ZERO Sievert

ZERO Sievert is a single-player, top-down extraction shooter blending survival and roguelike elements. Players appreciate its challenging gameplay, weapon customization, and procedurally generated maps that keep each run fresh. The game draws strong comparisons to titles like Escape from Tarkov and S.T.A.L.K.E.R., appealing to fans of PvE extraction shooters seeking a less punishing experience without PvP.

Despite its addictive nature and deep mechanics, players frequently mention a steep learning curve and occasional frustration due to game balance and design choices. The developers are praised for active communication and frequent updates, including mod support that enhances replayability. However, technical issues, especially on platforms like the Steam Deck, and certain gameplay frustrations persist. Overall, ZERO Sievert offers a unique, rewarding experience for those willing to invest time and patience, but it may not satisfy players seeking polished, streamlined gameplay or extensive story content.

Highlights

Players highly praise ZERO Sievert's gameplay mechanics, particularly the intense survival and extraction loop that evokes S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Tarkov vibes. The procedural map generation and weapon customization provide variety and strategic depth. The game's pixel art style and atmospheric design are appreciated for their retro charm.

The developer's responsiveness, quick bug fixes, and support for mods are seen as strong positives, adding to the game's longevity. The difficulty tuning options allow players to tailor their experience, making it accessible yet challenging. Many find the game addictive and rewarding once the initial learning curve is overcome.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on technical issues such as poor controller and Steam Deck support, frequent crashes early on, and performance problems after updates. Players highlight frustrating design elements like random quest placements, lack of UI quality-of-life features (e.g., item sorting, UI scaling), and problematic line-of-sight mechanics that cause unfair deaths.

The pacing is sometimes considered too slow, and the difficulty balance can feel inconsistent, with enemies often being overpowered. Some find the gameplay loop repetitive without mods, and the story and tutorial elements are minimal, leaving players to learn through trial and error. These issues contribute to a perception that the game still feels like early access despite its full release.