Developer Alawar has announced the launch of the first public playtest for their upcoming title, The Last Gas Station. Available now via Steam via an application process ahead of a planned release in 2026, this simulation game seeks to combine elements of cozy management gameplay with a darker, mysterious narrative.
The game places players in the role of a new manager at a desolate gas station and convenience store. The narrative premise is established quickly. The previous owner has disappeared under suspicious circumstances, leaving the player to revive the defunct business. The setting is pitched as a world where electric vehicles have largely rendered traditional gas stations obsolete, making gasoline a relic of the past. The player’s goal is to turn this location into a thriving stop for the few travellers who still rely on fuel.
The gameplay loop in The Last Gas Station is divided into two distinct phases. During the day, the experience aligns with traditional simulation mechanics. Players are tasked with modernizing the facilities, which involves removing outdated pumps and installing new maintenance services such as tire inflation and oil change stations. Interior management is also a key component. Players must stock shelves with snacks, car supplies, and other road trip essentials while managing pricing to ensure profitability. The game boasts extensive customization options, allowing users to design neon signs and decorate both the interior and exterior of the shop to suit their preferences.
However, the tone shifts significantly when the sun sets. The night phase is pitched as a survival experience. Players are advised to lock the doors and turn off the lights to avoid sinister entities that awaken in the surrounding wilderness.
Presented with a pixel visual style, The Last Gas Station sets out to explore themes of obsolescence and the effort required to maintain things that the world has largely moved on from.
