Terminator Survivors: Everything we know so far

Terminator: Survivors screenshot showing a Terminator: Survivors screenshot showing a T-800 emerging through flame without its human skin suit
(Image credit: Nacon)

Terminator: Survivors may have been delayed, but that hasn't stopped me from quietly hoping that Nacon is able to deliver something special here. The studio is putting forward an original story set between Judgment Day and the rise of John Connor's resistance movement, an open world survival game where you'll join forces with other humans to scavenge resources and betray each other once the machines show up. 

With single-player and co-operative modes available, Terminator Survivors is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated upcoming PC games for 2025. Nacon is also working hard at a PS5 and Xbox Series X version, but is looking towards a Steam Early Access release first – giving the community a chance to stress test the new game's resource management and base-building elements. While we wait for more info, keep reading to find everything we know about Terminator Survivors so far. 

Terminator: Survivors release date will be in 2025

Terminator: Survivors screenshot showing a human survivor wearing a hood and aiming a shotgun

(Image credit: Nacon)

The Terminator Survivors release date has been delayed to 2025. Developer Nacon Studio Milan was originally set to launch into Steam Early Access on October 24, 2024, but was pushed back so that the development team has the time to "build a post-apocalyptic world that lives up to the franchise, and to provide an experience that fully meets the players' expectations." 

Currently, we don't know when 2025 the release date will land, but since we haven't seen any new trailers recently, we're betting on a late-year release. Stay tuned for more details!

Terminator: Survivors platforms

Terminator: Survivors screenshot highlighting the base-building mechanics for your very own resistance movement

(Image credit: Nacon)

Terminator Survivors will launch on PC and is also expected to launch on PS5, and Xbox Series X.

The publisher is yet to confirm when exactly the title will launch on console but it's expected to arrive after Terminator Survivors' entrance onto Steam Early Access in 2025. The game will not be coming to PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch. 

Terminator: Survivors development

Terminator Survivors keyart showing resistance fighters and the T-800

(Image credit: Nacon)

Terminator Survivors was first teased back in 2022, following the announcement that Nacon had opened a new development label – Nacon Studio Milan. The studio has set out to create 'state-of-the-art video games', bringing in industry veterans from all over the world to support the creation of this new survival experience. Nacon Studio Milan also includes developers from RaceWard, best known for delivering realistic simulators like Rims Racing and TT Isle of Man 3.

Terminator: Survivors trailer

The debut Terminator Survivors trailer was released on February 29, 2024, during the Nacon Connect 2024 presentation. The cinematic trailer doesn't feature any gameplay but does set the tone for this near-future survival experience where members of the resistance will attempt to survive a crumbling world and circumvent the deadly T-800. Watch the first Terminator Survivors trailer above. 

Terminator: Survivors gameplay details

Terminator: Survivors screenshot showing survivors leaping from a jeep and engaging in a firefight with other survivors

(Image credit: Nacon)

Terminator Survivors is an open-world survival game where you'll need to fight smartly to survive the threats of a post-apocalyptic world. While details are still light right now, Nacon Studio Milan says that the Terminator Survivors gameplay experience will see you battling against the threats posed by other humans, machines, and the Terminator. Creative director Marco Ponte says you'll be able to "join forces with other survivors" if you want to for four-player cooperative multiplayer, although the entire game can be played solo. 

Terminator Survivors will also feature base-building elements, where you and other FBS resistance fighters can establish stronger bases of operations to better understand the threat posed by Skynet. "You'll explore a wide open world, scavenging for resources that aren't just for your own survival but also for managing and improving your base," says Ponte.

Little else is known about the game right now, but released concept art shows a focus on modular firearms for first-person combat, stealth systems, evolving bases, and the presence of key resources like food and gasoline. To be honest, if all this information tracks, we may be looking at one of the best survival games of 2025 here.

Terminator: Survivors setting

Terminator: Survivors screenshot showing a ruined world following the rise of Skynet

(Image credit: Nacon)

Terminator Survivors is set in 2009, just a few short years after Judgment Day – the day that Skynet became self-aware and launched a nuclear war against the world's superpowers. Creative director Marco Ponte says that Terminator Survivors will be confined to the events that occurred in the first two movies (aka some of the best sci-fi movies ever made), although the game will ultimately be its own thing.

"This takes place in a yet unexplored timeline of the Terminator universe. With a completely original storyline that includes famous characters and new ones, where you'll learn about the beginnings of John Connor's resistance."  


While we wait for more information on Terminator Survivors, why not go back and watch T1 and T2: Judgment Day. They are, after all, two of the best action movies of all-time. 

Josh West
Editor-in-Chief, 12DOVE

Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of 12DOVE. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.

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