The medieval zombie apocalypse setting of God Save Birmingham is evolving, with recent playtests revealing a more focused vision for developer Ocean Drive Studios, Inc. The survival horror game, which places players in the English countryside amidst a zombie outbreak during the Middle Ages, has been steadily refined since its public debut in 2024. An updated build showcased at PAX West 2026 demonstrates improvements in narrative depth and gameplay mechanics, suggesting the ambitious concept is beginning to coalesce.
Early iterations of God Save Birmingham relied heavily on its unique premise. However, the latest preview build offers a more structured onboarding experience, immersing players as a lone survivor waking in an infirmary after the outbreak has begun. Similar to narratives found in The Walking Dead or 28 Days Later, the initial goal is to escape a zombie-infested safe room and scavenge for essential supplies. The game's physics-based actions and movement system are introduced during this escape, emphasizing a sense of weight and realism.
The medieval setting contributes to a grounded and unnerving atmosphere, amplified by in-game journals from townsfolk and priests interpreting the outbreak as a divine reckoning. This narrative framing, combined with a revamped journal system providing basic direction, helps draw players into the world more effectively. The game encourages a hands-off approach, allowing players to forge their own path through the environment.
Survival is a core tenet of God Save Birmingham's gameplay. Players must manage vital needs such as hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and anxiety, requiring the crafting of items like bandages and the search for food and water. Scrounging for resources while evading zombies is paramount. The game draws inspiration from titles like Project Zomboid, prioritizing visual detail and realism.
Combat and physics systems have seen significant improvements. The ability to freely manipulate objects, such as crates and ladders, offers both tactical options for combat and environmental interaction. Stamina management is critical; being winded leaves the player vulnerable. Ladders can be used to reach higher ground, block doorways, or as improvised weapons. The developers have also refined combat animations, with each weapon type possessing unique attack styles, power, and range. For instance, a pitchfork excels at maintaining distance, while hatchets are close-range weapons with a wider swing. As players utilize weapons, their proficiency with them increases.
During a hands-on session, resource gathering, particularly for food, was a primary focus, highlighting the protagonist's constant need to manage hunger. Successfully dispatching zombies with a pitchfork and securing a safe area for the night offered a glimpse into the game's tense survival loop. The demo concluded as night fell, with the player preparing to consume scavenged food while the sounds of approaching zombies could be heard outside.
The developers have announced that co-op play will be included in the full release, though it was not available in the PAX West demo. This addition is expected to mitigate the isolation often inherent in survival horror experiences. While early builds may have felt unpolished, the latest iteration of God Save Birmingham presents a more compelling tone and a stronger investment in its survival narrative, positioning it as a title worth watching as development progresses.