At The Game Awards 2024, the first gameplay trailer for the highly anticipated co-op FPS, Den of Wolves, was released. Directed by Ulf Andersson, the visionary behind PAYDAY: The Heist, PAYDAY 2, and GTFO, the game promises to elevate the heist genre by blending infiltration mechanics with an innovative neural hacking system. And it’s all set in techno-thriller dystopia where corporations reign supreme and there is demand for hits on rival companies’ executives.
Set in the dystopian Midway City, Den of Wolves invites players to form criminal crews and engage in industrial espionage, sabotage, and theft amidst the machinations of powerful corporations.
Here’s everything you should know about this ambitious title from Swedish game studio 10 Chambers.
A New Standard for Heist Games?
Den of Wolves builds on 10 Chambers’ pedigree in crafting cooperative FPS experiences. While the game draws inspiration from the PAYDAY series, Andersson emphasizes that this is a fresh approach:
“Even if I have my backstory with PAYDAY, that is over ten years ago, so I’ve evolved as a developer and a creative.
Den of Wolves comes as much from our latest game, GTFO, as from the PAYDAY days. We will elevate what a heist game can be.
You can only rob so many banks,” says Andersson.
Unlike traditional heist games focused on robbing banks, Den of Wolves expands the genre’s scope and merges stealth, action, and the unique “neural hacking” mechanic that allows players to manipulate Midway City’s cyber infrastructure.
Welcome to Midway City
The game’s setting is as much a character as its players. Midway City is a corporate-dominated metropolis built on Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 2035 under Project HOPLON, it was designed as a sanctuary for critical financial and technological infrastructure following devastating AI-driven cyberattacks. Over time, it evolved into a dystopian hub of unchecked corporate power. It’s an intriguing Bioshock-esque setting.
Oscar J-T Holm, co-founder of 10 Chambers, explains the importance of world-building:
“we’ve put a lot of time into building the world around you. from why we are where we are, to the brands and corporations that build up the city .”
“Even if you are not a fan of following the lore, we believe that just knowing there are these stories around you builds a powerful purpose to playing.”
At launch, players will explore Promise District, a vertical slice of the city controlled by the USTMAN SACS corporation. From the luxurious skyscrapers of the elite to the crime-ridden slums below, this district’s design highlights the stark inequality within Midway City.
Dynamic Heists and Cooperative Gameplay
In Den of Wolves, players plan and execute missions that adapt to their strategies. Each heist requires precision, teamwork, and adaptability as situations shift unpredictably between stealth and full-blown action. Whether you have 20 minutes or two hours to play, the game promises engaging, session-based gameplay that caters to different playstyles and time commitments.
From advanced gadgets and weapons to neural hacking tools, players have a wealth of resources to tackle each mission. Missions involve breaking through security, stealing data, and navigating hostile environments—all while under constant threat from corporate security forces and rival crews.
A Techno-Thriller with a Mature Edge
Den of Wolves embraces its dark, futuristic setting with a mature narrative. The city’s history is rooted in technological innovation born out of necessity. After AI-driven attacks nearly collapsed the global economy, corporations developed neural-based data transmission technology that AI couldn’t exploit. However, this same technology has made Midway City a haven for corporate greed and criminal opportunity.
This techno-thriller backdrop gives players both a playground and a purpose, blending gripping storytelling with intense gameplay.
Release Date: When It’s Ready
10 Chambers is clear about its priorities: crafting unforgettable cooperative experiences. The studio has a proven track record with GTFO and aims to push the boundaries of team-based gameplay with Den of Wolves.
“As a studio, cooperative shooters are in our DNA. We focus all our efforts on cooperative gameplay and engaging storytelling—and we take the time we need,” says Holm.
The studio is committed to transparency about development. The cryptic release date revealed in the trailer is a nod to classic FPS games where developers prioritized quality over rushed launches. The game will debut on Steam Early Access when the team feels it’s ready.
Visit the Website and Wishlist Now
Den of Wolves is now available to wishlist on Steam. Join the community and stay updated on the latest developments as 10 Chambers continues to refine this exciting new entry in the heist genre.
If the game is crafted with the same care and dedication as its site is, this game is going to be something special. Scroll down on the page to unlock a thematic hacking mini-game.
