Get Ready For an Awesome Zombie Adventure
Steam presently has 1,734 search results on steam for the word “zombie”. At first that seems like a lot of options, while it is, not all options are equal. For example, games with “overwhelmingly negative” reviews might not be worth the time it takes to “add to cart”.
This is a list of the best zombie games available, to play now, on Steam. Some games are so good, even if they are in early release, they made the list.
10. Black Mesa (2015)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie, Early Access
- Developer/Publisher: Crowbar Collective
- Steam page: Black Mesa
Summary: Some say, “It’s the original Half-Life, with a lot of mods.” Others say it’s more than that. Remade by fans. With upgrades to graphics, gameplay, audio and more. Gordon’s back at Black Mesa research facility. The game has maps from the original Half-Life, like Bounce and Undertow. This game is for those wanting a nostalgice, revamped classic, or a “newb” just looking for a great zombie game to enjoy.
Zombies: Human hosts taken over by violent alien ‘headcrabs’, typically attacks by clawing and overwhelming the victim.
Pro: Feels like a new game, everything is different, but similar enough to jog the memory
Con: Only in Early Access, fan/part-time development goes very slowly.
9. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Developer/Publisher: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
- Steam page: Resident Evil 7 biohazard
Summary: True interdimensional horror. It’s the first Resident Evil built on the RE Engine, by CAPCOM. Resident Evil always does a great job at making a game feel unsettling. Suddenly walking past creepy “body part art”, that didn’t seem to be there before, for example.
As soon as you feel safe, you realize you aren’t, as attacks become more disturbing as they spread out through multiple realities.
There aren’t as many zombie creatures in this game as in previous RE releases. The zombies are still present and dangerous. But, they aren’t used to carry the whole game. Instead a blend of plot, environment and timing are used to drive the action forward. Try playing this game in the daytime with lights on if it’s too intense.
Zombies: Live human speed. Takes over host with possession like infection. Attacks with body and weapons i.e. knives, chainsaws.
Pro: Refreshing breakaway from singular reliance on FPS playing style.
Con: Never enough ammo.
8. Unturned
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Casual, Free to Play, Indie
- Developer/Publisher: Smartly Dressed Games
- Steam page: Unturned
Summary: Maybe it resembles Minecraft, but Unturned is a completely different beast. If number of reviews its has on Steam say anything about a games popularity, Unturned has… over 300,000… It’s free to play. Free doesn’t mean it’s cheap though. Scavenge for survival. Pitted against the harsh terrain littered with zombies and “blocky” gore. Human controlled players add extra levels of creativity. While relying on simple graphics, the landscape is detailed enough to offer a solid gaming experience.
Zombies: Speed and strength can range from very slow to super human. Depending on size and makeup of zombie. “Hulk” zombies can take great damage before dying while others crawl weakly around at your feet.
Pro: Solid multiplayer co-op. Wide range of mods available.
Con: Off-balance of power ranges between weapon categories.
7. Half-Life 2
- Genre: Action
- Developer/Publisher: Valve
- Steam page: Half-Life 2
Summary: More than just the sequel to Half-Life. Gordan Freeman, the main character, gets woken up to save the world…again. This game is highly immersive, due in part to simplicity. Music often gives way to the sounds of the environment. Being given just enough tools and information to complete the mission. Primarily made for an intense FPS experience, the game breaks up the action with puzzles and strategy.
Zombies: Victims infected by the leechlike “headcrabs”. Flesh tearing attacks and overwhelming numbers.
Pro: Action centered gameplay for FPS enthusiasts.
Con: Distracting “screen shaking” mechanics on steps or when crash falling.
6. Left 4 Dead 2
- Genre: Action
- Developer/Publisher: Valve
- Steam page: Left 4 Dead 2
Summary: While referred to as a “shooter” game, many players prefer to use weapons like chainsaws to cut down zombies. Geared for 4-person gameplay. Set in the south, it offers a wide variety of levels, from swamps to urban buildings large enough to drive a car around in. Extremely fast paced action, with seeming little concern for gamers emotional well-being.
Zombies: Infected by psychosis causing flu virus. Olympic level speed and agility when active. Attacks primarily with body.
Pro: Things like incendiary ammo and electric guitar keep gameplay fresh.
Con: Difficult to keep track of teammates.
5. 7 Days to Die
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie, RPG, Simulation, Strategy, Early Access
- Developer/Publisher: The Fun Pimps/ The Fun Pimps Entertainment LLC
- Steam page: 7 Days to Die
Summary: Multi-genre appeal. First person action, along with story building and towers to defend. Set in post-nuked Arizona. One of few remaining livable places left in the world, occupied by massive hordes of zombies. Scavenge in the day, whenever possible, never leave shelter after dark. Build and upgrade defenses as quickly as possible, survive for as long as possible.
Zombies: Possibly infected by nuclear fallout. Movement is slow and shuffling in day. More active at night, attacks with biting, hitting scratching, patience, overwhelm with numbers.
Pro: Variety of zombie types from spiders to police officers.
Con: Too many resources, can make gameplay less challenging.
4. Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
- Genre: Strategy
- Developer/Publisher: PopCap Games, Inc.
- Steam page: Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
Summary: For legal reasons, was unable to be titled: “Lawn of the Dead”—shame. This game appeals to a wide range of zombie lovers. Use plants and the power of the sun to keep hordes of zombies from getting in your home. They want brains. But the zombies will settle for eating your favorite sunflower if you don’t stop them.
Zombies: Slow moving, attacks by shredding/eating and overwhelming their victims.
Pro: Can be enjoyed by wide age range.
Con: Beginning difficulty level can be discouraging.
3. The Walking Dead
- Genre: Adventure
- Developer/ Publisher: Telltale Games
- Steam page: The Walking Dead
Summary: A series of successful games. The gameplay is “point and click”. It’s played with decision making rather than “run and gun”. The main appeal is the story, which begins in Georgia, right after the zombie infection started.
Character building starts immediately with Lee, a former professor and convict meeting a child named Clementine. Heavy focus on player decision causes Season 1 to have 7 different ways of ending.
Developers intend you to spend no more than 2 hours playing through each season. So, it’s a realistic expectation to play them all.
Zombies: Infected by a virus that reanimates host after death. Slower movements, attacks are uncoordinated and clumsy.
Pro: Crossover characters from the comics.
Con: Low challenge level for an adventure game
2. Dying Light
- Genre: Action, RPG
- Developer/Publisher: Techland/Techland Publishing
- Steam page: Dying Light
Summary: Dense populations of zombies that require extreme focus and a lot of ammo. Fast paced and set in a quarantined city named Harran. For gamers that focus more on slaying zombies and less on getting “feels” from the story.
The game gets much tougher after the sun goes down. Because the zombies are just getting started. Combine the dark with torrential downpours and blinding fog. Better bring a UV flashlight.
Zombies: Infected with the Harran Virus. Some will trip over a line on the sidewalk. Others can parkour better than the main characters.
Pro: Vivid graphics. In depth and complete side quests.
Con: Too little character building.
1. Killing Floor
- Genre: Action
- Developer/Publisher: Tripwire Interactive
- Steam page: Killing Floor
Summary: It’s hard to believe, but KF started out as a mod for Unreal Tournament. Yes, there is a Killing Floor 2, but the original is still more appreciated, even in 2018, according to Steam ratings. Set in London, England. Chase down dangerous science projects as they escape from a failed biotech facility. FPS heavy, but character classes like “support specialist” keep the action varied and interesting.
Zombies: Average speed. Experimental clones rather that “true zombies”. Herd attacks as well as individual physical attacks. Still a threat after decapitation.
Pro: Delivers on zombie FPS expectations. Massive amounts of zombies to kill, and big guns to do it with.
Con: Multiplayer only game, there is single-player, but it’s just playing alone on the same maps.
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