Haex is an upcoming co-op open-world adventure game featuring player-shaped worlds

Procedural World Transformation

Haex, an upcoming game from Dead Astronauts, introduces a core mechanic where players actively shape their game world. Players utilize a tool called a "Seed" to transform the environment. When planted, these Seeds cause changes in vegetation, topography, and introduce new narrative threads and enemies.

Unique and Evolving Game Worlds

Creative director Tobias Nyman stated that every campaign in Haex begins with a unique, procedurally generated world. The Seeds themselves contain additional procedural data, ensuring that the world continues to evolve and become more distinct as players progress. This design aims to keep both the player and their co-operative partners engaged with an ever-changing landscape.

Co-operative Gameplay and Setting

Haex is designed as an online co-operative game, allowing friends to join together in the survivalist adventure. Players assume the roles of research scientists investigating an anomaly in a sub-Arctic Scandinavian setting. The game features encounters with shapeshifting objects and creatures, alongside an unknown language of arcane sigils that requires decoding.

Influences and Studio Background

Nyman cited influences for Haex including sci-fi films like Annihilation and Arrival, as well as the weird fiction of author Jeff VanderMeer. He also mentioned cosmic black metal as an unexpected touchstone, aiming to evoke a blend of dread and awe. Nyman co-founded Dead Astronauts in 2024, having previously contributed to open-world titles at Ubisoft Massive.