What are survival games? 🧐
They are a genre of video games where players are placed in a hostile or challenging environment and tasked with staying alive as long as possible. These games often emphasize resource management, exploration, crafting, and combat skills. The primary goal is to endure various threats such as monsters, wildlife, hunger, thirst, environmental hazards, and sometimes other players in a multiplayer setting.
Features 📚
Survival games often share several key features that define the genre and contribute to the overall gameplay experience. Here are some common ones:
☑️ Hostile Environment: Such games typically place players in a challenging and often hostile environment. This environment can include elements like wilderness, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or alien planets.
☑️ Exploration: It is a key component. Players need to venture into the game world to discover new resources, safe locations, and potential threats.
☑️ Multiplayer Options: Many games offer multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up with friends or compete against other players in the same harsh world.
☑️ Progression: They often feature a progression system where players can improve their character’s skills, unlock new abilities, or acquire better equipment as they play.
☑️ Dynamic Events: Random events or challenges can occur during gameplay, forcing players to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
☑️ Story or Quests: Some games incorporate a narrative or quests that give players goals to pursue while surviving.
Benefits 🔥
Survival games offer a unique gaming experience that comes with several benefits for players. These benefits can include entertainment, skill development, and personal satisfaction. Here are some of the key advantages:
✳️ Such games require players to think creatively and strategically to overcome obstacles and craft solutions. Crafting systems in these games encourage players to experiment and come up with innovative item combinations.
✳️ Players develop skills in resource management, learning to prioritize and make efficient use of limited supplies. This can have real-world applications for budgeting and time management.
✳️ These games teach adaptability as players must quickly adjust to changing circumstances and threats.
✳️ In multiplayer games, players often need to work together, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
✳️ Surviving in harsh virtual environments can instill a sense of grit and determination in players, helping them face adversity in real life.
How to choose? 🔍
Choosing the right survival game for you can be an enjoyable and rewarding process. Here are some steps to help you select a survival game that suits your preferences and interests:
| ➡️ Identify Your Gaming Platform: Determine which gaming platforms you have access to, such as PC, consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), or mobile devices. This will narrow down your options. |
| ➡️ Research Game Titles: Start by researching survival games that are available on your chosen platform. You can use gaming websites, forums, and social media for recommendations and reviews. Look for games that have received positive feedback from both players and critics. |
| ➡️ Consider Your Preferred Setting: Think about the type of environment or setting you’d like to experience in a survival game. Do you prefer post-apocalyptic worlds, wilderness survival, sci-fi, or fantasy settings? |
| ➡️ Single Player vs. Multiplayer: Decide whether you want to play solo or with others. Many games offer both single-player and multiplayer modes, so you can choose based on your preference for cooperation or competition. |
| ➡️ Crafting and Building Mechanics: If you enjoy crafting and building, look for games that have robust crafting systems and allow you to construct shelters, bases, and other structures. |
| ➡️ Story or Sandbox Mode: Determine whether you prefer games with a strong narrative and quests or those that provide open-ended sandbox experiences. Some games offer a blend of both. |
| ➡️ Budget: Take into account your budget for purchasing games. Some games may be free-to-play with microtransactions, while others are one-time purchases. |
| ➡️ Demo or Free Trials: If available, try out demos or free trials of games before committing to a purchase. This allows you to get a feel for the gameplay and mechanics. |
| ➡️ Read Reviews and Watch Gameplay Videos: Read reviews from gaming websites and watch gameplay videos on platforms like YouTube to get a better sense of the game’s quality and mechanics. |
| ➡️ Check System Requirements: Ensure that your gaming platform meets the system requirements of the chosen game. This will prevent technical issues and ensure a smoother gaming experience. |
📌 By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a survival game that matches your preferences and provides an enjoyable gaming experience.
Best Survival Games Reviews
| Image | Product | Brand | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4) | ROCKSTAR |  |
 | The Last of Us Part II - PlayStation 4 | PlayStation | |
 | Days Gone - Playstation 4 | Playstation | |
 | Far Cry Primal - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | Ubisoft | |
 | Detroit Become Human - PlayStation 4 | Playstation | |
 | Death Stranding - PlayStation 4 | Playstation | |
 | Uncharted 4: A Thief's End - PlayStation 4 | Playstation | |
 | Heavy Rain and Beyond Two Souls Collection HD Remastered (Playstation 4 PS4) | Sony | |
 | A Way Out - PlayStation 4 | Electronic Arts | |
 | Until Dawn (PS4) | PlayStation | |
 | Dayz - PlayStation 4 | Sold Out | |
| |||
 | State of Decay 2 | Microsoft | |
 | The Long Dark (PS4) | Skybound Games | |
 | Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Standard Edition - PlayStation 4 | Deep Silver | |
 | Stranded Deep Survival Game | Amazing 3D Games | |
1# Red Dead Redemption 2
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Crafted by the brilliant minds behind Grand Theft Auto V and the first Red Dead Redemption, this game is a sweeping saga that immerses players in the complexities of life during America’s transition to the modern age: “In the year 1899, America stands on the cusp of a new era, signaling the end of the Wild West. Outlaws who refuse to surrender or yield meet a grim fate. Amid this changing landscape, a heist gone awry forces Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang to flee for their lives from the western town of Blackwater. However, internal strife threatens to tear the gang apart, compelling Arthur to confront a pivotal choice: loyalty to the gang that raised him or following his moral compass. This is more than just a game; it’s an epic narrative of a pivotal time in American history, where choices matter, and loyalty is put to the test!
2# The Last of Us 2
Join Ellie on her journey, as she ventures from the tranquil landscapes of Jackson to the once-vibrant, now-overgrown ruins of Seattle. Along the way, encounter new groups of survivors and face chilling evolutions of the infected that haunt this post-pandemic world. Experience the heightened stakes of Ellie’s harrowing journey through a world filled with danger and desperation. Using this product, our team found that the gameplay has evolved to deliver a visceral and life-or-death experience that mirrors Ellie’s struggles. The game offers a deeply engaging narrative that explores the complexities of morality, vengeance, and the consequences of one’s actions, providing players with
3# Days Gone
This game harnesses the power of the PlayStation 4 and Unreal Engine 4 to deliver an incredibly lifelike and intricately detailed open world. Players will be immersed in an environment where day and night cycles, along with changing weather conditions, have a tangible impact on gameplay and how enemies behave. The game offers a sandbox-style combat experience that encourages players to perfect their strategies in various situations. You have the freedom to craft custom items and weapons from scavenged pieces and parts found in the field. From brutal melee weapons to cleverly placed traps, you’ll have a wide array of tools at your disposal. At its core, the game explores the essence of human survival in the face of desperation, loss, madness, betrayal, friendship, brotherhood, regret, love, and hope. It delves into the idea that hope never truly fades away, even in the bleakest of circumstances.
4# Far Cry Primal
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Step into the perilous and untamed world of this game, where danger lurks at every turn and thrilling adventures await. This is an era when colossal mammoths and saber-toothed tigers reign supreme, and humanity finds itself at the bottom of the food chain. As our tests have shown in this unforgiving landscape, you’ll master the art of crafting deadly weaponry, fend off relentless predators, and outwit rival tribes to establish your dominance over the rugged terrain of Oros. Your ultimate goal: to ascend to the status of the Apex Predator. As you embark on this adventure, you’ll navigate lush redwood forests, harsh taiga, tundra, and murky swamps – all while striving to survive and thrive in a world ruled by nature’s most formidable creatures. It’s a journey of survival, adaptation, and becoming the ultimate predator.
5# Detroit: Become Human
This game invites players to embark on a deeply personal journey with three distinct playable characters. Each character’s story is shaped by your observations, decisions, feelings, and intuition, ensuring a unique narrative experience for each. This game revolves around confronting moral dilemmas and making consequential decisions. Your choices have a profound impact on the direction of the story, and you must be prepared to face the consequences of every action, adding layers of depth and unpredictability to the narrative. Quantic Dream’s Narrative Expertise: Developed by Quantic Dream, known for their narrative-driven experiences like Fahrenheit, Heavy Rain, and Beyond: Two Souls, this game continues the studio’s legacy of gripping storytelling. Players co-write the story by guiding the actions of multiple protagonists in an ambitiously intricate and thrilling narrative. It is a powerful and emotionally charged journey where your choices have a far-reaching impact. It delves into the essence of humanity and the profound repercussions of the decisions we make.
6# Death Stranding
From the renowned game developer Hideo Kojima comes an innovative and genre-defying experience exclusively for the PlayStation 4. In this world, transformed by the enigmatic phenomenon, Sam Bridges takes on the monumental task of reuniting a fractured world. He carries with him the disconnected remnants of our future, embarking on a challenging journey to mend the broken pieces, one step at a time. Sam’s mission is to traverse the ravaged continent and prevent mankind from facing impending annihilation. The game holds profound secrets, and Sam’s path is fraught with questions. What lies at the heart of this enigma, and what revelations await him on his arduous journey? Prepare for an unparalleled gaming experience that holds the answers to these mysteries and more.
7# A Plague Tale: Innocence
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Immerse yourself in a gripping third-person adventure that unfolds amid a plague-ravaged France. Take on the roles of Amicia and Hugo, two young orphans on a treacherous journey through medieval villages. Our research has shown that you’ll need to navigate the dangerous terrain while evading deadly threats, both human and the relentless rat infestation. Experience the somber narrative of Amicia and her younger brother Hugo as they navigate the darkest chapters of history. Pursued by Inquisition soldiers and besieged by hordes of rats, their bond will be tested as they strive to find purpose and meaning in this harsh and unforgiving world.
8# Uncharted 4
In this game comeback of Nathan Drake, a retired fortune hunter who finds himself reluctantly drawn back into the world of thieves. This time, the stakes are deeply personal as Drake embarks on a globe-spanning journey. His mission? To uncover a historical conspiracy revolving around a legendary pirate treasure. This adventure will push Drake to his limits, not only physically but also in terms of his determination. He’s faced with tough choices and must grapple with what he’s willing to sacrifice to protect those he holds dear. So you can also dive into the world of conspiracy and journey – when start playing this game!
9# Beyond: Two Souls
It stands out as an exceptional story-driven game, weaving a compelling tale of a girl with a unique psychic gift or curse, portrayed brilliantly by Ellen Page. While the game features unconventional controls they are mostly intuitive and don’t hinder the overall gameplay experience. Our analysis of this product showed that like other Quantic Dream games, it offers replay value as player actions and choices significantly impact the storyline, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore various outcomes. So don’t wait – try this awesome game just now!
10# A Way Out
Join Leo and Vincent in an exclusive co-op adventure crafted by the director of Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons. Unlike typical single-player games, it is built entirely around co-op gameplay. You and a friend take on the roles of Leo and Vincent, two prisoners on a daring escape from jail. Work together to break out of prison and venture beyond its walls, exploring themes of trust and consequence as your choices shape the story. It’s a truly immersive co-op experience. This game also offers a diverse range of gameplay elements. From intense action sequences to more relaxed moments, and from puzzles to chase scenes, it has something for everyone. The pacing ensures that no part of the game overstays its welcome. It is not just a game; it’s a cooperative adventure that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay, providing an unforgettable journey for you and your gaming partner.
11# Until Dawn
This game takes players on a spine-tingling journey to an isolated mountain lodge where eight friends are trapped with a killer on the loose. As tensions rise and fear grips the group, players must make critical decisions that can mean life or death for each character. The game’s gripping narrative ensures that every choice, no matter how seemingly trivial, shapes a unique story. According to our experience, this third-person interactive horror game leverages the power of the advanced Killzone Shadowfall engine to deliver a next-gen horror experience. Realistic graphics and immersive gameplay keep players on the edge of their seats as they navigate through a night filled with terrifying encounters. It’s a must-play for horror enthusiasts and those looking for a unique and immersive gaming experience.
12# DayZ
This game thrusts players into an unforgiving and immersive online open world where the sole objective is survival. As you venture into the harsh post-apocalyptic setting, you’ll face numerous challenges. With up to 60 players on a single server, threats are abundant. Zombies, though a significant menace, are just one of the dangers lurking. Starvation, infection, blood loss, and the unpredictable actions of other players all conspire to make each day a struggle for survival. This game presents you with a choice: go it alone and face the hostile world solo, or join forces with friends to confront the challenges together. Your decisions and actions will define your unique story in this gripping survival experience. It’s a game where every moment is a test of your survival skills, and where cooperation or solitude can ultimately determine your fate in this unforgiving world.
13# State of Decay 2
Welcome to the unforgiving world of this game, where the undead roam freely, civilization has crumbled, and the decisions you make will shape your journey through the apocalypse. Based on our observations this open-world zombie survival game offers a gripping multiplayer experience, enhanced graphics for Xbox One X, and a focus on the lasting impact of your choices. You can team up with three friends for a four-player co-op adventure. This game encourages you to gather survivors and construct a community. This entails tackling moral dilemmas, forging alliances, and charting your unique path to survival. Your choices and strategies shape your survival narrative.
14# The Long Dark
It offers a contemplative and immersive survival journey that compels individual players to rely on their wits while navigating a vast, frigid wilderness in the wake of a geomagnetic catastrophe. As a result of using this product, we found that there are no hordes of undead to contend with; just you, the unrelenting cold, and the myriad challenges posed by Mother Nature. In this game, you are truly on your own, and your decisions hold real significance. Don’t wait any longer – order and try this journey just now!
15# Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Welcome to a captivating first-person RPG that immerses you in the rich medieval world of Bohemia in the year 1403. This game is not just a fantasy; it’s based on a true story of kings, heirs, kingdoms, epic castle sieges, and brutal battles. You’ll step into the shoes of a humble blacksmith’s son, the sole survivor of a merciless attack that left your home in ruins and your family dead. With vengeance burning in your heart, you embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with realism and choices that truly matter. The game features a nonlinear storyline that tailors itself to your choices. It’s a story where every decision you make has consequences, and the world around you responds accordingly. Combat is revolutionary, plunging you into the gritty, up-close battles of the medieval era, where skill with a sword can mean the difference between life and death.
16# Stranded Deep
Prepare to embark on a harrowing struggle for survival against relentless underwater predators who show no mercy. Your character’s life hangs by a thread, with health, energy, and fullness indicators constantly in jeopardy. A drop in any of these vital aspects could spell your doom. Our findings show that you must hunt the predators, construct shelters, and fashion essential tools to truly understand the solitary existence of a diver in this immersive 3D underwater survival simulator. The odds are stacked against you, and every decision counts as you strive to stay alive in the challenging depths of the ocean, an environment more demanding than any survival island. This game is an immersive journey that tests your mettle in the harshest underwater environments.
What makes a such game a survival one? 🎮
A survival game is defined by a set of core features and gameplay elements that distinguish it from other video game genres. These defining characteristics collectively create an experience centered around the challenge of surviving in a hostile or challenging environment. Here are the key elements that make a game a survival:
| 🧩 Hostile Environment: | Such games typically place players in environments that are inherently dangerous or challenging to survive in. This can include wilderness settings, post-apocalyptic worlds, alien planets, or any scenario where survival is not guaranteed. |
| 🧩 Resource Scarcity: | They feature limited resources, which can include food, water, building materials, fuel, and more. Players must scavenge, gather, or hunt for these resources to sustain themselves. |
| 🧩 Resource Management: | Effective resource management is crucial. Players must prioritize which resources to gather, allocate them wisely, and make decisions about when and how to use them. |
| 🧩 Crafting: | Crafting systems are a fundamental aspect of these games. Players use gathered resources to create tools, weapons, shelter, clothing, and other items necessary for survival and progress. |
| 🧩 Hunger and Thirst Mechanics: | Many games incorporate hunger and thirst mechanics, requiring players to consume food and water regularly to maintain their character’s health and energy levels. |
| 🧩 Exploration: | Exploration is a core component. Players venture into the game world to discover new resources, safe locations, hidden secrets, and potential threats. |
| 🧩 Progression: | These games may feature a progression system where players can improve their character’s skills, unlock new abilities, or acquire better equipment as they play. |
| 🧩 Permadeath (Optional): | Some games offer a permadeath option, where if a player’s character dies, they may lose all progress and items, adding an extra layer of challenge. |
| 🧩 Player Agency: | Player decisions and actions have a significant impact on the outcome. Such games often give players agency in how they approach challenges and make choices. |
| 🧩 Sandbox or Story Elements: | Some games provide a sandbox experience where players create their own stories and objectives, while others offer a structured narrative or quests to complete. |
✍️ These core elements collectively contribute to the defining characteristics of games. While the specific features and balance of these elements can vary from one survival game to another, the central theme is always about surviving and thriving in a demanding and often unforgiving virtual world.
FAQ 😎
Conclusion 😊
In the realm of gaming, the allure of survival games is undeniable. While the best games each offer their distinct challenges and atmospheres, they all share a common thread – the thrill of surviving against all odds. Whether you’re a lone wanderer in a harsh wilderness or part of a team struggling for dominance in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the world of survival gaming invites you to embrace the unknown, adapt to the unexpected, and celebrate your ability to endure.
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Any reccomendation about your best survival game?
In my perspective, DayZ holds a special place in the survival game genre, and it often doesn’t receive the credit it rightfully deserves. It’s true that a few survival games existed before DayZ, but it was this game that truly kickstarted the genre, capturing the attention of gamers and putting survival games on the map. In its early days, DayZ stood out for more than just its multiplayer survival aspects. It was one of the first games to immerse players in a 3D environment where survival meant contending with elements, injuries, and zombies in an entirely new and exhilarating way.
When it comes to my personal preference, I find that The Last of Us Part II come incredibly close as standout survival game. What really sets it apart for me is its masterful blend of horror and exploration. The game’s ability to immerse you in a world that is both terrifying and intriguing is incredibly well-executed. It’s a testament to the game’s design that it keeps drawing me back in for more.
I’m currently in the process of developing a survival game. I’m curious about what aspects you dislike the most in these games. The information you provide will be valuable in helping me avoid common mistakes made by other games in the genre. Thank you for your input.
I’m not a fan of survival games that don’t respect my time. If I wanted to spend 40 hours mining enough ore for a suit of armor, I’d be a miner in real life. My primary goal when playing these games is to have fun and escape from reality for a little while. It’s frustrating when survival games feature base attacks with no defense options. I’d appreciate the ability to set traps or create automatic turrets to defend my base. Another aspect I don’t like is when every minor scratch causes my character to get sick or become infected. It can feel overly punishing. The constant need to eat in some survival games doesn’t sit well with me. The human body can go weeks without food, so it seems unrealistic when the main character is on the verge of starvation every 4-6 hours. It breaks immersion.
Relying on supernatural threats like zombies and mutants doesn’t sit well with me. I prefer being stranded in a hostile environment without basic survival supplies, and I find that challenging enough. As a gamer, I truly appreciate custom settings that allow me to control the level of threat. In some games, I simply want to focus on survival without the constant need to watch my back.
What valuable tips you can give me? I am first started playing. Thanks for your advices.
😉 When you first start playing survival games, there are several important tips to keep in mind:
✅ Prioritize Basic Needs: Your character’s survival depends on staying fed, hydrated, and sheltered. Make finding food, water, and suitable shelter your top priorities.
✅ Resource Gathering: Collect resources like wood, stone, and plants. These materials are often essential for crafting tools, weapons, and shelter.
✅ Crafting Skills: Learn the game’s crafting system. Knowing how to create necessary items from collected resources is crucial for your survival.
✅ Environmental Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings. Different environments may have unique challenges and resources. Adapt your strategies based on the terrain and climate.
✅ Safety First: Avoid unnecessary risks, especially when you’re just starting. Don’t engage in battles or confront dangerous creatures unless you’re adequately prepared.
✅ Inventory Management: Keep your inventory organized. Discard items you don’t need and prioritize carrying essential supplies.
✅ Exploration: Explore cautiously but thoroughly. Finding new locations and resources can be rewarding, but be prepared for unexpected challenges.
✅ Craft Basic Tools: Craft basic tools like axes, knives, and campfires early on. These tools will help you gather resources more efficiently and protect yourself.
✅ Health Management: Keep an eye on your character’s health and stamina. Rest and treat injuries promptly to avoid debilitating conditions.
✅ Learn from Mistakes: Don’t be discouraged by failures. Survival games often involve trial and error. Learn from your mistakes to improve your survival skills.
❗ Remember that each survival game may have its own unique mechanics and challenges, so adapt these tips to the specific game you’re playing.
One thing I really wish games would do is to allow players to begin with common sense survival equipment. Nothing turns me off more than having to spend my initial gameplay time fist-bashing a tree to get sticks, which then magically transforms into a wooden axe, and so on. I’d much prefer to start with a proper axe, knife, canteen, and compass so that I can focus on resource management and strategy instead of spending my time staring at trees all day.
I’ve found that the more interactive I can be with the in-game environment, the better the gaming experience. It’s a lot like going on a camping trip and practicing basic survival skills – you start to notice all the little things you have to think of and interact with to survive. However, I also realize that there’s a balance to strike. The worst thing about an extremely realistic survival game would be how much time it actually takes to do things realistically.