Gray Zone Warfare Is a Realistic Tactical FPS Now in Early Access on Steam

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Image: MADFINGER Games

Gray Zone Warfare is a tactical FPS whose developers have said aim to be as realistic as possible and set in a vast MMO world. MADFINGER Games is both the publisher and developer behind Gray Zone Warfare. The game offers both PvE & PvEvP combat in an area that is 42km². It entered Early Access on Steam yesterday where it currently has mixed reviews from around 300 users. The game is getting overall praise for its features and design but a number of players have commented on how graphically intense it is on their systems. Sadly enough this is a common complaint for games that aim for realism but hopefully the developers can optimize it further to improve its scalability and performance across different hardware configurations.

Description (per official site):

“Gray Zone Warfare is an intense tactical FPS emphasizing realism. Join a Private Military Company to explore a vast MMO open world featuring a PvEvP and PvE mode. Strategize and survive against human operators and AI enemies while uncovering the mystery of Lamang Island.”

“Explore a sprawling 42km² of the Democratic Republic of Lamang, a fictional Southeast Asian country inspired by the stunning landscapes of Laos. Utilize explorable Landing Zones and helicopters to move through a persistent world that keeps living even when you’re not playing.”

Current Features Available in Early Access:

Below is a list of features that players can currently expect to use while the game is in early access. The developer has indicated that Gray Zone Warfare is intended to be a long-term project and that new content and features will roll out during its development cycle which could span several years.

  • The Early Access version features an immersive tactical FPS sandbox as its alpha experience, signifying that all core features are included. We plan to continually enhance this foundation with additional content and feature updates.
  • The planned state of the Early Access release includes:
  • Three distinct PMC factions supporting up to 48 players in total, with a maximum of 16 players per faction
  • The expansive 42 km² open world of Lamang, based on a real location, showcasing an unprecedented representation of a jungle
  • Ruthless AI behavior, with hundreds of enemies reacting to the player‘s moves through the actions and emotions
  • Complex external and terminal ballistics simulation for a realistic shooting experience
  • Comprehensive simulation of realistic firearm recoil based on real-world data
  • An innovative health system that intricately simulates even bodily cavities and damage effects
  • A network of six unique vendors offering 150 quests in total
  • Eight highly customizable weapons with over 400 interchangeable parts
  • A diverse array of over 80 equipable gear items for tactical advantage.
  • An engaging, interconnected player progression system
  • Detailed character creation and extensive apparel customization options
  • Formidable squads, allowing for up to four members for coordinated gameplay
  • Integrated social features, including Friends, VOIP, and Messenger, for enhanced player interaction
Images: MADFINGER Games

Hardware Requirements (per Steam):

MINIMUM:

  • OS: Windows 10 64 Bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-8600 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1080 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 / Intel Arc A770
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 40 GB available space

RECOMMENDED:

  • OS: Windows 10 64 Bit / Windows®11 64 Bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
  • Memory: 32 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 6800
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 40 GB available space

Edition Details:

Image: MADFINGER Games

Gray Zone Warfare is currently available in four editions ranging in price from $34.99 up to $99.99. Its developer has emphasized that PvE & PvEvP servers are included in every edition, something that Steam reviews are already regularly giving praise to following the recent $250 paywall Escape from Tarkov.

Below is a 23-minute gameplay video in 4K plus a conversation between on of the developers and a military expert regarding the game’s realistic approach.

Full Version Features vs Early Access

Below is a list of features that the developer has said will be available in the full version of the game when it launches. MADFINGER Games is asking for input from the community while the game is in early access so that it can continue to improve and develop new features for the full version.

  • In the full version, expect an immersive tactical FPS sandbox where you must fully adapt to your surroundings and utilize tactics to your advantage.
  • The planned state of the Full Release includes:
  • A complete map featuring all locations and diverse biomes
  • A hazardous Ground Zero area with end-game enemies and new storylines
  • Different types of AI behaviors based on the enemy type, situation, time, or weather condition
  • Faction-based AI with its own agenda involving quests, patrolling, scavaging, and attacking others
  • Factions featuring progression systems and diverse reputations
  • Immersive environmental storytelling featuring mature and engaging plots
  • Advanced quest system encompassing both main and side storylines
  • Game-changing, captivating seasonal events
  • Resource-intensive and survival-focused crafting
  • Dynamic weather changing the gameplay experience
  • An accelerated day and night cycle
  • Unique skills system based on the player‘s achievements, not grind
  • Customizable ‘hooch‘ player‘s base quarters
  • Enhanced weapon customizations
  • Fully customizable gear
  • Complex trading system for players
  • … and other new features developed from community feedback and wishes.

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Peter Brosdahl
As a child of the 70’s I was part of the many who became enthralled by the video arcade invasion of the 1980’s. Saving money from various odd jobs I purchased my first computer from a friend of my dad, a used Atari 400, around 1982. Eventually it would end up being a lifelong passion of upgrading and modifying equipment that, of course, led into a career in IT support.

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