Listen, racing games are fun. Action-adventures are pretty cool. And sure, we all love a good sandbox game. But the best survival games? You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tried building a log cabin while fending off a pack of screaming cannibals in the dead of night. And, ironically, living is kind of the whole point of playing a survival game…
Anyway, the genre’s been going through a bit of a revival lately, and we’re totally here for it. If you’ve somehow managed to dodge it entirely, this guide is your entry point.
We’re diving into the best survival games available on PC, consoles, and even mobile — because what else are phones for, if not for taking extended bathroom breaks during your day job to fight off a zombie horde in a wolf-infested forest? Right?
1. Sons of the Forest
Set on a remote island where your mission is to find a missing billionaire and — you guessed it — survive, it doesn’t take long for Sons of the Forest to descend into full-blown cannibalistic chaos.
It’s both brutally hardcore and unintentionally hilarious. One minute you’re foraging for berries and building shelter, the next you’re fighting off grotesque mutants while wondering if that leg on the BBQ belongs to the weirdo you clobbered earlier.
2. Don’t Starve
Don’t Starve is about as beginner-friendly as survival games get. It’s also one of the best survival games on mobile and definitely one of the most engaging single-player survival experiences out there.
Think wilderness survival, bee apocalypses, angry pig men (yes, you read that right), and a generous dash of science and magic. Hours of chaotic fun await.
3. Raft
The graphics in Raft are instantly charming — especially if you’ve got a thing for ocean settings. But don’t get too relaxed. This isn’t a tropical holiday; you’re adrift on a few planks in shark-infested waters, trying to turn a floating mess into something resembling home.
Did we mention the seagulls that steal your crops, or the goat you rescued that’s now using your deck as a bathroom? Welcome to your new nightmare.
4. Northwind
One of the best survival games on Roblox, Northwind is gaining serious traction. Players are calling it the most realistic survival experience on the platform.
Set during the colonization of Quebec, you’ll explore sprawling mountains, icy rivers, and cavernous wilderness. Survival here is no walk in the snow — freezing conditions and dangerous wildlife will test your skills. Luckily, the community has loads of beginner-friendly video guides to help you get started.
5. Valheim
If you’re into Norse mythology and nostalgic for PS1-era visuals, Valheim will feel like home. It supports up to ten players, but also works beautifully as a solo experience — easily one of the best single-player survival games out there.
Giant god-deer, goblins, wild boars, and sprawling continents to explore. It’s Viking purgatory, and it absolutely slaps.
6. Earth Revival
Time to give mobile gaming its due. The genre has come a long way, and Earth Revival is a shining example of how far. It’s one of the best survival games on mobile — available on iOS, Android, and PC — and it goes way beyond what you’d expect from a phone game.
Set in an alien-invaded, post-apocalyptic world, this third-person shooter pits you against both extraterrestrial and human threats. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and surprisingly immersive for a screen that fits in your pocket.
7. Rust
Rust is pure chaos. You start with absolutely nothing — and we mean nothing — and quickly learn that survival means fighting everything and everyone.
Often described as the cruellest game on Steam, you’ll encounter betrayal, wild animals, environmental hazards, and other players who pretend to be your friend before stealing your liver. It’s rough. But once you’ve geared up, it’s hard to beat the thrill of dominating the wasteland.
8. Subnautica
Subnautica is a bit more beginner-friendly than some of the titles above — which is to say, it probably won’t break your spirit immediately.
Set in an alien ocean world with vibrant coral reefs and stunning underwater views, it lulls you into a false sense of peace… until you start running out of oxygen, food, and safe places to hide. Add in hostile sea creatures and a planet-wide infection, and you’ve got the makings of a very wet panic attack.
9. Dying Light
Released over a decade ago, Dying Light remains a survival-horror staple. It pretty much invented the modern jump scare. Its open-world city of Harran is packed with hidden threats, and the zombies become even more aggressive when the sun goes down.
Its parkour system adds a thrilling edge to every chase, and with a 10/10 rating on Steam, it’s still a must-play for anyone who enjoys their survival with a side of screaming.
10. DayZ
Last on the list, but definitely not least, DayZ has been a fan favorite for years — and for good reason. Set in a plague-ridden post-Soviet republic, your fight for survival involves dodging “Infected,” scavenging supplies, and avoiding other players who are often more dangerous than the undead.
Military patrols, gas attacks, and punishing weather systems make this one a constant battle for survival. Trust no one. Hoard everything.
Poster Up, Survivor
So there you have it: 10 weird, terrifying, and totally addictive survival games to sink your teeth into. Whether you’re building sea forts in Raft, braving Viking limbo in Valheim, or just trying not to eat your friends in Sons of the Forest, now’s your chance to prove you’ve got what it takes to stay alive.
And if you want to bring that gritty, game-night energy into your space, explore our collection of gaming metal posters — from survival classics to dystopian chaos and everything in between. Discover the worlds you love, forged in metal and built to stand out, including Rust, Cyberpunk 2077, Fallout, and more.
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