Medieval England already had enough problems. Apparently, someone looked at the situation and thought, “You know what this needs? Zombies.”
Kakao Games and developer Ocean Drive Studio are inviting players back into the undead chaos with Beta 2 of God Save Birmingham, the upcoming physics-driven zombie survival simulator.
The public playtest runs from November 2 through November 9, 2026, introducing new survival mechanics, gameplay improvements, and an early version of cooperative multiplayer.
Because surviving a zombie apocalypse is difficult enough on your own.
Now you can bring your friends along to make terrible decisions together.
What Is God Save Birmingham?
God Save Birmingham is a survival simulator set in a zombie-infested version of medieval Birmingham, England.
Instead of modern firearms, military equipment, and conveniently stocked supermarkets, players must make do with the tools, resources, and environments available in a medieval setting.
That means scavenging for supplies, crafting equipment, finding food, and figuring out how to stay alive while the undead make everyday survival considerably more complicated.
The game emphasizes physics-driven interactions, allowing players to use their surroundings as they attempt to survive.
It’s a premise that combines historical survival with zombie horror, creating situations where resourcefulness matters just as much as fighting.
And considering the lack of modern conveniences, we’d like to personally apologize to everyone who has ever complained about their Wi-Fi going down.
Things could be significantly worse.
What’s New in God Save Birmingham Beta 2?
Following its earlier public test in June, Ocean Drive Studio is introducing several additions and improvements for Beta 2.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of an early cooperative multiplayer build, allowing players to attempt survival alongside friends.
The update also introduces a save feature, giving players a way to preserve their progress rather than starting from scratch every time things go horribly wrong.
Other improvements include:
- Additional crafting options and items
- New weapons
- Expanded cooking mechanics
- More varied zombie behavior
- Clothing that provides different levels of warmth depending on its material
- Additional ways to barricade doors and windows
These changes aim to expand the game’s survival systems while addressing feedback from previous playtests.
And yes, the ability to save your progress sounds particularly important in a game where opening the wrong door could end your entire afternoon.
The Zombies Are Getting Smarter
One particularly interesting improvement involves zombie behavior.
According to the developers, zombie aggression and movement will now vary more depending on the type of undead players encounter.
That could make encounters less predictable, requiring players to adjust their approach rather than relying on the same tactics every time.
The expanded barricading system should also give survivors more ways to protect their temporary shelters.
Of course, barricades are only comforting until something starts banging on the other side.
Then suddenly everyone has an opinion about whose idea it was to stay there.
Co-op Could Change Everything
The addition of experimental co-op is a significant development for God Save Birmingham.
Survival games often create some of their most memorable moments when players have to coordinate under pressure.
One person searches for supplies. Another secures the building. Someone else insists they know a shortcut.
And then that last person gets everyone killed.
The developer describes the new multiplayer implementation as an alpha build, so players should expect an experience that’s still being tested and refined.
Still, the opportunity to explore this medieval nightmare with friends adds another dimension to the game’s survival formula.
How to Play God Save Birmingham Beta 2
The public Beta 2 playtest runs November 2–9, 2026.
Players interested in participating should check the game’s official Steam page for access details and any participation requirements.
The developers are continuing to gather feedback as they work toward the game’s full release.
Because this is a test build, features and performance may change before launch.
Medieval Survival Just Got More Complicated
God Save Birmingham already has an interesting premise: take the familiar zombie survival formula, remove modern technology, and drop players into medieval England.
With Beta 2, the developers are expanding the experience through co-op, improved survival mechanics, and more reactive enemies.
The real question is whether those systems can work together to make survival feel challenging without becoming frustrating.
For now, players have another opportunity to find out.
So what’s your survival strategy: barricade the nearest building, gather supplies, or immediately sacrifice your least useful friend to the zombies?
We’re not judging.
Much.
