Elevator

Inspiration

Inspired by co-op horror survival games like Lethal Company and R.E.P.O., we wanted to build a tense, team-based experience set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where the core loop of risk vs. reward drives every decision. The idea of robots descending deeper into dangerous underground facilities to gather energy and power an elevator felt like the perfect fit for a claustrophobic, unpredictable co-op game.

What it does

Elevator is a 4-player co-op survival game set in a dying wasteland. Players control exploration robots sent to abandoned underground facilities to collect scarce energy resources. These resources are sacrificed to power the elevator, allowing the team to descend deeper into more dangerous levels. Along the way, they must work together to evade roaming creatures, avoid deadly traps, and survive the unknown threats lurking in the dark.

How we built it

We built the game using Horizon with multiplayer networking for 4-player co-op. The core systems include procedural facility generation, dynamic monster AI, physics-based item interaction, and the elevator progression loop. We also implemented proximity voice chat and environmental audio to enhance the horror atmosphere.

Challenges we ran into

Balancing the difficulty curve so that deeper levels feel rewarding but not frustrating. Synchronizing physics-based items across the network without causing desync issues. Designing monsters that feel unpredictable but fair to fight/evade. Optimizing the game to run smoothly with procedural levels and dynamic lighting.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Fully functional 4-player co-op with proximity voice chat. Procedurally generated underground facilities that keep every playthrough unique. The elevator progression loop, where every energy sacrifice feels meaningful. A tense horror atmosphere built through audio, lighting, and environmental design.

What we learned

We learned how to design a co-op loop that encourages teamwork while keeping individual roles meaningful. We also improved our skills in multiplayer synchronization, procedural level design, and horror atmosphere creation. Most importantly, we saw how small, shared moments of tension or humor in co-op play can make the experience unforgettable.

What's next for Elevator

We plan to add more types of monsters, traps, and facility layouts to expand replayability. We also want to introduce new energy items, robot upgrades, and optional objectives. Long-term, we hope to add a story mode that explores the wasteland lore and the fate of humanity.