HumanitZ, a co-op zombie survival game with Project Zomboid vibes, has recently left Early Access on Steam and is quickly becoming one of the genre’s most popular releases. While some might argue that the co-op zombie space on Steam is getting crowded, the success of games like HumanitZ shows that demand for these experiences is still going strong.
HumanitZ is developer Yodubzz Studios’ first game. The small indie team has been working on the project for years, with development beginning well before its Early Access launch in 2023. Addressing the recent release of HumanitZ‘s 1.0 version, the developer said, “After years of development, two years of Early Access, and months and months spent remastering the world, improving performance, and adding new systems, HumanitZ has officially reached 1.0.” The studio also added, “We will continue to add more content… This is just [HumanitZ‘s] next evolution.”
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Fans Seem to Love HumanitZ 1.0
While the game has yet to be reviewed by major critics, Steam user feedback suggests HumanitZ is striking a chord with co-op zombie survival fans. At the time of writing, both recent and overall reviews sit at “Mostly Positive,” with many players praising the steady stream of updates and overall content offering. The game also has impressive concurrent player numbers. According to SteamDB, HumanitZ has peaked at nearly8,000 concurrent players, marking its highest count since launching in Early Access in 2023.
There is no official word on sales figures, but estimates paint a promising picture. Online tracking tools like Gamalytic estimate that HumanitZ has sold more than 400,000 copies so far. The same source suggests the game moved over 18,000 copies in the week leading up to its full release, an impressive achievement for an indie game on Steam. If these numbers are accurate, they point to a game that built incredible momentum well before its 1.0 launch. Estimated playtime data is equally encouraging. Gamalytic reports that players spend an average of over 40 hours in HumanitZ, a figure that is likely to climb thanks to the new content in the 1.0 patch.
HumanitZ’s Gameplay Loop Explained
Similar to most other Project Zomboid-like games, HumanitZ centers on a gameplay loop built around looting, foraging, crafting, and base-building. The world is overrun with zombies, or Zeeks as the game calls them, lurking around every corner. Combat is a major part of the experience, but how much players engage with it comes down to personal playstyle. Some will take the fight directly to the hordes, while others may choose to keep their heads down and avoid most encounters altogether.
Thanks to its sandbox design, HumanitZ seems to be a perfect pick for players who enjoy games with flexible base-building systems. Players can set up camp almost anywhere on the map and shape it into a post-apocalyptic home, leading to meaningful choices along the way. Some may gravitate toward cities and abandoned buildings, while others might opt for quieter rural areas to stay out of harm’s way.
While HumanitZ is often compared to Project Zomboid, developer Yodubzz Studios has made it clear that Project Zomboid did not directly inspire the game.
HumanitZ Features at a Glance
Fit the 9 games into the grid.
- Looting: Players start with next to nothing and must rely heavily on scavenging to survive the early days
- Crafting: With an expanded recipe list, players can craft a wide range of items essential for survival
- Professions: The game features professions like mechanic and farmer, which shape skills and progression
- PvE: Multiple types of Zeeks appear throughout the world, each with different attack patterns and weaknesses
- PvP: Dedicated servers are available for players looking for player-versus-player combat
- Base-building: Players can claim almost any location on the map and turn it into a functioning base
- Quests and lore: Missions help players explore new areas, learn game systems, and uncover pieces of the world’s lore
- Open-world map: Exploration plays a major role, as expected from a zombie survival game
- Co-op mode: The recommended server size is four players, but private servers can support more. The developer has not set a hard cap on co-op player counts
Now Is the Best Time to Play HumanitZ
Fans of zombie games with deep base-building systems and immersive survival mechanics will likely find a lot to enjoy in HumanitZ. Those who are still on the fence can try the free demo on Steam before committing. For players ready to jump in, now is a great time to do so. HumanitZ is currently available at a 40% discount on Steam, dropping its price from $20 to around $11 USD. The promotion runs until February 20, giving fans a limited window to grab the game at a reduced price.
The 1.0 update for HumanitZ introduced a universal server wipe, ensuring that all players start on equal footing. This is especially good news for newcomers interested in the game’s PvP elements, as it removes any lingering advantages held by Early Access players.
