Survival games task players with navigating harsh environments by gathering resources, building tools, and crafting shelters. These are the best representatives of the genre you can play on your PC.
Minecraft is one of the first games that popularized the survival genre, and if you’ve played on one of the survival servers, you know how much fun it is. Over the years, developers have pushed out a number of quality survival games that you can play co-op with your friends or simply go at it solo. It’s unfortunate that triple-A game publishers are not catering to fans of the genre as most of the popular survival titles out there are from smaller studios.
- The Best Free PC Games for 2021. We've tested the best PC games for hunting monsters and blasting enemies without whipping out your debit or credit card. Wilson & Gabriel Zamora.
- Find Survival games for macOS like Snowy Path, Escape the Ayuwoki, Oceanwork, Slender - Dark Woods, 🧬They come at night - Demo on itch.io, the indie game hosting.
While the world is focused on games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Fortnite, survival games are seeing a resurgence in the gaming community. Survival horror games are not meant for everyone but if you are the type who loves venturing out into the unforgiving territory, then these are some of our top picks that you should check out. You can play these top multiplayer co-op survival games on Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PC, iPhone, Andriod or even online.
12. The Forest (2014)
While the other titles on this list belong to the survival genre, they are not particularly scary. The Forest, on the other hand, will spook you more than any ‘Resident Evil’ title ever will. You are constantly hunted by cannibals who will take advantage of every opportunity to get to you. There is no worse feeling in-game than seeing the cannibals stare right into your eyes as you find a way to scurry to safety. And if you thought gameplay during the day is spooky, wait until night hits in-game as things get even more terrifying. It is important to build traps and fortifications to keep yourself safe from the cannibals. The Forest is unlike any other zombie game you may have played in the past. The cannibals are methodical in their attacks and are not easily fooled. One wrong move and before you know it, you’ll be dead.
11. RUST (2013)
When you first hop on to RUST, you have nothing at your disposal, and the first thing the game tells you to do is chop down trees and smash rocks for resources. You need to put up a small base together to get started but knowing how the game really plays out, it won’t be long until wild animals start hunting you down like there’s no tomorrow. If you go for co-op gameplay, RUST will be a much more forgiving experience as you can watch each other’s’ backs. We recommend not going in solo as other players in groups will start hunting you down immediately. If you work together with your friend, you will be able to work towards building fortified towns with turrets, traps and other contraptions. The goal of the game is to survive other players for as long as possible. The best feeling in-game is when you manage to pull yourself out of unwinnable situations and end up annihilating enemy groups which alone makes the game worth playing.
10. ARK: Survival Evolved (2017)
ARK has been a mixed bag for most players, and it is very similar to RUST when it comes to mechanics. Unlike the Mad Max-like world of RUST, ARK is set in the prehistoric era with dinosaurs roaming the lands. You can turn them into allies and ride them if you dare but one wrong move and you’ll end up being food. You can recruit pterodactyls to fly around the map and attack enemy bases. You need to get your head around the taming system as dinosaurs are key to taking down bosses and cheesing special events. There’s a number of building tools available to all players, which means that you can customize your base however you please. The gameplay requires you to be careful about your food and water supplies as well as your stamina. If you are not sufficiently stocked, you will end up running into a lot of trouble. The game is best experienced with friends as it makes progression much easier for players.
9. Minecraft (2009)
If you want to experience survival in its truest form, Minecraft’s survival servers should be your calling. While the game’s dated graphics might turn a lot of players away, there is a lot more in store than you think. It’s not just another LEGO-like building game where you farm resources and create buildings; the community is constantly working towards adding new game modes in Minecraft that millions of players across the world enjoy. In the survival servers that are available in-game, you need to be careful about your health and stamina as you ward off zombies who come to destroy everything you ever built. The crafting system is amazing and allows players to build anything they want at all. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you can create your own custom servers as well.
8. DayZ (2013)
The game has been in early access for years and while its novelty may have faded a little, if you’ve never got to try it out since its release on the Steam store, you should definitely check the game out. It is one of the best modern-day survival games ever made, only marred by slow development time by the studio. If you are not a fan of the crafting system that drives most survival games, DayZ is far more approachable. While there is crafting in-game, it does not force players to spend hours every day for grinding resources. There are roleplay servers available as well, and if you love titles like Grand Theft Auto, you’ll enjoy every bit of the roleplay servers available in DayZ.
7. Astroneer (2019)
If you want to get away from the grim setting of the other games on this list, you should check out Astroneer. It’s not a game that seeks to frighten you by any means. Instead, it will always make you happy with its fun mechanics and light-hearted art-style. You can do on expeditions with your friends, and all you need to worry about is the amount of oxygen you have. You get to play the role of a scientist as you explore uncharted territory and develop research outposts in lands unknown. The advanced technology shown in-game is straight out of any Hollywood sci-fi flick with high-end gadgets and a number of other scientific curiosities that you will want to tinker with. The gameplay is fairly simple and much more welcoming than any other survival game on this list.
6. Terraria (2011)
Terraria is considered by many to be a 2D Minecraft clone, but it is far from the truth. While there are a lot of elements in common with Minecraft, the core of the gameplay is reliant on survival. Terraria launched with no co-op mode, but the developers added a 2P mode that makes the gameplay twice as fun. You will love making your way through dungeons with your friend as you explore new shelters, talk to interesting NPCs and more. There’s a number of magical tools and weapons that you can have fun with, and you’ll find a number of interesting monsters to battle.
The game does not open itself up to you at one go, and you have to spend time exploring everything that it has to offer over time as you unlock new vehicles to explore previously unreachable locations in-game. The crafting system is one of the most fun we have ever seen, and you will love making the wackiest of items that will help you progress through the gameplay. The game is available for the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android and PC and has cross play enabled for mobile devices as well, so you can play with your friends on the go!
5. Starbound (2016)
If you consider yourself to be a very curious person, Starbound is quite possibly the best game that you can lay your hands on. The number of diversions that is available in-game to take your mind off the main storyline is what makes the experience so special. You start off with barely any resources, and you make your way through the campaign as you explore new space stations and terraforming locations that will capture your imagination. The real fun begins when you reach the very first forge in a mud hut, and you get to go all the way to futuristic space stations with high-tech weaponry. You have to account for things like hunger and resources when playing on normal difficulty but if you do not want to be bothered by such things and want a much more relaxed experience for gaming sessions after long days, simply set the difficulty to easy and you’ll be free to explore the game as much as you want.
4. Don’t Starve Together (2016)
Don’t Starve Together is a brilliant title that has not only won the hearts of players looking for a great survival horror experience but has also claimed friendships with its unforgiving gameplay. Set in a gothic world, you will be stunned by the beautiful art style that you won’t find anywhere else. From killer bees to one-eyed birds, there is a ton of dangers that await you once you step into the world of Don’t Starve Together. There are two versions of the game available, with Don’t Starve being the standard single-player title and Don’t Starve Together being the co-op title. You have to make your way through the wilderness and dangers that lie within as you hunt for resources and make tools. The game has some really good bosses as well, and you need to be very tactical with your approach if you don’t want to be turned into ash.
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3. Rimworld (2018)
Rimworld is one of the best indie games that came out in recent years, and it has all of the classic survival elements that you would expect from the genre. From wild animals to raiders, diseases to drug addiction, there’s a number of dangers that you need to be worried about. The world presents itself to you the more you explore it. It is important to keep everyone happy in a colony as one bad incident can lead to colony members showing their ugly side to you. You need to make sure all of your colonists are taken care of, but you won’t know what to do until you really go through the motions and learn all of the tricks to be a diplomat. Failure is the first step to success in Rimworld as you will need to put in time, and understand how the colonists function in-game to keep them on your side.
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2. Subnautica (2018)
Subnautica does not have a co-op mode, and you will need to develop a community-built mod to enable co-op gameplay if you want to experience the title with your friends. The mod has been approved by developers, so you do not have to worry about getting banned or anything of that sort. You find yourself stuck in an underwater planet that is not really hospitable to human life. You need to delve into the waters and find resources as you make your way past scary monsters that are after your life. Managing the amount of air you have left can be very tricky as you need to ensure you have enough oxygen to make it out and not die. There are giant fish and intriguing labyrinths that you can check out. Even though the game presents itself as a survival title, the gameplay is highly relaxing, and you will love every bit of it.
1. Apex Legends (2019)
Battle Royale is essentially is part of the survival genre according to many gamers. You have the same mechanics that involve scavenging for resources and weaponry and making your way to safety. Instead of the usual wilderness and monsters being your enemies, you have to be concerned about other players instead. Apex is a three-player title, but you can start matches as a duo and have a third person join in from random matchmaking to fill your team. It is one of the most refined battle royale experiences out there, and the best part is that it is free to play.
You can simply download the game from Origin on PC or on the PS4/Xbox One stores and get started with quick battle royals matches in no time. The gameplay is far more refined than the likes of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds or other battle royale titles that are available in the market currently. As long as you are able to keep up with the fast-paced action and the constant fear of the circle closing in, you will love the thrilling experience that Apex Legends has to offer.
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The best survival games can cause massive adrenaline spikes as you try to survive whatever the game (or other players) throws at you. The survival genre is a big one, featuring established names like Resident Evil with RPG elements. As part of the Battle Royale genre, new games that exploded into the scene such as the multiplayer game Playerunknown's Battlegrounds have also shaken up the survival genre in a big way.
Table of Contents
Best Survival Games
From a post apocalyptic world like the multiplayer survival game, Dying Light, to being stranded on an alien planet/island, every player has to understand their terrain and be well-trained in their survival mechanics.
Can you master the different game modes (including survival mode) and accrue some survival experience in our best survival PC games?
The Island: Castaway 2
Embark on an unbelievable adventure that will change the life of the island’s tribe. Stranded on the island once again, travel back in time to uncover the history of the island years before the original castaways landed. On this survival island, you have to decipher tricky riddles to become a New Man of the tribe. Explore the large, picturesque island and master some of the basic survival elements like how to fish, catch multipedes, shoot the leap-quicks and boars, garden and harvest, cook, make arrows, cut trees and even practice sorcery!
Castaway 2 features- A huge, colorful island to explore
- Over 300 intriguing quests to complete
- 16 original and engaging characters
- 28 rarities to collect for Professor Langst
- 11 unique recipes to master
- Dozens of vegetables, herbs and fruits to grow
- Fascinating storyline and stunning artwork
User Rating: 4.4/5
System Requirements:Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 151 Mb
Price: Free!
Lost Lagoon: The Trail of Destiny
A turbulent balloon ride across the ocean crash-lands you on a strange island. Stranger now because the accident wiped your memory clean and there are no answers to any questions. A map slightly jolts your mind with the thought that you are meant to be here, but where exactly are you and where is everybody else? Only by trekking through the landscape of this island can you figure out why you are here, and why you have placed yourself in such a dire circumstance. Search the island coasts and interior to recover your memory. Investigate an ancient temple, a sunken ship, and gloomy catacombs to find answers. Uncover helpful items, solve intriguing puzzles, and capture images within stunning locations. Each clue brings you closer to unveiling all of the truths, and perhaps your ultimate destiny.
This free survival game features- Find your destiny in this Hidden Object journey
- Search a mysterious island for answers to recover your memory
- Investigate an ancient temple, a sunken ship, gloomy catacombs and more
- Uncover helpful items, solve intriguing puzzles, and capture images
- Reveal the secrets of the Lost Lagoon.
User Rating: 4.4/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 68 Mb
Price: Free!
Adelantado Trilogy: Book One
The storyline of Adelantado begins in Spain during the Age of Discovery. The Queen summons a brave and noble officer, Don Diego De Leon. She tells him about an expedition that was sent overseas to find gold for the crown.
For a while, there has been no news from the adventurers. The Queen grants Diego the title of Adelantado – a governor and caretaker of the new lands. He is given a mission to find and, if possible, recover, the lost expedition, as well as collect the much needed gold. One of the Queen’s ministers, knowing of Adelantado’s mission, wants all the fame and glory for himself. He hires a thug named Pablo Rodrigez to complete the mission first.
Top 10 Free Survival Games Pc
This trilogy survival and adventure game features- Explore campaign levels and various locations from snowy mountains to desert flats
- Detonate explosive barrels to deal more damage
User Rating: 4.4/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 133 Mb
Price: Free!
Zombie Derby: Pixel Survival
Experience the zombie apocalypse in a colorful, exciting and engaging way that you have never seen before! Gather weapons and destroy everything from cars, buses, zombies and more to survive in this survival action game!
This zombie survival game features- Crush and eradicate different types of zombies and blow through dozens of obstacles
- Buy an ice-cream truck, a buggy, a car or even a tank and upgrade them with guns, weapons, and nitro boosts
- Explore campaign levels and various locations from snowy mountains to desert flats
- Complete tasks such as catching zombie birds or sweet car flips for more ammo and achievement rewards
- Detonate explosive barrels to deal more damage
Top 10 Best Free Survival Games On Steam
User Rating: 4.2/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 60 Mb
Price: Free!
Viking Saga
In Viking Saga, you hold the heavy responsibility of lifting the curse of Loki, the God of mischief, off your father. Train your crews, build resources and embark on an adventure to appease the god. Your time management and every decision will determine the survival of your entire Viking clan. Quick, your time is running out!
Viking Saga features- More than 45 strategic & challenging levels;
- Gather resources, construct buildings, and use special power-ups;
- Finish all goals in perfect time to get a Vikings 3 stars for each level;
- Viking Saga is free full version game to download and play.
User Rating: 4.3/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 120 Mb
Price: Free!
Youda Survivor 2
Face your common nemeses with your befriended tribe once again, and retrieve a sacred talisman that’s gone missing. Stop the lurking danger on the entire planet. Improve your skills as you survive this transformed island now.
This survival game features- Incredible gameplay
- Gorgeous island location
- Defend against pirates
- Improve your time management skills
- Stop danger that is upon the entire world
User Rating: 4.3/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 129 Mb
Price: Free!
Jack of All Tribes
Jack was at the fun park having the time of his life, but little did he know that the next ride would thrust him into the adventure of a lifetime. Through some strange occurrence, he was sent back in time and landed on a primal isle where the natives declared him their leader. Now he must help them build shelters, forage for food, turn back enemies, and mix drinks! Join Jack on this island that time forgot and help him lead the natives while searching for a way back. Guide the tribe to construct useful buildings, collect needed resources, and decorate the landscape. They will then reward you with tributes and helpful items to make it through. Introduce new technologies, play fun Hidden Object mini-games, and earn fantastic rewards.
Jack of All Tribes is fun because...- Incredible journey to the Stone Age
- Rule a primitive tribe
- Collect Hidden Objects to resolve time paradox
- Meet chieftains and shamans
- Help Jack return home to the future
User Rating: 4.4/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 135 Mb
Price: Free!
The Island: Castaway
Top 10 Free Survival Games Pc
An ocean liner was caught in a storm and wrecked in the ocean. A group of people managed to escape having reached on life boats the nearest tropical island. In this open world survival game, play the role of Tom Allison and go deep into the island to find out what mysteries are hidden by this forgotten place. To survive the perils of the island fraught with dangerous wild animals and natural hazards you'll have to find food, collect fruit and grow vegetables. Learn to fish and chase after wild boars, catch snakes and find rare plants. Explore enigmatic island, find clues and solve 200 diverse quests. Plunge into the world of adventures as you play an extremely addictive simulation game The Island: Castaway. download free. full version game and find out if you are able to survive and get back home?
The Island: Castaway features- Huge enigmatic island to investigate
- Cinematographic plot
- More than 200 quests
- 14 unique and fascinating characters
- Help castaways survive on the island and get back home
User Rating: 4.4/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 132 Mb
Price: Free!
Island Tribe
In the Island Tribe video game, you are the leader. A volcano eruption has wiped out your village. You hold the heavy responsibility of helping your tribe escape. Lead your tribe as you go on an exhilarating sprint of your life. In this survival horror game, will you be able to cope with these underlying pressure as a leader? Or will you give up and watch your tribe burn into ashes?
Island Tribe Features- Incredible action gameplay that requires good time management skills;
- 30 challenging levels in 3 colorful episodes;
- Beautiful graphics and animations of different islands;
- Strategy gameplay where you fight for your survival of your tribe;
- Island Tribe is a free full version game to download and play.
User Rating: 4.0/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 66 Mb
Price: Free!
The Sparkle 2 Evo
Start as a little organism and control the evolution with the touch of your finger. Attack other species whenever you run out of other food sources as you climb your way through the evolutional ladder in this battle royale game. Can you grow the biggest Sparkle in the world against other cannibalistic mutants? You will also get to fight giant bosses from time to time, so download this top favorite survival game now!
Sparkle 2 features- Your sparkle will become what you eat and evolve in 3 ways such as a fast and aggressive carnivore, a sluggish but fast-eating herbivore, or an omnivore.
- Play through 13 dreamlike looking levels
- Use GenLab to check your Sparkles DNA strand, your progress, status of your special skills, and plan what to eat next accordingly
- Enjoy beautiful surreal visuals and relax with a great chilled-out minimalistic ambient soundtrack.
- Compete against other Sparkle in fast-paced competitive mode or relax and play the game at a slow pace and explore the simple surreal surroundings in the Sparkle void.
- Subtle, captivating and addictive game in the world of Sparkle
User Rating: 3.5/5
System Requirements: Windows 10 Compatible PC
File size: 168 Mb
Price: Free!
If you enjoy the adrenaline coursing through your veins, this list of the 10 Best Horror Games is for you!