Deathground opens new paths for survival horror

The long-anticipated cooperative horror game Deathground has officially entered Early Access on Steam, inviting players into a tense world where humans face off against cunning, bloodthirsty dinosaurs. Developed by Jaw Drop Games, Deathground combines elements of classic survival horror and modern co-op design to deliver a nerve-racking experience, one that’s already drawing comparisons to titles like Left 4 Dead, Phasmophobia, and Aliens: Dark Descent.

A Survival Horror Experience with Teeth

Set in a crumbling research facility overrun by prehistoric predators, Deathground tasks teams of up to four players (or brave solo adventurers) with completing missions, scavenging equipment, and escaping before they become dinner. The game's design emphasizes stealth and strategy over direct combat; dinosaurs are fast, intelligent, and merciless, making every movement and sound a potential death sentence.

Each session unfolds with procedurally generated objectives and randomized item placements, ensuring that no two runs feel the same. Players can use tools such as motion trackers, flares, and tranquilizer darts to stay alive, while resource scarcity adds a layer of psychological pressure reminiscent of Alien: Isolation. For those who prefer immersion over accuracy, the developers even included an optional "feather toggle", which allows players to switch between scientifically accurate feathered dinosaurs and their more traditional, scaly counterparts.

No, you can't play as a dinosaur

In the weeks leading up to launch, fans flooded the game's community pages with one burning question: Can you play as a dinosaur? According to Jaw Drop Games, the answer is a definitive no, at least for now.

Lead artist and designer Joseph Shirley addressed the topic directly in a pre-launch FAQ video, clarifying that Deathground is strictly a PvE (player versus environment) experience.

“Deathground is PvE, so you won’t be able to play as a dinosaur,” Shirley explained. “It’s something we’ve thought about, but that would be a completely different game.”

Still, he didn’t rule it out entirely:

“Maybe it’s something we can do at another time. Who knows what the future holds?”

The decision to focus solely on cooperative survival — rather than asymmetric PvP — mirrors the design philosophy behind Phasmophobia and GTFO, where teamwork and tension take precedence over player-controlled monsters.

Deathground aims to carve out its own identity by centering its terror around AI-driven dinosaurs. It's a niche that has'’t been fully explored, especially inthis genre. Players describe it as a mix between Jurassic Park and Alien: Isolation, a blend of survival horror and cooperative strategy that demands communication, patience, and composure under pressure.

Tha game launches today on Steam Early Access, offering players an evolving experience with ongoing content updates planned throughout its development. For fans of horror and pulse-pounding teamwork, it promises a fresh take on the genre. If you want to give it a try, you will be able to purchase Deathground at the best price with our comparator.