At GDC 2025, Wccftech had the opportunity to experience “Den of Wolves,” the latest creation from 10 Chambers Collective, renowned for their co-op horror shooter “GTFO.” This new title marks a return for the Swedish developers to their roots in heist gameplay, having previously contributed to the “Payday” series at OVERKILL/Starbreeze.
Game Flow and Storyline Structure
Initially, “Den of Wolves” will feature a single storyline during its early access phase, with plans to introduce multiple narratives upon full release. Localization will be limited to English at launch, with future considerations for voice localization based on player feedback. The game emphasizes player choices during preparatory missions that impact the final heist, enhancing the sense of agency.
Dynamic Prep Missions and Replayability
Each prep mission involves acquiring specific objectives, or MacGuffins, that influence how players can approach the main heist. Players might choose to obtain explosives or building blueprints, contributing to a variety of strategies for vault entry. The heist layout remains consistent, but prep mission environments are randomized to maintain a fresh experience, enhancing replayability through different approaches.
Progression and Multiplayer Mechanics
Players invest time in gathering intel and gear across multiple prep missions, with the ability to retry the heist if they fail. If the heist proves challenging, players can return to earlier missions to unlock supportive tactics or resources. Multiplayer sessions can be initiated by any host, allowing for a flexible approach to progress, even accommodating players who miss sessions. However, resources cannot be transferred between different instances of the storyline.
Joining Mid-Mission and Community Engagement
Players can join ongoing heist missions, either as participants or supporters, depending on the host’s preferences. Roles can be set to ensure participants either contribute to the heist or provide protection. The system rewards players in these supportive roles with consumables or gear to enhance future attempts.
Customization and Player Expression
While extensive character and weapon customization may not be fully available at launch, the developers express a commitment to providing this feature over time. Players will have opportunities to personalize their characters and enhance their arsenal as they progress through the game. The design aims to reward players for longer heist missions, addressing issues from previous titles where shorter loops were favored for easier rewards.
Musical Score and Atmosphere
Simon Viklund, the game’s writer and composer, is crafting a dynamic soundtrack that balances simplicity and complexity. Drawing inspiration from hip-hop and trap music, the score transitions seamlessly between adrenaline-pumping combat tracks and atmospheric pieces suited for heist scenarios. Collaborations with additional artists, such as Jamie Christopherson, aim to enrich the overall audio experience.
Future Outlook
As development continues, the team plans to share more details about “Den of Wolves,” including a deeper look at the game’s progression mechanics and player choices. 10 Chambers Collective invites fans of cooperative heist experiences to engage with their latest project, promising a rich and exciting gameplay experience in the sci-fi realm they’ve created.