Afterworld: The First Hands-On Preview: A (Probably Too Early) Taste of Paradox’s Next Big Thing

Key Points:

• Paradox Interactive's new grand strategy game, Afterworld, is set in a post-apocalyptic North America combining RTS and grand strategy elements, allowing players to rebuild society with diverse options ranging from terraforming to cannibalism.
• The game is currently in an early alpha stage, with many systems incomplete and balance issues present; combat was not shown, and developers are seeking player feedback to refine the experience before a potential release in late 2024.
• Players start by choosing an origin for their survivor band, such as the Shelterborn who emerge from underground shelters, and develop their society's traditions, values, and customs, which influence gameplay and faction dynamics.
• Managing relationships with other bands is crucial, as players must recruit or conquer them to grow their tribe, navigate internal conflicts, and establish governments ranging from democracies to slave-holding regimes.
• Key antagonists include the Ancients, long-lived survivors with unique destinies, such as Farouk the American who seeks to restore the U.S. under his rule, presenting early challenges and strategic decisions for players.