Earlier this week, survival base-building game ‘Stranded: Alien Dawn‘ released the “Tame and Train Update” which brings a range of new features for prospective survivalists to play with.
‘Stranded: Alien Dawn‘ is a planet survival sim where the fate of a small group hinges on your every choice. Make vital decisions to protect survivors from starvation, disease, extreme weather and more. From basic camps to fortified bases, create a stronghold to defend against hostile alien wildlife that roam an expansive 3D landscape. Devise innovative solutions to problems and manage multiple unforeseen crises at the same time, ensure the survivors live to see another sunrise while on this epic and unpredictable journey.
This second major content update gives players the ability to tame, train, and breed a vibrant array of alien wildlife, as well as the introduction of three new dog species. By researching Animal Taming, survivors can unlock the ability to tame animals, but beware; some species may prove hostile if not pacified correctly. Survivors will then be able to name, heal, train, play, lead, and slaughter their animals, with players able to use the new ‘Ranch’ activity to control taming and training priorities.
The new mechanic adds an interesting new dimension to the game. The dogs in particular are a lovely new addition, although taming does take some preparation. First, you need to research “Taming” at your Research Desk. Then, as you do with other animals and plants, you need to send out one of your survivors to study the dogs and learn more about them. Once that is done, you need to have somewhere in your base for when you bring your furry companion home. In the case of larger animals, like the Ulfen, you can set up animal sheds outside. However, for the dogs, you can just place a sleeping spot and feeder within your house (assuming you’ve built one.)
Your new pupper pals can be found out in the world during spring and summer, so head out and try taming one during those seasons. In most cases, if you fail in the taming, the dog will run off rather than attack. Once you succeed and your pup is back home, you can set about training them to help defend your base. You do, of course, need to make sure you look after your new pal, the same way you would any other survivor. It is particularly crucial you keep them well-fed, as a hungry dog will go beserk, and start attacking things.
The process is similar with other animals, such as the Ulfen, although they are a lot bigger, and will need an outside animal shelter, larger sleeping spot, and appropriate food available… Once you have studied each animal, you can check and see if it is possible to tame them.
Should something go wrong during the taming process, there is also a new weapon type which can calm the animal without you having to destroy it. The “pacifier” is available to research, and the crossbow-type weapon will allow you to tranquilise the creature until you can sort out whatever issue was causing it to go crazy (most likely a lack of food).
To help with the new animal-taming mechanics, players can now select Hugo Delano, a new survivor, for their group as part of the update. Hugo’s colourful past as a zookeeper makes him a worthwhile addition, with his ability to train almost any creature and his adept farming skills sure to prove useful for survival.
The “Tame and Train Update” also introduces a range of additional resources, recipes, and animal statues, as well as five new Steam achievements, which survivors can gain by proving their animal husbandry skills. Survivors can also receive boosts to relaxation and happiness as they play and bond with tamed animals.
If you haven’t yet tried ‘Stranded: Alien Dawn’, it really is worth checking out. It is a challenging and engaging survival game that immerses the player in a believable alien world. It’s perfect for those who enjoy open-world exploration and the survival genre. If you’re a fan of ‘Rimworld’, ‘Surviving Mars’, ‘Oxygen Not Included’, or base-building survival games in general, I highly recommend giving ‘Stranded: Alien Dawn’ a try.
Published by Frontier (‘Jurassic World: Evolution 1 & 2’, ‘Planet Zoo’, ‘Planet Coaster’), and developed by Haemimont Games (‘Surviving Mars’, ‘Tropico’ series), ‘Stranded: Alien Dawn’ is available to play in early access now on PC via Steam for a suggested retail price of £24.99/$29.99/€29.99.
