Vampire Survivors Meets Rick and Morty in Ground Zero Hero, Coming to Consoles and Steam on August 20

Acclaim, Inc. and developer Rowan Edmondson set the release date for their horde survival roguelike, spilling irradiated guts next month Mark your calendars, mutants: Ground Zero Hero, the horde survival action roguelike from Acclaim, Inc. and Australian solo developer Rowan Edmondson, launches on Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 on August 20th.

The game will be available at a 10% launch discount on consoles until August 27, while those who purchase Ground Zero Hero on Steam will save 15% through September 3rd, 2026.

Featuring a vibrant hand-drawn art style inspired by The Simpsons and Rick & Morty, Ground Zero Hero invites players to channel their inner freak and explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland as they face off against massive hordes of marauding mutants. Pummel piñatas, crunch candy, and absorb the irradiated guts of monsters to unlock new mutations and become the ultimate mutant.

“After 3 years of working 7 days a week doing literally everything myself on this game from code to animation to music (marketing not so much) – it’s almost hard to believe it’s finished and we have a release date,” said the game’s creator, Rowan Edmondson.  “I’m excited to see it go out in the world and hopefully make it that little bit weirder.”

“Working with Rowan on Ground Zero Hero has been a reminder of why independent games continue to push this entire industry forward. He took a wild idea, committed to it completely, and built an experience that’s equal parts fun, hilarious, challenging, and genuinely addictive,” added Marc Anthony Rodriguez, Director of Publishing & Strategic Partnerships at Acclaim, Inc. “We’re proud to help bring Rowan’s vision to players around the world. August 20th is just the beginning, a new summer arcade straight-to-the-fun game; we can’t wait to see players discover the absurdity, experimentation, and pure chaos that make Ground Zero Hero such a unique experience.”

To celebrate the announcement, Acclaim has released an all-new gameplay trailer, showcasing even more unhinged mutations to master, fabulous freaks to annihilate, and vast radioactive wastelands to explore when the game launches on consoles and Steam next month.

If you’re craving over-the-top mutations and more radioactive mayhem than you can cram into a leaky 50-gallon drum, you won’t have to wait much longer to get your hands (or tentacles) on the game. But if the temptation to crunch candy and take names is too overwhelming, you can download the demo on Steam today.

Key Features:

• UNLOCK an ever-growing list of powerful mutations and permanent upgrades
• DISCOVER devastating combinations to craft your ultimate mutant
• EXPLORE multiple wastelands, each with its own unique interactive elements
• BATTLE to a dynamic soundtrack that changes with gameplay
• SURVIVE the apocalypse by destroying piñatas for that sweet, sweet candy
• GIVE BIRTH to a man in a chicken suit

About Acclaim:

Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim established itself as a leading global developer, publisher, and mass marketer, bringing beloved franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam into homes worldwide. Today, Acclaim carries its legacy forward with an unwavering commitment to supporting talented indie developers and delivering high-quality, premium indie games to a global audience. Acclaim’s modern revival stands as a testament to the strength and enduring appeal of its iconic brand.