In recent years, post-apocalyptic narratives featuring zombies have captivated global audiences, fueled by the success of popular franchises such as The Walking Dead and The Last of Us. Adding a unique twist to this fascination is Undeads, a Play-to-Earn (P2E) MMORPG built on the Ethereum blockchain. Combining elements of isometric survival gameplay, NFTs, and a player-driven economy, Undeads offers a rich, immersive metaverse that merges traditional gaming with blockchain technology.

This article explores the innovative features, gameplay mechanics, and economic dynamics of Undeads, and how it stands apart from conventional zombie-themed games.

What is Undeads?

A Post-Apocalyptic Narrative
Set in the dystopian year 2035, the world of Undeads revolves around a viral outbreak that has turned much of humanity into mindless zombies. Among these infected are “smart zombies,” beings who retain cognitive abilities and possess unique psychic powers. These smart zombies act as playable characters alongside human survivors, who can either remain as regular humans or transform into mutated beings through the use of experimental antidotes.

Unlike traditional zombie narratives that pit human factions against hordes of the undead, Undeads fosters direct conflict between two factions: humans and smart zombies. The overarching goal for both groups is to expand their territories while eliminating their adversaries.

Gameplay Mechanics

Starting as a Zombie
Players begin their journey in Undeads as a zombie. To play, they must mint a Mystery Box, which contains a random potion of varying rarities. The rarity of the potion determines the quality of the zombie NFT it produces, ranging from common to legendary. Out of 6,666 available zombie NFTs, only 11 are legendary, boasting superior attributes. Players seeking a legendary zombie can purchase Legendary Boxes for a premium price.

Switching to Humans
If playing as a zombie isn’t appealing, players can use an Antidote, provided free to zombie NFT holders, to transform their character into a

human NFT. Humans, too, have their unique attributes and can adopt one of three professions, increasing their potential to earn rewards. Some human NFTs are also classified as legendary, such as the rare Mutants, which come with augmented abilities.

The Undeads Economy

A cornerstone of the Undeads metaverse is its player-driven economy, powered by NFTs and two in-game tokens, UDS and UGOLD. Here’s how these elements work:

Land and Building NFTs

The Undeads universe comprises two main types of land NFTs:

1. Regions: Limited to 100 units, regions are the largest land parcels available. Owners earn passive rewards based on other players’ activities.
2. Buildings: These function as smaller land units and are tailored for each faction. For instance, zombies might utilize chemistry labs to create consumables, while humans rely on hospitals to heal or stake characters for token rewards.

Both types of land NFTs influence gameplay, providing strategic advantages like crafting advanced items or bolstering defenses.

Crafting and Resources

Crafting plays a vital role in Undeads. Players gather resources through exploration, combat, or trading, which can then be used to create weapons, vehicles, and other essential tools. These crafted items are not only functional but can also be upgraded with special perks to enhance gameplay. All crafted items exist as NFTs, enabling players to trade them in the in-game marketplace.

Zombie Breeding

Unlike traditional breeding mechanics seen in P2E games, Undeads innovatively reserves this feature exclusively for zombies. Among the 6,655 zombie NFTs, 20% are female and possess a unique fertility trait. By pairing male and female zombies, players can breed up to five zombie offspring, known as Zombie Kids. These Zombie Kids grow into adult zombies over time and can also be traded as NFTs.

In-Game Tokens: UDS and UGOLD

The dual-token system of Undeads drives its in-game economy.

1. UDS
   • Purpose: Governance and high-value transactions.
   • Uses: Breeding zombies, purchasing marketplace items, and participating in governance votes.
   • Acquisition: Players can earn UDS through staking, voting, and gameplay activities or purchase it via initial coin offerings.
2. UGOLD
   • Purpose: Utility within gameplay.
   • Uses: Upgrading items, leveling characters, and facilitating trades.
   • Acquisition: UGOLD is obtainable through staking UDS, owning NFTs, and completing in-game tasks.

Even players who do not own NFTs can earn UGOLD by participating as mercenaries, providing a free-to-play pathway into the Undeads universe.

The Road Ahead

Although the official launch of the Undeads metaverse is months away, players can already engage with its ecosystem by purchasing Mystery or Legendary Boxes. These boxes grant access to zombie NFTs and, in some cases, the coveted Antidote for transforming into a human. Prices range from 0.08 ETH ($144) for Mystery Boxes to 32 ETH ($57,600) for Legendary Boxes. Alternatively, zombie NFTs with specific attributes can be purchased on secondary marketplaces.

Competitions and Rewards

Undeads is actively building excitement through exclusive competitions for NFT holders. The current prize pool includes three blue-chip NFTs from Yuga Labs:

1. Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC): Valued at ~13 ETH.
2. Bored Ape Kennel Club (BAKC): Valued at ~6.5 ETH.
3. Otherdeed NFT: Valued at ~2 ETH.

Participants can win these prizes by minting zombies with specific traits outlined in the competition rules. The accessibility of these contests adds another layer of engagement, attracting both seasoned NFT collectors and newcomers.

For non-NFT holders, a separate community giveaway offers a prize pool of 11 ETH. However, zombie NFT owners are eligible for a larger share, further incentivizing participation.

Why Choose Undeads?

Undeads stands out among P2E games for its innovative gameplay mechanics, immersive storytelling, and robust economy. It bridges the gap between traditional gaming and blockchain technology, offering a seamless experience for both crypto-savvy players and newcomers. With its integration of land ownership, crafting, and dynamic NFTs, Undeads presents a compelling metaverse where every action contributes to the larger ecosystem.

As the project progresses, its potential to revolutionize the gaming industry becomes increasingly evident. Whether you’re a zombie enthusiast, an NFT collector, or a casual gamer, the Undeads metaverse offers something unique for everyone.