Rebellion Developments, best known for its long-running Sniper Elite franchise, is preparing to launch a brand-new project — and it’s one that might surprise long-time fans. Atomfall, an upcoming action-survival game set in a fictional post-nuclear Britain, may seem like a departure from the slow-burn sniper action the studio is famous for. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that Sniper Elite’s DNA is stitched all throughout Atomfall — making it a title that fans of the tactical shooter series won’t want to ignore.
Rebellion’s Busy Lineup and the Birth of Atomfall
Between 2020 and now, Rebellion has been hard at work on multiple projects — from Sniper Elite 5 and Zombie Army 4 to VR spin-offs like Sniper Elite VR and Zombie Army VR. Somewhere in this development sprint, Atomfall emerged, initially developed in the background as a side project. Despite its quieter beginnings, the studio is now turning serious attention to the survival game, which offers something entirely fresh — yet strangely familiar.
An Alternate Timeline with Real-World Roots
Set in an alternate version of post-Windscale-incident Britain, Atomfall blends Cold War paranoia with sci-fi horror and survival mechanics. While that’s a far cry from WWII-era sharpshooting, the connective tissue to Sniper Elite lies in how players interact with the world around them.
Sniper Elite’s Sandbox Legacy Lives On
In an exclusive conversation with Game Rant, Rebellion’s Head of Design Ben Fisher discussed how Atomfall builds upon the lessons learned from Sniper Elite’s signature sandbox gameplay. Both games share a reliance on Rebellion’s Asura engine, which has become the foundation for the studio’s technical innovation. The photogrammetry techniques used in Sniper Elite: Resistance also appear in Atomfall, enhancing immersion through realistic environmental detail.
Greater Freedom, More Choice
But the true link between the two games lies in their philosophy on player agency. While Sniper Elite encouraged creative approaches — stealth, aggression, traps, or tactics — Atomfall takes this to another level. According to Fisher:
“We have taken these learnings and dialed this up a notch in Atomfall by increasing the scope of the sandbox and offering the player even more agency in the way they play the game. For example, it’s possible to complete the entire story without fighting absolutely anyone, but at the same time, you can also choose to wipe everyone out! Player choice and agency is hugely important to us.”
That emphasis on player-driven gameplay isn’t just a design choice — it’s a mission statement. Atomfall aims to allow total freedom: whether that means avoiding conflict altogether or going full guns-blazing, the decision belongs entirely to the player.
Gameplay Without Handholding
One common critique in modern game design is the overreliance on tutorials and markers — handholding players through every encounter. Rebellion is taking a different path. Atomfall is designed to let players discover, explore, and experiment without rigid instruction. While there are optional aids for those who want a more guided experience, the core of Atomfall encourages problem-solving, experimentation, and immersion.
A True Sandbox Survival Experience
Players will traverse a vast, semi-open world filled with danger, choices, and narrative consequence. The absence of combat isn’t a failure — it’s an option. The design respects players’ intelligence and gives them the freedom to navigate their own path, a design ethos that will feel immediately familiar to Sniper Elite fans.
Day-One Access with Xbox Game Pass
Best of all, players won’t have to wait long — or even spend money upfront — to try Atomfall. The game is coming day-one to Xbox Game Pass, meaning subscribers can dive in at launch and experience its unique mix of stealth, survival, and sandbox freedom for themselves.
Key Takeaways for Sniper Elite Fans
- Shared Tech Backbone: Both games run on the Asura engine and use photogrammetry to deliver immersive environments.
- Sandbox Gameplay: Atomfall builds on Sniper Elite’s mission-based, open-ended approach with even greater freedom.
- Player-Driven Story: Complete the game your way — through stealth, combat, or total pacifism.
- Available on Game Pass: Atomfall will be accessible to millions on release without additional cost.
Rebellion’s Atomfall may not be a sniper sim, but its foundation is built on everything that makes Sniper Elite great. With expanded freedom, dynamic storytelling, and immersive design, Atomfall is shaping up to be a bold step forward — and one that fans of tactical shooters won’t want to miss.
