Ground Zero will launch on April 16, 2026, for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, publisher Kwalee and developer Malformation Games announced.
Set in a devastated Busan, South Korea, the retro-inspired survival horror game follows an elite Korean operative and her Canadian partner as they investigate the aftermath of a mysterious meteor impact that has left the country in ruins and transformed living creatures into deadly monsters.
A survival horror game set in the ruins of Busan
In Ground Zero, players descend into the wreckage of South Korea two months after the meteor strike. As the dust settles and the air becomes breathable again, the two investigators are sent into the city to uncover what really happened.
The game’s story centers on the fallout from the impact, the strange growths spreading through the city, and the corruption affecting what little life remains. Players will explore ruined locations across Busan, including shoreline towns, temples, and the urban center.
Retro survival horror design with combat and upgrades
Ground Zero draws on classic survival-horror design, featuring fixed camera angles, pre-rendered backgrounds, puzzles, custom difficulty settings, and optional tank controls.
Players will be able to defend themselves using firearms and close-range attacks, including shooting, stabbing, kicking, and countering enemies. The game also includes a reward system tied to combat performance, with cleaner kills earning Genome Points that can be exchanged for upgrades.
Boss fights and extra content
Alongside regular enemies, Ground Zero will include larger boss encounters as players move deeper into the city. Additional unlockable content is also planned, including alternate outfits, extra game modes, and hidden endings.
Ground Zero launches on April 16, 2026, for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
