Walking Dead Meets Command and Conquer in Ebbtide’s Zombie Survival RTS

A fight for Los Angeles

Developed and published by ProjectAlive, Ebbtide begins as players try to save Los Angeles from an undead outbreak. They lead TF-1 “Ark,” described as humanity’s last carrier task force, in an effort to contain the danger and protect the remaining population.

The game combines military strategy with a zombie apocalypse. Losing territory has consequences that extend beyond the outcome of an individual mission.

Operations span two views

Players can move between an operations map and the battlefield without loading screens, according to the game’s Steam page. They can zoom in to direct street-level fights, then pull back to manage the larger operation.

The two views share the consequences of combat: soldiers lost, zombies killed and buildings destroyed remain part of the ongoing battle. Evacuating civilians is also central, with trucks and helicopters moving people, troops and supplies while routes remain under threat.

An organized undead threat

The zombies are coordinated by a hive mind called the Nexus, which directs attacks, ambushes supply convoys and lays siege to military positions. Hordes can stack on one another to scale walls and rooftops. Soldiers killed in combat can return among the undead, adding another danger for forces trying to hold their ground.

Military assets and supply lines

Players can command tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, Humvees, Apache helicopters and other military units. Artillery, naval guns and airstrikes—including support from F/A-18s and AC-130J gunships—are also available. Fuel and ammunition must be replenished at forward operating bases. Players can build and defend those sites with concrete walls, gun nests, mortar positions and supply depots, while protecting convoys carrying construction materials and other necessities.

Interest grows as plans continue

ProjectAlive announced on October 22 that Ebbtide had reached 100,000 Steam wishlists within three days of its store page going live. The independent project is being developed largely by one person, with generative AI assisting on selected assets, including music, sound effects, illustrations and some 3D models.