State of Survival is a mobile strategy game set in a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity struggle to survive against hordes of zombies. Developed by KingsGroup Holdings and released in 2019, the game offers a blend of survival mechanics, base-building, real-time strategy combat, and role-playing elements. Unlike traditional survival horror games that focus on action and horror elements, State of Survival leans more toward strategic planning, resource management, and multiplayer alliances.
The game immediately captured the attention of players due to its unique combination of real-time strategy and hero-based combat. It presents an immersive world where players must rebuild civilization while defending their settlements from the relentless undead. As players progress, they must recruit heroes, form alliances, and engage in large-scale battles against both AI-controlled enemies and other players in PvP conflicts.
With regular updates, limited-time events, and collaborations with major franchises like Resident Evil, State of Survival has managed to remain relevant in the highly competitive mobile gaming market. It has a dedicated community of players who participate in alliance wars, resource raids, and special game modes. The game’s longevity is also attributed to its deep strategy mechanics and strong multiplayer interactions, which add layers of complexity beyond the usual zombie survival experience.
State of Survival is free to play, but like many mobile games, it incorporates a monetization model based on in-game purchases. Players can buy resources, speed up construction, and acquire premium characters. However, the game remains accessible to free-to-play players who are willing to invest time and strategic thinking into progressing.
The question remains: does State of Survival provide a rewarding long-term experience, or is it just another survival strategy game lost in a sea of similar titles? Let’s take a deep dive into its gameplay, features, community aspects, and overall quality.
Gameplay Mechanics
Base Building and Resource Management
One of the core mechanics of State of Survival is base-building, where players are tasked with developing and maintaining a settlement in the middle of a zombie-infested world. The base serves as the central hub for all activities, including troop training, hero recruitment, resource production, and research advancements.
At the start of the game, players begin with a small, underdeveloped base that needs to be expanded and fortified. Buildings such as barracks, farms, hospitals, and command centers play crucial roles in strengthening the settlement. Upgrading these structures is vital for survival, as stronger defenses and a steady resource supply ensure continued progress.
Resource management plays a key role in how effectively players can expand their base. Food, wood, metal, and fuel are the primary resources needed to build and upgrade structures, train troops, and keep the settlement running. Properly balancing production and consumption is essential, as resource shortages can significantly hinder progress. Additionally, players must protect their resources from rival players, as PvP raids can strip an unprepared base of its supplies.
Hero Recruitment and Development
State of Survival introduces a hero system that sets it apart from other mobile strategy games. Heroes are specialized characters with unique abilities that contribute to both combat and base management. Some heroes are better suited for leading troops into battle, while others excel at defending the base or boosting resource production.
Heroes are divided into different rarity levels, with legendary heroes being the most powerful. Players can obtain new heroes through in-game recruitment, completing missions, or special events. Once recruited, heroes can be leveled up, equipped with gear, and upgraded using skill points to improve their effectiveness in battles.
Each hero has their own backstory and personality, making them more than just generic units. Some heroes have strong AoE attacks, while others provide healing and defensive boosts. The diversity in hero abilities encourages players to experiment with different team compositions to create the most effective squads.
Combat System
State of Survival offers a mix of real-time and turn-based combat, depending on the game mode. In large-scale battles, players deploy their troops, select heroes to lead them, and strategically position their forces for maximum efficiency. Different troop types, including infantry, ranged units, and vehicles, play different roles in combat.
Combat strategies revolve around leveraging the strengths of different unit types and utilizing hero abilities at the right moments. Certain troops are better at absorbing damage, while others excel at dealing high damage from a distance. Players must also consider their enemy’s formations, as poor planning can lead to heavy losses.
PvE combat involves battling zombies and infected creatures in various missions. These encounters range from defending settlements from zombie waves to launching attacks on mutant boss creatures. Successful completion of these missions rewards players with experience points, resources, and hero upgrades.
PvP battles, on the other hand, involve attacking or defending against rival players. These encounters are more complex, as they require scouting, planning, and proper troop deployment. Winning PvP battles grants valuable rewards, but losing can lead to severe resource losses, making it important to strategize carefully before engaging in warfare.
Storyline and Setting
State of Survival is set in a dystopian world that has been devastated by a deadly zombie outbreak. The few survivors left are either fighting to reclaim the world or succumbing to chaos and destruction. Unlike some survival strategy games that focus purely on mechanics, State of Survival incorporates a narrative element that adds depth to the experience.
The game’s story revolves around rebuilding civilization while uncovering the secrets behind the outbreak. Players take on the role of a leader tasked with gathering survivors, establishing a secure settlement, and battling the undead hordes. Along the way, they encounter various factions, each with their own motivations and moral dilemmas.
The game features multiple story-driven missions that provide insight into different characters and their struggles. Some missions focus on finding lost survivors, while others involve confronting rogue factions that threaten stability. These story elements help make the game feel more immersive and engaging.
One of the game’s strongest aspects is its world-building. The devastated landscapes, ruined cities, and eerie post-apocalyptic atmosphere create a sense of urgency and danger. The presence of different survivor groups, from mercenaries to scavengers, adds further complexity to the world. Some factions are friendly and willing to form alliances, while others are hostile and seek to exploit weaker survivors.
The inclusion of horror elements, such as mutated zombies and grotesque bio-experiments, adds to the tension. Players must be constantly on guard, as threats can emerge at any time. This unpredictability keeps the experience fresh and engaging, preventing it from becoming just another generic zombie game.
Multiplayer Features
Alliances
One of the defining features of State of Survival is its alliance system, which encourages cooperation between players. Joining an alliance provides several benefits, including protection from enemy raids, access to alliance-exclusive events, and opportunities for large-scale battles.
Alliances function as player-run factions where members can donate resources, reinforce each other’s bases, and coordinate attacks. Strong alliances often dominate the game’s leaderboards, as collective strength is far more effective than playing solo. The game rewards players for working together, making teamwork a crucial element of success.
Alliance wars add an extra layer of strategy, allowing groups of players to engage in territory control battles. Competing alliances fight for control over key locations on the map, such as research facilities and supply hubs. Winning these battles grants valuable resources and strategic advantages.
PvP and PvE Modes
State of Survival offers a variety of PvP and PvE gameplay modes to cater to different playstyles. For those who prefer a competitive experience, PvP battles provide opportunities to test strategies against real players. These battles require careful planning, as a poorly executed attack can lead to devastating losses.
PvE content, on the other hand, offers structured missions that focus on fighting zombies and AI-controlled enemies. These missions vary in difficulty and often require players to adapt their tactics based on enemy behavior. PvE encounters provide essential rewards, including hero upgrades and resources, making them an integral part of progression.
The balance between PvP and PvE ensures that the game remains dynamic and engaging. Players can choose to focus on cooperative zombie-hunting missions, engage in competitive warfare, or do a combination of both.
In-Game Events and Collaborations
State of Survival keeps its player base engaged through a variety of limited-time events and collaborations. These events often introduce new challenges, unique rewards, and special missions that offer exclusive in-game content.
Special Events and Challenges
The game frequently hosts seasonal events that align with global holidays or in-game milestones. These events provide players with the opportunity to earn rare items, special hero skins, and extra resources. Examples include:
- Halloween Invasion: Features zombie bosses and horror-themed cosmetics.
- Winter Survival: Includes special missions and festive rewards.
- Anniversary Events: Celebrates the game's launch with exclusive characters and bonuses.
Some events introduce temporary game modes that offer alternative ways to play, such as defense missions where players must hold off waves of zombies or scavenger hunts across the game world. These mechanics add fresh dynamics to the experience and keep long-time players engaged.
Collaborations with Popular Franchises
State of Survival has partnered with major franchises to introduce famous characters into the game. One of the most well-known collaborations was with Resident Evil, bringing Leon S. Kennedy as a playable hero. This crossover event also featured new game modes inspired by Resident Evil’s survival horror elements.
These collaborations are not only a great way to attract new players but also give existing players a sense of excitement, as they get to interact with characters and themes from beloved franchises. The developers have continued to explore partnerships with other entertainment brands, ensuring that fresh content is introduced regularly.
Community and Social Interaction
State of Survival thrives on its strong community features, making it more than just a single-player survival experience. It actively encourages player engagement through in-game chat, forums, and social media campaigns.
Player Communities and Forums
The game has an active presence on various platforms, including Discord, Reddit, and dedicated Facebook groups. These communities serve as hubs where players exchange strategies, discuss updates, and share their experiences. New players can find helpful guides, while veteran players engage in high-level discussions about advanced tactics and alliance coordination.
Social Features Within the Game
The in-game chat system allows players to communicate with alliance members in real-time. Players can also send resource assistance, reinforce defenses, and collaborate on missions. These interactive elements help strengthen alliances and create a more immersive multiplayer experience.
Some alliances even hold internal events, such as friendly competitions, resource-sharing programs, or coordinated PvP campaigns. This sense of community fosters long-term player retention and makes the game feel more alive.
Updates and Versions
State of Survival has undergone numerous updates since its launch, adding new content, improving gameplay balance, and enhancing performance. These updates have introduced new regions, additional story content, and gameplay mechanics that refine the overall experience.
Major Updates and Version History
The game’s updates have primarily focused on:
- New Heroes: Regularly introducing characters with unique abilities.
- Map Expansions: Unlocking new areas for exploration and conquest.
- Balancing Adjustments: Refining mechanics to ensure fair competition.
- User Interface Improvements: Enhancing game navigation and accessibility.
New Features Introduced in Recent Updates
Recent patches have introduced real-time battle features, more in-depth hero progression systems, and improved graphics. The game continues to evolve based on player feedback, keeping it competitive in the mobile strategy genre.
Tips and Strategies for New Players
State of Survival requires smart decision-making and long-term planning. For beginners, understanding the basics of base-building, combat, and alliance management is crucial for success.
Beginner’s Guide to Progressing Efficiently
- Prioritize Base Development: Always keep construction projects running, focusing on resource production and defense structures.
- Join an Active Alliance: Being part of a strong alliance provides protection, resource benefits, and access to alliance-exclusive events.
- Complete Daily Missions: These offer valuable rewards, including hero fragments and speed-ups.
- Manage Resources Wisely: Avoid hoarding resources in vulnerable locations, as enemy players can raid them.
- Upgrade Heroes Early: Strong heroes significantly improve battle efficiency in both PvE and PvP modes.
Advanced Strategies for Seasoned Players
- Scout Before Attacking: Gather intelligence on enemy bases before launching raids.
- Balance Troop Composition: A mix of infantry, ranged, and vehicle units creates a well-rounded army.
- Focus on Key Research Upgrades: Technology advancements can provide long-term benefits in combat and economy.
- Participate in Global Events: These events provide some of the best rewards and opportunities for progression.
- Strengthen Alliance Coordination: Organize joint attacks and defenses for maximum effectiveness.
Game Details
- Game Genre: Strategy, Survival
- Release Year: 2019
- Game Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows (via emulator)
- Age Rating: 12+ (Mild Violence)
- Game Ratings: Consistently ranks 4.5/5 on app stores
- Game Mode Accessibility: Multiplayer (PvE & PvP)
- Connectivity: Online-only
- Pricing Model: Free-to-play (with optional in-game purchases)
- Developer/Publisher: KingsGroup Holdings
- Game Engine: Unity Engine
Awards and Nominations
Since its release, State of Survival has achieved notable recognition within the mobile gaming industry. Some of its achievements include:
- Winner of Best Strategy Game at mobile gaming awards events.
- Nominated for Best Multiplayer Game in mobile gaming competitions.
- Regularly ranked among the top-grossing mobile strategy games worldwide.
These accolades highlight the game’s success and its impact on the strategy gaming genre.
Pros and Cons of State of Survival
Pros
- Engaging Strategy Gameplay: Deep base-building and tactical combat mechanics.
- Strong Community and Alliances: Multiplayer interactions add a social and cooperative dimension.
- Regular Content Updates: New heroes, missions, and events keep the game fresh.
- High-Quality Graphics: Detailed environments and well-designed characters.
- Exciting Special Events: Collaborations and seasonal events provide new content.
Cons
- Requires Internet Connection: No offline mode, making it inaccessible without stable internet.
- In-App Purchases Can Be Expensive: Competitive players may feel pressured to spend.
- Resource Farming Can Be Time-Consuming: Higher-level progress requires patience or spending.
- PvP Can Be Harsh for New Players: Stronger alliances and players may dominate weaker ones.
Is State of Survival Worth Playing?
State of Survival is an excellent choice for players who enjoy strategy games with deep management mechanics, engaging combat, and multiplayer interactions. The blend of base-building, hero progression, and alliance warfare creates a compelling experience that appeals to both casual and hardcore players.
The game excels in providing a strong sense of progression, rewarding players for strategic thinking and careful planning. Regular updates, seasonal events, and major collaborations ensure the content remains fresh, preventing the experience from becoming stale.
However, it does come with a few downsides. The presence of in-game purchases means that competitive players may feel pressured to spend money to keep up with top-tier players. Additionally, the time investment required for high-level play can be demanding, especially for those who prefer quick gameplay sessions.
For players who appreciate a mix of survival, strategy, and multiplayer elements, State of Survival offers an engaging and rewarding experience. While free-to-play players can enjoy most of the content, those aiming for competitive dominance may need to invest either significant time or money.
Our Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | 8.5/10 |
| Graphics | 8.0/10 |
| Sound & Music | 7.5/10 |
| Strategy Depth | 9.0/10 |
| Community Features | 9.0/10 |
| Performance | 8.0/10 |
| Replayability | 8.5/10 |
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 |
System Requirements:
Minimum Requirements
- Android: Android 5.0+, 3 GB RAM
- iOS: iPhone 6S or newer, iOS 10+
- Windows (via emulator): Intel Core i3, 4 GB RAM
Recommended Requirements
- Android: Android 10+, 4 GB RAM
- iOS: iPhone 11 or newer, iOS 14+
- Windows: Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM
Final Thoughts
State of Survival successfully combines elements of strategy, base-building, and survival into a compelling mobile experience. With strong multiplayer features, regular updates, and engaging gameplay mechanics, it remains one of the top mobile strategy games available today. Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated strategist, it offers something worth exploring.
