15. 7 Days to Die
7 Days To Die Gameplay
The first one on this list is a pretty underdeveloped game right now, but has a lot of potential to become one of the greatest zombie apocalypse games ever created. The premise is well-known: craft weapons, build shelters, kill zombies. However, what makes this game great is an exciting new way to level up. Killing zombies won’t make you run faster, actually running will. Not every XP is the same, which is something that a lot of survival games are missing in my opinion.
FPS, survival horror, tower defense and role-playing? Sign me up!
Zombies can be found everywhere, and there are several different kinds!
14. Fallout Shelter
Fallout Shelter Gameplay
Hey, there’s actually one game on this list that is Free to Play! For all the Fallout fans out there, this will bring you a new and exciting experience. Survive underground and develop a colony in a post-apocalyptic world in a relaxing, cartoony way. The game still lacks depth on many levels, but it’s a great way to kill time, especially if you’re a fan of the Fallout franchise, like myself.
You're in charge here! Lead your citizens to a better life!
You can customize the looks of your citizens, or just randomize, if it's too much effort.
13. Don't Starve Together
Don't Starve Together Gameplay
Have you tried Don’t Starve? If you’ve played it, you’ll already know about this game, and you won’t need to read further because you’ve been playing it for countless hours already. This is a multiplayer expansion to the already existing and overly popular creepy survival game that everybody’s been waiting for! Explore the strange land full of mysterious creatures in your own way, craft items that fit your style of play and most importantly, don’t starve.
Oh god, I'm not even safe from plants?! Can I still eat them if I kill them?
Tall Birds will aggressively protect their nests, so be careful not to walk to closely!
12. State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 Gameplay
Next on the list is a zombie apocalypse game. A mother of all zombie outbreaks happened, and you’re stuck in an open world trying to find weapons, other survivors, and build shelters. One of the main advantages that this game has over some that I’ve mentioned is that it’s still getting updates. The last patch was very recent, and every few weeks developers release new and cool stuff that make the game even more exciting than it already is.
Good thing I can do co-op with my friends... I don't think I can survive on my own!
Use a car to take down multiple zombies at once, and get around faster!
11. SCUM
SCUM Gameplay
Next spot on this list goes to a group of Croatian developers. This open world survival game takes character optimization to the next level, going as far as metabolism control. There are so many possibilities in this game, you can even learn how to play a guitar... of course, I would advise you to prioritize developing other skills first, that could help you get up on the prison hierarchy.
Hm... do I have enough points in intelligence to let me know if I'm about to do something dumb?
If you want to get in touch with your inner caveman, then the Wild Hunter update should be right up your alley!
10. The Long Dark
The Long Dark Gameplay
There are no zombies in this one. Only you… and the regular nightmares that only Mother Nature can create. Located in a frozen tundra, you are exploring the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. Remember to stay warm…and don’t get eaten by wolves. The game might get pretty repetitive due to long travel times, which is why it didn’t get a higher spot on the list. But, it’s still in Early Access, so if you’re not looking to invest in it right now, keep a close eye for the upcoming patches, because the potential is limitless with this one!
I thought Canada was supposed to be nice and friendly... hope I don't run into a moose.
Well, I ran into a moose even though they're difficult to find, but luckily, I managed to take it down.
9. Rimworld
Rimworld Gameplay
You begin with three survivors of a shipwreck on a distant world. And that’s where the fun starts. Each colony you start is different and Rimworld will make you care about each and every single one. The main thing I would recommend is to not quit too early. The learning curve is a bit too much for some players, but investing your time in this game will surely pay off!
Everything's been going well so far-- nope, I jinxed it, now there's a raid happening.
Choose an AI at the beginning of your game to determine how events will play out!
8. They Are Billions
They Are Billions Gameplay
By taking a glance at the games I usually recommend, you can see that I am not that into strategies, which is why this suggestion might come as a surprise to you. They Are Billions is a game that’s pretty challenging. You need to stay focused at all times, since even a minor mistake could lead to billions of infected annihilating your colony on a post-apocalyptic planet. Multiplayer is not developed yet, but there have been rumors about the upcoming mode in 2019, so stay tuned!
Zombies are invading from every direction! Will you be prepared enough to stop them?
Watch out if an Infected Giant attacks because it can kill many of your units with just a swipe
7. Oxygen Not Included
Oxygen Not Included Gameplay
Coming up next on the list is a bit of a different game compared to many others that I’ve mentioned. Oxygen Not Included is a cartoony survival experience that’s pretty calm and relaxing for a survival game. Mastering science is a must to be able to deal with strange new lifeforms that you will encounter and in order to survive, or possibly strive.
Time to explore a new area-- wait, there's no oxygen here! RETREAT! RETREAT!
With characters this cute, how could you not try your best to help them survive?
6. Hunt: Showdown
Hunt: Showdown Gameplay
Hunt: Showdown packs the thrill of survival games into a match-based format, which is becoming more and more popular with the rise of Battle Royale games like Fortnite. Now before you say anything, I have to address the large amount of negative reviews on Steam for this game. It is still an Early Access game and if you are worried that you might not get the value for your money on this one-don’t. Developers are very dedicated and at $30 it comes as a steal!
Though the main focus should probably be survival, you gotta admit, the graphics are pretty sweet.
The grunts (obviously zombie) are your standard low-level enemy that shouldn't be too hard to take out
5. Rise of the Tomb Raider™
Rise of the Tomb Raider™ Gameplay
Woman vs Wild. You are going to need to use the environment to your advantage in order to survive. Dive underwater to avoid enemies or climb up a tree and wild Lara’s signature combat bows and climbing axe. The storyline is pretty simple; there’s a secret that you’re after, and you need to get to it before a ruthless organization called Trinity does.
How will you choose to fight? Sneakily from a distance with a bow? Or with guns blazin'?
If bows are your weapon of choice, there are plenty different types that you can find in this game.
4. RUST
RUST Gameplay
Do whatever it takes to survive. Build shelters, form alliances with other players and form towns or… hunt them for food. RUST is an insane open world survival game with no boundaries when it comes to brutality. The community might be a bit too much for you, and that is the only reason it is not higher up on this list.
The community might not be the greatest, but even they can't put a damper on a beautiful sunset.
This is Bradley APC, a serious threat to players because it patrols the launch site monument.
3. Conan Exiles
Conan Exiles Gameplay
Top 3 on this list starts with Conan Exiles. You’re gonna need to quickly learn how to survive after Conan himself saves your life. Shield yourself from extreme temperatures in the desert, hunt animals for food, survive furious sandstorms! As you get better and better, build a home and turn it into a kingdom!
Go solo, or find other players to build settlements strong enough to withstand your enemies!
Rotbranch, a legendary creature, is not usually aggressive, but if you provoke it, it'll attack.
2. Green Hell
Green Hell Gameplay
The final pick between Green Hell and The Forest was very hard, but in the end, I decided to place Green Hell at the 2nd spot. The game is just fantastic! You are thrown deep into the Amazonian rain forest, with only a radio and a familiar voice of a loved one to lead you on your path to survival. It’s still Early Access, but it has so much potential to become one of the best survival games of the decade!
I don't know how I could've possibly gotten myself into this situation, but I guess I better survive to find out...
Listen closely for the growling of a jaguar, which will sound when you get within a certain distance of it.
1. The Forest
The Forest Gameplay
The Forest is one of the best co-op experiences that I ever had! After an airplane crash, you are stuck on a remote island, trying to survive while hunting wild animals and searching for your son, Timmy. Well, cannibals took him, so you’re going to need to dive deep into a very complicated cave system where nightmares that you didn’t even know you had await you. Build a great base, travel with a boat that you’ve made, or forge armor from lizard skin…there are so many options in this game, and the storyline that gets resolved at the end is just a cherry on top.
There are no set missions/quests so your decisions make a huge impact on your survival
Armsy, a creepy mutant, can usually be heard before being seen, and if you're lucky, you can spot a rare blue version.
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