Code provided with many thanks to Plan of Attack.
Lysward Early Impressions — A Man, a Pig, and a Lot of Sun.
Survival games have a habit of starting the same way: you wake up in a forest, punch a tree, and slowly build your way from “hopelessly lost” to “mildly competent.” Lysward, from the developers of Earthlock, instantly feels different. It swaps green forests for golden dunes and adds a dose of magic and mystery that gives the genre a fresh kick of heat.
I was lucky enough to play an early beta, and after a few hours in its sun-scorched world, I’m convinced this is one to keep firmly on your wishlist.
A Man and His Pig Friend
You play as Kieran, a fugitive who’s escaped captivity only to find himself stranded in Zenit, a blistering desert where the sun never sets and shade is your most precious resource. Prolonged exposure to sunlight isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s fatal.
Thankfully, you’re not alone. Early on, Kieran meets Gjorna, a pig-like companion who offers guidance, research support, and the occasional sarcastic comment. Together, you set out to revive a small oasis that acts as your home base while uncovering the strange secrets of the desert.
The story pulls you in quickly with just enough intrigue. Who is Kieran really? What exactly is the Amri, the glowing energy that powers your abilities? And what lies buried beneath the dunes? Even in this early version, there’s a clear sense of lore bubbling beneath the surface, and I found myself hooked by the atmosphere.
Bring Some Sunscreen
Lysward plays from a first-person perspective, and at first glance, it checks many familiar survival boxes: gathering plants, scavenging for resources, crafting clothes. But it layers in some genuinely clever twists that make it stand out.
One small quality-of-life touch I adored is how your oasis storage connects directly to crafting benches. Drop your items in a chest, and they’ll automatically be pulled when crafting, no fiddly inventory management needed. It’s such a simple feature, but it makes a world of difference for pacing and comfort.
Then there’s Amri, your magical lifeline. Instead of crafting pickaxes or cooking pots, Kieran uses Amri abilities to interact with the world. Need ore? Cast Tremor to shatter rocks. Want to cook food? Toss it into the blazing sunlight. The sun can recharge your powers, but linger too long in its rays, and you’ll literally fry.
This “sunlight as both friend and foe” dynamic adds an enjoyable tension to exploration. You’re constantly weighing risk: how far can I venture before I overheat? Where’s the next patch of shade? It makes simply moving through the world feel engaging.
Remember to Stay Hydrated
Of course, this is a survival game, so you’ll need to watch your hunger and thirst. These meters deplete a bit faster than I’d like, and there were moments where I felt like I couldn’t wander far before needing another sip of water. Still, it adds to the sense of vulnerability and reinforces that every step into the desert must be planned carefully.
Research also plays a big part in your progression. By handing materials to Gjorna, she’ll take time to cook up new crafting recipes while you go about your business. It’s a neat idea that encourages multitasking rather than idly waiting around, and yes, it gives you a good reason to make more than one sun hat.
Beyond the Oasis
Deserts can easily look bland in games, but Lysward’s world is beautifully realised. Everything, from the foliage to the animal life, feels uniquely handcrafted. I ran into spitting snakes, clusters of feathered critters, and beetles the size of a small car. One memorable moment saw a tiny snake attempt to pick a fight with a towering beetle. It’s rare to see wild interactions like this in gaming.
The attention to detail makes Zenit feel alive. You’re not trudging through an empty sandbox; you’re exploring a functioning ecosystem with its own logic and personality. Combined with the moody, mysterious soundtrack, it creates a genuinely atmospheric experience.
Final Thoughts
My session ended with Kieran using a newly unlocked ability to restore life to the oasis, and that moment perfectly captured what Lysward is shaping up to be: a survival game with real soul. It’s not just about meters and crafting queues; it’s about reviving a world and understanding its rhythm.
There are a few rough edges (beta builds will do that), and the survival timers could use a little tuning. But the foundations are excellent: tight systems, smart design, and a unique setting that already feels memorable.
If you’re tired of chopping wood in generic forests, Lysward’s sunburned desert is a refreshing change of pace. Keep your water bottle close, your Amri charged, and your eyes peeled; this one’s absolutely worth watching as it develops further.
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