Deathground aims to feature both solo and co-operative gameplay so players can try to survive alone or play in teams of up to 3. Players form a group of professional hunters and survivalists on a mission to the “Deathground” to retrieve high-value loot.

As players, you form a group of professional hunters and survivalists on a mission to retrieve high-value loot you have been assigned to capture by the REDSTONE corporation.

Players are put through the ultimate test of cooperation as they travel through darkened and anxious environments overrun by deadly dinosaurs, in order to survive. Reactive AI dinosaurs that hunt you down, random extraction points and dynamic objectives create unpredictable and varied experiences and all contribute to a menacing atmosphere filled with fear, suspense and anticipation.

Deathground features dynamic gameplay enriched with objectives, stealth and combat; unpredictable AI dinosaurs; special character classes; a range of items and weapons; and truly terrifying environments, harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 4.

Developer Jaw Drop Games announced that Deathground will be available through Steam Early Access on October 7,  2025 at $14.99 / €14.79 / £11.99. A limited-time launch discount will also be available for the first two weeks.

The game’s price is expected to increase over the course of Early Access as major updates are introduced, with an additional increase anticipated at the full 1.0 release. All players who purchase during Early Access will receive ongoing content and updates at no extra cost.

The launch version features two bootcamp maps (a solo tutorial and a bunker where players can test gear) as well as three distinct missions set in diverse environments. Players will tackle varied objectives, from restoring power in a volcanic energy plant, to cleansing a toxic greenhouse, and infiltrating a decaying genetics lab to recover vital assets.

Evolution since the 2020 Kickstarter

While faithful to its original vision, Deathground has evolved significantly thanks to community feedback and the studio’s commitment to deeper, replayable survival gameplay. 

Notable changes include:

• Expanded Co-op: Originally designed for 1–3 players, Deathground now supports up to four-player co-op, bringing more tactical variety and social play.
• Six Playable Characters: The roster of playable characters has doubled, growing from three to six. These include the Scout, Engineer, Survivalist and newly added Medic, alongside reimagined versions of two of the original Kickstarter characters: the Observer and Hunter.
• Custom Loadouts: Gear is no longer locked to specific characters. Tools like the Motion Detector, Hacking Device, Tranquilizer Rifle and Med-Kit can be equipped by any class, with more planned for future updates.
• Richer Missions and Environments: Beyond the originally promised three maps, Deathground now includes a tutorial, an interactive training range and environments enriched with narrative objects and lore-driven collectibles tied to achievements. Mission objectives are now also more complex, involving multi-stage interactions.
• Deeper Stealth & Survival Mechanics: Stealth has been enhanced with new hiding spots like lockers, barrels, vents, and natural cover such as tall grass. Movement refinements including slide, crouch toggle, peeking and lookback offer tactical control, while sound traps like broken glass raise tension and demand careful navigation.
• Smarter AI with Dynamic Behavior: Enemy AI has been overhauled with new behaviors and matching animations. For example, raptors can now drag players out of hiding and Compsognathus can stalk players through winding vent systems, creating constant tension.
• Defense mechanisms: Players can now fight back, though in limited supply, by throwing objects like bottles to distract or stun dinosaurs, or by using tranquilizers to briefly neutralize them.

Key Features:

• Squad-based survival horror: With team-based objectives, suspenseful gameplay and constant mortal danger, teamwork and cooperation are essential to survival.
• Intense and suspenseful gameplay: Dynamic gameplay enriched with objectives, stealth, combat and teamwork. Players will interact with a range of items and weapons, and have access to a crafting system.
• Unpredictable AI Dinosaurs: Dynamic and reactive dinosaurs that hunt you down, influence decision-making and drive a tailored experience.
• Special Character Classes: A character class system with special traits, skills and tools mean players must choose how they will work together in order to survive.
• Truly terrifying, realistic and diverse environments: Experience pure fear and an anxious atmosphere, that put the player's survival instincts to the test. We’ll harness the power of Unreal Engine 4 to create realistic and diverse environments.
• Replayable Gameplay: AI dinosaurs, weather systems, random spawn and extraction points, and dynamic objectives creates unique and intense gameplay sequences with each playthrough.
• Original Soundtrack: An original, haunting music score by BAFTA-nominated composer, David Housden (Thomas was Alone, Volume, Q.U.B.E. 2).
• Community Driven Development: The community will have an active role in helping to shape the game experience so together, we can create something incredible. There will be testing during phases of development and there will be an emphasis on player feedback and player design participation.

Deathground is in development for PC (Steam), with consoles being considered.