Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead

Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead is a turn-based survival RPG set in New England after a cataclysm devastates the world. Riots and wars ravage the population, the power grid collapses, and the wasteland is overrun by threats including zombies, evil mushrooms and giant hornets. You search for or craft tools, fight monsters, gather allies, build a home base, grow crops and explore as the world grows harsher. You can also look for a working vehicle to travel through the wasteland, and investigate who or what XEDRA was and how its artifacts relate to the cataclysm.

Survive and build

You can make a shelter from wattle and daub, build a tower from reinforced concrete and living alien resin, and establish a base with NPC allies who help with crafting and keep you company. The crafting system covers activities from smithing and soldering to maintaining a sourdough starter. You can grow crops and develop skills and proficiencies as you try to survive an unforgiving world where each step carries risk.

Enemies and vehicles

The threats include ever-mutating undead, giant insects and existential horrors from between worlds. You can drive vehicles on land or water, and build and customize them. This includes modifying a broken-down car, welding a makeshift ram to its front and using it to break through gates.

Character and progression

The game combines turn-based play with RPG-like skill progression, detailed inventory management, and a broad system of skills and proficiencies. Its simulation systems also let you mutate into forms such as a cat-girl slime mold creature with a cybernetic gun arm.