Deadside

Deadside is a survival shooter that blends elements from games like Rust, DayZ, and Tarkov, appealing to both casual and dedicated players. Over the years, it has evolved from a basic game with limited features to a more complex cross-platform experience with new maps, weapons, and gameplay mechanics. The game offers PvP and PvE modes, though PvP servers are considered the main attraction. Players appreciate the game's accessibility and the ability to progress quickly, making it suitable for those with limited playtime. However, the player base has dwindled significantly, especially in certain regions, leading to low population servers and matchmaking challenges. The AI, a core gameplay element, receives heavy criticism for being either too powerful or unrealistic, detracting from the overall experience. Modding support has also faced setbacks with recent updates, frustrating server operators and modders. Despite these issues, the game maintains a warm community and potential for growth if developers address key problems and add more content.

Highlights

Players praise Deadside's gameplay mechanics, highlighting its enjoyable PvP combat and challenging survival elements. The game is noted for its smooth performance and decent graphics quality, which many find better than expected for its price point. The addition of procedural maps and new points of interest adds variety and keeps the exploration engaging. The social aspect, including clan play and cooperative base building, enhances the experience, making it fun to play with friends. The game’s quick progression system suits casual gamers looking for a survival shooter without steep time investment. The developers’ ongoing efforts to improve the game and add new weapons and maps are also appreciated by the community.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's severely declining player base and low population servers, especially in Asia, Australia, and the US, which hinders matchmaking and gameplay enjoyment. The AI is frequently described as poorly designed, with unrealistic accuracy and unfair difficulty spikes that frustrate players. Weapon mechanics, particularly bullet trajectory and hit registration, are often reported as inconsistent or broken. The forced use of paid server hosting instead of providing server files alienates community server operators. The reputation system and some recent updates have been viewed as detrimental, making early gameplay less enjoyable. Additionally, the lack of single-player mode and limited endgame content leave players wanting more depth and objectives beyond base building and PvP.