The new expansive survival game “Soulmask” by CampFire studio has become a Steam bestseller in just one day after its release, the game has secured the 4th place worldwide, surpassing heavyweights like CS2 and Destiny 2, with Steam Deck holding the third spot. By blending elements from acclaimed games like The Forest, Rust, and Far Cry, it has enthralled players with its immersive world and engaging mechanics.
Soulmask is an unconventional game that merges the most effective and successful elements of the survival genre, which are typically a winning combination. Yet, it was unexpected that a game with a relatively subdued marketing campaign would explode onto the gaming scene on the last day of spring.
Soulmask blends survival, role-playing, and sandbox genres to transport players to the Mayan era, offering seven biomes for exploration. Starting from the ground up, players must gather resources, construct their base, and strive to grow their clan to prominence. Soulmask sets itself apart from other survival games like Rust with its clan mechanics, where each character possesses distinct personalities and skills.
Players can access a variety of characters, including hunters, warriors, and artisans, to ensure the prosperity of their society. A unique system allows for the customization of the clan, enabling players to select the most suitable individuals for tasks and monitor their progress.
The developers have incorporated numerous NPCs to alleviate the burden of repetitive tasks such as wood gathering or house construction, which have become monotonous in other survival games. By assigning these tasks to NPCs, the game aims to enhance the player’s experience.
In addition to its tranquil gameplay aspects, the protagonist in Soulmask must engage in frequent combat, where the ‘Soul Masks’ play a pivotal role. These masks, representing divine gifts, enhance the character’s abilities, aiding in better hunting and combat. Moreover, each mask can be exchanged with NPCs for optimized benefits based on stats.
Currently, Soulmask garners the attention of 30,000 Twitch viewers, surpassing many in the survival game genre. Its popularity on Steam is evident as it achieved a very positive rating and attracted over 16,000 simultaneous players online—a remarkable feat given its niche audience.
The game’s success can be attributed to its unique features. Beyond standard harvesting and crafting, Soulmask introduces masks that grant the wearer powers of legendary heroes, offering abilities like invisibility or swift shooting. This is complemented by a selection of eight weapon types and 75 combat skills, alongside the challenges of settlement management and clan building.
Since its Early Access release on May 31, Soulmask has earned a “mostly positive” rating on Steam, with 75% of the reviews being favorable. Priced at $26.99, the game offers over 500 hours of gameplay, featuring both PvP and co-op modes.
The game’s Mesoamerican-themed setting also contributes to its appeal, diverging from the typical medieval European backdrop of survival games. This resonates with many who enjoyed playing as indigenous characters in their youth, tapping into a deep-seated hunter’s instinct. For those interested, Soulmask is now available for play in Early Access on Steam.
