Night Runner Cover Art

Night Runner

First-Person Shooter, Co-op Horde Survival, Extraction Shooter, PvE, Tower Defense, Action

starstarstarstarstar_half(11 Ratings)

$34.99

NightRunner is an intense 1-4 player cooperative first-person horde-survival extraction shooter developed and published by German indie studio 314 Arts (creators of Projekt Z: Beyond Order). Heavily inspired by the tension of Call of Duty: Zombies' TranZit mode, the brutal wave defense of Killing Floor, and the tactical high-stakes looting of Escape from Tarkov, NightRunner tasks squads of mercenary couriers with transporting vital cargo across a post-apocalyptic wasteland plunged into endless supernatural darkness. Players operate and defend a colossal, continuously moving armored train—the NightRunner. At the start of each expedition, players hook up custom carriages, pick specialized character roles, fortify defensive barricades and automated turret emplacements, and map out hazardous continental routes. During scheduled tactical stops in hostile territories, mercenaries must disembark into forgotten underground military bunkers and decaying urban ruins to scavenge weapons, raw ammunition, crafting blueprints, and engine fuel—all while battling relentless waves of nocturnal abominations and racing desperately to clamber back aboard before the train pulls out.

Night Runner

Night Runner Thumbnail
starstarstarstarstar_half(11 Ratings)$34.99First-Person Shooter, Co-op Horde Survival, Extraction Shooter, PvE, Tower Defense, Action

NightRunner is an intense 1-4 player cooperative first-person horde-survival extraction shooter developed and published by German indie studio 314 Arts (creators of Projekt Z: Beyond Order). Heavily inspired by the tension of Call of Duty: Zombies' TranZit mode, the brutal wave defense of Killing Floor, and the tactical high-stakes looting of Escape from Tarkov, NightRunner tasks squads of mercenary couriers with transporting vital cargo across a post-apocalyptic wasteland plunged into endless supernatural darkness. Players operate and defend a colossal, continuously moving armored train—the NightRunner. At the start of each expedition, players hook up custom carriages, pick specialized character roles, fortify defensive barricades and automated turret emplacements, and map out hazardous continental routes. During scheduled tactical stops in hostile territories, mercenaries must disembark into forgotten underground military bunkers and decaying urban ruins to scavenge weapons, raw ammunition, crafting blueprints, and engine fuel—all while battling relentless waves of nocturnal abominations and racing desperately to clamber back aboard before the train pulls out.

business Dev: 314 Artsprint Pub: 314 Artsevent Rel: update Upd:
🖥️

Build a PC for Night Runner

Get expert PC build recommendations at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions — with exact CPU, GPU, and RAM specs for smooth 60+ FPS gameplay.

✅ Free expert recommendations 📊 3 build tiers 💻 Laptop alternatives included

Themes

Post-ApocalypticCo-op Horde SurvivalExtraction ShooterDark Sci-FiArmored Train DefenseZombie Mutants
shopping_bag Buy The PC Game

Check this deal and get the lowest price to buy your copy today.

cloud_done Play Without Expensive PC

Don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end laptop or PC? Stream and play this game instantly on any screen via cloud gaming.

list_alt

Night Runner Key Specifications

Key Specifications for Night Runner
Specification Detail
Engine Unity HDRP
Developer 314 Arts
Publisher 314 Arts
Platforms PC (Steam)
Release Date 2027 (Steam Playtest: October 3, 2026)
Multiplayer 1-4 Player Online Co-op (PvE)

info_outline Note: Powered by Unity High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP) with advanced volumetric fog, dynamic dynamic global illumination, and GPU-driven zombie horde instancing. Early pre-alpha playtests require a modern 6-core processor, DirectX 12 compatibility, and an SSD to seamlessly stream world sectors without train transition hitching. Online co-op requires a broadband internet connection.

laptop_windows Laptop Performance Note: Rendering high-density mutated zombie hordes alongside moving train physics and volumetric searchlights puts continuous strain on mobile hardware. Ensure laptops feature at least 80W to 115W TGP and run on cooling stands with elevated rear exhausts to avoid thermal throttling during multi-wave train defenses.

info_outline GPU TGP: Target 85W-120W+ TGP on mobile GeForce or Radeon GPUs to prevent clock degradation during massive nighttime swarm attacks and explosions.

info_outline Cooling Thermals: Physics-heavy moving carriages and dynamic ragdolls require high sustained multi-core CPU throughput; periodic dust cleaning and active cooling pads are recommended.

info_outline CPU Power Limits: Set Windows Power Delivery to High Performance to ensure continuous high clock speeds during intense 4-player co-op bunker extractions.

info_outline MUX Switch Optimus: Enabling discrete GPU mode via internal MUX switch eliminates internal display latency, vital for landing twitch headshots on charging stalkers.

build Optimization Note: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3 with Frame Generation, and Intel XeSS temporal upscaling. Volumetric Fog Quality, Horde Simulation Density, Dynamic Shadow Resolution, and Screen-Space Reflections have the highest impact on rendering performance.

computer

Night Runner System Requirements

💻 Dedicated Laptop Compatibility Checker
Can My Laptop Run Night Runner?

Test your exact mobile GPU wattage, CPU clock limits, RAM capacity & battery throttling with instant diagnostics.

1080p

tune Minimum – Low/Medium Preset, 1080p (45-60 FPS Target with Upscaling)

memory
CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (Baseline quad-core/hexa-core CPU capable of handling basic horde navigation scripts and moving train physics.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU: Intel Core i5-10300H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H (Entry-level mobile CPU maintaining playable frame rates during smaller perimeter skirmishes.)
developer_board
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 (6GB) / AMD Radeon RX 590 (8GB) (Baseline 6GB VRAM graphics card delivering stable 1080p rendering on low-to-medium settings with FSR enabled.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile (6GB) / RTX 3050 Mobile (6GB, 60W+) (Provides playable 1080p performance on budget gaming laptops with balanced upscaling.)
storage
RAM: 16 GB RAM (Recommended memory capacity to load weapon models, sound banks, and mutant asset textures.)
save_alt
Storage: 40 GB available space (SATA SSD) (Solid-state drive required to prevent loading stutter when entering new railway sectors.)

tune Recommended – High Preset, 1080p (60-90 FPS Target)

memory
CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (High-clock 8-core desktop processor ensuring zero stutter during high-density horde onslaughts and turret barrages.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (High-performance mobile CPU delivering locked 60+ FPS across chaotic train carriage defenses.)
developer_board
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (12GB) / AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) (Modern mid-range GPUs delivering fluid 60-90 FPS at 1080p with high volumetric fog and maximum gore physics.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Mobile (95W+) / RTX 4060 Mobile (85W+) (Maintains smooth 75-90 FPS on 1080p high-refresh gaming laptop displays.)
storage
RAM: 16 GB Dual-Channel DDR4 (Optimal memory bandwidth preventing micro-stutter when transitioning between train and bunker interiors.)
save_alt
Storage: 40 GB NVMe M.2 SSD (Eliminates loading screens and facilitates instantaneous respawn sequences.)

1440p

tune Enthusiast – Ultra Preset, 1440p (90-120 FPS Target)

memory
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (High L3-cache processor capable of effortlessly tracking hundreds of simultaneous AI pathfinding vectors.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU: Intel Core i7-13700HX / AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS (High-power mobile processor ensuring stable 90+ FPS frame pacing during intense 4-player co-op raids.)
developer_board
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (12GB) / AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT (16GB) (Powers crisp 1440p resolution with high-framerate DLSS/FSR upscaling, raymarched volumetric searchlights, and complex particles.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile (140W) / RTX 3080 Mobile (130W) (Maintains locked 90+ FPS on 1440p QHD laptop panels.)
storage
RAM: 32 GB Dual-Channel DDR4/DDR5 (Abundant system memory ensuring seamless multitasking and flawless asset streaming.)
save_alt
Storage: 40 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD (Near-instantaneous asset streaming during rapid train movement across expansive biomes.)

2160p

tune Ultra – Max Ultra Preset, 4K (60-120 FPS with DLSS/FSR Quality)

memory
CPU: Intel Core i7-14700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (Top-tier gaming CPU delivering pristine instruction throughput for maximum horde counts and uncompressed audio.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX / AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX (Desktop-class mobile CPU driving external 4K monitors with locked frame pacing.)
developer_board
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (16GB) / AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (24GB) (Top-tier 4K GPU rendering rusted train carriages, mutated abominations, and volumetric blizzards in stunning Ultra HD.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile (175W) (Premier mobile flagship GPU delivering locked 4K 60-100 FPS with Frame Generation.)
storage
RAM: 32 GB High-Speed DDR5 (Maximum memory bandwidth eliminating all hardware bottlenecks.)
save_alt
Storage: 40 GB PCIe Gen4/Gen5 NVMe SSD (Peak NVMe transfer speeds ensuring instant game launch and map loading.)

⚡ Instant Cloud Option

Hardware Below These Requirements?

Play Night Runner on Boosteroid Cloud Gaming in 1080p or 4K 60FPS on any PC, Mac, or phone with zero hardware upgrades.

Play on Cloud →
laptop_mac

Night Runner Laptop Recommendations

☁️
Cloud Stream
Play on Boosteroid Cloud

cloud 1080p / 4K 60FPS

flash_on Zero Install / Storage

devices Any Laptop or Phone

Instant Access

MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i7-12700H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W

storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $1349

Details close

Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i9-13900H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W

storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz

US $999

Details close

Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz

save Storage: 512GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060) more_vert

memory Intel Core i9-14900HX

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W

storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz

US $1749

Details close

Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)

memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz

save Storage: 2000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i9-12900H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W

storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

US $1397

Details close

Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i5-12450H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W

storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $645

Details close

Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H (Score: 628)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i5-12500H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 80W

storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $710

Details close

Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H (Score: 633)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 512GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W

storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz

US $799

Details close

Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 7 6800H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W

storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

US $1299

Details close

Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W

storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $1489

Details close

Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070 more_vert

memory Intel Core i7-13620H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070

storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

US $1350

Details close

Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070

memory CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H (Score: 843)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, 1080p).

  • Core Requirements

  • desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64-bit / Windows 11 64-bit

    Requires a 64-bit Windows operating system supporting DirectX 12 low-level memory management and multi-threaded CPU task pipelines.

  • memoryDirectX: DirectX 12

    Utilizes DirectX 12 for efficient multi-threaded draw calls, dynamic train exterior lighting, and volumetric flashlight scattering.

  • save_altStorage Note: 40 GB available space (Solid State Drive Strongly Recommended)

    An NVMe or SATA SSD is essential to stream open scavenging sectors and dungeon interiors without frametime spikes.

settings_applications Optimization Notes:

Upscaling: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3 with Frame Generation, and Intel XeSS temporal upscaling.

Key Settings: Volumetric Fog Quality, Horde Simulation Density, Dynamic Shadow Resolution, and Screen-Space Reflections have the highest impact on rendering performance.

map

Night Runner: Map Size and Regions

keyboard_arrow_down
public Open World Exploration layers Detailed Regions
auto_awesome
The game's dynamic world spans vast transcontinental rail lines divided into hazardous railway corridors and off-train exploration zones.
psychology
Major regions include the Rust Belt Deadlands (an industrial wasteland of derailed freight cars, crumbling factories, and toxic slag basins), the Black Ridge Alpine Tunnel (a claustrophobic mountain pass infested with ceiling-crawling arachnid abominations and blocked by rockslides), the Submerged Metropolis of New Eden (a flooded cityscape where tracks run along crumbling highway viaducts and high-rise rooftops), and the Frozen Tunguska Crater (a frigid, snow-swept impact zone housing experimental deep-underground research bunkers and ancient anomalies).
extension

Night Runner: Post-Launch Content / DLC

keyboard_arrow_down
new_releases Expansions loyalty Post-Launch Content
auto_awesome
The development roadmap outlined by 314 Arts focuses on community feedback gathered from the October 2026 Steam Playtests.
psychology
Post-launch plans include episodic campaign expansions featuring new railway routes across Europe and North America, player-versus-environment (PvE) seasonal survival leagues with escalating mutators, community-created custom carriage and scenario workshop integration, and hardcore 'Iron Man' extraction modes where lost carriages permanently deplete squad resources.
military_tech

Night Runner: Skills & Upgrades Overview

keyboard_arrow_down
auto_awesome
Progression integrates tactical squad roles with deep train workshop customization.
psychology
Players select one of four core operative classes: the Engineer (specializing in train repair, deployable sentry turrets, and reinforcement reinforcement), the Vanguard (a heavy weapons specialist equipped with riot shields and devastating close-range shotguns), the Scout (an agile scavenger with tactical tracking darts, night-vision overcharge, and long-range DMRs), and the Medic (deploying stimm-injectors, portable UV light purifiers, and revives).
shield
Outside of character skill trees, the train serves as a mobile base: players collect scrap, titanium plates, and electrical components to upgrade carriage armor, mount roof-mounted autocannons, install automated medical bays, and enhance the train engine's top cruising speed.
inventory_2

Night Runner: Game Editions

keyboard_arrow_down
sell Pricing & Tier Comparison card_giftcard Bonuses & Early Access
auto_awesome
NightRunner is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam with two primary tiers: The Standard Edition ($34.99 USD) includes the full base game, all launch railway routes, cooperative matchmaking, and access to all future free episodic updates.
psychology
The Conductor Supporter Edition ($49.99 USD) includes the base game, exclusive cosmetic locomotive skins (such as the 'Black Iron Vanguard' diesel engine and ornate gilded carriage plating), unique character operator uniforms, a digital orchestral horror soundtrack composed by German dark-synth artists, and an interactive digital survivalist field manual detailing enemy weak points and railway blueprints.
sync_alt

Night Runner: Cross-Platform / Crossplay

keyboard_arrow_down
devices Cross-Platform Support cloud_sync Cross-Progression
auto_awesome
NightRunner is built natively for PC launching on Steam, featuring robust cooperative matchmaking powered by Epic Online Services (EOS) and full Steam Deck verified compatibility (including 16:10 resolution, custom gyro-aiming profiles, and 45-60 FPS handheld optimization).
psychology
314 Arts has announced plans to evaluate native console ports for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with cross-platform cooperative play following the 1.0 commercial launch on PC.
local_fire_department

Night Runner: Top 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)

keyboard_arrow_down
bolt Meta Loadout Picks star Combat Efficiency
looks_one Rank #1

Vulcan

9 Heavy Sentry Cannon, a deployable roof-mounted motorized minigun that shreds approaching horde swarms with armor-piercing 7.62mm rounds.

looks_two Rank #2

Trench

Buster Rotary Shotgun, a drum-fed 12-gauge close-quarters monster capable of blowing off mutant limbs and clearing clogged carriage doorways in seconds.

looks_3 Rank #3

UV

Pulse Arc Rifle, an experimental energy weapon that fires concentrated ultraviolet radiation beams, burning night-mutants from the inside out and stunning armored brutes.

looks_4 Rank #4

Ghost

Eye .50 Caliber Anti-Material Rifle, a heavy bolt-action sniper rifle capable of penetrating reinforced bunker doors and eliminating distant mutated snipers before they damage the train engine.

looks_5 Rank #5

Pneumatic Cleaver

Spear, a high-pressure pneumatic melee weapon that impales leaping stalkers and discharges explosive charges directly into their torsos.

category

Night Runner: Specific Game Elements

keyboard_arrow_down

Explore in-depth equipment, cast, combat mechanics, and world collectibles documented for Night Runner:

security

Night Runner Weapons

keyboard_arrow_down
security
Ghost-Eye .50 BMG Sniper Rifle Anti-Material Precision Rifle

Long-range high-caliber rifle engineered to punch through armored bunker bulkheads and neutralize mutated behemoths from long distances.

security
Pneumatic Cleaver-Spear High-Pressure Hydraulic Melee Weapon

Pneumatically-actuated titanium spear that impales charging mutants and discharges a high-pressure blast into their internal organs.

security
Trench-Buster 12G Shotgun Drum-Fed Combat Shotgun

Devastating close-quarters firearm firing heavy buckshot that violently dismembers mutated enemies boarding train wagons.

security
UV-Pulse Arc Rifle Experimental Directed Energy Weapon

Fires concentrated beams of artificial ultraviolet light that cause mutated nocturnal flesh to ignite and combust upon impact.

security
Vulcan-9 Motorized Sentry Heavy Roof-Mounted Minigun

High-caliber motorized rotary cannon mounted on carriage roofs to automatically track and lay down heavy suppressive fire against swarm waves.

directions_car

Night Runner Vehicles

keyboard_arrow_down
directions_car
Motorized Scavenger Draisine Light Railway Reconnaissance Handcar

A high-speed auxiliary rail car used to scout ahead of the main locomotive, clear track obstacles, and disarm sabotaged rails.

directions_car
The NightRunner Armored Locomotive Armored Heavy Steam-Diesel Hybrid Train

The squad's mobile lifeline; a massive armored engine pulling customizable passenger, armory, and turret wagons across the dark wasteland.

pets

Night Runner Animals / Creatures

keyboard_arrow_down
pets
Bile-Spitter Larva Acidic Bio-Construct

Role: Ranged hazard creature that sprays corrosive digestive fluids capable of eating through metal carriage plating.

pets
Chitinous Tunnel Crawler Subterranean Insectoid Mutant

Role: Armored multi-legged crawler that burrows out of railroad ballast rocks and ruptures carriage floorboards.

pets
Gargoyle Leaper Winged Abomination

Role: Airborne mutated monstrosity that swoops down on train open platforms to carry off exposed squad members.

pets
Nocturnal Night-Stalker Mutated Quadruped Carnivore

Role: Hyper-agile blind predator that navigates through echolocation, leaping across carriage roofs to ambush solitary players.

person

Night Runner Characters

keyboard_arrow_down
person
Dr. Elena Rostova Scientific Research Team

Astrophysicist & Lead Researcher

Former observatory scientist researching the cosmic origins of the perpetual darkness, searching for ways to reignite the sun.

person
Jackson 'Reaper' Mercenary Outriders

Tactical Squad Commander

Stoic mercenary combat specialist who leads perilous off-train scavenging raids into infested underground bunkers.

person
The Goliath Behemoth Nocturnal Mutants / Bosses

Mutated Apex Abomination

Massive mutated titan towering over the railway tracks, capable of derailing carriages with its bone-plated crushing fists.

person
Viktor Vance NightRunner Train Crew

Chief Engineer & Locomotive Conductor

Veteran train engineer who maintains the NightRunner's engine through mechanical ingenuity, jury-rigged parts, and unyielding grit.

workspace_premium Top 3 Characters

looks_one Rank #1

Rank #1

Viktor Vance, the grizzled lead engineer and locomotive conductor who keeps the NightRunner's engine running through grit, profanity, and scrap metal.

looks_two Rank #2

Dr

Elena Rostova, a brilliant yet haunted astrophysicist whose research into solar anomalies offers humanity's only hope of restoring sunlight.

looks_3 Rank #3

'Reaper' Jackson, a battle

hardened mercenary veteran of the early Nightfall wars who coordinates tactical bunker raids and weapon requisitions for the crew.

flag

Night Runner Missions / Objectives

keyboard_arrow_down
flag
Infiltration of Bunker Omega Underground Dungeon Raid

Objective: Lead a tactical squad into a pitch-black subterranean research silo, solve environmental security puzzles, and extract prototype weapons.

flag
The Breach at Deadwood Gorge Trestle Bridge Siege

Objective: Defend the stalled locomotive on a high railway bridge, repair the boiler steam line, and fend off aerial mutant attacks.

flag
The Final Signal Station Extraction and Apex Boss Defense

Objective: Reroute the main transcontinental track switches at the grand depot while holding off an assault from a colossal mutated behemoth.

workspace_premium Top 3 Missions/Objectives

looks_one Rank #1

'The Breach at Deadwood Gorge,' a nail

biting gauntlet where the train is trapped on a collapsing wooden trestle bridge while the squad must repair the engine's blown steam manifold under relentless aerial gargoyle assaults.

looks_two Rank #2

'Infiltration of Bunker Omega,' a harrowing off

train dungeon raid deep into a subterranean military compound to recover prototype UV pulse weaponry.

looks_3 Rank #3

'The Final Signal Station,' an epic multi

stage extraction defense requiring the squad to activate an emergency railway switchboard while defending all linked wagons against a colossal mutated behemoth.

groups

Night Runner Companions / Summons

keyboard_arrow_down
groups
'Scrap-Hound' K9 Unit Autonomous Robotic Quadruped

Ability: Follows the squad into subterranean bunker dungeons, barking to detect concealed enemy ambushes and carrying emergency ammunition crates.

groups
Auto-Sentry Sentry Drone Hovering Combat Automaton

Ability: Deploys automatically over carriage door breeches, firing suppressive kinetic darts to hold back climbing mutant hordes.

collections_bookmark

Night Runner Collectibles

keyboard_arrow_down
collections_bookmark
Audio Tape Diaries of the Eclipse

Location/Use: Found beside fallen survivors inside ruined signal towers; reveals the tragic history of the nightfall cataclysm.

collections_bookmark
Enriched Uranium Fuel Rods

Location/Use: Scavenged from abandoned subterranean missile silos; permanently upgrades train maximum cruising velocity and external electrical arcs.

collections_bookmark
Locomotive Engineering Blueprints

Location/Use: Locked in military railroad depot safes; unlocks specialized carriage construction modules and automated defenses.

workspace_premium Top 3 Collectibles

looks_one Rank #1

Rank #1

are Locomotive Engineering Blueprints, rare technical schematics hidden inside military depot safes that unlock high-tier carriage upgrades and heavy turret mounts.

looks_two Rank #2

Rank #2

are Audio Tape Logs of the Fallen, personal voice diaries recorded by previous train conductors and scientists that uncover the true nature of the eternal eclipse.

looks_3 Rank #3

Rank #3

are Pure Uranium Fuel Rods, scarce energy canisters scavenged from nuclear silos that permanently supercharge the locomotive's speed and activate emergency exterior electrical defenses.

shield

Night Runner Armor

keyboard_arrow_down
shield
Hazard-Biohazard Hazmat Suit

Focus/Stats: Toxic Acid Immunity +100%, Radiation Resistance +80%; sealed atmospheric suit required for exploring flooded reactor dungeons.

shield
Night-Scout Shadow Rig

Focus/Stats: Detection Radius -40%, Stamina Recovery +35%, Jump Height +20%; lightweight synthetic stealth armor optimized for scavenging missions.

shield
Reinforced Vanguard Exoskeleton

Focus/Stats: Kinetic Armor +60%, Blunt Impact Resistance +45%, Sprint Speed -10%; heavy powered suit designed for frontline doorway defense.

checkroom

Night Runner Clothing / Appearance

keyboard_arrow_down
checkroom
Insulated Alpine Combat Parka

Options: Arctic camouflage thermal parka lined with synthetic fleece and tactical equipment webbings.

checkroom
Tactical Ballistic Gasmask

Options: Dual-canister filtration mask with illuminated red visor lenses and an integrated squad communication microphone.

checkroom
Weathered Train Conductor Duster

Options: Heavy wool duster coat reinforced with leather shoulder pauldrons, brass railway pins, and an insulated scarf.

more_horiz

Night Runner: Other Features & Info

keyboard_arrow_down
  • label
    Multiplayer Modes
    auto_awesome
    NightRunner centers on cooperative PvE gameplay for 1 to 4 players.
    psychology
    Modes include the core 'Transcontinental Run' (a multi-hour expedition where players pick routes, defend their linked personal wagons, and scavenge stops along the way), 'Dungeon Infiltration' (linear off-train squad raids into deep underground bunkers and missile silos without the train, featuring complex environmental puzzles and massive boss monstrosities), and 'Endless Rail Defense' (a wave-based horde survival mode where the train is stationary in a ruined depot while players withstand infinite nocturnal assault waves).
  • label
    User Interface
    auto_awesome
    The game features a minimalist, immersive diegetic HUD designed to heighten tension. Weapon ammunition counters are displayed directly on weapon magazines or holographic tactical wrist-displays.
    psychology
    The train cab features an authentic mechanical instrument panel indicating boiler pressure, carriage structural integrity gauges, route elevation graphs, and track switch signals.
    shield
    Squad health, carriage breach alerts, and extraction timers are cleanly anchored to peripheral viewport corners to preserve situational awareness in pitch-black environments.
  • label
    Sound and Music
    auto_awesome
    Sound design in NightRunner is engineered to elicit dread and claustrophobia.
    psychology
    The mechanical rhythm of steel wheels screeching along iron tracks, hissing steam pressure valves, and the distant, gut-wrenching roars of mutant packs echoing across desolate canyons build unrelenting atmosphere.
    shield
    The musical score blends dark ambient industrial soundscapes with pounding, adrenaline-pumping synth-wave and heavy distorted percussion during horde breaches.
    flash_on
    Dynamic audio ray-tracing allows players to accurately pinpoint mutant footsteps skittering across carriage roofs.
  • label
    Graphics and Visuals
    auto_awesome
    Utilizing Unity's High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP), NightRunner showcases exceptional dark sci-fi visual realism.
    psychology
    Volumetric darkness, pierced only by harsh locomotive searchlights, emergency red flare sticks, and muzzle flashes, creates intense atmospheric contrast.
    shield
    High-resolution PBR textures highlight peeling paint, rust, and bloodstains along carriage walls, while realistic fluid gore and dismemberment physics give every ballistic impact visceral weight.
  • label
    Accessibility Features
    auto_awesome
    314 Arts has implemented a wide array of accessibility settings: full key-rebinding for mouse, keyboard, and gamepads; adjustable stick deadzones and aim acceleration; an arachnophobia / insectoid creature filter mode; scalable subtitles with directional speaker identifiers; independent sliders for camera bobbing, screenshake, and motion blur; and three comprehensive colorblind presets (Protanopia, Deuteranopia, Tritanopia) that clearly highlight friendly turrets, carriage damage indicators, and interactable loot crates.
  • label
    Story and Setting
    auto_awesome
    NightRunner is set in a brutal, post-apocalyptic Earth enveloped in an unnatural, perpetual night caused by a catastrophic celestial event.
    psychology
    The lingering shadows gave birth to ferocious nocturnal abominations that instantly incinerate or tear apart anything outside safe light zones.
    shield
    The remnants of human civilization survive in isolated subterranean fortresses and fortified enclaves.
    flash_on
    Survival depends entirely on 'NightRunners'—daring mercenary squads operating heavily armed, armored locomotives that traverse the continent's crumbling transcontinental railways.
    explore
    Players accept contracts to transport crucial survival cargo, fuel rods, medical supplies, and civilian refugees across the darkness, defending the train against terrifying mutant hordes and unraveling the dark cosmic origins of the perpetual eclipse.
  • label
    Top 3 Mounts/Companions
    info
    In NightRunner's grim survival world, support machines and tactical units fill this role:
    looks_one Rank #1

    'Scrap

    Hound' K9 Drone, a four-legged robotic quadruped equipped with thermal optics that follows the squad into bunker dungeons, carrying extra ammunition and sniffing out hidden medical crates.

    looks_two Rank #2

    Rail

    Maintenance Draisine, a small motorized handcar that scouts ahead of the main train to clear debris and disarm track explosives.

    looks_3 Rank #3

    Auto

    Turret Sentry Drone, a deployable hovering combat drone that hovers over vulnerable train carriage doorways, engaging crawling mutants with suppressing fire.

help_outline

Night Runner: Frequently Asked Questions

keyboard_arrow_down
  • help_outline What is NightRunner?
    NightRunner is an intense 1-4 player cooperative first-person horde survival extraction shooter developed by 314 Arts, blending train defense, deep dungeon exploration, and extraction mechanics.
  • help_outline How does the train mechanic work?
    Players hook up custom carriages to form an armored train, choose roles, and travel through a dark wasteland. During tactical stops, players enter scavenging areas to find weapons, resources, and upgrades while defending the train.
  • help_outline What happens if a carriage is destroyed?
    Losing a carriage does not immediately end the run. The squad can fall back to the next carriage, seal the bulkhead doors, and continue defending until reaching the final extraction depot.
  • help_outline Can NightRunner be played solo?
    Yes, NightRunner fully supports solo play with dynamically scaling horde sizes and AI support systems, as well as 1-4 player online co-op.
  • help_outline When is the game releasing and how can I play?
    NightRunner is scheduled for release on PC via Steam in 2027, with public Steam Playtests commencing in October 2026.