Open-world survival games are a challenging experience on their own. The Isle is the latest indie title from the developers over at Afterthought, LLC. This unique title in Steam's Early Access program looks to take survival games to the next level.

Play as a dinosaur and fight to thrive on a dangerous island full of predators, as well as natural dangers. The game is exclusively online with other players, so the internet is required for play. Trek through snowy mountains, damp swamps, and lush forests while foraging for food, shelter, and other necessities.

Live and die like a dinosaur

The Isle focuses on living as a dinosaur, and all of the survival skills they use. Live an entire life cycle as either an herbivore or carnivore. Cooperate or prey on other players, depending on which dinosaur you control.

The Isle focuses on living as a dinosaur, and all of the survival skills they use.

Hunger and thirst drive most actions, but living an entire life cycle is another item to balance. There are no tutorials, making this game feel like it's survival of the fittest in the harsh environment. However, for the faint of heart, there is also a sandbox mode. These options are great, keeping the concept friendly for lots of different styles of players.

Top-notch visuals and sounds provide an immersive experience

The visuals and sounds in this game are top-notch. Watering holes and streams look like real life as currents create gentle ripples. Fights between dinos are bloody and sometimes clunky, but in a way that feels somehow realistic.

trees rustle in the air, snow blows across the mountains, and other details immerse you in this intense land

The trees rustle in the air, snow blows across the mountains, and other details immerse you in this intense land. Notably, there is no background music. However, one way you communicate with other players is by using various sounds. Different dinosaurs make different calls, so carefully choose which ones to hunt down! Hearing the environment is an integral part of playing, completing the vibe.

All in all, crank the sound up and run your graphics card on high for this gorgeous world.

Grow your dinosaur, survive, and thrive!

In survival mode, start in The Isle as a young dinosaur. Join a server and take your pick of available herbivores or carnivores. This is often determined by things like server rules, your level, and possibly your achievements in-game.

Opposite, in sandbox mode, you pick any dinosaur you like, and there are more choices immediately available. Load in as your dinosaur, starting as a youngling. There are stamina, hunger, and thirst meters on the screen, but that's it. Everything else is purely survival.

Grow your dinosaur through time and successful feedings. Wander through the wilderness, looking for other dinosaurs. There's always safety in numbers. Find safe places to rest while staying on the lookout for predators. Survive fights or run away in the eat or be eaten world.

This multiplayer survival game is simplistic but executed well.

Ever-evolving

The Isle takes the dream of living as a dinosaur and brings it to life. Start as a small dino, and grow through the life stages. Survive as an herbivore, or hunt like a predator. There are nearly a dozen dinos to choose from, with more on the way!

Games in early access are always evolving and developing new content, which The Isle developers regularly discuss with the community. This game is a great choice for anyone who loves dinosaurs, survival games, and playing online with others!

TL/DR

The Isle is an indie open-world survival game with lush forests, dangerous swamps, and tons to explore, all while playing as a dinosaur.