SCUM

SCUM is a survival game with an ambitious scope that has been in development for over seven years, finally reaching its 1.0 release. Players praise its complex survival mechanics, including metabolism, hunting, and base building, offering a deep and challenging experience. The game features a large open-world map inspired by the Croatian coast, with improvements in graphics and environmental detail over time.

However, the 1.0 launch has been widely criticized as feeling like an unfinished early access title rather than a polished release. Common complaints include buggy and clunky gameplay systems, frustrating NPC and zombie spawn mechanics, poor AI behavior, and a cumbersome interface. Many players lament the removal or postponement of promised features, lack of meaningful endgame content, and a shift in tone that alienates longtime fans. Server issues and paywalled private servers further complicate multiplayer enjoyment.

Despite its flaws, SCUM maintains a dedicated community that appreciates its unique survival depth and potential, hoping future updates and mod support will address core problems and fulfill the game’s original vision.

Highlights

Players especially praise SCUM's deep survival mechanics such as metabolism simulation, hunting, and base building. The large open world with detailed environments and improved graphics adds immersion.

The addition of NPC enemies and new vehicles enhances gameplay variety. Solo mode and private servers offer flexible multiplayer options. The game’s unique complexity and realism set it apart from other survival titles.

Positive community aspects include dedicated private servers with friendly players and the game’s nostalgic connection to the Croatian setting, making it memorable for many.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game’s buggy and clunky mechanics, including broken spawn systems where enemies appear too close or unfairly, poor AI, and frustrating combat controls. The interface is unintuitive and tedious, with excessive menu navigation and inventory micromanagement.

Many players are disappointed by the removal or delay of promised content such as larger maps, diseases, and quest systems. The 1.0 release is seen as rushed, lacking polish, and still feeling like early access. Multiplayer is hindered by paywalled private servers and unstable server lists.

Overall, the game’s direction and balance are questioned, with some describing it as a hollow experience that fails to deliver on its initial potential.