Wasteland 3 - Colorado Survival Gear is a post-apocalyptic RPG developed by inXile Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. Players take on the role of a Desert Ranger whose efforts to hold Arizona have faltered. A figure known as the Patriarch reaches out from Colorado with an offer of aid in exchange for assistance against his own ambitious offspring who threaten his territories. The game centers on squad management, tactical decision-making, and a narrative shaped by player actions in a harsh, frozen wasteland setting.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around turn-based tactical combat viewed from an isometric perspective. Squad members act as a team during encounters, allowing flexible ordering of actions within each turn while managing action points for movement, attacks, and abilities. Environmental hazards and vehicle involvement add layers to positioning and strategy. Exploration takes players across Colorado's map using the Kodiak, a customizable vehicle that supports both travel and direct combat participation.
Character creation and progression emphasize building a team of up to six Rangers. Skills, perks, and attributes can be tailored to suit different approaches, from stealth and diplomacy to heavy firepower or technical support. The Kodiak receives upgrades to its chassis, armor, weapons, and other systems, altering its performance in combat and on the world map. These systems encourage experimentation and adaptation to the challenges presented by hostile factions and environmental threats.
Game Modes
The main campaign supports single-player play where one person controls the entire squad. Co-op options allow two players to participate together, sharing control of the Rangers during missions and exploration. Both modes feature the same story content and choice systems, with co-op enabling synchronized or asynchronous sessions depending on player preference.
Story and Player Choices
Narrative progression depends heavily on decisions made throughout the campaign. Interactions with Colorado's inhabitants and factions lead to branching outcomes that affect alliances, resource availability, and the overall state of the region. Ethical dilemmas arise frequently, forcing trade-offs that carry long-term consequences for the Rangers and the people they encounter. The central conflict stems from the Patriarch's request to neutralize threats posed by his children, weaving personal stakes into the larger post-apocalyptic struggle.
Is It Worth Playing?
Wasteland 3 delivers a focused tactical RPG experience centered on combat strategy and reactive storytelling. It suits players who enjoy squad-based turn-based systems and narratives where choices carry weight. The game remains available on PlayStation 4 with its core features intact, including co-op support. Reception highlights the satisfying combat flow and memorable character moments, though some note occasional technical hiccups that were addressed through patches. Those drawn to deliberate planning and consequence-driven plots will find consistent engagement across the campaign length.
