The Definitive Guide to the 36 Best Survival Games to Play in 2025: Your Ultimate Survival Toolkit

The allure of survival games has captivated the gaming world, offering players the primal thrill of overcoming adversity, managing scarce resources, and battling the unforgiving elements. In 2025, this genre continues to flourish, boasting an array of experiences that push the boundaries of what it means to simply stay alive. From sprawling open worlds teeming with prehistoric beasts to claustrophobic, alien landscapes that test your very sanity, the best survival games present unique challenges and profound rewards. At Gaming News, we’ve meticulously scoured the landscape to bring you the definitive list of the 36 best survival games that are not only critically acclaimed and beloved by the community but are also readily accessible for your gaming pleasure in 2025.

Survival games, at their core, are about the fundamental drive to persist. They are characterized by mechanics that force players to constantly monitor vital signs such as health, hunger, and thirst. The need to clothe yourself against harsh weather and build a shelter to stave off the dangers of the night are quintessential elements. While many survival titles offer an open-ended sandbox experience with emergent narratives, others weave in more structured objectives or compelling storylines. The genre has also proven to be a fertile ground for cross-pollination, with many of the best zombie games seamlessly integrating survival mechanics into their terrifying gameplay loops.

This comprehensive guide explores titles that span all platforms, ensuring that whether you’re a PC aficionado, a PlayStation devotee, an Xbox enthusiast, or a Nintendo aficionado, you’ll find your next survival obsession. We’ve delved deep into the mechanics, the atmosphere, and the sheer replayability of each game to present a selection that truly represents the pinnacle of the survival genre in 2025.

Pioneers of the Genre: Foundational Survival Experiences

Before we dive into the latest and greatest, it’s crucial to acknowledge the games that laid the groundwork for the modern survival genre. These titles not only defined core mechanics but also inspired countless successors.

Minecraft

Developer: Mojang Release Date: November 18, 2011 Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

It is impossible to discuss the survival genre without paying homage to Minecraft. Released in 2011, this blocky phenomenon didn’t just shape the genre; it reshaped the gaming landscape itself. As the second-best-selling video game of all time, Minecraft popularized the sandbox survival model, offering unparalleled freedom to players. Its appeal lies in its emergent gameplay, allowing you to build anything imaginable, from humble shelters to sprawling cities, all while fending off nocturnal monsters. The enduring popularity of Minecraft is evident in its continued updates and the proliferation of spin-off titles, ensuring its relevance for years to come. Its accessible yet deep mechanics make it a cornerstone for new players entering the survival world.

Rust

Developer: Facepunch Studios Release Date: December 11, 2013 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Rust stands as a testament to the brutal and unforgiving nature of player-versus-player survival. Emerging in 2013, it offered a stark and uncompromising experience. Players are stripped bare, left to scavenge for the most basic necessities, and immediately thrust into a world where other players are often the greatest threat. The satisfaction of constructing a formidable base, amassing resources, and successfully raiding other players is immense. While its community can be notoriously challenging for newcomers, Rust remains a benchmark for hardcore survival, demanding constant vigilance and strategic thinking. Its persistent world ensures that every action has consequences, making each session a unique and often perilous adventure.

DayZ

Developer: Bohemia Interactive Release Date: December 16, 2013 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Born from a mod for Arma 2, DayZ was one of the original titans of the hardcore survival genre. Its core loop is simple yet profoundly engaging: survive. There’s no explicit end goal or extensive questing, just the relentless struggle against a hostile environment populated by zombies and, more often than not, other desperate survivors. The emergent narratives that arise from player interactions, whether through tense alliances or brutal betrayals, are what truly define the DayZ experience. It’s a game that demands patience, resourcefulness, and a keen understanding of its unforgiving mechanics. The sense of vulnerability and the constant threat of losing hours of progress foster an unparalleled level of immersion.

7 Days to Die

Developer: The Fun Pimps Release Date: December 13, 2013 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Blending survival-horror, RPG elements, and robust crafting and base-building, 7 Days to Die offers a unique take on the zombie apocalypse. The premise is simple: you have seven days to prepare for a massive zombie horde that will descend upon your meticulously constructed defenses. This ticking clock creates an intense sense of urgency, pushing players to strategically fortify their bases and manage their resources effectively. The procedural generation of its open world ensures that no two playthroughs are ever the same. With its full release imminent and a new console version on the horizon, 7 Days to Die continues to be a formidable force in the zombie survival subgenre.

Exploring New Frontiers: Immersive and Innovative Survival Worlds

The survival genre is constantly evolving, with developers pushing creative boundaries to offer fresh and engaging experiences. These titles introduce unique mechanics, breathtaking environments, and compelling narratives that redefine what survival can mean.

Ark: Survival Evolved

Developer: Studio Wildcard Release Date: June 2, 2015 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android

Ark: Survival Evolved transports players to a world where prehistoric creatures roam. Waking up stranded with nothing, players must scavenge, craft, and build to survive. The game’s standout feature is the ability to tame, ride, and breed dinosaurs and other fantastical beasts, which become invaluable tools for exploration, combat, and resource gathering. The sheer scale of the world, combined with deep base-building mechanics and engaging multiplayer options, makes Ark a truly epic survival adventure. The subsequent release of Ark: Survival Ascended has further refined this already compelling experience, offering enhanced visuals and gameplay.

Valheim

Developer: Iron Gate Studios Release Date: February 2, 2021 Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Emerging as a surprise hit, Valheim captivated players with its distinctive graphical style, inspired by Norse mythology, and its seamless integration of lore into its gameplay. This title offers a robust survival and exploration experience set in a procedurally generated world. Players must craft tools, build shelters, and battle mythical creatures to prove their worth to Odin. The fantastic base-building system allows for intricate Viking longhouses and settlements, while the vast, explorable map beckons adventurers to uncover its many secrets. Even in its ongoing development, Valheim provides a deeply satisfying and engaging survival journey.

Subnautica

Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment Release Date: December 16, 2014 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Subnautica offers one of the most unique and terrifying survival experiences available. Stranded on an alien planet covered almost entirely by water, players must descend into the crushing depths to find resources, craft equipment, and build underwater bases. The game masterfully blends exploration, survival, and a pervasive sense of dread. Encountering colossal, often hostile, marine life creates moments of genuine terror, while the beauty of the alien ocean provides a breathtaking backdrop. For those seeking a deeper dive, Subnautica: Below Zero offers a sequel with new environments, creatures, and mechanics.

Sons of the Forest

Developer: Endnight Games Release Date: February 23, 2023 Platforms: PC

The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved The Forest, Sons of the Forest elevates the survival experience to new heights. Players find themselves stranded on a remote island inhabited by a terrifying cannibalistic cult. The game emphasizes not only the core survival loop of foraging, crafting, and building shelters but also introduces a narrative-driven experience with intriguing characters and story missions. The addition of AI companions, like Kelvin, provides invaluable assistance in the early stages, allowing for a more approachable yet still challenging survival adventure. The island is a sprawling, dangerous playground filled with hidden caves and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

No Man’s Sky

Developer: Hello Games Release Date: August 9, 2016 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1+2, PC

Once a subject of criticism, No Man’s Sky has transformed into a beacon of redemption and a premier survival experience. Hello Games’ unwavering commitment to post-launch support has resulted in a game that offers an almost infinite universe to explore. Players can discover and catalog alien flora and fauna, gather resources, build extensive bases on countless procedurally generated planets, and pilot custom spaceships. Recent updates, like Worlds II, have further expanded the game with underwater exploration, new planetary terrains, and even brought the experience to the Nintendo Switch 2, making this vast cosmic survival sandbox more accessible than ever.

The Long Dark

Developer: Hinterland Studio Release Date: September 22, 2014 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

The Long Dark stands out for its uncompromising realism and focus on environmental survival. Following a plane crash in the desolate Canadian wilderness, players are thrust into a world where the primary adversary isn’t a monster, but the environment itself. Frigid temperatures, scarce resources, and dangerous wildlife demand careful planning and resourcefulness. There are no other players to rely on; only your wits and your ability to endure. The game’s story mode, Wintermute, offers a compelling narrative, while its survival mode provides an open-ended sandbox of pure, unadulterated struggle against the elements.

Conan Exiles

Developer: Funcom Release Date: January 30, 2017 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Step into the brutal world of Conan the Barbarian with Conan Exiles. This multiplayer survival sandbox throws players into a vast and unforgiving land where they must scavenge, build, and fight to survive. Players can hone their combat skills, master ancient sorcery, and even team up with others to establish dominance. The expansive map features bustling cities, dangerous dungeons filled with loot, and a plethora of ancient ruins to explore. The freedom to shape your destiny in the Exiled Lands, whether as a lone warrior or the leader of a thriving community, makes Conan Exiles a captivating survival experience.

Raft

Developer: Redbeet Interactive Release Date: May 23, 2018 Platforms: Android, PC

Raft offers a charming and surprisingly deep survival experience centered around a simple premise: you are adrift on a tiny raft in the middle of the ocean. The core gameplay involves fishing for resources, crafting new components to expand your raft, and defending yourself against hungry sharks. As your raft grows into a mobile base, you’ll discover islands, encounter land creatures, and eventually unravel a captivating story. The cooperative multiplayer allows friends to embark on this oceanic survival journey together, making it a delightful and engaging experience.

Astroneer

Developer: Redbeet Interactive Release Date: May 23, 2018 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Astroneer shifts the focus of survival towards exploration, crafting, and planetary terraforming. While oxygen is a primary concern, the game provides players with the tools to build elaborate bases, construct custom vehicles, and create sophisticated crafting stations right from the outset. The procedurally generated planets offer vast and diverse landscapes to explore, each with its own unique resources and challenges. Astroneer is a true sandbox, inviting players to lose themselves in its vibrant and engaging world.

Grounded 2

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment Release Date: July 29, 2025 Platforms: PC

Building on the immense success of its predecessor, Grounded 2 promises an even grander backyard adventure. Players are once again shrunken down to the size of a pebble, navigating a world teeming with colossal insects and formidable backyard predators. This time, the experience is amplified with new maps, challenging enemies, and an expanded array of craftable items and survival gear. The introduction of vehicles like the buggy enhances traversal, opening up new exploration opportunities. Grounded 2 continues to deliver a unique and engaging survival experience, especially in its cooperative multiplayer mode.

Don’t Starve

Developer: Klei Entertainment Release Date: April 23, 2013 Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, PC

Don’t Starve is a critically acclaimed survival game renowned for its striking art style and uncompromising difficulty. Set in a wild and mysterious world filled with magic and science, players must scavenge for resources, craft tools, and build shelters to survive the harsh environment and its peculiar inhabitants. The game encourages exploration, pushing players to venture into the unknown to discover new items and uncover the secrets of its unique setting. Its challenging nature and distinctive aesthetic make Don’t Starve a standout title in the genre.

Escape From Tarkov

Developer: Battlestate Games Release Date: July 27, 2017 Platforms: PC

While not a traditional survival game, Escape From Tarkov incorporates deep survival elements into its hardcore multiplayer FPS experience. Players are dropped into a war-torn city with the objective of scavenging valuable loot and extracting before their timer runs out or they are eliminated by other players or AI threats. The emphasis on inventory management, weapon customization, and tactical combat creates a high-stakes environment where every decision matters. Escape From Tarkov popularized the “extraction shooter” genre, influencing a new wave of competitive survival titles.

Frostpunk

Developer: 11 Bit Studios Release Date: April 24, 2018 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC

Frostpunk offers a unique and emotionally taxing survival experience that deviates from combat-centric gameplay. This city-builder survival title places players in the role of leader of a new city in an alternate 19th century, where extreme cold threatens all life. Players must make incredibly difficult moral and strategic decisions to ensure the survival of their citizens, managing resources, maintaining hope, and balancing the needs of the populace against the harsh realities of their frozen world. The game is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and challenging resource management.

RimWorld

Developer: Ludeon Studios Release Date: November 4, 2013 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

RimWorld is a deeply complex colony simulation game with significant survival elements. Players are tasked with managing a group of survivors on a distant, often hostile, planet. Success hinges on carefully attending to the colonists’ physical and psychological needs, from healing their wounds and ensuring they are fed to managing their moods and relationships. Beyond basic survival, players must contend with external threats, engage in trade, and make critical decisions that shape the fate of their burgeoning civilization. Its intricate systems and emergent storytelling provide nearly limitless replayability.

Project Zomboid

Developer: The Indie Stone Release Date: November 8, 2013 Platforms: PC

Project Zomboid is a hardcore zombie survival RPG that stands apart with its unique gameplay mechanics and isometric perspective. The game throws players into a sprawling, infected world where the primary goal is to survive for as long as possible. Players must contend with hunger, thirst, fatigue, illness, and the constant threat of zombie hordes. The game features an incredibly detailed crafting system, robust base-building capabilities, and a deep understanding of survivor needs, including mental well-being. Its challenging nature and dedication to realistic survival simulation make it a deeply rewarding experience for dedicated players.

Pacific Drive

Developer: Ironwood Studios Release Date: February 22, 2024 Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC

Pacific Drive offers a truly novel take on the survival genre, centering entirely around a highly modified station wagon. Set in a mysterious and anomalous region of the Pacific Northwest, players must navigate treacherous terrain, manage their vehicle’s resources, and survive supernatural phenomena. The station wagon serves as both your primary mode of transportation and your mobile base, allowing for upgrades and repairs in a makeshift garage. The game’s atmosphere is thick with an eerie sense of isolation and discovery as you delve into the secrets of the surrounding Exclusion Zone.

State of Decay 2

Developer: Undead Labs Release Date: May 18, 2018 Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

State of Decay 2 refines the zombie apocalypse survival formula with its emphasis on community management and base building. Players recruit survivors, scavenge for resources, craft essential items, and defend their settlements against relentless zombie hordes. The game’s unique approach to permadeath for your characters and the constant threat of resource depletion create a compelling sense of urgency. The ability to collaborate with other players in co-op mode adds another layer of depth, making State of Decay 2 a standout in the zombie survival space.

Palworld

Developer: Pocket Pair Release Date: January 19, 2024 Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Palworld has taken the gaming world by storm with its unique blend of creature collection and survival mechanics. Players find themselves in a world populated by fantastical creatures known as “Pals,” which can be caught, tamed, and utilized for various purposes. These Pals can assist in gathering resources, crafting, combat, and even form the backbone of your base’s operations. The game offers a deep survival loop for both the player character and their Pals, making for a rich and engaging experience, especially for those who enjoy building and managing a thriving community of creatures.

Kenshi

Developer: Lo-Fi Games Release Date: March 20, 2013 Platforms: PC

Kenshi is a highly unconventional and ambitious open-world RPG that masterfully integrates survival elements. Set in a vast and brutal sandbox world, the game offers unparalleled freedom to shape your character’s destiny. There is no predefined story; players are free to become anything they desire, from a humble farmer to a notorious warlord. The survival aspects are deeply intertwined with the character progression, as you must manage hunger, acquire resources, and defend yourself against a dangerous and unforgiving environment. The sheer depth and emergent gameplay potential make Kenshi a truly unique and rewarding experience.

This War of Mine

Developer: 11 Bit Studios Release Date: November 14, 2014 Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Android, PC

From the creators of Frostpunk, This War of Mine offers a somber and poignant perspective on survival. Instead of focusing on combat, the game places players in the shoes of civilians trying to survive amidst the devastation of war. The core gameplay loop involves scavenging for supplies during the night, managing your survivors’ physical and emotional well-being, and making difficult moral choices to ensure their continued survival. The game’s powerful narrative and unflinching depiction of the human cost of conflict make it a profoundly impactful and memorable experience.

Stranded Deep

Developer: Beam Team Games Release Date: January 23, 2015 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Stranded Deep immerses players in a challenging island survival scenario. After a shipwreck, you find yourself alone on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean, tasked with basic survival: finding food, water, and shelter. The game expands beyond the shores, offering both island exploration and deep-sea diving for resources, each with its own set of dangers. The ability to craft a wide array of tools, weapons, and structures allows players to gradually establish a foothold and increase their chances of survival against the elements and hostile wildlife.

Planet Crafter

Developer: Miju Games Release Date: March 24, 2022 Platforms: PC

Planet Crafter offers a unique twist on the survival genre by focusing on planetary terraforming. Players are tasked with transforming a barren, inhospitable planet into a lush, habitable world. This involves gathering resources, crafting advanced technologies, and building a base that supports the growing ecosystem. The game’s progression system rewards players for their efforts in terraforming, unlocking new blueprints and abilities. With support for up to 10 players in co-op, Planet Crafter allows for ambitious collaborative efforts to reshape entire planets.

Enshrouded

Developer: Keen Games Release Date: January 24, 2024 Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Enshrouded is a modern survival action-RPG that blends satisfying combat, extensive crafting, and deep base-building within an expansive open world. Players take on the role of a Flame Wanderer, venturing into a mysterious continent shrouded in a deadly fog. The game’s skill system, intricate crafting recipes, and the freedom to construct elaborate structures provide a compelling gameplay loop. Enshrouded also features a well-developed story that encourages exploration and discovery, making it a rich and engaging experience for solo players and cooperative groups alike.

Once Human

Developer: NetEase Games Release Date: July 9, 2024 Platforms: PC, iOS, Android

Once Human is a post-apocalyptic survival game with a strong emphasis on RPG elements and multiplayer interaction. Players are tasked with surviving in a world overrun by mutations and strange phenomena. The game features a vast open world divided into different zones, each with its own level requirements and challenges. Survival mechanics, including hunger, thirst, and stamina management, are crucial, alongside the need to build and upgrade bases, craft weapons, and drive vehicles. The game’s progression system is tied to your character’s level, influencing your ability to tackle more dangerous areas and construct more advanced facilities.

Atomfall

Developer: Rebellion Games Release Date: March 27, 2025 Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Atomfall presents a survival RPG experience where world-building and narrative take center stage, while survival elements provide a constant, underlying tension. Set in a post-apocalyptic Britain, the game features a unique heartbeat mechanic that directly impacts player stamina and vulnerability. The limited healing resources and the need to carefully manage health add a layer of difficulty to its otherwise engaging open-world exploration and questing. With multiple endings and challenging combat, Atomfall offers a rich narrative experience within a survival framework.

Dune: Awakening

Developer: Funcom Release Date: June 5, 2025 Platforms: PC

Dune: Awakening promises a deep and immersive survival MMORPG experience set on the iconic desert planet of Arrakis. Players begin as survivors of a crashed vessel, striving to master the harsh environment, harness its resources, and navigate the political landscape. The game features a robust base-building system that evolves with player progression, engaging story and side missions, and thrilling traversal mechanics that involve evading the colossal sandworms. As an MMORPG, Dune: Awakening emphasizes player interaction, offering both cooperative and competitive PvP opportunities.

Scum

Developer: Gamepires Release Date: June 17, 2025 Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Described as one of the most punishing survival games on the market, Scum delivers an intense and realistic experience. Set within a brutal prison environment that eventually expands into a vast open world, players must manage a complex array of survival needs, including metabolism, digestion, and even bodily functions. The game emphasizes realistic crafting, substantial base building, and the acquisition of vehicles, but every element requires constant maintenance. Scum demands a high level of player dedication and strategic thinking, rewarding those who master its intricate mechanics with a deeply satisfying and challenging survival journey.

V Rising

Developer: Stunlock Studios Release Date: May 17, 2022 Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC

V Rising puts a unique spin on the survival genre by casting players as a vampire seeking to reclaim their lost power. The core gameplay loop of gathering resources, building a base, and exploring the world remains, but with a crucial caveat: avoiding the sun is paramount. This creates a dynamic cycle of daytime stealth and nighttime raiding, forcing players to adapt their strategies. The game features expansive base-building options, a world that opens up as you progress, and engaging PvP combat, offering a fresh take on familiar survival mechanics.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Developer: GSC Game World Release Date: November 20, 2024 Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a deeply atmospheric survival horror experience set within the infamous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. While its core is survival, the game seamlessly integrates a rich narrative, challenging combat, and an array of terrifying anomalies and mutated creatures. Players will encounter various factions, make consequential story choices, and must meticulously manage their character’s health, gear, and ammunition. The game’s stunning visuals and the promise of a vast, dangerous world make it one of the most anticipated survival titles on the horizon.

Abiotic Factor

Developer: Deep Field Games Release Date: November 9, 2023 Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Abiotic Factor delivers a retro-styled survival experience with a focus on scientific ingenuity and cooperative play. Players assume the roles of scientists with specialized PhDs, each granting unique abilities and crafting options. The game challenges players to survive an alien invasion within a hostile underground research facility. Exploration, resource management, and creative crafting are key to overcoming threats from aliens, rogue security robots, and human soldiers. Its unique blend of scientific puzzle-solving and survival makes it a refreshingly distinct entry in the genre.

Terraria

Developer: Re-Logic Release Date: May 16, 2011 Platforms: PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Though often categorized differently, Terraria is a foundational survival sandbox with deep RPG elements. Its side-scrolling perspective and emphasis on exploration, crafting, and combat have cemented its status as an indie darling. Players begin by building a basic shelter to survive the night and then venture into a vast world filled with unique biomes, challenging bosses, and an abundance of resources. The intricate crafting system and the sheer scope of content available ensure that Terraria offers an almost endless supply of challenges and discoveries for players seeking a robust survival experience.

By immersing yourself in these 36 best survival games, you’re not just playing games; you’re embarking on journeys of resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance. Each title offers a unique perspective on what it means to survive, pushing players to their limits and rewarding them with unforgettable experiences in 2025 and beyond.