Could You Survive “The Big One”? There’s a FREE online video game for that!

Cascadia 9.1

If you’ve ever wondered what a major Pacific Northwest earthquake might actually feel like — there’s a free online game that lets you experience it in a safe, interactive way.

The Cascadia 9.1 Game is a story-driven disaster preparedness game that puts you in the middle of a massive Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. You play as a character navigating the immediate aftermath, making decisions about safety, resources, and recovery while learning practical preparedness concepts along the way.

What makes Cascadia 9.0 especially interesting is that it’s built on real research. Scientists and emergency preparedness professionals helped design the experience to better understand what motivates people — especially younger adults — to take disaster readiness seriously. The Pacific Northwest has a long history of extremely large earthquakes, and projects like this help translate complex hazard science into something engaging, relatable, and actionable.

Best of all, it’s completely free and available to play online right now. If you’re curious about earthquake preparedness, enjoy story-based games, or just want a unique way to learn about regional hazards, Cascadia 9.0 is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great example of how interactive experiences can make preparedness feel less overwhelming and a lot more approachable.