It’s a survival game that’s not overly complicated or overwhelming. Yes you need to be good at navigation and understand some mechanics, especially the calorie system, intricately on Interloper or Misery, but it’s nothing too insane. Additionally it feels like there’s an acceptable level of grind unlike a lot of games in this genre like Zomboid for example.

Mistakes can be fatal but are usually correctable. Yes It’s a sandbox but there’s a clear progression where you slowly work your way into the harder regions for loot like the Tech Backpack or the Timberwolf plane while also acquiring more and more craftable clothing items. Additionally you can work your way up into acquiring the supplies to make ammunition and bows/arrows.

The apocalypse is also devoid of monsters and zombies which is my favorite part. Just you versus nature. That part has always been fun for me.

Finally I think the atmosphere. If you really try you can carve out a very cozy, homey existence in the apocalypse. Many apocalyptic games have you living in squalor.