Fuelbound

Fuelbound is a vehicular combat and resource management game developed by Red Tether Studios and released in 2023. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where factions compete for control over dwindling fuel deposits. Players assume the role of a scavenger-pilot operating a customizable armored vehicle. The primary objective is to extract fuel from procedurally generated zones while defending against hostile AI factions and environmental hazards. The game features a persistent world where extracted fuel is used to upgrade vehicle components, purchase ammunition, and unlock new territories. Fuelbound employs a top-down perspective with a dynamic day-night cycle that affects visibility and enemy behavior. The game supports single-player campaign mode and cooperative multiplayer for up to four players.

Gameplay mechanics center on fuel extraction and vehicle combat. Each mission begins with the player selecting a vehicle loadout, including weapons, armor, and fuel storage capacity. The player must navigate to designated extraction points, activate a drilling rig, and defend it for a set duration while fuel is collected. Enemy patrols, bandit ambushes, and environmental storms occur randomly. Fuel reserves deplete over time when the vehicle is moving or using weapons, requiring strategic management of fuel consumption versus combat effectiveness. Failure to return to base with extracted fuel results in total loss of the mission's yield.

Operation controls are mapped to a standard keyboard and mouse or gamepad. For keyboard, the W, A, S, and D keys control vehicle movement. The mouse is used for aiming and firing primary weapons with the left button. The right mouse button activates secondary weapons or special abilities, such as a temporary speed boost or shield. The spacebar engages the handbrake for sharp turns. The number keys 1 through 4 switch between weapon slots. The E key initiates or cancels fuel extraction. The Tab key opens the map and inventory screen. The Shift key activates a turbo boost that consumes fuel rapidly.

Tactical techniques include fuel conservation by using the handbrake to drift around corners instead of braking, which reduces fuel loss. Players should prioritize upgrading fuel storage capacity before armor, as extended extraction times yield higher rewards. Positioning the vehicle behind cover, such as rock formations or wreckage, during extraction reduces damage from enemy fire. Using the turbo boost only to escape ambushes or reach extraction points before enemy reinforcements arrive is recommended. Cooperative players should assign one member to scout ahead while another defends the drilling rig, alternating roles to manage fuel consumption across the team.