The Most Exciting Survival Games You’ll Play Next

30 December 2024

Let’s face it—there’s just something about survival games that keeps us hooked. Maybe it’s the thrill of starting from scratch and scraping together resources, the heart-pounding moments where you’re one wrong move away from disaster, or the satisfaction of building something out of (almost) nothing. No matter why you love them, there’s no shortage of amazing survival games out there. Some are brutal, some are heartwarming, and others just throw you into chaos and see if you make it out alive. Whatever you’re into, I’ve got you covered.

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in survival adventures that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, keep reading because these games are absolute must-plays. Grab your virtual backpack—it’s going to get wild.

Why Are Survival Games So Addictive?

Before we dive into the list, let’s take a second to talk about why survival games keep us coming back for more. At their core, they tap into a primal instinct: survival of the fittest. They force you to think, adapt, and overcome, often in ridiculously tough scenarios. Whether it’s running from zombies, scavenging for food, or braving the harsh wilderness, every step feels like a test of your wits.

Maybe it’s that sense of accomplishment when you finally build a shelter or that adrenaline rush when you barely make it out alive after a fight. Or maybe it’s just the sheer joy of watching things go from “total catastrophe” to “I’ve got this under control” (well, sort of). Either way, survival games hit different, and the ones below are some of the best the genre has to offer.

1. The Forest

Let’s start with a cult classic, shall we? The Forest throws you into a deadly wilderness after your plane crashes, leaving you and (possibly) your friends stranded on an island teeming with cannibalistic mutants. Yeah, it’s as terrifying as it sounds.

What makes The Forest stand out is its blend of survival mechanics and horror. You’ll be scavenging for food and water one minute and building elaborate treehouses the next—all while glancing over your shoulder for those mutants that really don’t like you being there. Oh, and there’s a whole underground cave system filled with nightmare fuel. Have fun!

If you’re brave enough to explore the island’s mysteries, the game rewards you with an intriguing story and a truly immersive experience. Plus, the sequel, Sons of the Forest, takes the formula to the next level with even more tools, enemies, and landscapes to survive in.

2. Subnautica

Ever wondered what survival would look like underwater? Subnautica answers that in the most breathtaking way possible. Set on an alien ocean world, your job is to scavenge, craft, build, and, of course, not get eaten by the terrifying creatures lurking in the deep.

What makes this game truly special is its atmosphere. The ocean is vast, gorgeous, and absolutely terrifying. The deeper you go, the more dangerous it gets. Oh, and the sound design? Let’s just say you’ll probably hear some unsettling noises and immediately regret whatever exploration detour you decided to take.

Whether you’re crafting a submarine to explore further or nervously swimming through a bioluminescent kelp forest, Subnautica delivers an unforgettable survival experience. Just don’t look down for too long.

3. Don’t Starve

If you’ve ever wanted survival with a side of Tim Burton-esque whimsy, then Don’t Starve is the game for you. It’s an indie darling that thrusts players into an eerie wilderness filled with bizarre creatures, unforgiving weather, and a whole lot of ways to perish.

The art style is quirky and charming, but don’t let it fool you—this game is hardcore. You’ll need to gather resources, craft tools, and fend off both hunger and monsters. Oh, and did I mention the darkness? Yeah, if night comes and you don’t have a light source, you’re simply done for.

The best part? Don’t Starve Together lets you suffer (I mean, survive) with friends. Because sometimes misery loves company, right?

4. ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved is what happens when you throw dinosaurs, futuristic tech, and survival mechanics into a blender. Somehow, it works. You wake up on a mysterious island, and your first instinct is probably going to be, “Wait… is that a T-Rex over there?” (Spoiler: It is.)

What sets ARK apart is its sheer scale. You can tame dinosaurs (yes, you can ride them), build massive bases, and even explore tech-powered endgame content. It’s a survival game that caters to both casual players and hardcore grinders alike. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about running around with your dino squad like a prehistoric Pokémon master.

5. Rust

Okay, so you’ve probably heard of Rust. It’s been around for years, and it’s practically a household name when it comes to survival games. But let me warn you—Rust is NOT for the faint of heart.

This multiplayer sandbox is brutal. You start with nothing, scavenge for resources, and build your base while avoiding other players (or ruthlessly hunting them down, your choice). The thing about Rust is, people are unpredictable. Other players can be your worst nightmares or your greatest allies, and that dynamic keeps the game endlessly entertaining.

Just watch your back—betrayals happen more often than you’d think.

6. Minecraft (Survival Mode)

Look, I know Minecraft is technically a sandbox game first and foremost, but its Survival Mode deserves a special shoutout. It’s simple, approachable, and lets your creativity shine while still throwing plenty of challenges your way.

Whether you’re punching trees to gather wood or battling skeletons in a dark cave, Minecraft proves that survival doesn’t have to be overly complicated to be rewarding. Plus, with countless mods available, you can customize your survival experience to your heart’s content. Hardcore survival mode, anyone?

7. Green Hell

For the survival purists out there, Green Hell is a game that pulls no punches. Set in the Amazon rainforest, this one focuses heavily on realism. You’ll need to manage your health, hunger, and sanity while crafting tools, building shelters, and avoiding venomous creatures.

What sets Green Hell apart is its depth. From basics like building fires to advanced mechanics like treating infected wounds, the game challenges you to think like a real-life survivor. And let’s be honest, the rainforest itself is both stunning and terrifying. One wrong step and you’re snake food.

8. Valheim

If Vikings and survival sound like your cup of mead, then Valheim should be at the top of your list. This co-op survival game takes place in a procedurally generated, Norse-inspired world where you battle mythical creatures and build epic settlements.

What makes Valheim so fun is its balance between survival, exploration, and combat. Whether you’re sailing across the ocean, slaying trolls, or building an aesthetically pleasing longhouse, every moment feels rewarding. It’s challenging enough to keep you on your toes but laid-back enough to not feel overwhelming. Plus, the art style is just… chef’s kiss.

Final Thoughts

Survival games are more than just resource management and base-building—they’re about stories, challenges, and those “oh-crap” moments that come out of nowhere. Whether you’re taming dinosaurs, avoiding mutant cannibals, or navigating alien waters, the games on this list promise to deliver plenty of excitement and unforgettable adventures.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick one (or three) and start your next survival journey. Just remember: mistakes will be made, you will probably die a few times, and it’s all part of the fun. Good luck out there—you’ll need it!