A Contract Aboard a Dead Ship
Species: Unknown is a first-person survival horror game where you play as a mercenary sent to an abandoned spaceship. Your job is to execute high-risk contracts and make it out alive to claim your reward. The catch is that you are not alone; something is hunting you in the dark. The game is currently in Early Access, so expect the experience to evolve as you play.
Coordinating the Squad
You can tackle these contracts solo or form a squad of up to 4 players using private or public servers. Communication is a core part of the survival experience, featuring both Proximity Chat and Radio. Distance and physical walls matter when you speak, which can lead to tense moments or chaotic coordination depending on where your teammates are standing. Each mission plays differently based on your objective, your teammates, the map, and which of the 5 intelligent threats is stalking you.
Tools, Threats, and Investigation
The specimen you face is chosen procedurally from a growing roster of monsters, each with distinct behaviors, hunting patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. You must investigate your surroundings to gather clues and identify the threat to proceed. To help you survive, you have access to specific tools: a Motion Tracker to detect nearby movement, a Shield to block attacks, a Health Syringe to heal yourself or allies, and a Mini-Map for navigating pitch-black corridors. Guns are not always the answer, as some threats are too resistant or untouchable, but the right weapon found at the right time can turn the tide.
Rewards and Progression
Completing contracts earns you credits, which you can spend to upgrade your gear, buy new tools, and customize your appearance. You can also use your earnings to gather lore and build your own creature museum. The difficulty scales with the risk, so higher-risk contracts offer greater rewards.