The spiritual successor to the award-winning game Void Bastards, Wild Bastards is a roguelike strategy shooter with heart-pounding FPS action, mod management, and a tactical campaign. Saddle up and lead the most notorious outlaws in the galaxy.
Players laud the strategic depth involved in selecting and managing the 13 unique outlaw characters. Each outlaw wields distinct weaponry, special abilities, and growth trees, requiring players to carefully consider which combination of characters to bring on each planetary expedition. Furthermore, players must manage the relationships between these outlaws, as feuding characters can negatively impact their effectiveness in combat.
The combat encounters are described as intense, bite-sized shootouts that demand a strategic, patient approach. Players cannot simply run-and-gun, as enemies utilize cover, flanking tactics, and special abilities that necessitate careful positioning and coordination between the two outlaw characters. Reviewers praise the quick, high-stakes nature of these shootouts.
The game features a procedurally-generated galaxy and planetary environments, ensuring each playthrough offers a unique experience. As players navigate from planet to planet, they must evaluate the terrain, enemies, and environmental traits to determine the best strategy and team composition for success. This sense of unpredictability and the need to adapt on the fly has resonated with many players.
While much of the loot and gear acquired during a playthrough is lost upon death, players can permanently upgrade their outlaw characters through a system called "Aces". These Aces provide stat increases, new abilities, and other persistent bonuses that carry over between runs, allowing for gradual character progression and a sense of advancement even in the face of setbacks.
Several reviews note that the game is not primarily an FPS, but rather a strategy game with FPS elements. The emphasis is on careful planning, resource management, and tactical decision-making rather than pure shooting skill. This design choice has resonated with many players, who appreciate the need to think critically about each encounter and situation.