This Steam open-world zombie game is basically The Last of Us Online

‘The Last of Us Online’ will sadly never be a reality after Naughty Dog’s live-service take on the acclaimed franchise was canned.

That’s probably not a terrible thing. As incredible as a fully fledged multiplayer The Last of Us entry would have been, post-launch support supposedly would have prevented Naughty Dog from working on single-player games - and that’s what the studio does best.

Unfortunately, we can’t exactly say that The Last of Us Part III is on the way soon to make up for it. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is next up, perhaps in 2027 - although no precise date has been confirmed.

Beyond that, we’re sure The Last of Us Part III will surface alongside that supposed Uncharted reboot.

In the meantime, if you’re mourning the cancellation of the untitled ‘The Last of Us Online’, you might want to keep an eye on The Dead We Knew.

This open-world zombie survival game may just be the next best thing, with a PC launch planned for September 17 of this year.

MAY19 STUDIO

Developed by MAY19 STUDIO, The Dead We Knew boasts a pretty simple premise, taking inspiration from Project Zomboid and The Day Before - although we’re hoping it’s not a sham like that latter project.

Playable solo or alongside friends, The Dead We Knew sees you explore a massive open world, fending off both zombies and hostile humans, as well as dealing with “the growing dangers that come with the fog”.

There’s a survival element to the game, so yes, you’ll need to search for loot, establish a base to take shelter, produce food, and manage your resources.

READ MORE: The Last of Us Gamers Left Devastated As Part 3 To Mark Controversial Change

You can now wishlist The Dead We Knew on Steam ahead of its launch next month

“There is no truly safe place in the middle of a broken world. That’s why you must create your own,” begins the synopsis.

“Use what you can find in abandoned structures, deep within the forest, and throughout the world around you to build a shelter that can keep you alive. Start with a simple cabin and gradually turn it into a stronger, larger, and more liveable base.”

It continues, “But remember: this world does not belong to you. If you want to stay alive, hiding will not be enough. Every piece you collect, every fire you light, and every wall you build will determine your chances of survival.”

As for that fog we mentioned, it’s not the fog itself that’s harmful. It’s more the fact that it completely drops visibility, and you may walk face first into a zombie horde without ever seeing their approach.

In fact, zombies apparently grow more aggressive within fog.

There’s a 24-hour day-and-night cycle in The Dead We Knew as well as dynamic weather events, with the fog being just one key example.

As for the co-op mode, it supports up to four players.

The Dead We Knew looks incredibly promising, but it will, of course, be great when the game is in the hands of players, as we’ve certainly been burned before with games of this nature.

There aren’t yet plans to launch it on consoles, with only a PC version confirmed, nor has a demo or any playtesting been announced.

If you want to keep an eye on this one, your best bet is to wishlist the game on Steam so you’ll be notified as soon as any notable developments are posted.