A Promising Indie Gem in the Zombie Apocalypse: Last Outpost Review

When I first played Last Outpost, I wasn’t sure what to expect. At a glance, it looks like a straightforward survival strategy game, but once you dive in, it reveals itself as something more layered and surprisingly addictive. Set in a bleak, zombie-ravaged world, the game puts you in charge of defending humanity’s final stronghold. It’s not just about building walls and placing turrets, it’s about making tough choices under pressure, balancing scarce resources, and adapting to the relentless waves of enemies that test your every decision. The minimalist art style might not scream “blockbuster,” but it works in the game’s favour, keeping the focus on strategy and survival rather than distracting spectacle.

It’s clear from the start that this is a passion project and one that doesn’t rely on flashy graphics or cinematic cutscenes, but instead on smart mechanics and a tense atmosphere that keeps you on edge.

What makes Last Outpost shine is the way it blends different genres into a cohesive experience. There are shades of tower defense, real-time strategy, and roguelike progression all working together. Each run feels like a new challenge, with randomized elements forcing you to rethink your approach. Do you invest in stronger defenses early on, or gamble on risky upgrades that might pay off later? Do you focus on vehicles and mobility, or hunker down and build an impenetrable fortress? These decisions give the game a sense of tension and replayability that keeps you coming back for “just one more run.”

The core loop revolves around defending your base against waves of zombies, but it’s not just a static tower defence. You’re constantly juggling resource management, base construction, and combat decisions. At the start of a run, you’re given limited tools and a small outpost, and from there you expand by placing defensive structures, upgrading units, and unlocking vehicles. Each wave of enemies grows more intense, forcing you to adapt your strategy on the fly.

What’s interesting is how the game blends real-time action with strategic planning. You’re not just placing towers and waiting; you’re actively involved in positioning, upgrading, and sometimes even directly controlling aspects of your defence. Vehicles add another layer of depth, they can be used offensively to push back hordes or defensively to reinforce weak points. This creates a dynamic rhythm where you’re constantly weighing short-term survival against long-term investment.

The roguelike elements come into play through randomized upgrades and progression. No two runs feel exactly the same, because the upgrades you’re offered can drastically change your approach. One run might push you toward heavy firepower with rocket towers, while another might encourage mobility and vehicle-based strategies. This unpredictability keeps the game fresh and encourages experimentation.

That said, the game isn’t without its flaws. While the core mechanics are engaging, the limited building freedom can feel restrictive. You’re often locked into predetermined spots for structures, which takes away some of the creativity that strategy fans might crave. Balance is another area that could use refinement as some upgrades feel indispensable, while others barely justify their cost. And although the roguelike loop is fun, the content pool is still relatively shallow, leaving you wishing for more enemy types, maps, and upgrade paths to keep things fresh over the long term.

Despite these shortcomings, Last Outpost has a lot of heart. It captures the desperate, last-stand atmosphere of a zombie apocalypse better than many bigger-budget games, and it does so with a lean, focused design. It’s the kind of game that rewards experimentation and punishes complacency, which makes every victory feel earned. While it may not yet be the most polished or content-rich strategy title out there, it has the foundation of something special. With continued updates and balancing, it could easily grow into a standout indie gem.

Pros

• Addictive blend of tower defence, RTS, and roguelike mechanics

• Minimalist visuals that keep the action clear and focused

• Strong atmosphere that captures the desperation of survival

• High replayability thanks to randomized elements and strategic choices

Cons

• Limited freedom in base-building placement

• Some upgrades and skills feel unbalanced

• Content variety is still a bit thin, leaving room for expansion

Last Outpost is a game that thrives on tension, decision-making, and the thrill of survival against impossible odds. It’s not perfect, but it’s compelling, and it leaves you with that rare feeling of wanting to jump back in even after a crushing defeat. If you’re a fan of strategy games with a survival twist, it’s well worth your time.

XPN Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (SILVER)

Last Outpost is Available Now!