Sheltered: Manage a Family Surviving a Post Apocalyptic World

“Sheltered” is an indie strategy and survival management game developed by Unicube and published by Team17, released in March 2016. The game focuses on managing a family in a post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing resource management, survival tactics, and emotional decision-making.

Setting

“Sheltered” is set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world where a catastrophic event has left the surface uninhabitable. Players control a family of four who have taken refuge in an underground bunker. The goal is to survive the harsh new reality by maintaining the shelter, managing resources, and protecting the family from external threats.

Gameplay

The gameplay in “Sheltered” revolves around the day-to-day management of the family’s shelter and the broader challenges of surviving in a hostile environment.

Shelter Management

Resource Management: Players must carefully manage vital resources such as food, water, and fuel. Balancing these resources is crucial for the family’s survival.
Shelter Upgrades: The shelter can be upgraded and expanded with new rooms and facilities. Improvements like better sleeping arrangements, a larger pantry, and advanced crafting stations can increase the family’s chances of survival.
Health and Well-being: Each family member has health, hunger, thirst, and stress levels that need constant monitoring. Players must address these needs to keep the family healthy and functional.

Exploration and Scavenging

Expeditions: Players can send family members out into the wasteland to scavenge for supplies. These expeditions are risky, as they can encounter hostile survivors, wild animals, and environmental hazards.
Random Encounters: While exploring, players may encounter other survivors. These encounters can lead to trading opportunities, recruitment of new members, or conflicts that may result in injury or death.

Crafting and Combat

Crafting System: Players can craft essential items and upgrades using materials scavenged from the wasteland. Crafting ranges from basic necessities like beds and water filters to weapons and armor for defense.
Combat Mechanics: Combat is turn-based and occurs during encounters with hostile survivors or animals. Players must strategize and use available weapons and items to protect their family members.

Objectives

The primary objective in “Sheltered” is to ensure the family’s survival for as long as possible. This involves managing resources, maintaining the shelter, and making strategic decisions during encounters and expeditions.

Features

Customization: Players can customize their family members at the start of the game, including their appearance, traits, and skills. This adds a personal touch and affects gameplay dynamics.
Random Events: The game includes a variety of random events that can impact the shelter and its inhabitants. These events add unpredictability and challenge to the gameplay.
Pet Companions: At the beginning of the game, players can choose a pet for the family. Pets provide companionship and can have practical benefits, such as increased morale or additional protection during expeditions.
Morale System: Family members’ morale is affected by their living conditions, health, and interactions. High morale is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness and avoiding mental breakdowns.

Have you played Sheltered? What’s your favourite Part of Sheltered? We’d love to hear from you.

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