SCUM has been around since 2018, offering players a variety of things to do in the Early Access build of the game. However, it's become even more exciting now that the 1.0 update finally arrived on June 17, 2025, marking its full launch on Steam.
Developed by Gamepires, SCUM is an open world survival game where you navigate through a punishing world. You'll have to loot, craft, and face Puppets (the 'zombies' in the game), doing whatever you can to survive against real players. It's perfect for those looking for a challenge in an unforgiving world.
Since there are many survival games in the video game industry, we've decided to list the reasons why you should get SCUM instead of other games like DayZ.
SCUM vs DayZ: Why SCUM Shines Post 1.0 Update
There are a lot of open-world survival games in various forms, such as DayZ and Project Zomboid. However, here are the reasons why you should get SCUM first, especially with the release of the 1.0 update:
Detailed Metabolism and Health System
I've played many survival games that involve having or changing your stats, which will alter your gameplay. When you first create your character in SCUM, you'll get to change your stats and allocate them to skills that will help you survive. I love it in these survival games, since it makes your character your own.
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+ 4Character creation and stats allocation are pretty straightforward, until you see the detailed Metabolism and Health system in the game. It's pretty overwhelming at first, but it's also gratifying once you understand what's happening with the data and information.
You'll also need to manage your injuries with the correct items, such as bandages and splints. You'll see which body part is affected and what's happening, such as bleeding after fighting with a Puppet or other NPC. You'll need to deal with this as fast as you can since unattended injuries can lead to your death.
Play It Solo or with Friends
Playing an open-world survival game like SCUM is both rewarding and frustrating as a solo player, especially in an online multiplayer environment. However, you can always invite your friends to play with you so you can struggle to survive together. In PvP-enabled servers, you can strategize with your team against other squads if you're in danger.
Engaging PvE Elements
Often, I enjoy the Player vs Environment (PvE) elements of a game, where I navigate on my own or with friends. There are times when Player vs Player (PvP) takes away the fun, especially for new players, in most survival games. I understand everyone is doing what they can to survive, but I appreciate the variety in servers and sandbox mode. SCUM has more variety, with the introduction of challenging mechs and armed NPCs that will get in your way.
click to enlarge + 4Armed NPCs were recently included in the SCUM 1.0 update, which comes in different tiers. This means they'll have varying equipment and weapons, so you should be prepared. However, they will also interact with the Puppets and do what it takes to survive. I appreciate this addition, especially since I enjoy PvE more.
PvP for More Danger
While PvE is fun, some players also enjoy going against real players. In SCUM, players can connect to public and official servers where PvP is always enabled (with variations in settings). It will be more difficult, but it creates a real sense of danger since you'll face ruthless Puppets, mechs, armed NPCs, and players in a crazy world.
There is usually a "kill on sight" or KOS mindset in multiplayer survival games, such as SCUM and DayZ. Be vigilant; everyone will do everything possible to survive and acquire as much loot as possible.
Wider Variety of Vehicles
One of the things I love in survival games is the variety in vehicles. While it's stressful to go against various enemies, such as Puppets and armed NPCs, driving vehicles can be pretty relaxing, given that other players are not chasing you. This also gives you more options for reaching certain parts of the map to get more loot.
click to enlarge + 4There are simple ways to go around the world, such as riding a bicycle, or more complex means of transportation, such as flying an aircraft. In the 1.0 update, the Mariner was reintroduced, a seaplane capable of taking off from both land and water. The tractor was also brought back, which comes in its lovable standard version but can also be configured for armored use.
Island Rework
In the 1.0 update, the entire island had been reworked, revamped, and optimized. There are significant changes, including revamped POIs, brand-new greenery, a foliage system, a snow biome shoreline, and more. The POI locations will be the same, so old players will have no trouble finding specific points of interest in the past. Before the update, the island was already phenomenal, but the rework definitely adds to the game's charm.
click to enlarge + 4These are just some of the reasons to play SCUM following its 1.0 update and give it a try before other survival games.
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