Overall Gameplay

The single-player game for Flexible Survival deals with a lone survivor, trying to remain alive and sane as the infection ravages through the city. The infection has not yet fully taken hold. In most cases, enemies are single monsters who have not yet formed into groups or factions. The player has limited supplies remaining in the bunker they start in and cannot afford to continue to await rescue. As such, they must venture out into the city to seek the means to survive until the military rescue arrives. The base game lasts for 30 days, broken up into 3-hour turns, making a total of 240 turns. This time can be increased based on player actions.

Or not, as the player prefers. As almost every monster, as well as many NPCs, have endings based on succumbing to them, players may wish to explore the possible outcomes should they 'lose the game'.

When they encounter creatures, players must fight, flee or submit to the creatures and face the consequences. Combat is done on a turn by turn basis, with the player selecting their option from the list, then the monster is given an opportunity to retaliate. If either drops to 0 hp or less, they lose the fight, often with a victory or defeat scene playing out. (Sexual) contact with an infected creature will often result in the player becoming infected with that strain as well. Generally, if a player is victorious in combat, they can avoid changes as their 'nanite strain' was proven stronger and would not seek to incorporate traits from a losing creature.

As mentioned, the player's hunger and thirst increase over time and this must be dealt with regularly to prevent a decrease in player morale and to prevent death by starvation or dehydration. The typical way to gather these supplies is to scavenge for them, though they can also be found while exploring or as rewards for performing tasks for NPCs.

Throughout the game are various items, several dropped by monsters, and others found around the chaotic city, which players may wish to use. Many creature items are infectious and should be used with caution. Weapons are scattered around the game for the player to equip for combat.

There are a variety of locations which players can find, but they will have to explore or hunt to find them. These locations may hold items of interest to the player as well as NPCs with whom the player can interact. Many NPCs provide quests and/or are willing to be amorous with the player. There are also pets to be found in the game, which can help the player in combat and often come with ending additions of their own. Locations often contain their own unique set of monsters to deal with, so new players should be cautious when exploring new territory.