Demo saves do not transfer to the full release
The July 2026 demo was a real preview of the current loop, but it was not the final game. It covered the prologue, pre-disaster shopping, safehouse equipment, post-disaster needs, farming, cooking, crafting, traps, power, defense, exploration and a twenty-day loop.
Demo versus full release
| Feature | July demo | Full release |
|---|---|---|
| Story horizon | 20-day conclusion | 100-day campaign |
| Characters | Limited preview | 3 playable characters |
| Modes | Core loop | Endless Mode + Custom Difficulty |
| Locations | Preview set | Used-car lot, school, hospital and more |
| Saves | Demo format | New release format; no transfer |
Why a clean start is necessary
The release changed character data, homes, progression, balance, story and long-term systems. Moving an old save could leave missing tasks, invalid items or an incomplete safehouse state. The developer therefore chose explicit incompatibility instead of a fragile converter.
Where to get the current game
Use the official Steam product page. If the store no longer exposes the demo, that does not authorize a mirror or archived executable. The public release is the supported path.
If you played an earlier test
Treat the experience as system knowledge only. Re-check requirements, item values, character choices and current patch notes before planning the new run.