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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →NightRunner is a forthcoming PvE co-op survival shooter from developer and publisher 314 Arts. Its announced blend combines horde combat, extraction mechanics, dungeon exploration and tower defense; the developers say it can also be played solo and offline. Steam currently lists its full release date as “To be announced.”
What is NightRunner?
NightRunner is a digital PC game listed on Steam by 314 Arts. The store page describes it as a co-op horde-survival shooter combining extraction mechanics, dungeon exploration and tower defense. The developers cite Killing Floor and Call of Duty Zombies (Tranzit) as inspirations; those are the studio’s comparisons, not a claim that the games share the same systems.
How does the gameplay work?
The developer’s Steam Community reveal frames the loop around taking dangerous contracts, fighting through the night, gathering supplies and keeping a train moving, either alone or with a crew. A report about the announced playtest adds that runs involve cargo, scavenging, defending the train and escaping before daylight. These details establish the premise, but not a complete account of mission rules or how failure affects a run.
The combination suggests missions built around both surviving waves and completing objectives while moving through an environment. The available description does not specify the exact extraction rules, what players lose on death, or how the tower-defense elements work.
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#1 Best Overall
- A unique, cooperative party game
- Includes 193 casino-quality cards
- Comes with 36 screen printed wood health tokens, and 1 large fire token
- Easy to learn and jump right into
- For 3-6 people - AGES 12+
Is NightRunner purely PvE?
Yes. In its Steam Community Q&A, the developer answers “Yes” to the question of whether NightRunner is purely PvE.
Can you play NightRunner solo or offline?
Yes. The same developer Q&A confirms: “Yes, you can play NightRunner in single-player and offline.” It also says the default lobby is four players, so the announced setup includes solo play as well as four-player co-op.
Rank #2
- FUN & EXCITING GAMEPLAY - Build defenses during the day to prepare for zombie chicken attacks at night! Gameplay flows between day & night cycles that will keep players on the edge of their seat!
- GREAT FOR FAMILIES & FRIENDS OF ALL AGES - Zombie Chickens is the perfect card game for family game night, hanging out with friends, or playing solo in a round of zombie-fighting solitaire! 1-4 players, ages 9+, gameplay lasts around 35 minutes.
- 3 WAYS TO PLAY! You can play Zombie Chickens as a COMPETITIVE, COOPERATIVE, or SOLO game! In the Competitive game, players battle to defend their farms from zombie attacks until the last player standing wins! In the Cooperative game, players band together to defend a single farm in hopes of surviving until a rescue party arrives! In the Solitaire game, 1 player battles hordes of zombie chickens to survive as many nights as possible!
- SILLY YET STRATEGIC - Each zombie has 1 or more traits (flying, invisible, climbing, bulletproof, fireproof, timid, exploding) that you must overcome in order to defeat it. For example, a flamethrower is a great defense on your farm until a fireproof or invisible zombie comes along! So choose your defenses wisely and watch out for various events that can change the course of the game!
- CAN YOU SURVIVE THE BOK-BOK-ALYPSE? Or will the zombie chickens prevail?
Is NightRunner an extraction shooter?
The Steam listing says NightRunner includes extraction mechanics, but that label alone does not establish that every mission follows the conventions of a dedicated extraction shooter. The developer’s Q&A includes the question “Is NightRunner an Extraction Shooter?”; the supplied information does not provide the answer or define the extraction system. Treat it as a survival game with extraction mechanics until the studio explains the details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When can you play NightRunner?
Steam lists NightRunner as not yet available, with its full release date marked “To be announced.” A report dated October 1, 2026 said 314 Arts had announced a first playtest for Saturday, October 3, 2026. That date has passed; the sources do not establish whether the test is still open or whether another route to access is available. Check the NightRunner Steam Community page and its Steam listing for current announcements. The playtest date was reported by Capsule Computers on October 1, 2026.
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Rank #3
- Expand the nightmare with two thrilling expansions, combining Survival Horror and Malformations of G B-Files into one immersive bundle.
- Introduces fearsome new bosses including Birkin Stage One and the monstrous Birkin Stage Five mutation, filling entire tiles with danger.
- Play as new survivors with advanced versions of Leon and Claire plus five additional characters, each bringing unique abilities to the fight.
- Adds new weapons, enemies, Hard Mode challenge, and an intense player versus player game mode for ultimate replayability.
- Includes highly detailed miniatures, scenario booklets, cards, and all components needed to escalate tension and terror on the tabletop.
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