This open-world survival crafting game comes from a solo developer based in Aschaffenburg, Germany, and has just taken a huge leap forward with its massive New Dawn update.
If you loved The Forest and are looking for a fresh survival experience, then you should definitely check out Under A New Sun!
Behind Under A New Sun is New Horizon Games, a German one-man studio, that launched the game in Early Access on Steam back in 2023. The premise is simple yet effective: after a catastrophic crash on an Earth-like planet, you wake up alone in your cryosleep pod – with no trace of your crew. From there, it’s all about pure survival: find food, gather resources, build a base, and explore the mysterious world around you.
If you’ve played The Forest, you’ll feel right at home: once again you’re pushing through dense forests, building shelters for protection, and slowly uncovering the secrets of your deserted surroundings. But compared to the classic, Under A New Sun goes a step further.
The Big New Dawn Update – With Co-Op and More
With the freshly released New Dawn update, the game has received a huge bundle of new content and improvements. The biggest highlight: official co-op support! This means you can now team up with friends for your adventure – no more complicated Steam invites. Thanks to a new system with unique session codes, it’s quick and easy to join up and get started right away.
The developer has also polished up many gameplay elements: core mechanics have been refined, balance improved, and there are now extensive options to customize your character. The visuals got a major boost too – lighting, effects, and sounds now create an even more immersive atmosphere.
A Bigger World, More to Discover
Compared to its early versions, the game world has expanded significantly with the update. You can now expect new, sprawling islands with diverse biomes: lush jungles, shimmering rivers, hidden ponds, and roaring waterfalls deliver a true sense of adventure.
One of the standout features is shipbuilding: players can construct their own boat, which isn’t just for traveling – it comes with large storage chests, cozy cabins with beds, and a self-sufficient energy system with electric engines. This lets you explore the coast or sail off to discover new islands – something The Forest never offered at this scale.
On top of that, there are abandoned wrecks to explore, revealing new story fragments, plus newly revamped caves with improved atmosphere. There’s also a brand-new drone variant with more dangerous behavior, ready to give players a real challenge. And for those who prefer a calmer side of survival, you can now set up raised garden beds and grow your own crops.
A Worthy Heir for The Forest Fans?
While The Forest already received its own successor with Sons of the Forest, Under A New Sun stands out as a fresh alternative that captures the same survival vibe while adding clever new twists. The mix of island and ocean exploration, the flexible co-op, and the fact that all this comes from just one developer make this project truly remarkable.
The game is still in Early Access but already feels surprisingly advanced – and with over 70% positive reviews on Steam, the community seems on board. Right now, Under A New Sun is on sale for just $10.19 – a small price for a big survival adventure.
If you’re craving an atmospheric survival game that channels the spirit of The Forest but dares to strike out on its own, Under A New Sun is definitely worth a look. Especially with friends, exploring the tropical island world is now more fun than ever.
So: pitch your tent, build your ship, start your generator and off you go on a wild ride!