Undawn – survival in an open world with Will Smith

In February 2025, “Undawn” continues to stand as a remarkable example of survival action RPGs, offering players an immersive journey through a devastated, open world. Developed by Lightspeed Studios and published by Level Infinite, this free-to-play game delivers both solo and cooperative experiences, with a captivating campaign featuring Hollywood actor Will Smith as the mysterious survivor, Trey Jones. With rich gameplay mechanics, customisable shelters, dynamic weather, and PvP/PvE options, “Undawn” merges entertainment with challenge in a truly post-apocalyptic setting.

The world of Undawn: setting and atmosphere

Undawn unfolds in a world devastated by a global catastrophe that unleashed zombie-like infected across vast territories. The game is set four years after this disaster, where survivors form factions and fight for resources, safety, and influence. The environment includes diverse biomes such as forests, deserts, and abandoned cities, each with its own hazards and potential for exploration. The day-night cycle and changing weather are not just visual features—they directly affect gameplay by influencing stamina, health, and shelter performance.

The developers focused on realism, ensuring that every choice a player makes carries consequences. Whether it’s choosing to conserve energy, brave the acid rain, or raid another survivor’s camp, the game rewards strategic thinking. Players need to monitor over a dozen character stats, from hunger and hygiene to mood and sleep quality, enhancing the sense of survival pressure.

Sound design and visuals also play an essential role. The groaning of the infected in dark corners, the roar of the wind across open plains, and the haunting soundtrack add depth to the immersive experience. The voice acting, particularly from Will Smith, adds a layer of emotional authenticity to the campaign.

Trey Jones – a symbolic character brought to life by Will Smith

One of the most compelling elements of Undawn is the inclusion of Will Smith as Trey Jones, a veteran who serves as a guide and mentor throughout the main storyline. His character brings a mix of toughness, wisdom, and humanity. While the world crumbles, Trey offers players moral lessons, survival advice, and backstory snippets that enrich the narrative.

Will Smith’s involvement is not merely a marketing move; he recorded detailed voiceovers and motion capture, lending credibility and emotional weight to the game. His portrayal helps differentiate Undawn from other survival titles, giving players a reason to care beyond the looting and shooting.

Through Trey’s eyes, players are reminded of what is worth fighting for. His storyline intersects with key plot arcs involving betrayal, rebuilding society, and the cost of human resilience. It’s a performance that elevates the narrative to something greater than just another zombie apocalypse.

Gameplay mechanics and character progression

Undawn offers an expansive RPG system with deep character development options. Players can craft their survivor from the ground up, choosing appearance, clothing, and even body attributes. Progression is based on XP and skills earned through exploration, combat, and crafting. Special attention is given to base-building: shelters can be customised down to the flooring, furniture, and power grids, creating a safe haven that truly reflects the player’s style.

The crafting system is elaborate, covering everything from weapons and armour to food, medicine, and construction materials. Players must gather resources, upgrade workbenches, and maintain their shelters to withstand enemy attacks and weather anomalies. Group missions allow for collaboration and raiding, and competitive PvP zones offer additional thrills.

Combat is tactical and fast-paced, using both firearms and melee weapons. Infected enemies vary in strength and abilities, requiring a mix of strategy and firepower. Boss fights and dynamic events keep the experience fresh, with some missions branching based on previous choices or allies made.

Balance between PvE, PvP and co-op content

Undawn excels in offering multiple play styles. PvE missions provide a rich narrative, survival challenges, and exploration. Players can undertake tasks solo or join forces in co-op play to defeat stronger enemies and uncover rare loot. PvE is enhanced by random world events and mutated enemy types that require adaptability and teamwork.

In contrast, PvP elements are focused on territory control, base raiding, and arena battles. Zones marked for PvP allow players to engage in competitive combat, earning exclusive rewards and rising in faction ranks. Guilds (clans) are a major aspect of social gameplay, enabling larger scale conflicts and joint construction efforts.

The co-op mechanics promote collaboration rather than chaos. Players can share resources, trade items, and even cohabitate in community shelters. Communication tools and group tasks ensure that alliances feel purposeful rather than temporary. This dynamic makes Undawn ideal for both solo adventurers and players who thrive in teamwork environments.

Reception, updates and future prospects

Since its release, Undawn has received generally positive reviews for its expansive world, strong narrative, and technical polish. While critics noted the monetisation system could be aggressive at times, the gameplay depth and content updates have largely balanced these concerns. The game remains free-to-play, with in-game purchases focused on cosmetics and speed-ups rather than power advantages.

In early 2025, major updates introduced new zones, seasonal events, and additional storyline chapters. Developer feedback sessions and active community engagement have kept the player base invested. Weekly events, rewards, and patches demonstrate the developers’ commitment to long-term support and evolution of the game.

Looking ahead, the roadmap includes further faction-based content, enhanced shelter defences, and possibly even VR integration. With continuous improvements and a growing global fanbase, Undawn stands as one of the more ambitious mobile and PC survival RPGs available today.

Is Undawn worth your time in 2025?

If you’re seeking a survival game with depth, variety, and a cinematic edge, Undawn is well worth considering. Its unique blend of realism, storytelling, and online interaction delivers a complete survival package. The inclusion of Will Smith brings not only star power but meaningful character development that enriches the world.

Players who enjoy base-building, strategy, and exploring post-apocalyptic landscapes will find Undawn highly engaging. Its balance between narrative-driven missions and player-driven encounters ensures replayability. Moreover, the constant addition of new features keeps the game from feeling stagnant.

In 2025, Undawn continues to evolve and challenge the conventions of the genre. Whether you’re a lone wanderer or part of a guild, the game offers an engaging escape into a world that feels broken yet worth rebuilding.