The Survivalists

The Survivalists is a survival adventure by Team17 set in the universe of The Escapists. You are stranded on an island, gather resources, build a shelter and can tame monkeys that help with work or combat. The island is procedurally generated in a new game.

The Survivalists came out in October 2020 for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and iOS via Apple Arcade. Steam and the European Nintendo eShop list Oct 9. The UK Xbox Store lists Oct 8, 2020.

Native versions came out for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and iOS. The mobile version launched on Apple Arcade and also ran on other supported Apple devices. That an older console version can run on newer devices is not a separate release for Xbox Series or Switch 2.

On a randomly generated island, you explore varied landscapes, look for food and gather resources. Day and night change the environment. Alongside wild animals, you encounter hostile creatures and come across tasks from a mysterious stranger.

The Monkey Business Pack adds a side quest about a lost delivery and extra hats for player characters and monkeys. Frostbite Fortress released on Mar 12, 2026 and adds an icy area, a labyrinth, new enemies, equipment and a potion system. Both expansions require the base game.

Steam lists as minimum an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 or AMD Phenom II X2 550, 2 GB RAM and a DirectX 11 graphics card with 1 GB video memory. Recommended are an Intel Core i5-2300 or AMD FX-4350, 4 GB RAM and a GeForce GTS 450 or Radeon HD 5770. The current Steam client requires Windows 10 or newer.

You can tame monkeys and teach them tasks. In the Mimic system, they copy observed tasks: they gather materials, chop trees, help with building and support you in fights. A well-organised monkey group takes recurring work off your hands.

With gathered resources you make tools, weapons, meals and components. Crafting progresses step by step from simple items to more elaborate building projects. New recipes expand your options for responding to dangers and supply problems.

Storage spots and shelters are built from wood, stone and other materials. The base serves as a starting point for trips and as a place where you process materials. Trained monkeys help with gathering and building larger projects.

The Survivalists can be played alone or together with up to three other people. In co-op, you explore islands, share tasks, trade materials and overcome dangers together. The PC version supports online co-op, and the Switch version also supports local wireless connections.

On the island, the survivors fight wild animals and hostile creatures. Various weapons and trained monkeys help fend off attacks. Anyone exploring dangerous ruins must prepare equipment and supplies beforehand.

Spread across the island, temples and labyrinths await with hostile inhabitants and valuable equipment. Loot offers extra options for gear and progress, but requires careful preparation.

Alongside gathering, hunting and crafting, you can grow plants and use animals as part of the island economy. These systems expand the long-term building of your own supply and give the monkeys more tasks.

The PC version offers German on-screen text and subtitles. The Switch version also supports German. Other languages include English, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.