Exploration
Wake’s map is a semi-open world. The player is free to explore the environment in a mostly nonlinear way gaining access to parts of the map in two large chunks. The environment has 12 planned areas but will be compact enough that the player is able to maintain a mental map of their surroundings and avoid an empty, expansive feeling. Since the player will be traversing some areas repeatedly as they venture out from the hub area, variance in content from the TOD system, supply gathering, and the map being densely packed with detail will help keep things fresh.
The design of the map, from the player’s starting point, branches out in three major paths that converge and intersect. Since water is (initially) not traversable, the player must consciously navigate to get from one area to another.
Starting from the hub (star) the image above outlines the main routes for traversing the map (land only).
Discoveries
While travelling through the world of Wake there are a variety of things to find:
Supplies - objects that can be added to the player’s inventory and sold to a shop or merchant. There are limited slots so the player may have to let go of less valuable items to make room for new discoveries. Supplies can stack in your inventory if they’re the same type.
Intel - each area has five pieces of intel within it somewhere. Some will be fairly easy to spot while others may be more tucked away or require some problem solving to get ahold of.
Friendly NPC’s - inhabitants of Wake wander the landscape and may provide you tips, quests or trades.
Enemies - Since the WDRP has taken over most of the area, the area is full of their recruits, agents, private military, scientists and more. Enemies drop valuable supplies and groups usually have a stash somewhere nearby.
Bosses - Each area has a boss battle somewhere within it. Defeat them to receive a substantial reward and progress the game’s story.
Areas
Balboa Park
Starting area that contains the Ranger’s base within the Museum of Man. Filled with hostile escaped zoo animals and friendly NPC’s within the ruins of the park.
Marston Point
Open field where WDRP recruits are erecting settlements to put pressure on the rangers.
Banker’s Hill
Ruins that are partially swallowed by the ocean being scavenged by WDRP recruits and other rangers.
Impact Zone
Destroyed landscape that was impacted by a large missile during the wars following the initial disaster. It now resembles a canyon littered with crumbling office buildings.
City College
Abandoned university filled with rare materials and supplies.
Cortez Hill
Heavily fortified land base for the WDRP.
Uncover more of the WDRP’s secrets to learn what’s within the remaining areas…
East Village
Government District
Gaslamp
Ballpark
Marina
Shipyard
Balboa Park
Marston Point
Impact Zone
Cortez Hill
