Depraved is a strategy indie simulation game that combines city building with survival elements in a Wild West setting. Players lead a group of pioneers who start with limited resources and must establish settlements in a procedurally generated world. The focus lies on resource gathering, resident management, and defense against environmental and human threats.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on selecting a settlement location and expanding a town through construction and trade. Resources come from the environment or exchanges with others. Residents require food and water to avoid starvation or dehydration, with different population types preferring specific food sources. Shortages force use of alternatives that lower mood and can lead to crime or departures.
Additional needs include clothing and firewood to counter weather and illness. Happiness drives growth by attracting more colonists, while famines, disease, or disorder cause residents to leave. Dangers include storms, bandit raids, and wildlife such as wolves or bears that injure or kill settlers. Native Americans nearby can be approached through trade for peaceful relations or confronted in conflict over territory.
Each region presents unique challenges, such as scarce water in deserts or constant firewood demands in snowy zones. Bandit camps and surrounding animals add ongoing pressure that affects resident safety and consumes resources.
Game Modes
Depraved operates as a single-player city builder with survival mechanics. The experience revolves around one primary scenario type where players manage a growing settlement from a single starting carriage in a procedurally generated landscape. No separate competitive or cooperative modes exist beyond this core setup.
Key Mechanics and Challenges
Resident needs form the foundation of progression. Basic hunger and thirst must be met consistently, and population groups have preferred foods that influence overall satisfaction when unavailable. Unmet demands trigger negative behaviors including raids on town resources or outright abandonment.
Defense integrates directly into building decisions. Structures and supplies must address seasonal weather effects and potential outbreaks. Hostile encounters with bandits or animals require proactive resource allocation to maintain stability. Trade with Native American groups offers an alternative path to reduce tension or gain materials without combat.
The procedural world encourages repeated attempts with varied starting conditions and regional difficulties. Success depends on balancing expansion speed against the accumulating risks of overextension.
Is It Worth Playing?
Depraved appeals to players who enjoy deliberate city builders with survival constraints and a historical Western theme. Its mixed reception stems from a solid foundation in resource chains and threat management that some find engaging, while others note limited depth after initial settlements form.
The game suits those comfortable with micro-management of needs and defenses in an older title released in 2019. It delivers a focused single-player experience without ongoing seasonal content or additional modes. Fans of similar simulation titles may appreciate the Wild West flavor and the interplay between resident happiness and town stability, though expectations should align with its indie scale and review profile of around 60 percent positive feedback.
