Raft (video game)

The game is played from the first-person perspective and can be played either in the single-player or multiplayer mode. With the latter, the server is automatically provided by the game and the game takes place in co-op mode.

After a world is created, the player starts on a 2x2 raft in the middle of an ocean. The player starts only with a hook that they can aim and throw to catch fish, barrels, wood, palm fronds, plastic, and other objects out of the water. The player can leave the raft and collect things while swimming, but must be careful as the raft is always moving due to the continuous ocean current. The player can also be attacked or killed by sharks that are always swimming around the raft. These sharks will also occasionally attack corners of the raft, destroying parts of it. Using a crafting system, the player can use the collected materials to assemble and research new items and to expand and improve the raft. For example, tools, weapons and nets can be manufactured. These can be used control and guide the raft, increase the size and stability of the raft, and defend the raft from the sharks.

The player also needs to manage basic needs like hunger and thirst by catching or growing food and purifying water to drink, but when growing food, the player must shelter the food they're growing due to sea gulls swooping down and eating the seeds, you can kill them for food. During the game, the raft may pass by islands which the player can explore to get special items and resources. The player can also dive in coastal regions and collect special items.

With the help of a two-way radio,[2][3][4][5][6][7] the player unveils the game's storyline. The world has been deserted. The protagonist which players play as is searching for his wife and daughter. Using the two-way radio, codes found and leading to islands where information, unique materials and more codes can be found. The reason the player is able to follow said story line is thanks to the notebook the player acquires at the start.

Raft was developed by three Swedish students from Uppsala University. Development started in 2016 and is still ongoing.[3][8][9] On 23 May 2018, Raft was released as a Steam early access game. Raft had previously been distributed on the indie platform Itch.io, where it is still available as a free download.[2][10] A Linux version was discontinued after version 1.05 due to time constraints. Two weeks after launch the game was the number 3 most played game on Steam and had sold over 400,000 copies. The game updates frequently and new functions are regularly added.[4][11]

The soundtrack was composed by German composer Jannik Schmidt.[1]

Until the end of May 2017 the developer version was downloaded over seven million times.[3] The website Polygon called the game one of the most successful games on Steam of 2018 and praised the mix of exploring, collecting, managing and learning. The game gained fame through numerous Lets Plays on the YouTube video platform, among other things.[4][12]

The developers told PC Gamer that one reason for the success compared to other survival games that are played in an open world could be the limited area.[12] Due to the sandbox system and the setting on the open sea, the game is also compared with Subnautica.[2]

• Official website
• Raft at MobyGames