Synced is an innovative, futuristic shooter built around cooperative play and published by a Western branch of a major studio. It has arrived on PC as a free-to-play title, and it stands out as one of the strongest offerings in this release model, competing with paid launches in quality and scope.
The game recently landed on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Although it is already available now, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are planned for release by the end of the year. The project is designed by Next Studios and published by Level Infinite, Tencent’s western publishing imprint. Early playtests have allowed a glimpse into Meridian, a ruined landscape inhabited by Nanos, humanoid weapons created through nanotechnology following a catastrophic experiment. Travelers or fortune tellers in search of a mysterious substance named Nerva guide the journey.
Collaborative and competitive
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game presents both cooperative and competitive modes that invite diverse playstyles. A key draw is the Nano companions, a family of nanotechnological entities with distinct powers. Breakers, Protectors, Suppressors, and Seers each offer unique abilities that influence strategy in battle. Selecting the companion that best aligns with the player’s objective often defines the outcome of conflicts. Mastery comes from weakening adversaries and synchronizing with these allies.
Core modes split into Nerva Raid, a player-versus-player experience, and Idle Sector Raid, a player-versus-environment mode playable solo or in 3-player co-op. Progression through victories and sector advancement unlocks new missions, weapons, and skills. While single-player is possible, the strongest appeal lies in cooperative play. Whether tackling missions alone or with friends, a steady online community provides a ready-made team of three to kick off each session as soon as the game starts.
As players embark on a mission to research scenarios and capture Nerva, they will encounter exchange points where boosters for in-game currency can be purchased. These temporary power-ups expire at the end of each match, but rewards earned from defeating foes can be returned to the Sanctuary, the travelers’ base of operations used to upgrade equipment.
Progress problem
The title follows the familiar looter-shooter arc: progress high, gear upgrades many, and a constant drive to push further into scenarios. Hundreds of modules and weapons can be acquired for personal use and to enhance companions. The format makes it easy to see the impact of each upgrade, aided by in-game videos that explain how modules work. Synced is positioned to stand among the best in its genre, aiming to leverage a modern design, thoughtful graphics, and a strong sense of personality.
The player-versus-environment component unfolds gradually, offering a single-player feel that can be shared with up to three friends. The developers have signaled that new maps and challenges will come with future updates, keeping the experience fresh. Multiplayer delivers its own fun: defeating enemies yields more Nerva and better weapons for the nano companions, while competing teams require careful loadouts. A strict limit of three lives per match encourages tactical play, and retreat to the Sanctuary is sometimes the wiser choice. Survival in this mode depends on proper equipment and timing, and the mode serves as a benchmark against other players.
Results
Synced is a free-to-play title that may feel like a paid game at first glance due to its depth and polish. It promises hours of entertainment with friends, featuring richly rendered visuals and Spanish-language text, among other language options. No matter how players choose to monetize it, the experience offers a strong invitation to fans of shooting games with a competitive edge. The title is available for download on Steam and the Epic Games Store, making it accessible to a wide audience of PC gamers.