The extraction shooter space is back with more 2D 3D action! Survivor Mercs, developed under Snail Games USA’s Wandering Wizard label, is carving out its place on Steam and is now gearing up for a full launch (it's also headed to Xbox in due time).
At its core, Survivor Mercs blends the chaos of bullet-heaven survival with the tactical tension of an extraction shooter. You’re not just a lone survivor dodging waves—you’re a cloned commander leading a squad of mercenaries against M.E.G.A. Corp’s relentless robot army. Every run is a gamble: mow down enemies, secure loot, and decide whether to extract safely or risk it all for bigger rewards. After that L, you'll wish you went back to the base in some cases.
One thing I’ve got to give credit to is discounting games during early access. Survivor Mercs is doing exactly that during the No Time To Loot festival.
Players get in at a lower cost, while developers receive the financial backing they need to keep development rolling. It’s a win-win. Supporters feel rewarded for taking the early plunge, and devs get the momentum to keep refining their vision. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen it happen, but every time it does, I can’t help but applaud.
More studios should take note. It’s a simple but powerful gesture that builds goodwill and community trust—two things money can’t buy.
Festival Celebration & Community Perks
In celebration of the No Time To Loot festival, the team at Snail Games USA hooked me up with three codes to share (big thanks to Monty for that!). Whether you’re one of the lucky ones to snag a code or not, here’s the real kicker:
You can grab Survivor Mercs for less than $5 during the festival window. That’s pocket change for a game that’s already showing strong legs in early access and only getting sharper with each update. That said, it's time for another dose of Watch & Nab!
Survivor Mercs
• Clone Commanders – Each run starts with a randomized commander, complete with unique traits that change your approach.
• Squad-Based Action – Build a team of mercs with diverse skills and synergies. This isn’t just about dodging bullets—it’s about commanding a unit.
• Active Twin-Stick Gameplay – Unlike auto-shooters, Survivor Mercs keeps you in control with dashes, aimed fire, and tactical decision-making.
• Bunker HQ Progression – Invest your loot into upgrades, new mercs, and gear to strengthen your squad for future runs. Build and add to your strategy.
• Couch Co-op – Bring friends into the chaos, with one player leading as commander and others controlling mercs in the squad. Simple enough to pick up and play by anyone.
With its simple yet fast-paced action, roguelite depth, and squad-driven twist on the bullet-heaven formula, Survivor Mercs is shaping up to be a standout in the genre for 2D 3D options. The fact that it’s launching with a community-first mindset—discounting during early access and celebrating with events like No Time To Loot—only makes me root for it more.
So whether you’re diving in with a free code or picking it up for less than five bucks, now’s the perfect time to squad up, extract, and survive the storm. The bosses are waiting.
