Survival games have a special way of pulling you in. Whether it’s gathering resources, fighting off dangerous creatures, or simply trying to keep your character from starving to death (no judgment here), there’s something endlessly satisfying about surviving against all odds. But with so many survival games out there, it can be tough to figure out where to start.
If you’re on the hunt for the best survival games to dive into, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the top survival games that’ll have you constantly on edge, making sure you’ve got everything from food to weapons to keep the wild at bay.
In some of these, resource management and strategy reign supreme. Or maybe you’re all about exploring vast open worlds with friends? There’s something here for everyone. So grab your gear, pack some snacks (because you’ll need them), and let’s get into the ultimate list of survival games. Trust me, you won’t want to miss these.
Subnautica
Ah, Subnautica—where the ocean is both your best friend and your worst nightmare. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the deep blue, but with a constant, underlying fear of getting eaten by something you can’t even see, then this game is for you. Set in an alien world where you crash-land in the middle of a vast, uncharted ocean, Subnautica has you scrambling to survive, build, and—most importantly—avoid becoming fish food.
The game kicks off with you in a pretty rough spot: stranded on an underwater planet with limited supplies and no way to contact the outside world. Your main goal? Stay alive. That means gathering resources, crafting new gear, and slowly but surely diving deeper and deeper into the ocean to unlock the mysteries of your surroundings. The deeper you go, the scarier it gets—think giant sea creatures, eerie caves, and the kind of suspense that makes you hesitate before diving into that dark, seemingly harmless hole in the ocean floor.
But here’s the thing: Subnautica isn’t just about survival. It’s about the thrill of discovery. As you explore the ocean, you’ll find stunning biomes, hidden treasures, and maybe even some clues about how to get off the planet. Just be careful—because not everything in those waters wants you to make it out alive.
The Long Dark
The Long Dark is like the ultimate test of your survival instincts—minus the comforting handholds of flashy mechanics or easy-to-read maps. This is raw survival in its truest sense. You’re dropped into a frozen wilderness after a geomagnetic disaster knocks out all electronics, leaving you to face the brutal Canadian wilderness. No zombies. No alien invaders. Just you, the cold, and the ticking clock of your dwindling resources.
From the moment you step into this world, it’ll hit you with one simple, terrifying truth: it’s just you versus nature. You’ll spend your days scrounging for food, finding shelter, and battling freezing temperatures. Oh, and you’ll need to fend off wolves and other wildlife that aren’t so thrilled about sharing their space. The game doesn’t hold your hand, and that’s what makes it so captivating. Every choice matters, whether it’s rationing your food or deciding when to risk a long trek to find supplies.
It’s not about fighting back in the traditional sense—it’s about surviving, outsmarting, and adapting to a world that doesn’t care if you make it. With no map and limited resources, The Long Dark isn’t just a game; it’s an emotional journey, testing your will to live in a desolate, beautiful world. And let’s be real: if you’ve got the guts to take it on, you’ll never forget your first trek across those vast, snow-covered plains.
Don’t Starve
Don’t Starve is the perfect game for anyone who loves a challenge, but with a darkly whimsical twist. Picture this: you’re a guy named Wilson who, through some bad luck and a weird science experiment, gets dropped into a bizarre world full of strange creatures, creepy landscapes, and a constant, nagging hunger. Oh, and did I mention the whole “don’t starve” thing? Yeah, that’s kind of the point.
The game throws you into a harsh survival scenario, where you’ll spend your days gathering resources, building tools, and fending off all sorts of terrifying creatures. But don’t expect to just “survive” in the typical sense—you’ll need to manage your sanity, your health, and, of course, your food supply. The longer you survive, the more you’ll encounter terrifying new challenges. It’s like the game is daring you to see just how long you can hold on before the insanity sets in (literally).
What sets Don’t Starve apart from other survival games is its eerie art style and the way it blends dark humor with intense survival mechanics. It’s not just about staying alive; it’s about keeping your wits intact and embracing the weird, twisted world around you. So, if you’re up for the challenge, just remember: in this world, starvation isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you.
Rust
Rust is one of those games that’s all about chaos, survival, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of ruthless betrayal. You start out with absolutely nothing—just a rock and a torch. And you’re thrown into a brutal open world where everyone is your potential enemy (yes, even that guy building his shack two feet away from you). Your goal? Stay alive, of course, which means gathering resources, crafting weapons, and building up your base… all while keeping one eye on your surroundings, because Rust is basically a constant game of “trust no one.”
The game’s all about the balance of power. You’ll craft everything from clothes to guns, but you’ll need to fend off other players who are doing the exact same thing. Want a peaceful life? Good luck with that. In Rust, the most dangerous thing isn’t just the environment—it’s other players, who will raid, steal, and even kill you for that sweet stash of metal you’ve been hoarding. It’s a survival game where cooperation can be as valuable as a bullet, but betrayal can come from the most unexpected places.
The thrill of Rust isn’t just surviving—it’s outsmarting your fellow players and establishing your dominance in a cutthroat world. Build, defend, and fight your way to the top, because in Rust, if you’re not at the top of the food chain, you might just end up someone else’s dinner.
Frostpunk
Frostpunk takes the concept of survival and cranks up the intensity to eleven. Set in an alternate history where a new ice age has plunged the world into a frozen wasteland, this isn’t just about keeping yourself alive—it’s about keeping an entire city of survivors alive in the harshest conditions imaginable. You’re not just a character here, you’re the leader, and every decision you make can mean the difference between life and death for your people. No pressure, right?
As the city’s leader, you’ll manage resources, making tough moral choices, and building infrastructure to protect your citizens from the deadly cold. But here’s the catch: Frostpunk doesn’t let you off easy. The weather is unforgiving, resources are limited, and the people are restless. You’ll have to decide whether to send people to work in dangerous conditions, make harsh laws to keep them in line, or maybe even turn to desperate measures like child labor. Every choice weighs heavily on your shoulders, and there’s no easy way out.
The game blends strategy with tough ethical dilemmas, and it’s all about how far you’re willing to push the boundaries of morality to survive. Frostpunk isn’t just a survival game. It’s a brutal reflection on leadership, sacrifice, and the cost of survival in a world that’s gone cold. And trust me, you’ll be second-guessing every decision long after you’ve played.
Terraria
Terraria is like the ultimate sandbox for anyone who loves crafting, exploring, and, of course, creating absolute chaos. Think of it as a 2D version of Minecraft with a little more whimsy, a lot more enemies, and endless possibilities. You start off with basic tools and a world full of potential. What you do with that world? Well, that’s entirely up to you. Want to build towering castles? Go for it. Want to dig deep into the earth to discover new materials (and terrifying creatures)? You’ve got it. Want to summon massive bosses to make your life difficult? Terraria is all about that too.
The game’s charm comes from its open-ended nature. You’re not bound by quests or objectives (unless you want them). You simply explore, gather resources, craft new gear, and fight whatever the world throws at you. The more you dig into Terraria, the more you’ll uncover: secret biomes, hidden treasures, and random events that keep the game feeling fresh every time you log in. And let’s not forget about the bosses. From massive, multi-stage battles to creatures that make you wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into, the combat is satisfying. Especially when you’ve got a killer weapon or armor set.
Terraria is a game that rewards creativity and exploration, and it never feels like there’s a “wrong” way to play. Whether you’re solo or teaming up with friends, the game offers an endless loop of adventure, crafting, and surprises. So, if you’ve ever wanted to live your best “I’m a master builder and dungeon conqueror” life, this is your chance.
Green Hell
Green Hell is one of those survival games that throws you straight into the deep end—no hand-holding, no tutorials, just you and the jungle. You’re stranded in the Amazon rainforest, with nothing but your wits and a few basic tools to survive. But unlike other survival games where you can just gather resources and build your way to safety, Green Hell makes you confront the true dangers of nature. Between the wild animals, poisonous plants, and your own deteriorating mental state, surviving here is no walk in the park. It’s a constant battle for food, water, shelter—and sanity.
The game’s brilliance lies in how it makes you manage every aspect of survival: your physical health (which includes wounds, infections, and parasites) and your mental health (yes, you can literally go crazy if you’re not careful). You’ll need to craft, hunt, and build to stay alive, all while facing the constant stress of the jungle’s dangers. And if you’re playing in survival mode, death is always lurking around the corner, whether from starvation, a snake bite, or simply not being able to find your way home in time.
But here’s the kicker: it’s addictive. Every time you think you’ve got the hang of it, the jungle throws something new at you—like a sudden storm or a wild animal that isn’t too keen on you building a shelter in its territory. If you’re ready for an intense survival experience that’ll test your resourcefulness and patience, Green Hell is your perfect match. Just make sure you’re prepared to face your own fears—because this jungle doesn’t care if you’re ready or not.
7 Days to Die
7 Days to Die is the perfect mix of zombie survival and resource management with a dash of sheer panic. In a post-apocalyptic world where zombies roam freely, your goal is simple: survive. But it’s not just about avoiding the undead—it’s about building, crafting, and preparing for the inevitable “blood moon” that occurs every seven days. When that night rolls around, the zombies get stronger, faster, and more aggressive, and if you’re not ready, they’ll swarm your base like it’s a buffet.
The game’s depth lies in the fact that it’s not just about staying alive, but about surviving intelligently. You’ll need to scavenge for food, water, and supplies while fortifying your home with traps, weapons, and barricades. Every day brings new challenges—like gathering enough resources, battling off hostile creatures, and keeping your sanity in check. The clock is ticking, and the longer you survive, the harder it gets.
What makes 7 Days to Die stand out is its world-building and the way it encourages you to think ahead. It’s not just about gathering items for the day, but about planning for the long haul. The open-world environment is filled with dangers, but also opportunities to scavenge and find secrets. And when the seventh day rolls around, you’ll quickly realize that all your planning and preparation will determine whether you live or join the ranks of the undead.
If you like your survival games with a healthy dose of action, strategy, and a touch of terror, 7 Days to Die is the game for you. Just don’t forget to lock your doors when night falls—you never know who (or what) is lurking outside.
Valheim
Valheim is like stepping into a Viking fever dream, but with way more survival and way less feasting in the halls of Valhalla. You’re dropped into a gorgeous, procedurally generated world full of lush forests, towering mountains, and mist-covered swamps, all while trying to survive the elements, battle mythical creatures, and, of course, build your own Viking empire. Your ultimate goal? To defeat the ancient beings that rule the world and secure your place in Valhalla, but good luck getting there without putting in some serious work.
The game kicks off with the bare minimum: you’re given basic tools and a set of goals that push you to gather resources, craft gear, and explore the world around you. From there, the world opens up. You’ll need to chop wood, mine ores, hunt wild animals, and fight off trolls, skeletons, and more, all while trying to stay alive in a world where every biome presents new challenges. But here’s the fun part: Valheim isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, building, and exploring. You can create impressive longhouses, massive forts, or even ships to explore the seas. And if you want to go it alone, that’s totally doable—but it’s much more fun with friends in tow.
The real beauty of Valheim lies in how it balances exploration, combat, and crafting with a healthy dose of discovery. Each new area you explore brings new resources, new enemies, and new opportunities for adventure. It’s the kind of game where you’ll look up from hours of gameplay, realize it’s three in the morning, and wonder where the time went. If you’re into Viking lore, endless exploration, and getting lost in the beauty of a world that feels alive, Valheim will have you hooked from the first swing of your axe.
ARK: Survival Evolved
ARK: Survival Evolved is basically the ultimate “what if” scenario: What if you could crash-land on an island full of dinosaurs, wild creatures, and a whole bunch of other prehistoric chaos? In this game, that’s exactly what happens. You’re stranded on a mysterious island, left with nothing but your wits and a few basic tools, and your first priority is, of course, survival. But ARK doesn’t just have you struggling against hunger and weather—you’re going up against massive, sometimes terrifying, creatures that want nothing more than to make you their lunch.
The game’s core loop is all about gathering resources, crafting gear, and taming (yes, taming!) the wild creatures that roam the island. You can start by taking down smaller dinosaurs for meat and hide, but eventually, you’ll find yourself trying to ride a T-Rex or even raise and breed your own prehistoric army. The island is full of dangers, from aggressive carnivores to unpredictable weather, but it’s also full of opportunities. Explore the island, discover hidden caves, and uncover the mysteries of the world around you.
But here’s the kicker—ARK is a game that rewards patience, creativity, and teamwork. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, you’ll need to strategize to build your base, defend against enemy tribes, and tame the wild creatures around you. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving in a world where every day brings a new challenge. The game is huge, and there’s always something to discover, from ancient ruins to massive boss battles that’ll have you praying for just a little more ammo.
If you’ve ever wanted to live out your own Jurassic Park fantasy, ARK: Survival Evolved is your chance. Just remember: on this island, it’s eat or be eaten, and the dinosaurs are definitely winning.
Which Survival Games Have the Best Storylines?
Survival games aren’t just about staying alive (although, yes, that’s a pretty big part of it). Sometimes, they pull you into a story that’s so good you forget you’re even in danger—well, until a T-Rex shows up, that is. If you’re looking for survival games that actually make you care about the world you’re trying to survive in, then these are the ones to check out.
- Subnautica — The story is revealed bit by bit as you dive deeper, uncovering the secrets of the planet. It’s about discovering why you’re stuck there in the first place, and how to escape. It’s like being on a treasure hunt, but the treasure is terrifying, and the ocean doesn’t exactly have your back.
- The Long Dark — The story mode, “Wintermute,” isn’t just about managing hunger—it’s about finding your missing wife while battling the elements. And let’s not forget, it’s all set against the backdrop of an eerie, silent, snow-covered world that makes every step feel heavy with meaning.
- Don’t Starve — Alright, this one’s a bit wacky, but hear me out. As you gather resources and fight off strange monsters, you’ll start to uncover the weird history behind the world you’re in and the quirky characters who inhabit it.
- Green Hell — As you search for your missing wife, you’ll find that the real challenge isn’t just staying alive—it’s staying sane. And trust me, the story gets deep. The psychological aspect really sets it apart from other survival games.
- Frostpunk — If you thought surviving a zombie apocalypse was tough, try keeping a city alive during an ice age. The story here isn’t just about surviving the cold; it’s about making morally tough choices that affect everyone around you.
Which Survival Games Have The Best Multiplayer?
Survival games are fun on your own, sure, but let’s be real—surviving is always more exciting with friends (or, in some cases, a group of people you can blame when things go terribly wrong). If you’re looking for the best survival games to play with your squad, then you’re in the right place.
- ARK: Survival Evolved — Whether you’re teaming up with friends to build the ultimate base or fighting off waves of enemies, ARK has the kind of multiplayer chaos that makes you want to cry and laugh at the same time. And don’t forget the whole “giant creatures” thing. Because nothing says team bonding like trying to tame a T-Rex while your buddy is getting eaten by a raptor.
- Conan Exiles — If you’ve ever wanted to live out your barbarian fantasies (and who hasn’t, right?), Conan Exiles delivers. It’s brutal, it’s savage, and it’s exactly what you need to build kingdoms with your friends. You can create a clan, fight enemies, and survive the harshest of environments, all while clashing swords in large-scale battles. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to see their friend get smacked with a giant club by a sandworm while you’re busy raiding a fortress?
- 7 Days to Die — If you prefer surviving in a world filled with zombies, 7 Days to Die will test your teamwork. It’s you and your friends against the undead, where you’ll need to build, scavenge, and craft your way to survival. But here’s the kicker: every seventh day, things get real intense with hordes of zombies. The game offers a lot of freedom in how you approach the chaos, so there’s always room for creative survival strategies and plenty of friendly sabotage… ahem, I mean, teamwork.
- Raft — Raft takes a different approach to survival—it’s not about fighting off zombies or wild animals. Instead, it’s just you, your friends, and the vast ocean. Stranded on a small raft, you’ll need to gather resources, build your floating home, and survive the challenges the sea throws your way (sharks, anyone?). The co-op aspect is a blast, especially when you realize that your raft can quickly go from a tiny speck of wood to a massive floating fortress… until someone knocks over the water purifier, that is.
- Project Zomboid — If you want to survive with a bit of realism, Project Zomboid has you covered. It’s a top-down zombie survival game where you and your friends need to scavenge, fortify, and outlast the apocalypse. Unlike the usual survival game, Project Zomboid is all about managing your survival in a world that’s slowly crumbling away. The multiplayer mode lets you team up with friends to fight off zombies, but it’s the realistic survival mechanics—like managing hunger, illness, and mental state—that really make it stand out. The chaos here isn’t just about fighting zombies; it’s about not losing your sanity while doing it.
Which Survival Games Have The Best Crafting System?
Crafting is where survival games can really shine—or, you know, make you question every life decision you’ve ever made. If you’re the kind of player who loves gathering resources, creating gear, and building the ultimate survival setup, then you know a solid crafting system can make or break the experience.
- Minecraft — Minecraft might be the most well-known survival game for a reason. Its crafting system is simple, but it’s also incredibly deep. You start with the basics, gathering wood and stone to make tools, but before you know it, you’re crafting enchanted gear and building massive structures to survive and thrive.
- Raft — Raft might seem like it’s all about floating on the open seas, but trust me, it’s the crafting that’ll keep you hooked. At first, you’re barely hanging on to a tiny raft with nothing but a hook to grab debris, but as you gather resources, you start expanding your little floating home into a full-on survival hub.
- The Long Dark — If you’re looking for a survival game where crafting is a matter of life and death, The Long Dark is a prime example. It’s not about fancy, futuristic gadgets or elaborate buildings—it’s about raw, essential survival. You’ll be crafting tools, weapons, and shelter to survive in the harsh Canadian wilderness, where every choice matters.
- 7 Days to Die — If you like your crafting systems with a side of zombies, then 7 Days to Die has you covered. The crafting system in this game is incredibly detailed. It allows you to create everything from weapons and armor to entire fortresses to keep those pesky zombies out. The cool part? The crafting is tied into the survival mechanics. So you’ll need to manage your resources and think ahead to prepare for the inevitable zombie hordes.
- Conan Exiles — Conan Exiles has a crafting system that’s as brutal as the world it’s set in. The system is extensive, with tons of materials and blueprints to discover.
