Population Zero is an Early Access title, so a big number of features will be added in future content updates. We will be constantly updating this F.A.Q based on the comments we get here on Steam and our other platforms. For example, you can ask us questions (and even find answers) about the game on our official subreddit.

Population Zero is a sci-fi multiplayer survival exploration video game set in a distant world of planet Kepler-438b. The game world is divided into several distinct Biomes.

Colonist's ship was destroyed and they were sent to an unknown planet by the emergency evacuation system. With no chance of returning to Earth, you face an unknown frontier. There are 168 hours left until human extinction. The player's goal is to survive against numerous dangers of the game world. The ultimate threat can be overcome by repairing the Hub's reactor and restarting a hibernation pod. The player has to achieve that by taking story quests from different NPCs in the Hub.

Besides the main questline, the game offers numerous side quests.

Yes, upon the very first 7-day session start, the player will appear in an instanced tutorial location called the Drop Zone. Here the player will study the basic mechanics of the game (controls, movement, basic resource gathering and crafting, combat).

Having completed the Drop Zone the player will enter the global map of Kepler where they will meet other players and start their adventure.

Yes, players have to complete a specific number of story quests to complete a 7-day cycle. In addition, there are several side quests. Quests can be taken in the Main Hub from different NPCs.

We are planning to add new story content in future updates. Right now, there is an Alternative PvE mode with a different set of quests.

One game server can hold several hundred players.

Not at the moment, but we are planning to add the faction system during the Early Access stage.

Currently, you can play as human colonists. However, there is a mutation mechanic that can eventually transform the character into a monster.

Here is a link to an in-depth article on the game's PvE and PvP modes.

The Hub is the only safe zone in the PvP modes. When players are in the hub, they are not able to damage each other or inflict status effects like stagger or bleeding.

Besides, Hunger and Thirst are disabled in the Main Hub.

We are planning to add a PvP arena in the future.

All players can choose to play as either a male or a female character.

Character development is dependent on two systems: Perks and Tech-tree.

Perks are passive abilities unlocked randomly under certain conditions. They give bonuses to character stats, for example, increased health or carried weight. Perks can be acquired for doing the following activities:

• damaging mobs
  
• gathering resources with tools
  
• crafting items

Perk rarity and quality depend on the region. The more dangerous Biome the player is in, the better perk the can unlock.

Technology points are obtained by exploring the game world and its different regions. Activities that give Tech-points are divided into four disciplines: Botany, Zoology, Geology, and Surveying. Having acquired enough Tech-point you can unlock new technologies. They give access to new crafting recipes.

You can see how these systems work in this video.

Currently, there are no plans for that feature. However, you are able to develop your character in your own way and adjust it according to your play style by using different combinations of perks and equipment.

Population Zero has a strategic non-target battle system that utilizes melee combat and the use of hand-carried weapons: blades, glaives, battle mullets, and axes. The player can link attacks into combos, evade or block incoming blows, perform aerial attacks, and at all times manage the stamina bar as each command drains it.

Mobs and hostile NPC also use different types of attacks.

You see how the game's combat works in this video.

The global map is divided into several regions called Biomes with unique terrain, look, environmental hazards, mobs, and set of resources. For example, the desert is a hot region crawling with Merids underground insect-like creatures that cause bleeding. The player has to equip the character with specific items and geat to traverse this region.

Kepler also has jungles, swamps, and cold regions. We are planning to enlarge the global map during the Early Access stage. You can see what Kepler looks like now in this video

To unlock building regime you need to gain a certain level in the game and open proper receipt in the Tech Tree. Then you need to press <B> button.

After that choose the building part. You’ll be able to see it’s model and the correct number and type of the necessary materials. Remember, buildings require the same materials as crafting.

If you have enough materials to build a part you can place the construction in the selected place by clicking the left mouse button <LMB>. However, a building can only be built in special places. On the global map, white shaded areas are marked, and there is a notification of the available construction spot if you walk there.

• if you can’t build in the selected place, the building part model will be coloured red
  
• if you can build in the selected place, the building part model will be coloured green

At the moment you can join your friend using Steam functionality. You can find the instruction here.

We are already working on the in-game UI and mechanic of cooperative play. Stay tuned.

Currently, it is not possible. But it will be included in our future social feature updates.

Yes, it does. Weapons, tools, and apparel lose durability the more the player uses them, and can eventually break.

Toxicity is a negative status effect that decreases the character's health and is even able to kill him. There are several ways to reduce and heal that effect.

Quite regularly. For instance, water consumption affects the colonist's temperature level, so in hot regions, the character needs more water. Hunger and Thirst are disabled in the main Hub.