Survive The Brutal Desert Heat In Free Student-developed Game Arid

Jason Winter
By Jason Winter, News Editor
Share:

If the heat that's gripping much of the United States isn't oppressive enough for you, now you can experience deadly temperatures in video game form. Arid is a free-to-play survival game created by students at the Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, and it's a simulation that drops you into South America's Atacama Desert and challenges you to make it out alive.

Arid has all the usual things you'd expect from a survival game, such as a focus on keeping your hydration and energy levels high. As befits the theme, sunburn is also a hazard, and massive sandstorms can further weaken your resolve.

On the bright side -- or should I say, shady side -- there are occasional safe refuges to explore, and you can also craft objects and food that will help you in your quest. There's a day/night cycle, as well, and it's easier to explore out of reach of the sun. There's even lore to explore, as you delve for the stories of the desert's former inhabitants.

For a quickly made student project -- the first demo/prototype was released just 16 weeks ago -- Arid looks pretty good and seems to do a fine job of conveying the game's brutal conditions. The developers added a new area, Moon Valley, with the launch, and there's a Hardcore mode that removes the Sun Exposure UI, so you'll have to rely on your character's sounds to know how much they're suffering. Alternatively, if you want to play in true hardcore mode, just switch off your AC and open a window.

Share:
Got a news tip? Contact us directly here!

In this article: Arid.

About the Author

Jason Winter
Jason Winter, News Editor
Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.

Discussion (0)


Read Next

Alliance-Themed Hearthstone Expansion To Be Revealed On Thursday

Alliance-Themed Hearthstone Expansion To Be Revealed On Thursday

Hearthstone's last expansion had a strong Horde theme, and it was teased that the next one would therefore feature the Alliance.

By Jason Winter - 1 year ago

You May Enjoy

EVE Online’s “Path To War” Content Update Expands On The Factional Warfare Campaign Story

EVE Online’s “Path To War” Content Update Expands On The Factional Warfare Campaign Story

There are even more ways to take part.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 6 days ago
Blasting Waves Of Dinos Was Damn Fun... But Will The Rest Of Exoprimal Be? - A Open Beta Test Review

💣 Feature | Blasting Waves Of Dinos Was Damn Fun... But Will The Rest Of Exoprimal Be? - A Open Beta Test Review

Exoprimal's beta was damn fun but VERY limited. Here's some early thoughts.

By Michael Byrne - 15 hours ago
Sci-Fi Submarine Sim Barotrauma Launches On Steam, And Co-Op Could Be Hilariously Chaotic

Sci-Fi Submarine Sim Barotrauma Launches On Steam, And Co-Op Could Be Hilariously Chaotic

Explore the frozen moon of Europa in a submarine.

By Troy Blackburn - 1 week ago
Top 10 Best MMORPGs To Play Solo In 2023

💣 Feature | Top 10 Best MMORPGs To Play Solo In 2023

Prefer to play alone? Here are some MMORPGs you should try!

By Troy Blackburn - 1 week ago
Marvel Snap Datamine Hits The Internet And Details April Season Content

Marvel Snap Datamine Hits The Internet And Details April Season Content

If you're looking to build an all animal deck, this could be the update for you.

By Troy Blackburn - 1 week ago
Find Out All About Final Fantasy XIV’s 6.4 Patch In The Upcoming Live Letter

Find Out All About Final Fantasy XIV’s 6.4 Patch In The Upcoming Live Letter

Get ready for Yoshi-P to let us know what’s next.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days ago