Independent studio LethalLizard has introduced a bleak, post-apocalyptic first-person shooter with survival elements on Steam Early Access, titled SANCTION. Players step into a brutal world where society has collapsed and the environment is overrun by terrifying, mutated zombies that stalk the ruins of cities, factories, and abandoned shelters. The game emphasizes tense, close-quarters combat, relentless exploration, and the constant tension of staying alive in a landscape where every corner could hide a new threat. The initial impression is one of gritty atmosphere, where survival hinges on quick decisions, careful resource management, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing dangers in a setting that feels lived-in and dangerous from the moment the game begins.
The main character is a prisoner who was given the task of escaping the confines of a reinforced, safe bunker and gathering the essential supplies needed to sustain the remaining survivors. The mission unfolds in a world where every step outside the safety of the bunker exposes the player to deadly encounters with feral creatures and ruthless scavengers. The narrative centers on the harsh realities of a world where hope is scarce, and the true test is not only combat prowess but the ability to navigate decayed infrastructure, polluted air, and ruined urban landscapes while preserving dwindling resources for the group of survivors depending on the player’s efforts. The sense of urgency is reinforced by the need to balance risk and reward as supplies become scarce and every decision could be a matter of life or death for those left behind.
For the supplies discovered during the journey, players can purchase a variety of upgrades from merchants who operate within the shattered zones. These exchanges allow for meaningful progression, as money earned from scavenging and completing risky excursions can be reinvested into more effective gear, ammunition, and useful utilities. The game also features the ability to augment weapons with an assortment of body kits and modification options, enabling players to tailor their loadouts to their preferred playstyle. Gathering components and choosing how to enhance weapons becomes a strategic layer that rewards experimentation and careful planning, especially in encounters where the right modification can turn the tide of a tense firefight.
To stay on the surface, the main character must utilize special air filters whose effectiveness is time-limited. These filters create a constant management loop, forcing players to monitor air quality, anticipate hazards, and seek temporary respite in safer areas or improvised shelters. The scarcity of filtration devices adds a layer of strategic decision-making, as players decide when to push forward and when to retreat, all while keeping an eye on the dwindling supply of clean air in a world where every breath could be a risk. The design of this mechanic contributes to the game’s immersive feel, making the act of simply moving through an environment feel meaningful and urgent rather than routine.
SANCTION is available for purchase on Steam at a price of 278 rubles, which includes a 10 percent discount valid through a specified date. The reduced price point reflects the game’s status as an Early Access title, inviting players to experience ongoing development and frequent updates that shape future content, balance, and new gameplay possibilities. Early adopters gain early access to improvements, new environments, additional weapons, and refined enemy behavior, all of which aim to deepen the survival experience and provide a clearer sense of progression as the game evolves.
All screenshots and visual media for SANCTION can be explored within the game’s gallery, offering a glimpse into the atmosphere, character designs, and environmental details that define the post-apocalyptic world. The images capture the mood of desolation, the rugged textures of ruined architecture, and the eerie interplay of light and shadow that players will encounter during their journey through the ruined urban landscapes. The artwork communicates the game’s emphasis on immersion and the visceral experience of surviving amid a constant threat from mutated foes and unforgiving surroundings.
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Note: This section is informational and reflects fan interest in a broader science-fiction setting that explores survival themes similar to SANCTION. It highlights how post-apocalyptic narratives, whether in games or fan-made adaptations, resonate with audiences seeking intense stealth, resource management, and action-driven exploration in dangerous, atmospherically rich worlds. The emphasis remains on the autonomous, user-driven experiences that define the survival shooter genre and its expanding community across platforms.