Wilderload is an indie RPG adventure set on PC in a world shattered by the Starfall. Cities lie in ruins, and tin-skinned monsters roam the wilds, drawing hunters who pursue bounties from battered tanks. Players step into the role of a young resident from the border town of Kazikou, driven by the goal of becoming a hunter despite limited resources and family objections. The experience centers on scavenging and assembling vehicles to navigate dangerous landscapes while tracking down targets for rewards.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around exploration, vehicle assembly, and bounty collection in an open post-apocalyptic environment. Players begin by locating and excavating their first tank from beneath an old freight depot, then venture outward to uncover additional vehicles, each tied to its own backstory. Movement occurs both inside the tank for traversable terrain and on foot for areas the vehicle cannot reach. Bounties appear on posters at local offices, with details recorded in a personal binder for later reference. Targets vary in behavior, from those that flee and return later to others requiring location before combat or even dialogue options before resolution. Successful hunts return to the clerk for payment confirmation.
Tank construction forms a major system, with over one hundred parts including engines, C-Units, main guns, sub guns, and S-E components available for swapping at workshops. Chassis, powertrain, and weapons support modifications that cannot be reversed once applied. Armor plates add protection but risk slowing or immobilizing the vehicle if overused. The badlands feature distinct regions such as grasslands, sand seas, mushroom marshes, and burned cities, influenced by weather events like sandstorms and thunderstorms. Day and night cycles alter road access and town activity, with markets arriving on a ten-day schedule and land-ships following independent timetables.
Companions join the journey, including mechanic Lita, electronics and lock specialist Milo, and a dog named Wrench whose companion slip bears a paw print. Townsfolk maintain independent routines and respond to repeated inquiries with additional dialogue. The main narrative advances at the player's pace without pressure to follow a strict timeline.
Game Modes
Wilderload operates as a single-player experience without separate named modes. Progression follows a freeform structure where players decide their own priorities, whether pursuing story elements, collecting bounties, modifying tanks, or simply traversing the environment. The design encourages repeated visits to locations at different times of day or after weather shifts to uncover new opportunities. No structured multiplayer or competitive elements appear in the available details.
Exploration and Customization
The world rewards curiosity through its changing conditions and hidden tank locations. Each of the eight tanks carries unique characteristics that influence travel and combat options. Workshops scattered across regions offer specialized trades, allowing players to experiment with combinations of parts while managing weight and mobility. Armor application requires careful balance, as excess plating can halt movement entirely. Side activities emerge naturally from interactions with locals and the bounty board, supporting varied playstyles from methodical hunters to those who prefer open wandering.
Is It Worth Playing?
Wilderload suits players who enjoy indie RPG adventures focused on vehicle building, open exploration, and bounty-driven objectives in a post-apocalyptic setting. The emphasis on tank assembly from scavenged parts and the freedom to approach targets in multiple ways provides depth for those interested in customization and non-linear progression. Without confirmed release details or player feedback at this stage, interest depends on appreciation for the described mechanics of foot-and-vehicle travel, companion interactions, and environmental variety. Those drawn to similar titles with tank hunting and sandbox freedom may find the concept engaging once available.
