Steam is full of free gems, but few are as unanimously received asOperation: Outbreak. This narrative FPS, developed under Unreal Engine 5 by a group of students, was launched on December 20, 2025 and already displays 100% positive reviews.
Designed as an end-of-studies exam project, the game offers a short but intense experience, in a universe ravaged by zombies. You play as the sole survivor of a military squad, tasked with reaching an extraction zone by crossing an infested town in Karzekistan, scene of a post-apocalyptic catastrophe.
Total immersion for a condensed experience
What is striking from the first minutes is the atmosphere. Studio Dreadmith Games describes its game as “cinematic and immersive”, and the visual rendering clearly sets the tone: gutted buildings, pale light, muffled sounds and threats lurking around every corner.
The experience is deliberately short: 20 to 30 minutes enough to finish the story. But every moment is weighed, every ammunition counts. You are equipped with a simple pistol, care is rare, night vision limited. The player is pushed to move forward with caution and tension.
Early rave feedback from players
Despite its modest format, Operation: Outbreak succeeds in captivating. Player comments are full of praise. One wrote: “I just finished the game. A short, realistic zombie shooter where you explore an apocalyptic city, a bridge and an underground facility by defeating zombies. The game is super fun and offers total immersion.”
Another added: “I really enjoyed this little game – I had a lot of fun and had a few runs.” With a controlled atmosphere and a rhythm perfectly calibrated for short sessions, the game appeals to FPS fans as well as those of narrative games.
Why you should try it now
Free, without advertising or microtransactions, Operation: Outbreak is an unexpected gift that deserves to be discovered. Not only does it show the talent of young developers, but it also illustrates the power of Unreal Engine 5 even for modest projects.
If you’re looking for an immersive break between blockbusters or a quick game to finish in one evening, look no further. Downloadable now on Steam, this little game might well surprise you.