21 Best Survival Games in 2025 – How Prepared Are You?
When you’re at your most vulnerable, that’s when your true potential shines, and that’s exactly what the best survival games do. They push us to our limits and bring out the best in us, and that’s why we’re hooked on the survival games genre.
From crafting bases out of nothing to defending your village from otherworldly beasts, it’s a massive playground, where you have to survive against all kinds of foes. The possibilities? Practically endless and that’s the best part.
In our curated list of the best survival games, you’ll find a variety of different games. We aren’t only sticking with the games where you’re expected to simply survive a wave of enemies and call it a day, we’re including a plethora of games from sub-genres of survival games to ensure that there’s something for everyone.
So, let’s dive right in.
Our Top Picks for Survival Games
Before we go all in, let’s break the tension with a few top picks of mine that you shouldn’t think twice before grabbing.
- Valheim (2021): A Viking-inspired survival game with massive components of Greek mythology, your skills will be tested against all sorts of enemies.
- Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition (2011): A sandbox title where possibilities are endless. One day you’re building skyscrapers and the next, you’re hunting dragons.
- Rust (2013): Dropped in the wild, with nothing to your name except a rock and a torch, Rust is your true test of surviving the wild.
- Subnautica (2018): One of the fewest survival games where your entire existence depends on underwater species, it’s too much fun.
- No Man’s Sky (2016): Set in a galaxy with countless planets, NMS with its number of updates over the years, makes it one of the best games in the entire genre.
These few titles are simply too good and I thought it was a good decision to lead with these titles. However, things don’t stop here, I’ve hand-picked many genre-defining titles that’ll take your breath away so make sure to stick with the article till the end to find some true gems of the survival games genre.
21 Best Survival Games in 2025
Survival games are loved throughout the gaming community and a major reason is that you can sink countless hours in this genre without getting bored. One moment, you’re collecting resources for your next building, and the next, you’re fighting off invasions and it’s that thrilling chaos that keeps you glued to the edge of your seat.
Over the years, we’ve seen and played plenty of survival games. Whether they’re open-world survival games or zombie survival games, there are a ton of games out there but, only a handful of games made it to the top charts and today, we’ll dive into the best survival games out there so bear with us till the end.
1. Valheim
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2021 | Iron Gate Studio |
This is an awesome RPG game that throws you into a massive Viking-inspired open world, where survival is just as important as glory. Like many other survival games, it drops you in the middle of nowhere and you have to get to work right away.
Cut some trees, pick up a few stones, and build a crafting table and you know how the rest of the things go.
However, what sets Valheim apart is that it offers you a variety of enemies and challenges throughout your journey and allows you to team up with friends and family in the co-op mode. Overall, with its funky mechanics and Vikings-inspired settings, this title is definitely worth the money.
2. Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2011 | Mojang Studios |
This boundless adventure game is considered genre-defining and offers endless possibilities of survival. Whether you’re playing survival mode or playing with your best buds on their servers, Minecraft will challenge your inner creativity.
You can craft anything here. From building skyscrapers to farms with livestock and complete farming equipment, there’s nothing you cannot do in Minecraft, making it an all-time favorite for many gamers.
Now with different variations and support for real-time ray tracing, the game never looked better and since the community is growing massively each year, you’ll never run out of content for Minecraft, making it a timeless favorite.
Get your copy of Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition >
3. Rust
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox One, Mac operating systems | 2013 | Facepunch Studios |
Whenever there’s talk of the most engaging multiplayer games, Rust will always take the top spot. This brutal survival game puts you in a harsh world with hardly anything and you have to craft shelters and capture resources, all while protecting them from your opponents.
And since Rust is an online PvP survival game with factors like hunger, thirst, and weather threatening your existence, you’ll have to either create alliances with other players or outwit them and steal their resources. As you can tell, Rust can be quite unforgiving at times and that makes it one of the thrilling survival games of recent times.
If you’re in the market to test your survival skills against the best, you must check out Rust.
4. Subnautica
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2018 | Unknown Worlds Entertainment |
After crashing on an alien planet that’s entirely made up of an ocean in this stunning indie game, you’ll have to dive into deep waters to survive. From crafting various tools to fighting off mysterious creatures of the underworld, Subnautica keeps you on your toes at all times, making it a true fan-favorite in the survival games genre.
The graphics of the game are absolutely beautiful and with phenomenal attention to detail, it’s easier to lose track of time. Moreover, As you dive deeper, the game throws tougher challenges and more complex mechanics your way.
But since it’s a solo adventure, every new discovery keeps things exciting, so boredom never stands a chance. It’s easily one of the best survival sims out there.
5. No Man’s Sky
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2017 | Hello Games |
To every space exploration enthusiast out there, No Man’s Sky burst onto the scene as a ray of hope. It offered everything we could ever want, and although, it required a few updates here and there, Hello Games managed to deliver one of the best space survival games of our time.
With billions of planets to discover, No Man’s Sky puts you in a space suit, equips you with a spaceship, and gives you all the necessary tools to survive the outer wilds. Things like running out of oxygen and energy aren’t the only things that’ll get you, there are a ton of monsters and other elements out to get you and it makes it so much fun to play.
With regular updates over the years, No Man’s Sky has evolved massively, and if you’re looking for a game with decent gameplay and a friendly community, must check this one out.
Get your copy of No Man’s Sky >
6. Palworld
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2024 | Pocket Pair |
Set in the thriving Palpagos Island, Palworld is the open-world survival game we always wanted. Right away, it offered us the freedom to roam around the beautifully crafted island and begin our survival journey.
The world is beautiful and full of opportunities and you can begin by crafting some wood and start catching some Pals, Pokemon-like creatures which you can capture using Pokemon-like balls.
Once you have captured Pals, you can assign them different tasks, take them to battle, and in dire times, you can cook them up for a special meal too. With its graphics, decent mechanics, and a fun-to-play multiplayer mode, it didn’t take long for Palworld to become a fan-favorite in the survival games genre.
7. ARK: Survival Evolved
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2017 | Studio Wildcard |
Dive into one of the greatest dinosaur games, waking up on a Dinosaur-filled island with nothing but your fists to defend yourself. ARK: Survival Evolved is where your true survival skills will be put to the test.
Alone on a mysterious island, you’ll have to craft weapons, and gather resources and once you’re equipped with the right tools, you’ll delve into the world of taming Dinosaurs and this is where all the fun begins.
Once you’ve tamed a few dinosaurs and wild animals, you can use them for various purposes. From riding them throughout the Island to raiding other parties, ARK: Survival Evolved offers a truly immersive experience through its sandbox gameplay.
Get your copy of ARK: Survival Evolved >
8. The Forest
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2014 | Endnight Games |
The Forest is a an intense horror game that’s guaranteed to scare the living hell out of you. After crashing on a mysterious island and witnessing a dark figure kidnap your son, you’re the only other survivor on the plane and will have to survive mysterious enemies, cannibals, and almost every wild animals you can think of.
Eventually, you’ll get the resources, build your tree house, and then the real fun begins. You’ll have to find your son and save him which gives you a real purpose in the game.
In many survival games, you’re just thrown into the wild to survive. But when there’s an ongoing plot to follow, things get way more interesting and really hook you in. The Forest does just that, giving you a compelling story that motivates you to spend hours immersed in the game, making it an excellent title.
9. DayZ
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2013 | Bohemia Interactive Studio |
This title is one of the greatest zombie games that still boasts a vast community of daily players. It features online gameplay where you’re thrown off in a zombie-infested city where you’ll have to find food, craft weapons, medicines, and shelters, all while fighting zombies and other players on the servers.
With its recent Vanilla update, DayZ offered new content and stronger zombies which greatly revived the game, and tons of new players came abroad. Moreover, if you’re looking for a third-person shooter-style survival game with ARs and all kinds of modern weapons, DayZ comes highly recommended.
10. Don’t Starve
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, iOS, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2013 | Klei Entertainment |
Looking for a different perspective on survival games? Don’t Starve with its spooky gameplay will surely blow you away.
Don’t Starve offers cartoonish gameplay of a strange terrain where you have to craft and survive the wild. From furious honey bees to mean buffalos, there are all sorts of enemies out there that’ll keep you on your toes.
The crafting mechanics are quite vast as you can do all sorts of stuff in this game. From setting up traps for rabbits to building farms to cooking up food, Don’t Starve ensures that you’re always doing something. People who enjoy spooky games must check out Don’t Starve, it could be the next big thing for you.
Get your copy of Don’t Starve >
11. This War of Mine
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 2014 | 11 bit studios |
This War of Mine isn’t like other intense war games. You’re not a soldier – you’re a civilian, just trying to get by in a war-torn city. This is exactly what makes it so special.
Here, every decision feels heavy. Do you risk scavenging at night, knowing you might not come back? Or do you stay put and hope you don’t starve?
The game is brutal. Hunger, sickness, and moral dilemmas put you in some of the toughest situations you ever faced in the gaming world. You might have to steal from the innocent or let someone in your group die. It’s not just about survival but what you’re willing to do to make it through.
With a gripping 2.5D art style and a haunting soundtrack, it pulls you in. It’s got a 94% rating on Steam from over 60,000 reviews and takes around 10-15 hours per playthrough. If you want a survival war game that makes you think, feel, and struggle, there is no stronger contender than This War of Mine.
Get your copy of This War of Mine >
12. The Last of Us Part I
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows | 2013 | Naughty Dog |
Survival games aren’t just about crafting tools and shelters out of wood and stones and calling it a day, some titles like The Last of Us Part I are also epic story games that will simply blow you away with their incredible plot, stunning gameplay, and all-over excellence in every way possible.
The Last Of Us tells a dark tale of the aftermath of a fungal infection outbreak that turns humans into undead creatures. The game follows the the tale of Joel and Ellie who try to sneak their way out of the boundaries and reach their destination. However, their journey is filled with all sorts of dangers.
The plot is written beautifully and with its impeccable graphics and overall mechanics, it’s a no-brainer to call TLOUS one of the finest survival games out there.
Get your copy of The Last of Us Part I >
13. Metro Exodus
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One | 2019 | N4A Games |
Metro Exodus is a fantastic FPS game with a heavy emphasis on survival mechanics. Set in post-apocalyptic Russia, Metro Exodus follows a group of survivors as they make their way through the harsh terrain filled with terrors of all kinds.
Along the way, you have to rely on supplies to craft weapons, bullets, and other useful tools. The plot is to die for and if you’ve played previous games in the franchise, you’d know how good the story is for each installment.
Moving on, every part of the gameplay is exceptional in its own way and if you’re a fan of horror survival games with good storylines, I can’t recommend Metro Exodus enough.
Get your copy of Metro Exodus >
14. The Long Dark
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, GeForce Now, Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Mac operating systems | 2014 | Hinterland Studio |
Whether you’re dropping into the coastal highway or deep into the hushed river valley, there’s a challenge waiting for you at every corner of The Long Dark. It is one of those few survival games where you only have a single task, survive. The entire gameplay depends on exploration of the map and finding supplies in the most unexpected spaces.
While there are a few wolves and bears out to get you, there aren’t any undead creatures or other mysterious creatures found along the way so if you’re only expecting a simple survival game with good visuals and no drama, The Long Dark is a good place to start.
Moreover, there’s a story mode available as well that adds to the immersion factor and makes this game worthy of your time and money.
Get your copy of The Long Dark >
15. Firewatch
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows | 2016 | Campo Santo |
If you’re looking for a survival game that you can immerse yourself in for just a handful of hours, Firewatch is a great place to do that. With its campaign lasting only a few hours, Firewatch can give you survival, crafting, storytelling, and an unforgettable immersive experience in a single setting.
Firewatch is set in the Wyoming wilderness in the late 80’s where the protagonist is a professional fire watcher but when sudden mysterious events start to unravel, you’ll question everything around you. Firewatch with its gripping plot will keep you at the edge of your seats at all times.
If you don’t want to spend chunks of hours on a survival game and just want something for a single sitting, don’t miss out on Firewatch.
16. State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Microsoft Windows, Xbox One | 2020 | Undead Labs |
From all of the exceptional open-world games released over the years, State of Decay 2 with its version of undead zombies stands in a league of its own. Featuring a beautifully crafted city, you’re the leader of the pack that’s tasked with finding the supplies, crafting shelter, and keeping the survivors alive, all while fighting undead creatures looming out of every corner.
With a single and multiplayer mode, State of Decay 2 keeps you busy with various different settings. Although playing alongside your friends in co-op mode is too much fun, you can depend on the single-player mode to keep you busy for a good few hours.
One thing I liked the most about State of Decay 2 is that, unlike other survival games, it keeps the game mechanics very easy to understand. You can craft different tools and shelters without requiring too much effort. All-in-all, it is another excellent zombie survival game that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Get your copy of State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition >
17. Green Hell
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2018 | Creepy Jar |
Green Hell is a brutal survival sim set in the deadly Amazon forest. From poisonous trees to the pissed-off local inhabitants of the jungle, danger looms at every corner. Green Hell follows the tale of Jake Higgins who embarks on a journey to find his lost wife but is met with a harsh reality when Amazonian cannibals attack his boat kill and driver and leave him for the snakes.
After regaining consciousness, your journey starts right away as you have to gather some supplies to craft shelter and find some food. There’s a massive emphasis on the mental state of the character and the overall health of the protagonist which adds a layer of realism and immersion to the game.
The lush green surrounding with its beautiful lakes and different terrains makes Green Hell one of the finest-looking survival games out there. Moreover, while Green Hell is intended for single-player mostly, you can team up with your friends and play in the co-op mode which makes it a lot more fun to play.
18. Days Gone
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows | 2019 | Bend Studio |
Days Gone is considered a GOAT in the story-driven survival games and there’s no doubting that. Whether you’re here just to kill hoards and hoards of zombies or simply want to play a TPS game with a good plot, Days Gone is one of the best AAA titles on the market. And while we continue our wait for the sequel, all we can do is revisit the zombie-filled Oregon.
At its core, Days Gone is an open-world survival game with a gripping story, memorable characters, and zombies. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by Freakers (zombies), you’ll have to navigate through town gathering all the resources, completing various quests, and keeping your weapon arsenal and motorbike in optimal condition.
Moreover, with its dynamic weather and evolving surroundings, Days Gone offers a survival experience like no other game. If you’re seeking a story-based game that delivers on so many levels, I’d highly recommend checking out Days Gone.
19. Raft
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2018 | Redbeet Interactive |
Stranded in the middle of the ocean with just a raft and a fishing tool, you have to make the most out of the things you have. Luckily, there are a ton of scraps floating around you so it isn’t as challenging as some other brutal survival we’ve listed on our list.
Nevertheless, with a family of sharks attacking you ever so often, you’ll have to remain at the edge of your seat whenever you decide to take a swim for some new supplies. Raft keeps things simple and pushes you to collect supplies and expand your raft by collecting wooden planks, crafting tables, antennas, and everything you could think of.
For someone who hasn’t sunk countless hours in survival games genre and looking for a good place to start, there’s no better option to dip your toes into survival sims than Raft.
20. Grounded: Fully Yoked Edition
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows | 2024 | Obsidian Entertainment |
Imagine waking up to find yourself just 6cm tall instead of 6ft, forced to survive among ants, beetles, and all the creepy crawlies of the backyard. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, that’s exactly the wild survival adventure Grounded throws you into!
Right away, you’ll have to craft tools for your survival, kill a few ants and mites along the way, and complete objectives, all while keeping yourself sane in this insane world. For someone who isn’t well-versed in survival games, Grounded is not the best place to start for a newbie as there are a lot of moving parts here, and wrapping your head around all the mechanics can be quite complicated.
On the other hand, if you’re a survival games enthusiast and don’t mind complicated mechanics, you’ll love Grounded. Whether you’re crafting tools or taking on giant grasshoppers, it’s too much fun and I’d highly recommend it.
Get your copy of Grounded: Fully Yoked Edition >
21. Enshrouded
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2024 | Keen Games |
For our final pick, we couldn’t overlook Enshrouded. This RPG-style survival game packs a rich narrative and breathtaking world that will completely pull you in. From its excellent melee combat that’ll remind you of games like Elden Ring to crafting resources out of thin air, Enshrouded offers something different that we haven’t seen in any other open-world survival game.
As for the plot, Enshrouded showcases the aftermath of a devastated civilization after a deadly fog killed almost everyone except a few. You are tasked with restoring the peace of the world by taking on hostile forces, recovering lost survivors, and completing various RPG-style quests throughout your adventure.
Enshrouded stands out from the usual survival games with its rich narrative and a strong focus on exploration and environmental interaction. It delivers a deeply immersive experience, making it all too easy to lose track of time as you dive into its world.
Co-op Survival Games
Surviving solo can be a grind – spending hours just to craft a single tool – but when you’ve got friends alongside you, gathering resources, building shelters, and fighting off zombie hordes becomes an absolute blast.
A huge part of the survival genre’s success comes from the sheer number of great co–op games with survival modes out there.
We’ve already highlighted co–op–friendly titles like Enshrouded, State of Decay 2, Valheim, and Minecraft, but if you want to play Don’t Starve with friends, make sure to grab Don’t Starve Together. It’s survival at its best.
Survival Games Subgenres
The survival games genre is quite vast and it’s divided into many sub-genres, making it easier to identify various sorts of survival games.
Let’s look at some popular categories:
- Open-world survival games are the ones where you can explore everything from the tallest peak to the deepest cave. And frankly, most survival games have massive open worlds that offer you the perfect playground to test your instincts and craft almost everything you may need. These are games like Days Gone and No Man’s Sky.
- Survival horror games are those that will scare the living hell out of you, and there are certainly quite a few of them out there. With their spooky settings and otherworldly creatures with deep plots, you’ll be forced to sleep with your eyes open. From our list, it’s games like The Forest.
- Zombie survival games are arguably in most famous sub-genre. Whether you’re playing a story-driven game like Dying Light 2 or a sandbox title like 7 Days to Die, you’ll find tons of zombie content out there.
- Post-apocalyptic survival games are my favorite, as they enable me to wake up after a devastating event has ended most of civilization and give me the entire map to explore. These are games like The Last of Us franchise and Metro Exodus.
Upcoming Survival Games
Thankfully, there are a ton of new survival games coming our way in the near future and we’re very hyped for them. A few titles that I’m particularly looking forward to include the following:
- Dune Awakening will be an open-world survival MMO set on Arrakis, where you’ll need to navigate the harsh desert environment and a lot of political intrigue.
- The Alters will offer an interesting sci-fi survival adventure, where you’ll need to create alternative versions of your character to escape a hostile planet.
- Atomfall will bring you post-apocalyptic survival, where you’ll need to scavenge resources and build shelters in a radioactive wasteland.
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered will be an enhanced version of the game, featuring improved graphics and gameplay for PC players.
- ARC Raiders will be a cooperative third-person shooter where players band together to resist mechanized threats in a dystopian future.
Hopefully, these titles will live up to the hype and blow us all away with incredible gameplay!
FAQs
What is the best survival game out there?
Valheim and Subnautica are considered the best survival games currently available. Both come with a huge community, with millions of people logging in every day to craft something new.
What is the most complex survival game?
Grounded is undoubtedly the most complex survival game on the market. It has many moving parts and complicated mechanics that are hard to wrap your head around.
What survival game has the most players?
Minecraft is by far the most popular survival game and it boasts millions of players every day across various platforms, from PCs to the Nintendo Switch.
Is there a game like DayZ?
State of Decay 2 is very similar to DayZ with nearly identical mechanics and a massive open world, where you’ll find hoards of zombies scattered throughout the map.
