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About It Comes In Waves
It Comes In Waves puts you in the shoes of a solitary outcast stranded on the barren desert world of Eremar Prime. Your goal is to nurture a specimen for delivery to The Sanctuary, a task made difficult by the planet’s unforgiving environment. Survival hinges on careful scavenging, combat against raiders, and meticulous water management, as dehydration is fatal. The game’s minimalist design blends exploration, combat, and resource management into a personal, experimental experience.
01 / THE GUIDE
Story premise
The game opens with a cryptic line, "It all started when you left…" and quickly establishes you as a lone outcast on a dangerous desert planet. Your mission is to grow a specimen and bring it to The Sanctuary, framing the survival loop with a personal objective. The world, named Eremar Prime, is described as harsh and unforgiving, demanding tough choices to stay alive. This narrative backdrop informs every gameplay decision you make.
- Consider the story’s personal tone when planning your actions; small choices can feel more meaningful.
- Use the specimen goal as a guide to prioritize resources that support growth.
02 / THE GUIDE
World exploration
Eremar Prime’s desert landscape forces you to constantly search for usable items. Scavenging is essential, as the description notes you must gather resources to survive. Exploration also includes a visit to a local town, though the town is not portrayed as welcoming. The environment’s severity shapes how far you can travel before needing to return for supplies.
- Map out routes that loop back to water sources before venturing far.
- Check the town for any overlooked supplies despite its unwelcoming vibe.
03 / THE GUIDE
Raider encounters
Combat in the game centers on defending yourself against raiders that roam the desert. The description explicitly mentions fighting off raiders as part of survival. There is no indication of complex combat systems; encounters are presented as a necessary hurdle while you gather resources and manage water. Success in combat directly impacts your ability to stay alive.
- Treat combat with raiders as a hurdle to get past while gathering resources, rather than seeking out fights.
- Observe raider patterns, if any, to choose safer times for resource gathering.
04 / THE GUIDE
Water handling
Water is identified as the main resource, and it constantly evaporates when you are out in the desert. This mechanic forces you to either collect more water or improve equipment efficiency to reduce loss. Failure to maintain water levels results in death, emphasizing the critical nature of water management throughout the game.
- Prioritize upgrades that improve water efficiency before expanding exploration.
- Plan extended trips away from water carefully, since evaporation never stops while you are out in the desert.
05 / THE GUIDE
Permadeath system
The game employs a strict death rule: there is no reloading after death, and you must start fresh. This permadeath system reinforces the minimalist and experimental tone, making each decision carry weight. The lack of reloads encourages careful planning and acceptance of failure as part of the experience.
- Treat each run as a learning opportunity; note what led to water loss.
- Accept that death resets progress, and focus on incremental improvements each attempt.
COMMUNITY
Player discussion