
Scavland is a hardcore survival RPG set in Zalesye, a land ravaged by war and the mysterious Fog. You are the Vulture, a seeker who survives off the remains of the old world. Explore abandoned settlements, take on dangerous contracts, and fight mutants and hostile survivors.
The developers call Scavland a “love letter” to S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Escape from Tarkov, Tibia, and Metro. And this isn’t just a marketing ploy. The declaration of love for Tibia is especially touching — the game’s creator admitted that this MMORPG was the reason he started making pixel art 16 years ago. Want proof of how childhood passions can turn into major projects? Here it is.
Early Access, Three Acts, and Co-op Planned
Scavland will be in Early Access for 12 to 24 months. Early Access will include Act I — the first region, core game systems, factions, and progression. In the future, the developers plan to release Act II and Act III, featuring new regions, quests, creatures, and story content.
Co-op multiplayer is also planned, allowing players to survive and explore the world together. However, when exactly it will be available remains to be seen. But the very fact that the developers aren’t just promising this, but actually building it into their roadmap, confidently speaks volumes about the scale of their ambitions.
The game was previously expected in the second quarter of 2026, but the date was pushed back to September 4. Apparently, the studio needed some work — and that’s a good sign rather than a cause for concern.
Factions, Reputation, and Choosing a Side
Scavland features 10 factions. Among them are the already well-known Gunners (ruthless military), Mudlarks (mysterious swamp stalkers), and Rada (settlement organizers). Each has its own views, missions, and place in the fragile social fabric of Zalesye.
The player must build relationships with these factions, complete their contracts, and earn a reputation. This reputation will determine which missions will be unlocked, who will agree to trade with you, and how far you can succeed in progressing through the story. It’s not just a matter of “choose a side and forget” — reputation is dynamic, and every action you take can adjust or damage your relationship with an entire faction.
Weapons, Crafting, and 300+ Modification Modules
Scavland’s arsenal includes 25+ weapons and over 300 modification modules. Weapons can be upgraded simply through use — the more you fire, the better their handling. And modules allow you to customize your guns to suit your style: some parts increase damage at the expense of stability, while others improve accuracy or rate of fire.
The crafting system, judging by the descriptions, is extensive and complex. You’ll have to gather resources and recipes, and meticulously approach crafting — after all, in the wasteland, every bullet counts, and every upgrade can save your life. This is a tribute to Tarkov and S.T.A.L.K.E.R., where survival depends on how well you’re prepared.
PvE Experience, Mutants, and the Deadly Fog
Important clarification: Scavland is a PvE game. No raids on other players, no PvP showdowns. Just you, the wasteland, mutants, raiders, and procedurally generated dungeons. The farther from home you go, the more dangerous the world becomes. Radiation, bunkers, and that very Fog await you, which, judging by the description, surpasses even S.T.A.L.K.E.R. anomalies in sheer terror.
For some, the lack of PvP is a drawback. But for those who have longed for quality solo or co-op survival without the constant threat of other players, this is not at all a problem, but rather an advantage.
Should You Add Scavland to Your Wishlist and Buy It on September 4?
The price hasn’t been announced yet. But the game is already available to wishlist on Steam. If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic settings, pixel art, and hardcore survival, Scavland definitely deserves your attention.
Pros:
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Unique blend of influences (S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Tarkov, Tibia, Metro)
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10 factions and dynamic reputation
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300+ weapon tuning modules
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Full PvE experience without mandatory PvP
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Controller and Steam Deck support
What remains unknown:
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Exact price
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System requirements
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Co-op multiplayer release date
If you’re ready to jump into the wasteland as early as September 4, add the game to your wishlist. If you’d rather wait for the full version or at least the first reviews — soon after release, there will be plenty of them. In any case, Scavland is one of the most interesting indie projects of the year. And the fact that the developers openly talk about Tibia’s influence and are creating a game with an eye on classics inspires much more confidence than yet another “unique” project without a soul.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scavland
When is Scavland coming out?
Steam Early Access launches on September 4, 2026.
How much will the game cost?
The price hasn’t been announced yet.
Will there be a Russian language version?
Not officially confirmed.
Will there be multiplayer?
Cooperative multiplayer is planned, but not at launch.
What are the system requirements?
Not officially announced.
Will there be a discount at launch?
Games typically launch in Early Access with a 10-20% discount, but this is not guaranteed.
