20 Best Zombie Games in 2025 – Must-Play Undead Horror
Looking for the best zombie games to satisfy your hunger for hardcore survival elements and brain-eating, undead creatures? If you are, then congratulations, you’ve just found your “safe zone”.
It’s a well-known fact that the zombie genre has become oversaturated, all thanks to the mainstream media pumping out tons and tons of zombie-related games, books, movies, and shows over the years. This means you have a lot of choices if you want to get into zombie games, and that’s a good thing!
But sometimes, too many options can get a little overwhelming, right? I’ve got your back though, as I have listed 20 of the greatest zombie games out there, taking into account my personal experience playing them and how the entire gaming community liked these games as a whole.
Now, if you still want to know the best zombie games that will keep you up at night not just out of terror but also thrilling, spine-tingling fun, then feel free to carry on – if you dare.
Our Top Picks for Zombie Games
Since we’re on the topic of the best zombie games ever, let me give you my top picks (get it?) for zombie games I’d personally recommend anyone to try, zombie fan or not:
- Project Zomboid (2013) – best zombie survival game in terms of realism and resource management.
- DayZ (2013) – arguably the best multiplayer zombie game on the market with a large, active playerbase and consistent updates.
- They Are Billions (2017) – the go-to zombie title if you’re into challenging, strategic gameplay.
- The Walking Dead (2012) – offers by far one of the best narrative experiences of any zombie game out there, as your dialogue choices and actions shape the game’s storyline drastically.
- Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) – an excellent remake of a beloved older game with fantastic graphics and engaging puzzle mechanics.
If you’re wondering why your favorite game isn’t on here, then don’t worry. There are still other games that didn’t make my top picks listed further below – all of which are top-tier zombie games that are worthy of at least one playthrough.
20 Best Zombie Games in 2025
Every single title listed here has several of the elements that make a zombie game truly great, which are thrilling gameplay, horrifying sound and atmosphere designs, high-stakes narratives, and of course, the most important thing, downright terrifying zombies that take body horror to the extreme.
Before we start, note that I have not added titles featuring zombie-like creatures that can’t technically be considered zombies on this list.
With that out of the way, here are the 20 greatest zombie games for thrillseekers who are looking for the most haunting, yet exciting gaming experience!
1. Project Zomboid
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Linux, Web browser, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2013 |
In Project Zomboid, putting zombies down is the least of your worries. You only have one goal, and that’s to stay alive. After all, this game has a high-stakes permadeath mechanic, where you can lose hours upon hours of progress if you make even the slightest mistake.
Project Zomboid is hands down one of the most intense indie games of all time. It offers a uniquely brutal and unforgiving take on the zombie survival genre that not even some of the best AAA games can accomplish.
Whenever you play this game, you feel like an actual survivor with little to no plot armor. You constantly need to look for food, medicine, gear, and drinkable water for survival while avoiding hordes of undead. It’s a hard, yet satisfying gameplay loop that’s perfect for hardcore survival fans who don’t mind a challenge.
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2. DayZ
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2018 |
If you’re looking for an open-world multiplayer zombie game with a very active player base and consistent updates, then DayZ is the game for you. This is especially true if you enjoy remarkable survival games with strategic, base-building elements optimized for co-op play.
Simply put, DayZ is one of the best if you’re into both zombie games and multiplayer games. It has great PVP and exploration systems, not to mention it runs great on every platform you play, all thanks to the developers optimizing the game continuously since launch.
The game being multiplayer doesn’t mean you can’t play DayZ solo, though. You can still have tons of fun as a lone survivor, but do note that some players will happily gun you down and cannibalize you just for the fun of it. Honestly, I’d say this just adds to the realism of the game. Just be wary of strangers when playing alone!
3. They Are Billions
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One | 2017 |
Looking for the best zombie game that will test your strategic prowess? Give They Are Billions a try! Zombie games in the tower defense genre are a dime a dozen, but They Are Billions is definitely one of the best post-apocalyptic games for zombie fans who also love tower defense, if not the best.
In They Are Billions, you can build your base Clash of Clans-style, customize it as you please, develop defenses, and collect resources across the map so your human colony can survive against massive waves of undead enemies.
To add to the pros, this game also features stylized, steampunk visuals, randomized maps, and a steep learning curve, making it the perfect game for hardcore zombophiles looking for the next thrilling challenge to conquer.
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4. The Walking Dead
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Android, iOS, Kindle Fire HDX, OS X, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Ouya, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One | 2012 |
Speaking of incredible horror games, we have Telltale’s The Walking Dead, which is a timeless CYOA (creat-your-own-adventure) classic. This game doesn’t have complex exploration or combat systems like most games on this list have, but it’s the perfect game for zombie fans who want to control the narrative, as some of the choices you make have lasting consequences here.
There’s no doubt that The Walking Dead TV series is by far the most recognizable IP in zombie media, and Telltale’s The Walking Dead is set in the same universe. The zombies ate and infected most of humanity, civilization as we know it has completely fallen, and survivors rarely take showers.
Despite the similarities, however, The Walking Dead features a different cast of characters compared to the show, most of whom are quite memorable and are compelling additions, even when compared to the characters in the show.
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5. Resident Evil 2 Remake
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, iPadOS, macOS | 2019 |
Resident Evil 2 is a masterclass on video game remakes, as not only does it do justice to its predecessor’s legacy, but it’s also a massive improvement in terms of graphics, game mechanics, storytelling, and visual and sound design.
This game kickstarted a chain release of some of the greatest Resident Evil games of all time, most of which are top-tier remakes of already-beloved classics. As a fan of the franchise (yes, even the movies), the recent releases have been so great that I just don’t see a reason not to recommend the video game series to any zombie or survival horror game enthusiast out there.
Resident Evil 2, in particular, is a good place to start if you want to get into the Resident Evil series and is one of the more terrifying titles in the catalog in terms of pure horror elements. It has fantastic visuals and fun puzzle mechanics too, not to mention a great storyline that’s becoming a staple in more recent Resident Evil releases.
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6. The Last of Us Part II Remastered
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PC, PlayStation 5 | 2025 |
The Last of Us Part II Remake is one of the more well-done sequels in media, and that’s saying a lot since most sequels, especially in games, tend to fall short. Right from the start, it grabs you with its emotional story and stunning visuals.
The intense moments keep you on edge, while the story digs deep into tough themes like revenge, grief, and forgiveness. The performances by Ellie, Joel, and Abby are incredible, with each character feeling real and complex. It’s a tough and emotional ride, but if you’ve been following the series, you already know it’s worth every minute.
Along with its predecessor, The Last of Us Part II is one of the best story games ever made!
If you’re a fan of incredible narrative-driven games and wouldn’t mind a healthy serving of horror elements to go along with them, then you should get in line for this game ASAP.
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7. Dying Light
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2015 |
Dying Light is one of the top open-world games to play for zombie and horror survival fans alike. I’ve played this game along with its sequel, and I have to say that very few zombie titles give you that elusive, terror-induced adrenaline rush quite like this series.
Thanks to the parkour and grappling hook mechanics, Dying Light has one of the best open-world exploration systems out of any video game out there. Accompanied by a great story and solid graphics, I think most gamers would have trouble putting this one down once they start playing.
Before jumping into Dying Light 2, I highly recommend starting with Dying Light, especially if you prefer a darker, more horrifying experience.
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8. Left 4 Dead 2
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Linux, GeForce Now, Mac operating systems | 2009 |
Left 4 Dead 2 is an iconic co-op showpiece that holds up well even against modern zombie games. I can never forget the first time I encountered a Witch in the first L4D, then shot it out of curiosity before it absolutely decimated me as my team watched in shock, helpless as I screamed.
The sheer terror Left 4 Dead left me and a lot of other players with is what kept us hooked, and we all thought it couldn’t possibly get any better. Then, of course, Valve had to top the first game with the banger that is Left 4 Dead 2. It has better campaigns, wider weapon selections, and more terrifying, unique zombies that you can fight and even play as in PVP.
What I like the most about the Left 4 Dead franchise, however, is how passionate the community is. Even more than a decade later, it still sees around 15,000 to 30,000 concurrent players on Steam, not to mention hundreds of mods to keep things fresh and exciting.
9. Plants vs. Zombies
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, DSiWare, Android, Windows Phone/Windows 10 Mobile, PlayStation Vita, BlackBerry Tablet OS, BlackBerry 10 | 2009 |
Next up, we have the iconic first game of one of the most popular tower defense game franchises of all time – Plants vs. Zombies. I’m sure almost every person in the world has played it at some point in their lives, but in case you haven’t, I highly recommend you pick it up as soon as you can.
Unlike other games on this list, Plants vs. Zombies doesn’t feature extreme gore or strong horror elements. Instead, it offers a fun, casual gameplay loop where all you have to do is survive the hordes of undead invading your lawn by planting all sorts of plants and letting them fight off the zombies.
It almost sounds too simple, sure, but this game is brilliant if you’re just looking for a chill zombie game with strategy elements to pass the time. It’s very accessible too, considering you can play it on your iOS or Android device wherever you go.
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10. Dead Space
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming | 2023 |
Dead Space stands proudly among the greatest space games of all time, with outstanding environmental and body horror elements that I think all zombie and horror genre fans would find irresistible.
Dead Space is another remake of a beloved old game that has improved upon its predecessor massively. It’s not just the graphics that saw an upgrade in the remake. The plot unravels better as you play the story, the eerie atmosphere is even more dreadful, loading screens have been optimized, and the overall quality of play is just better than the original.
This is the only game on the list that’s set in space, and knowing that you’re trapped in a giant metal box floating around pure nothingness with space zombies lurking around is one of the best thematic hooks you’ll ever experience as far as survival horror titles go.
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11. Dead Rising 2
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 | 2010 |
This is a zombie game that knows exactly what it is – pure, chaotic fun. You’re thrown into the shoes of Chuck Greene, a motocross racer turned zombie slayer, who’s trying to save his daughter in the middle of a massive zombie outbreak. The best part? You can do all this while mowing down zombies in the most over-the-top ways possible.
The combo weapons are a blast, and you’ll find yourself making wild creations just for the fun of it. The time limits add tension, but also make every decision feel crucial, whether it’s saving survivors or gathering supplies. While the story’s decent, it’s the gameplay that really shines. It’s a mix of survival, exploration, and zombie slaughter, and the world feels truly alive.
Dead Rising 2 doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. It’s one of those games where you can just jump in and have a ridiculous, zombie-slaying good time.
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12. Days Gone
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows | 2019 |
Days Gone is one of the most underrated video games of all time and is a resounding must-play for anyone looking for the best action survival games on the market. Despite not having the same love as other PlayStation titles upon release, it’s actually nowhere near as bad as critics made it seem, having played it myself from beginning to end.
In Days Gone, the zombie apocalypse has already taken out most of humanity, and you get to explore what remains on a fully customizable motorbike while getting into all sorts of your typical survivor shenanigans along the way.
Of course, your customizable vehicle isn’t the only thing that stands out about this game. Aside from the phenomenal atmosphere, visuals, story, and open world, Days Gone is also one of the very few zombie games that depict massive undead hordes and what going against them on your own is like really well.
Seriously, the zombie (i.e. freaker) hordes in this game are no joke.
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13. Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles Edition
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2017 |
The Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles Edition isn’t just about remastered maps in one of the most epic Call of Duty games – it’s a full FPS experience with intense action, futuristic weapons, and fluid movement. The campaign delivers a dark, mind-bending story – while multiplayer offers fast-paced gunplay with unique Specialists.
Zombies mode is the highlight – featuring eight remastered classics from World at War to Black Ops II with updated visuals and mechanics like GobbleGum.
Whether you’re battling undead hordes, competing in multiplayer, or diving into the deep storyline – this edition delivers one of the best Call of Duty experiences.
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14. State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows | 2018 |
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition refines the zombie survival formula with upgraded visuals, expanded content, and smoother gameplay. You’ll lead a community, scavenge for resources, and build defenses while facing relentless undead threats.
Unlike PvP-heavy survival games, this one leans into strategy and base management, making it one of the best single player games for zombie fans. With all DLCs, a new map, and improved mechanics, this edition delivers the ultimate survival experience, whether you’re playing solo or teaming up in co-op.
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15. 7 Days to Die
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S | 2013 |
7 Days to Die is a first-person survival horror game that has heavy crafting elements, resource management, and an intense, challenging combat system that allows you to showcase your skill in both gun and melee fights by slaughtering zombies by the dozen.
After putting in some hours in the game, all I have to say is that this is a 100% must-try for DayZ fans who also love Minecraft, as 7 Days to Die shares quite a few similarities with both games when it comes to engaging survival game mechanics.
If that’s not enough to sway you, keep in mind that 7 Days to Die also has a co-op tower defense game mode in addition to offering an optimized single-player experience, so you’ll find it hard to run out of content to play in this game.
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16. World War Z: Aftermath
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S | 2019 |
The World War Z movie was a good zombie thriller, but it wasn’t necessarily a gold standard for the genre as far as zombie movies go. World War Z: Aftermath, however, shows way more promise than the movie it was based on, and was a welcome surprise upon release.
World War Z: Aftermath is a third-person co-op game that’s similar to titles like Left 4 Dead 2 and Back 4 Blood, where you can either team up with other players or clear a variety of campaign maps solo, fight different zombie variants, and choose which characters to play as (the game currently has 30+ characters to choose from).
If for some reason you don’t vibe with any other multiplayer games on this list, then consider giving this one a fair shake.
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17. Dead Island 2
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | 2023 |
Dead Island 2 dropped one of the most hype-inducing trailers for any zombie game ever back in 2014 before flying under the radar for years. Then, almost a decade later, the game was finally released, and I can confidently say that the long wait was worth it.
Dead Island 1 was a great game, but Dead Island 2 just took the franchise to another level. It has gorgeous graphics, a fun storyline, a colorful cast of characters, more detailed maps, and a high-octane melee combat system that’ll have your blood pumping as you rip and tear through the living dead.
This engaging FPS game definitely made a fan out of me, and I’ll be looking forward to the Dead Island series’ next installment. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for an early release in 2035!
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18. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows | 2010 |
Some people say zombies and cowboys don’t mix well in a video game, to which I say, phooey on that. Red Dead Redemption, in addition to bringing us one of the best single-player stories ever, also brought us one of the most iconic zombie DLCs of all time in Undead Nightmare.
Undead Nightmare stands out as one of the greatest adventure games for those seeking a unique blend of Western storytelling and zombie survival gameplay. Its engaging narrative, diverse gameplay mechanics, and atmospheric setting make it a must-play title for fans of both genres.
19. Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Xbox, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | 2005 |
This title is the oldest zombie game on my list, but it’s a timeless classic that proves newer doesn’t necessarily mean better.
Sure the graphics are a little outdated and some game mechanics are a tad unoptimized, but it more than makes up for its shortcomings by having silly, over-the-top humor, as well as a distinctive playstyle that lets you take control of a zombie instead of a boring ‘ol human simply trying to survive.
Wanna know what it feels like to create an unstoppable tide of brain-eating maniacs and kickstart the zombie apocalypse yourself? Ditch zombie games with human MCs and pick up Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse for a change!
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20. Yet Another Zombie Survivors
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Microsoft Windows | 2023 |
Yet Another Zombie Survivors is an early-access indie game that caters both to the zombie and bullet-hell genre fans. Here, you can make a team of badass mercenary characters stronger with unique enhancements and synergies to help them survive hordes upon hordes of zombies.
This remarkable PC game has limitless replayability and is a quality action roguelike that’ll hit just right if you’d prefer a casual experience instead of slogging through some of the more complicated, lengthy zombie games on this list.
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Best Zombie Games on Xbox
Zombies and Xbox are a perfect match, delivering some of the most intense survival experiences in gaming. Whether you’re mowing down hordes in fast-paced shooters or scavenging for supplies in tense, open-world survival games, there’s no shortage of undead action.
Here are some of the greatest Xbox games with zombies:
- Dying Light 2 – Parkour through a massive open world while taking on the infected. Stay in the light or risk facing even deadlier threats at night.
- State of Decay 2 – Build a community, scavenge for supplies, and fight off relentless undead hordes in this dynamic, open-world survival game.
- Resident Evil 2 Remake – A terrifying reimagining of the survival horror classic, where every bullet counts and the undead never stop hunting you.
From story-driven adventures to chaotic co-op mayhem, Xbox offers some of the best zombie games across different genres. Whether you prefer heart-pounding horror or strategic survival, there’s a game that will satisfy your craving for undead thrills.
FAQs
Which is the no. 1 zombie game?
It’s a close call, but Dying Light is by far the best zombie game. It has great graphics, thrilling gameplay, a high-stakes narrative, and terrifying zombies. It has everything you could ever want from a zombie game.
What zombie game has the scariest zombies?
Left 4 Dead 2, without a second thought. Speaking from experience, the fear every new player feels after their first encounter with a Witch or a Tank is just hard to beat.
What is the best zombie defense game?
They Are Billions is the best. It’s one of the best RTS games for zombie fans who are looking for more strategy-focused titles instead of your usual shooter or hack-and-slash.
What is the most realistic zombie game?
Project Zomboid is the most realistic zombie game. Nothing captures the sheer brutality and dread of trying to survive in a zombie apocalypse, where anything can kill you.
