- The “Anti-Apocalypse”: Forget zombies and radiation; this is a world of regrowth, second chances, and cozy airships.
- Upcycling Hero: Turn “ancient” 2000s tech like MP3 players and digital cameras into high-tech robot upgrades.
- Zero Stress: No enemies, no combat, and no “Game Over”—just pure community-building and exploration.
Sydney-based indie powerhouse Chaos Theory Games—recently crowned “Studio of the Year” at the 2024 AGDAs—has officially unveiled its next ambitious project: Rusthaven. Targeted for a 2027 PC release, the game is a “solarpunk” management adventure that trades the typical gloom of the post-apocalypse for a lush, hopeful vision of a world reborn.
A Captain’s Journey: Fixing the Unfixable
You take on the role of Scoot, a charming robot who wakes up on a makeshift airship only to find their best friend, Bipp, in a state beyond repair. Thrust into the role of Captain by a desperate crew, Scoot must pilot their rusting vessel across a vibrant, overgrown planet to find lost technology and rescue fellow robots stranded in the wild.
The narrative isn’t just about survival; it’s about rebooting the world. As you find broken robots, you don’t just “fix” them—you help them recover lost memories, overcome their pasts, and fulfill long-forgotten dreams.
Gameplay: Your Airship, Your Sanctuary
In Rusthaven, your airship is your base, your transport, and your home. The management loop focuses on turning a junk-filled vessel into a flying paradise.
- The Upcycling Loop: Scavenge ruins for “ancient” human artifacts—think flat-screen TVs and cameras. Through tactile mini-games, you’ll disassemble this “trash” to create tools, ship upgrades, and new robotic chassis.
- Sustainable Living: Design your ship with solar panels, lush gardens, and cozy workshops. You aren’t just building a vehicle; you’re building a self-sustaining community.
- Visible Impact: Your actions heal the world. As you clean waterways and restore power, you’ll see forests bloom and wildlife return to the landscape in real-time.
Game Profile: Rusthaven
| Feature | Details |
| Developer | Chaos Theory Games (Australia) |
| Release Window | 2027 |
| Genre | Solarpunk Management / Adventure |
| Platform | PC (Steam) |
| Core Values | Hope, Second Chances, Sustainability |
| Player Mode | Single-player |
A Studio with a Mission
Chaos Theory Games has long been known for its “games for good” philosophy. Their 2024 hit, Crab God, famously contributed to real-world ocean conservation based on player progress. With Rusthaven, the team aims to tackle the “climate anxiety” of 2026 by showing a future where nature and technology coexist in harmony.
“Our vision has always been to inspire hope,” says Creative Director Nico King. “In 2026, we believe it’s more important than ever to create games that imagine a better tomorrow rather than just another disaster.”
The game is scheduled for a PC release in 2027 and is currently available on Steam for your Wishlist. It features an English interface and subtitles, and is single-player only. It also supports Steam Achievements, cloud saves, and family sharing.
Steam Store Page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4216290/Rusthaven/
