Pacific Drive is a first-person driving survival adventure where your station wagon is your only trusted companion. Venture into the mysterious Olympic Exclusion Zone, scavenge valuable resources, survive deadly supernatural anomalies, and continually upgrade your vehicle to endure increasingly dangerous expeditions. Combining survival mechanics, exploration, roguelike progression, and atmospheric storytelling, Pacific Drive delivers a unique road-trip experience unlike any other.
Developed by Ironwood Studios and published by Kepler Interactive, Pacific Drive blends survival, exploration, and vehicle management into a thrilling adventure. Every expedition into the Zone presents new hazards, randomized routes, and mysterious anomalies that constantly challenge your driving skills and decision-making.
Your abandoned garage serves as a home base where you repair, upgrade, and customize your station wagon before setting out on the next dangerous journey.
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Story
After accidentally entering the mysterious Olympic Exclusion Zone, you become trapped inside a quarantined region filled with bizarre scientific anomalies and supernatural phenomena.
With only your heavily modified station wagon for protection, you must investigate the Zone's forgotten experiments, uncover the secrets of the ARDA research organization, and find a way to survive the ever-changing wilderness.
Gameplay Overview
Pacific Drive combines exploration, driving, survival, and resource management.
Players will:
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Drive through dangerous highways
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Explore abandoned facilities
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Collect valuable materials
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Repair vehicle damage
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Upgrade car components
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Craft survival equipment
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Avoid deadly anomalies
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Complete expeditions
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Unlock new technologies
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Discover hidden mysteries
Every expedition is procedurally generated, ensuring no two journeys are exactly alike.
Main Features
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First-person survival gameplay
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Dynamic driving mechanics
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Roguelike expedition system
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Vehicle customization
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Deep crafting mechanics
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Garage management
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Randomized routes
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Supernatural anomalies
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Atmospheric storytelling
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Beautiful Pacific Northwest setting
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Xbox Play Anywhere
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Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
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Xbox Cloud Saves
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Keyboard and Mouse Support on Xbox
Your Station Wagon
The station wagon is the true star of the adventure.
Customize and improve:
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Engine
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Tires
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Doors
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Bumpers
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Roof racks
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Headlights
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Battery
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Fuel tank
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Storage capacity
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Protective armor
Keeping your vehicle in good condition is essential for survival.
The Olympic Exclusion Zone
Explore several dangerous environments including:
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Dense forests
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Abandoned highways
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Industrial facilities
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Research stations
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Radioactive regions
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Storm-filled valleys
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Mysterious laboratories
Changing weather and environmental conditions create constantly evolving challenges.
Anomalies
The Zone is filled with strange paranormal threats including:
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Electrical storms
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Radiation fields
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Floating debris
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Magnetic disturbances
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Reality distortions
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Hostile environmental hazards
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Unpredictable Artifacts
Understanding each anomaly greatly improves your chances of survival.
Crafting System
Collect resources to craft:
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Repair kits
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Vehicle parts
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Protective equipment
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Fuel supplies
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Storage upgrades
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Emergency tools
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Garage improvements
Every expedition provides materials needed for future upgrades.
Garage Headquarters
Your garage acts as your permanent base.
Here you can:
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Repair damage
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Install upgrades
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Craft equipment
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Store resources
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Research blueprints
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Prepare future expeditions
Planning before every trip is just as important as driving itself.
Controls Guide
Players can:
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Drive
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Brake
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Reverse
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Exit vehicle
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Repair components
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Interact with objects
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Collect resources
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Craft equipment
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Navigate maps
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Use survival tools
The controls are optimized for Xbox controllers while also supporting keyboard and mouse.
Graphics and Audio
Pacific Drive delivers:
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Stunning Pacific Northwest landscapes
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Dynamic weather effects
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Atmospheric lighting
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Detailed vehicle damage
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Immersive environmental audio
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Atmospheric soundtrack
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High-resolution textures
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Smooth Xbox Series X|S performance
The eerie atmosphere constantly builds tension throughout every expedition.
Game Modes
Available gameplay includes:
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Story Campaign
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Exploration
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Survival Expeditions
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Garage Management
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Resource Collection
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Vehicle Customization
Progression System
Advance by:
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Completing expeditions
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Unlocking blueprints
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Upgrading your vehicle
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Discovering new locations
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Collecting rare resources
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Improving survival equipment
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Expanding your garage
Each successful expedition opens more dangerous but rewarding areas.
Beginner Tips
New drivers should:
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Repair your car after every expedition.
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Always carry extra fuel.
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Collect every useful resource.
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Upgrade storage early.
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Watch weather conditions.
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Learn anomaly behavior.
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Keep emergency repair kits ready.
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Return before your vehicle is critically damaged.
Advanced Pro Strategy
Experienced players should:
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Optimize route planning.
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Prioritize armor upgrades.
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Learn anomaly patterns.
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Balance cargo weight carefully.
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Upgrade electrical protection.
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Maintain spare repair materials.
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Invest in efficient fuel management.
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Explore optional locations for rare blueprints.
Accessibility
The Xbox version includes:
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Subtitle support
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Multiple language options
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Controller customization
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Keyboard and mouse support
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Adjustable interface settings
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Xbox accessibility features
Difficulty
Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Pacific Drive rewards preparation, exploration, and resource management. Later expeditions require careful planning and efficient vehicle maintenance.
Achievement Guide
Earn achievements by:
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Completing story objectives
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Discovering hidden locations
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Fully upgrading your station wagon
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Collecting rare resources
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Surviving dangerous expeditions
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Unlocking advanced blueprints
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Repairing damaged vehicles
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Exploring every region
Why Players Love Pacific Drive
Players praise Pacific Drive for:
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Unique driving survival gameplay
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Atmospheric storytelling
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Outstanding vehicle customization
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Excellent sound design
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Rewarding exploration
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Memorable supernatural setting
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Strong replay value
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Relaxing yet suspenseful gameplay
Community discussions frequently highlight the emotional connection players develop with their station wagon and the game's immersive atmosphere.
Pros
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Unique vehicle-focused survival gameplay
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Excellent atmosphere
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Deep car customization
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Rewarding exploration
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Strong crafting system
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Beautiful environments
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High replayability
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Memorable soundtrack
Cons
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Inventory management requires planning
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Some expeditions can be unforgiving
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Vehicle maintenance demands constant attention
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Survival mechanics may challenge new players
Technical Details
Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Developer: Ironwood Studios
Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Genre: Survival, Adventure, Driving
Game Modes
Xbox Features
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Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
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Xbox Play Anywhere
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Xbox Cloud Saves
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Xbox Achievements
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Keyboard & Mouse Support
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Xbox Cloud Gaming
Similar Games
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SnowRunner
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Death Stranding Director's Cut
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The Long Dark
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Subnautica
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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
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Voidtrain
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Forever Skies
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Dredge
Expert Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|
| Gameplay | 9.5/10 |
| Survival Mechanics | 9.6/10 |
| Atmosphere | 9.9/10 |
| Exploration | 9.5/10 |
| Graphics | 9.4/10 |
| Replay Value | 9.3/10 |
| Overall | 9.5/10 |
Final Verdict
Pacific Drive delivers one of the most original survival experiences on Xbox by transforming an ordinary station wagon into your greatest survival tool. Its blend of atmospheric exploration, vehicle management, procedural expeditions, and supernatural mysteries creates an unforgettable adventure. For players who enjoy immersive survival games with deep progression and unique mechanics, Pacific Drive is an exceptional journey worth taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pacific Drive?
Pacific Drive is a first-person driving survival game where your station wagon is your primary tool for exploring and surviving the mysterious Olympic Exclusion Zone.
Is Pacific Drive open world?
The game features interconnected, procedurally generated expedition routes rather than one continuous open world, encouraging repeated exploration.
Can I upgrade my car?
Yes. Nearly every component of your vehicle—including the engine, tires, doors, storage, armor, and electrical systems—can be repaired and upgraded.
Is Pacific Drive single-player?
Yes. Pacific Drive is designed as a single-player survival adventure.
Does the Xbox version support Xbox Play Anywhere?
Yes. The Xbox release supports Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Cloud Saves, and is optimized for Xbox Series X|S.