Map and Mission Structure

Overview

Blight: Survival launches with a single large map set within No Man's Land. Rather than offering multiple smaller maps, the game focuses on one expansive environment with enough variety and semi-procedural variation to support repeated runs. The map uses a free-roam format where players navigate the space at their own pace, tackling objectives in a flexible order.

Free-roam format

The map is not a linear corridor. Players enter No Man's Land and have freedom to explore the available space, choosing which paths to take, which encounters to engage, and which areas to investigate. This free-roam approach means two players on the same run might have very different experiences depending on the routes they choose and the areas they explore.

The free-roam structure supports different playstyles naturally. Players focused on combat can seek out enemy-dense areas. Players interested in loot can explore less-traveled paths for hidden materials. Stealth-oriented players can attempt to avoid encounters entirely, slipping through the map with minimal engagement.

Objective structure

Missions contain both required and optional objectives. The developers have stated there is "only a handful of required objectives that you have to do to delve further into the map," with "pretty much all content in the game being optional as it's up to the player to decide where to go and what to do." Optional objectives offer additional rewards, including rarer materials, gear components, and lore items, but they increase the run's duration and danger.

The balance between required and optional objectives creates the core risk-reward tension of each run. Completing only the required objectives gets you out safely but with minimal loot. Pursuing optional objectives increases your haul but extends the time your character is at risk. Every optional objective is a gamble: is the reward worth the additional danger?

Sub-biomes and dungeons

The single map contains sub-biomes with distinct visual identities and gameplay characteristics. The Marshlands is the first sub-biome shown publicly. The infection system is central to the environment: the Blight affects the landscape visually and mechanically, creeping and consuming all it touches. Beyond open areas, the map includes claustrophobic dungeon environments with barred gates and underground passages, providing variety in encounter types and exploration pacing.

Semi-procedural variation

The map incorporates procedural generation to drive replayability. While core landmarks and hand-crafted environments remain consistent, elements like enemy placement, loot distribution, and certain environmental conditions change between runs. The developers have described this variation as providing "enough replayability since this is part of the core loop."

This hybrid approach (designed spaces with variable content) balances the game's need for replayability with its commitment to hand-crafted environmental storytelling. Principal Art Director Pascal led the worldbuilding effort, refining "the look and tone of human factions like the Writhen, environments" during foundational development in September 2025. The atmospheric details, architectural ruins, and environmental narrative depend on designed spaces that would be impossible in a fully procedurally generated map.

Launch scope

The decision to launch with one map reflects the studio's approach to quality over quantity. Co-founder Mads Christensen has emphasized: "We're very focused on smaller, yet extremely enjoyable, core gameplay loops. Quality over quantity." Haenir Studio has expressed a preference for launching Blight: Survival as a complete product without an Early Access period, though the official FAQ lists this decision as still "to be decided."

Public playtests are expected in 2026, with the full launch estimated for 2027 at the earliest. A team member has clarified that players should not expect the game in 2025 or 2026. As of December 2025, the team noted that "Blight became something the team could actively test and play" and that the next phase would focus on "refining systems, expanding content, and gradually opening the doors for more players." The preferred monetization model is a boxed price with DLC expansions, though this is pending final confirmation.

Additional maps or biomes may be added post-launch, but the initial release is built around making one map deep enough to sustain long-term play through its semi-procedural variation, objective variety, and the depth of the extraction gameplay loop.

Development history

The game was originally announced as "Blight: No Man's Land" in November 2021, later renamed to "Blight: Survival" upon partnering with Behaviour Interactive in April 2024. The ESRB has rated the game M (Mature).

Platforms and timeline

The game will launch on PC first via Steam, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions planned for a later date. Public playtests are expected in 2026, with the full release currently estimated for 2027. See Platforms and technical for more details.