Milestones
Prototype
Movement, combat feel, stamina/survival, basic AI pressure, one small zone.
Vertical Slice
Underground hub → surface run → faction rep choice → extraction consequence loop.
Closed Playtests
Invite-only builds focused on feel, clarity, and performance. Rapid iteration.
Content Expansion
More zones, hazards, gear tiers, faction unlocks, and lore artifacts.
Launch Window
Set after slice stability and playtest retention signals are strong.
Quality Gates
Performance firstStable FPS before adding heavy visuals.
Readable combatPlayers understand why they won/lost.
Survival without grindPressure creates decisions, not chores.
Factions with consequencesRep unlocks come with tradeoffs.