The Forever Winter

The Forever Winter is a 2024 third-person extraction shooter/survival horror video game developed and published by independent developer Fun Dog Studios. Originally conceived as an art book, The Forever Winter was eventually developed into a video game, gaining recognition for its grim, oppressive art direction and atmosphere. 
Sometime in the late 21st century, 40 years of unabated total war between three superpowers- Europa, Eurasia, and Euruska, have reduced most of the world to a war-scarred wasteland. The rationale for and objectives of the war have long since been forgotten, with AI taskmasters continuing to direct the conflict for no other reason than to sustain it. In the ruined former metropolis of Lost Angels, players control "Scavs", civilians who, willingly or not, live on the frontlines of the war, venturing onto the surface from underground shelters to scavenge the battlefield for supplies and carrying out quests for the highest bidder. Scavs have no hope of tipping the balance of the endless war in one way or the other, nor are they the heroes of this story. They sneak in the shadows, dodging the steps of gargantuan mechanized war machines and avoiding encounters with twisted biomechanical horrors spawned by the ruthless conflict. 
=Overview=
Taking cues from other "extraction shooters" such as Escape from Tarkov, players control a character who spawns into an open-ended map to search for weapons, equipment, and other loot either in containers or from the corpses of NPCs. The game is purely PvE, with each map being the part of an ongoing battle that continues around the player. NPCs will typically ignore the player's character unless provoked, although some enemies will attack on sight. Weapons can be acquired from containers found in each map, as can attachments. New weapons and ammunition are also obtained from vendors, or by completing quests for the various factions. 
As is a staple for the genre, if the player dies in a match, they will lose all equipment bought into the game. Many enemies are much more powerful and better-equipped than the player, and can quickly dispatch a lone Scav. Stealth is encouraged, and direct head-on attacks on enemies should be avoided when possible. 
Many of the weapons are not fully animated as of early access patch Water 2.0, with the character performing the motions for the reload but the weapon's animation rig not being set up. That said most weapons are very detailed, such as the AK-pattern rifles having fully modeled bolt carriers and hammers.
=Pistols=
==Beretta 87 Target==
The Beretta 87 Target appears as "87 Target" and is incorrectly chambered in 9x19mm. The Beretta logo has been replaced by a 😀 face.
==Glock 17 Gen 4 MOS FS==
The Glock 17 Gen 4 MOS FS appears as "G-L 19" (which likely incorrectly refers to its smaller brother, the Glock 19. The front of the frame appears to be a strange mash of the non-railed front and railed front. 
==Heckler & Koch USP==
The Heckler & Koch USP in .45 ACP appears as "USP". 
thumb|none|350px|Heckler & Koch USP - .45 ACP
==Mauser M712 Schnellfeuer==
A heavily mall ninja'd Mauser M712 Schnellfeuer incorrectly appears as "C96" and is fitted with a 20-round magazine. Its design is based on the airsoft custom Marushin Mauser M712 designed by Eddie (エディ) for a competition on the Japanese airsoft website HYPER DOURAKU back in 2014.
==STI Staccato P DUO HOST==
The STI Staccato P DUO HOST appears as "SOG", owing to its adoption by the USMS SOG, and has Dragon Scale Stippling. It is chambered in .45 ACP and lacks its ambidextrous safety. 
==TTI Pit Viper==
The Taran Tactical Innovations Pit Viper appears as "Viper". Its description references John Wick with two words: "Baba Yaga"
==Smith & Wesson Model 327 R8==
The Smith & Wesson Model 327 Performance Center M&P R8 appears as "R8".
=Submachine Guns=
==Brügger & Thomet APC9 PRO==
The Brügger & Thomet APC9 PRO appears as "APC9 Pro". It also is the default weapon used for Gun Head's head mounted gun.
==FN P90 Tactical==
The FN P90 Tactical appears as "P90" and is fitted with an extended handguard likely inspired by the CYMA FN P90 Predator's. Eurasian Cyborgs are also armed with the P90.
==Heckler & Koch UMP45==
The Heckler & Koch UMP45 can be seen in pre-release materials but hasn't been added to the game yet.
==Izmash PP-19-01 Vityaz==
The PP-19-01 Vityaz appears as "PP-19 Vityaz". It has a belt wrapped around its handguard by default and lacks a muzzle device. Ones used by Euruskan Riders and Water Thief Skirmishers are always fitted with the Vityaz-SN railed dust cover (with BelOMO PK-06 reflex sight), ZenitCo B-10M lower handguard, and ZenitCo PT-1 stock.
==KRISS Vector==
The KRISS Vector appears as the "Kriss Vector 45". It is a hybrid of the Vector Gen 1 and Gen 2, having the former's trigger and horizontal vent in front of the ejection port, and the latter's magwell and pistol grip. It is fitted with a Vector CRB's square barrel shroud and a KRISS MK1 Modular Rail handguard. The barrel shroud is correctly depicted as a shroud instead of a real suppressor.
==Minebea M-9==
The Minebea M-9 appears under its overseas name, "PM-9".
==PPSh-41==
A heavily modified PPSh-41 appears under its real name. It appears to be either based on or acquired from this 3D model "PPSh-41 Tactical" by artist MCTav1sh. According to the original 3D artist, the barrel mount is a TOZ 6P29M (for AS Val / VSS), stock is the FAB Defense UAS stock with part of a FAB Defense UAS chassis (which is originally for the SKS) and AK-12 pistol grip. The combination of said modifications is somewhat similar to the customized Type 79 submachine guns that the Chinese police use. It is incorrectly chambered in 9x19mm, but conversion kits for the SMG do exist in reality.
==SITES Spectre M4==
A customized Spectre M4 appears under its real name and is fitted with a 50-round magazine (which has witness holes). It appears to be either based on or acquired from this 3D model by artist Artur J. It has a polymer frame and is fitted with a Magpul CTR stock, picatinny rails on its handguard and extended barrel.
==Walther MPL==
The Walther MPL appears as "WLT MPL".
=Shotguns=
==Franchi SPAS-12==
The Franchi SPAS-12 appears as "S12". It is frequently seen in the hands of Europan GRINN soldiers.
==Daewoo USAS-12==
The Daewoo USAS-12 appears under its real name. By default it is fitted with fictional 8-round magazines (which appear to be chopped 10-round magazines).
==Molot Vepr-12==
A customized Vepr-12 appears under its real name. It is fitted with a Zenit PT-1 stock, AR A2-style grip (which appears to be chopped), Zenit RP-1 charging handle, 10-round magazine, Zenit B19RPK gas tube cover, Zenit B10M handguard and barrel (which appears to be between 19 inches and 22.3 inches) without a muzzle device. 
==Mossberg 590==
The Mossberg 590 appears in-game as "Surplus Shotgun" and is one of the default weapons granted to the player. It has the furniture of the Mossberg 590A1 Retrograde and a ghost ring front sight. The shotgun is held as if it has a pistol grip.
==MPS AA-12 CQB==
The AA-12 CQB appears under the name of its longer brother as "AA-12".
=Rifles=
==AKS-74U==
The AKS-74U appears in the game as "Surplus Rifle" and can be heavily modified. It is the first weapon granted to the player, alongside the "Surplus Shotgun" and is part of the free default loadout upon death. By default, it lacks a stock and booster, has a railed top cover (possibly a Legal Arsenal AKS-74U Krink railed dust cover or Texas Weapon System Gen 3 Krinkov Dog Leg Rail) with a mini red dot resembling optics like the Burris Fastfire, and is fitted with a 20-round magazine under loaded to 10 rounds. The charging handle doesn't reciprocate at all, though it has a full detailed hammer, recoil spring and bolt carrier group.
===AK-74===
An AK-74 with the AKS-74U receiver appears in the game as "AK". It is fitted with the AKS-74U booster (though a real AK-74 muzzle brake is available), the stock lacks lightening grooves, and the barrel is modeled after the early AKM slanted gas block. Various accessories and furniture are available (with most parts referred to as "Kala"), including the magazine from the RPK-16. Euruskan infantry are armed with them.
===RPK-74===
An RPK-74 with the receiver from the AKS-74U is called "RPK". It is incorrectly chambered in "7.62mm".
==AKM==
A genuine AKM can be seen in pre-release screenshots. Euruskan medium mechs appear to carry railguns which resemble gigantic modified AKM rifles.
===Customized AK===
What appears to be a combination of Euruskan Heavy Armored and Europan Light soldiers in a piece of concept/promo art can be seen with 7.62 AK rifles. The are fitted with handguards possibly inspired by the Zenit B30 + B-31, Hartman MH1/EOTech EXPS2 hybrids and Venom Tactical Antidote muzzle devices. They are armed with the modified rifles in the game proper as well.
==FN SCAR-H CQC Gen 3==
A fictional anti-materiel rifle variant of the FN SCAR-H CQC (specifically a Third Generation model) appears simply as the "SCAR". It is fitted with a rail system seemingly inspired by the PWS SRX handguard, which is build around a massive muzzle brake. The 8-round magazine appears to be from the Barrett M82 and the caliber is stated to be ".50 Cal", which is likely 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 BMG). An 18" LB barrel option (similar to the M82 handguards) is available alongside a drum magazine which appears inspired by the RPK-16 drum, albeit with the length of the Fostech 20-round drum magazine (which is created for the M82 series). Europa Infantry are armed with the SCAR and Giant versions are seen on Europa medium mecha. 
==DS Arms SA58 OSW Carbine==
The DSA SA58 OSW Carbine appears as "SA58". It is fitted with a DSA BRS stock, has a FAB AG-FAL pistol grip, and has an angled magazine well unlike the real DSA SA58.
thumb|450px|none|DSA SA58 OSW Carbine - 7.62x51mm NATO
==Heckler & Koch G36==
The Heckler & Koch G36 fitted with a G36C-style railed top appears as "G36". It can be fitted with a STANAG magwell adapter.
thumb|none|450px|Heckler & Koch G36E with G36C-style rail top, short barrel, and vertical foregrip - 5.56x45mm - for comparison. 
=="M4A1"==
The M4A1 with custom upper appears as "M4A1". It is fitted with a Magpul STR stock, Aero Precision M4E1 upper (no forward assist ver.), Aero Precision Gen 2 12.7" AR-15 Enhanced M-LOK handguard, Magpul MBUS Gen 2 flip-sights, Magpul PMAG Gen 2, Magpul Type 2 M-LOK rail covers and what appears to be a Guntec Gen 2 Low Profile Gas Block. Several other stock, grip and handguards are available. 
Its description states it to be a Europan rifle and it is often seen in hands of their infantry.
==M16A1==
The M16A1 appears as "M16". The birdcage flash hider is a solid object for some reason.
==TKB-0146==
The TKB-0146 (N15 ver) appears under its real name and has polymer furniture.
=Machine Guns=
==M60==
The M60 appears in the game under its real name. It lacks a physical visual depiction of ammunition, be it a belt or a box magazine.
thumb|none|450px|M60 machine gun - 7.62x51mm NATO
==M249==
The M249 appears as "SAW" in game.
==MG 34==
A weapon vaguely resembling the MG 34 is called "MG34". It has a thumbhole stock, rail on top cover, hose running from its stock to barrel, large spike bayonet and octagonal Gurtrommel 34. It is stated to be chambered in .308. Europan EOD soldiers are armed with it. A proper but giant MG 34 can be seen on a destroyed Europan Medium Mech on the map Elephant Mausoleum.
==MG 42==
An MG 42 in a chassis similar to the handheld M134 Minigun is called "Painless". Its name appears to reference the hand-held M134 Minigun "Ol' Painless" from Predator. It might also reference the MG 42-based M56 Smart Gun from Aliens which has a similar configuration. The Euruskan medical robot-turned-murderous-AI "Toothy" appears to have a gigantic stockless MG 42 (with MG3 pintle mount and box magazine) on its left shoulder.
thumb|none|450px|Replica of the handheld General Electric M134 Minigun with M60 handguard used in Predator - 7.62x51mm NATO 
==RPD==
The RPD appears in game under its real name. Euruskan Heavy Armored Infantry and Water Thief Looters are armed with the RPD as well.
=Sniper Rifles=
==Gepard GM6 Lynx==
The Gepard GM6 Lynx appears as "GM6". It is fitted with Magpul MBUS Gen 2 flip-sights.
==Mechem NTW-20==
The Mechem NTW-20 appears as "NTW-20". By default it lacks a muzzle device.
==Remington R11 RSASS==
The Remington R11 RSASS appears as "R11 RSASS". By default it lacks a muzzle device and is fitted with Magpul MBUS Gen 2 flip-sights.
==Solothurn S-18 20mm Anti-Tank Rifle==
The Solothurn S-18/100 appears as "36M AntiTank".
==SVD Dragunov==
The SVD Dragunov appears as "SVD" with synthetic furniture and lacks a muzzle device and front sight by default.
==VSSK Vykhlop==
The VSSK Vykhlop appears as "VKS Vykhlop", which is its alternate name. The weapon is strangely depicted as a full auto open bolt machine gun, instead of a straight pull bolt rifle. By default it lacks its suppressor, though it is an optional part. It also is fitted with a fictional version of its picatinny railed receiver. The bolt appears to be modeled correctly.
[[File:Foreverwinter VSSK 01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Scav girl with the Vykhlop on the Frozen Swamp map. She resembles designs by Ashley Wood / threeA. Note the design behind her somewhat resembles a Makoto Kobayashi design.]]
=Launchers=
=="Grenade Launcher"==
A fictional revolving grenade launcher appears as "Grenade Launcher".
==Heckler & Koch XM25==
The pre-production XM25.
==M79 grenade launcher==
A sawed off M79 grenade launcher with rail above the locking latch appears in the pistol category as "M79".
=Emplaced Weapons=
==Browning M2HB==
The Browning M2HB with carry handle appears on Europan Merkava Mk 4M tanks, including the Merkava Corpse Tank.
==GIAT F2==
What appears to be a GIAT F2 without muzzle brake is mounted on fictionalized coaxial-rotor "Choppers" fielded by Eurasia, which are likely based on the prototype Super Hind.
==KPVT heavy machine gun==
Europan medium mechs appear to be armed with four KPV heavy machine guns.
==M197 Vulcan==
Europan medium mechs appear to be armed with one giant M197 Vulcan on the left shoulders.
==NSVT==
Euruskan T90A tanks are armed with the NSVT.
==PKMT==
Euruska T90A tanks have the PKMT in coaxial mounting. Destroyed T-72B tanks (which are actually from a scan of a real destroyed Russian T-72B tank from the Ukraine War) have a PKMT in coaxial mounting as well.
=Other=
Various weapons only seen in promotional materials or concept art.
==Revolver==
One piece of promotional art features a revolver. It has elements of the Chiappa Rhino cylinder and surrounding frame, with other elements including the barrel being from the Webley Mk VI and Enfield No. 2.
thumb|none|350px|Webley Mk VI - .455 Webley
Category:Action
Category:Video Game
Category:Horror
Category:Science-Fiction
Category:War
Category:Post Apocalyptic