Delivery driver's tale in remote rural Russia stirs up Mudrunner and Disco Elysium reminiscences
In an unusual twist, the gaming world is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Zarya, a forthcoming "narrative simulator" that's shaping up to be aunique mix. The game revolves around Vasily, a chap trying to make ends meet in a remote, post-Soviet agricultural outback, occasionally lending a helping hand to his pals.
Haunt the Steam realm for longer than a year now, Zarya evaded the radar till a fresh gameplay video surfaced, hinting at a captivating blend of off-road exploration, vehicle traversal, and everyday endeavors. The video may not be eloquent about the game's premise, but its charm resonates; the essence of driving rusty, vintage tech on feral roads, hunting down game, socializing with mates, or strolling along sunsets - Vasily appears to be tasting life in all its simplicity.
Peep the Steam page, and it mirrors a similar ambience; build a delivery empire, and attain 'off-road icon' status, but the underlying narrative catches the eye.
"Travel the tales of those dwelling in the wilderness' fringes. Aid the villagers in their Herculean tasks. Grill kebabs with the mates in the garages, go fishing with Old Pete, take the produce to market, tow vehicles, and avoid ending up in a ditch – the last time a tractor was seen around here was three decades ago. Immerse yourself in a swirl of authentic post-Soviet stereotypes, from vintage cars to childhood landscapes and the pure enjoyment of life."
Scanty details, but the aura - it hits the spot, and makes one crave for more. A playtest sign-up option on Steam offers a tantalizing peek, although patience is key, as developers SBSR started gathering applications in September 2024 but hadn't issued invites as of May 2025.
May 2025's gaming cauldron is brimming with forthcoming releases[2], but Zarya remains a hidden gem, shrouded in mystery. So, bookmark that Steam page for updates that are forthcoming.
Paul Hitchman is a writer for the esteemed PC Gamer publication, with a long history in gaming, dating back to the early days of textual adventures and rudimentary action games on TRS80 computers. He's traversed the heights of graphical masterpieces from Sierra Online adventures, Microprose simulations, and indulged in deep, immersive RPGs, shooters, and immersive sims throughout his tenure. He's been penning gaming news since 2007 for The Escapist and became part of the illustrious PC Gamer team in 2014, covering all aspects of the industry, from new announcements to legal disputes and Twitch fracases. He's also a known aficionado of Henry Cavill.
References:1. PC Gamer2. PC Gamer3. IGN
- Paul Hitchman, a veteran writer for PC Gamer, shares an intrigue about an upcoming game titled 'Zarya', a narrative simulator set in a post-Soviet agricultural outback.
- In this unique blend of gameplay, players take on the role of Vasily, trying to make ends meet while assisting friends.
- The game offers aspects such as off-road exploration, vehicle traversal, and everyday endeavors, akin to movies-and-tv depictions of rural life.
- A play test for 'Zarya' is available on Steam, but invites have yet to be issued, as applications were started in September 2024.
- Beta testers may help unravel the mystery surrounding this hidden gem in the 2025 gaming season.
- As a fan of numerous gaming genres, including simulations and immersive storytelling, Henry Cavill may well find 'Zarya' an interesting bet to win.
