Games like Rust on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Rust are available at the bottom of the page.
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DayZ
How long can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? A land overrun with an infected "zombie" population, where you compete with other survivors for limited resources. Will you team up with strangers and stay strong together? Or play as a lone wolf to avoid betrayal? This is DayZ – this is your story.
Necesse
Build, quest, and conquer across an infinite procedurally generated world. Play alone or with friends as you establish a settlement and explore deep dungeons, fight monsters and bosses, mine rare ores, craft magical equipment, recruit specialists for your colony, and more!
Salt
Salt is an open world exploration game where you sail from island to island looking for loot and new discoveries! Relax and explore at your own pace, picking a direction and setting sail across a vast ocean filled with quests, merchants, ruins, pirates, and other mysterious places.
The Wild Eight
The Wild Eight is an intense survival action-adventure set in the frozen wilderness of Alaska. Team up with friends in online co-op or go solo, explore the mysterious land, craft weapons and fight to live another day.
ASTRONEER
Interact with strange new worlds in a unique and tactile way, molding the environment itself as if it were clay in your hands. Build your base, master resource management, automate your production lines, and more as you unravel the mysteries of the universe, alone or with friends.
HumanitZ
HumanitZ is a co-op, isometric, open world survival game in a world ended by the zombie outbreak. As one of the few human survivors, try to last as long as “humanly” possible. The past can’t be changed, but you can make a difference today for the future of humanity.
Subnautica: Below Zero
Dive into a freezing underwater adventure on an alien planet. Below Zero is set two years after the original Subnautica. Return to Planet 4546B to uncover the truth behind a deadly cover-up. Survive by building habitats, crafting tools, & diving deeper into the world of Subnautica.
Abiotic Factor
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Don't Starve Together
Fight, Farm, Build and Explore Together in the standalone multiplayer expansion to the uncompromising wilderness survival game, Don't Starve.
The Forest
As the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
Aloft
Soar the skies in Aloft, the co-op sandbox survival game set in a world of floating islands. Build any island into a skyship, your home in the clouds. Find lost knowledge, cure the fungal corruption, and brave the hurricane to restore the ecosystem.
TerraTech Worlds
TerraTech Worlds is an open world, build-craft adventure game, set on an uncharted alien world. Play solo or with friends, explore your surroundings, craft unique vehicles, construct automated bases, and battle your way through hazards and enemies to harness the power of your environment
Forever Skies
A first-person survival game set on a post-apocalyptic, ecologically ruined Earth. Play solo or with up to 3 friends as you build, upgrade, and fly a high-tech airship. Scavenge resources, craft tools, and face dangers on the surface as you hunt for a cure to save humanity.
Winter Survival
Dive into the ultimate winter survival experience and see if you can survive long enough for rescue to arrive. Experience our unique sanity system that takes survival to the next level.
Far Cry® New Dawn
Dive into a transformed vibrant post-apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, 17 years after a global nuclear catastrophe. Lead the fight against the Highwaymen, as they seek to take over the last remaining resources.
The Survivalists
A living world full of surprises, secrets and danger awaits in The Survivalists, an adventure-filled survival sandbox set in The Escapists universe. Explore, build, craft and even train monkeys with up to three friends in a desperate bid to survive. Have you got what it takes to be a Survivalist?
Dead Rising 3 Apocalypse Edition
Explore the zombie-infested city of Los Perdidos, and find a way to escape before a military strike wipes the entire city, and everyone in it, off the map.
Soulmask
Escaping a deadly sacrificial ritual, you find an ancient mystical mask on your journey. This mask holds potent knowledge, changing the world you knew. Face the harsh challenges of nature, survive, rally followers, and build your own tribe. Explore and unveil the truths behind the enigmatic mask.
Crashlands
Fight and tame alien beasts, craft resources into menacing weaponry, befriend the outlandish locals, and go toe-to-chin with a world-domineering maniac.
The Long Dark
THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster.
The Infected
The Infected is a survival crafting game set in an open world sandbox. Build your base defend and protect yourself from wildlife and infected Vambies. (Hybrid Vampire-Zombie)
Medieval Dynasty
Hunt, survive, build and lead in the harsh Middle Ages: Create your own Medieval Dynasty and ensure its long-lasting prosperity or die trying! Play alone or team up with friends to enjoy the ultimate medieval experience.
Interstellar Rift
Interstellar Rift is an open world starship simulator with an emphasis on ship construction and multi-player interaction. Survive in a hostile galaxy with your own custom designed and constructed starship. Invite other players to join your crew or fight them across the galaxy!Most played games like Rust on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Rust that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Schedule I
Similarity 54% From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more. Schedule I is a simulation, co-op and crime game developed and published by TVGS. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 129,494 reviews of which 127,649 were positive and 1,845 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Rust, thanks to its 214,533 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
127,649
1,845
214,533
players
2. DayZ
Similarity 69% How long can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? A land overrun with an infected "zombie" population, where you compete with other survivors for limited resources. Will you team up with strangers and stay strong together? Or play as a lone wolf to avoid betrayal? This is DayZ – this is your story. DayZ is a survival, open world and online co-op game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on December 13th 2018 has received 424,833 reviews of which 325,442 were positive and 99,391 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. While seeing 31,464 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Rust based on player count.
7.6
325,442
99,391
31,464
players
3. Terraria
Similarity 74% Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available! Terraria is a open world survival craft, sandbox and survival game developed and published by Re-Logic. Released on May 16th 2011 has received 1,394,254 reviews of which 1,359,264 were positive and 34,990 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 28,364 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Rust based on player count.
9.7
1,359,264
34,990
28,364
players
4. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced
Similarity 54% Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced is a action, open world and multiplayer game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Released on March 04th 2025 has received 38,602 reviews of which 24,147 were positive and 14,455 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. With 24,801 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Rust.
6.2
24,147
14,455
24,801
players
5. Valheim
Similarity 75% A brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players, set in a procedurally-generated purgatory inspired by viking culture. Battle, build, and conquer your way to a saga worthy of Odin’s patronage! Valheim is a open world survival craft, survival and online co-op game developed by Iron Gate AB and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on February 02nd 2021 has received 494,961 reviews of which 467,117 were positive and 27,844 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 18,374 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.4
467,117
27,844
18,374
players
6. Project Zomboid
Similarity 70% Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite.. Project Zomboid is a survival, zombies and open world game developed and published by The Indie Stone. Released on November 08th 2013 has received 367,520 reviews of which 346,127 were positive and 21,393 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 18,071 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.3
346,127
21,393
18,071
players
7. 7 Days to Die
Similarity 60% 7 Days to Die is an open-world game that is a unique combination of first-person shooter, survival horror, tower defense, and role-playing games. Play the definitive zombie survival sandbox RPG that came first. Navezgane awaits! 7 Days to Die is a survival, zombies and multiplayer game developed by The Fun Pimps and published by The Fun Pimps Entertainment LLC. Released on July 25th 2024 has received 366,213 reviews of which 324,486 were positive and 41,727 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 18,059 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Rust.
8.8
324,486
41,727
18,059
players
8. Garry's Mod
Similarity 53% Garry's Mod is a physics sandbox. There aren't any predefined aims or goals. We give you the tools and leave you to play. Garry's Mod is a sandbox, moddable and multiplayer game developed by Facepunch Studios and published by Valve. Released on November 29th 2006 has received 1,150,066 reviews of which 1,113,171 were positive and 36,895 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 17,010 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.6
1,113,171
36,895
17,010
players
9. Palworld
Similarity 65% Fight, farm, build and work alongside mysterious creatures called "Pals" in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game! Palworld is a open world, survival and multiplayer game developed and published by Pocketpair. Released on January 18th 2024 has received 376,422 reviews of which 354,339 were positive and 22,083 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 16,982 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.3
354,339
22,083
16,982
players
10. ARK: Survival Evolved
Similarity 78% Stranded on the shores of a mysterious island, you must learn to survive. Use your cunning to kill or tame the primeval creatures roaming the land, and encounter other players to survive, dominate... and escape! ARK: Survival Evolved is a open world survival craft, survival and multiplayer game developed by Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios and Virtual Basement LLC and published by Studio Wildcard and Snail Games USA. Released on August 27th 2017 has received 724,811 reviews of which 607,154 were positive and 117,657 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 16,339 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Rust.
8.3
607,154
117,657
16,339
players
Best deals on games like Rust on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Rust available on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Rust.
1. Stronghold Crusader 2
Similarity 53% Stronghold Crusader 2 is the long awaited sequel to the original castle sim. After 12 years Stronghold returns to the desert with a new 3D engine and powerful Havok Physics. Crusader 2 recaptures the original game’s addictive, fast-paced gameplay and authentic castle simulation. Stronghold Crusader 2 is a strategy, medieval and city builder game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on September 22nd 2014 has received 16,919 reviews of which 12,202 were positive and 4,717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Rust.
7.1
12,202
4,717
-95%
34.80€
1.74€
2. Deadfall Adventures
Similarity 54% Deadfall Adventures is an action-driven first-person shooter, spiced up with elements from action-adventure games. Become an adventurer, hunt for treasures, explore unknown regions of the world and rescue the damsel in distress from the clutches of enemies, both earthly and not-so-earthly. Deadfall Adventures is a adventure, action and fps game developed by The Farm 51 and published by THQ Nordic. Released on November 15th 2013 has received 2,512 reviews of which 1,853 were positive and 659 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Rust.
7.2
1,853
659
-94%
21.50€
1.29€
3. Life is Feudal: Forest Village
Similarity 60% LiF:Forest Village is a city builder with survival aspects in a realistic harsh medieval world. Shape, build and expand your settlement, grow various food to prevent your villagers from avitaminosis and starvation. Possess them for additional micromanagement or simply to wander around. Life is Feudal: Forest Village is a city builder, colony sim and strategy game developed by Mindillusion and published by Bitbox Ltd.. Released on May 26th 2017 has received 5,873 reviews of which 3,892 were positive and 1,981 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Rust.
6.5
3,892
1,981
-93%
24.57€
1.72€
4. Enemy Front
Similarity 52% ENEMY FRONT is the first truly modern WW2 FPS, featuring stunning visuals, open-ended levels and a richly interactive combat experience that breaks out of the standard model of highly linear scripted FPS experiences, giving the player full freedom to own their playing style. Enemy Front is a action, fps and world war ii game developed and published by CI Games. Released on June 10th 2014 has received 5,422 reviews of which 3,592 were positive and 1,830 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
6.5
3,592
1,830
-93%
19.00€
1.33€
5. Metro: Last Light Redux
Similarity 55% It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above. Metro: Last Light Redux is a post-apocalyptic, fps and atmospheric game developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Released on August 27th 2014 has received 68,869 reviews of which 62,362 were positive and 6,507 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
8.9
62,362
6,507
-92%
19.75€
1.58€
6. Back 4 Blood
Similarity 53% Back 4 Blood is a thrilling cooperative first-person shooter from the creators of the critically acclaimed Left 4 Dead franchise. Experience the intense 4 player co-op narrative campaign, competitive multiplayer as human or Ridden, and frenetic gameplay that keeps you in the action. Back 4 Blood is a zombies, online co-op and multiplayer game developed by Turtle Rock Studios and published by Warner Bros. Games. Released on October 12th 2021 has received 67,700 reviews of which 46,286 were positive and 21,414 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
6.8
46,286
21,414
-92%
61.13€
4.89€
7. Conan Exiles
Similarity 83% An online multiplayer survival game, now with sorcery, set in the lands of Conan the Barbarian. Survive in a vast open world sandbox, build your home into a kingdom, and dominate your enemies in single or multiplayer. Conan Exiles is a survival and open world game developed and published by Funcom. Released on May 08th 2018 has received 106,283 reviews of which 83,576 were positive and 22,707 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
7.8
83,576
22,707
-91%
41.89€
3.77€
8. TerraTech
Similarity 79% TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector. TerraTech is a building, sandbox and open world game developed and published by Payload Studios. Released on August 10th 2018 has received 23,221 reviews of which 21,196 were positive and 2,025 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
8.9
21,196
2,025
-90%
24.20€
2.42€
9. Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition
Similarity 72% Welcome to the zombie apocalypse experience of a lifetime – more beautiful than ever. Caught in an epic zombie outbreak on the tropical island of Banoi, your only thought is: Survive! Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition is a zombies, co-op and multiplayer game developed by Techland and published by Deep Silver. Released on May 31st 2016 has received 11,465 reviews of which 8,190 were positive and 3,275 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
7.0
8,190
3,275
-90%
20.60€
2.06€
10. Andarilho
Similarity 71% You are a guy with a backpack, just try to stay alive! Andarilho is a survival, crafting and open world game developed and published by SC Jogos. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 1,229 reviews of which 817 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
6.5
817
412
-90%
4.90€
0.49€
Free games like Rust on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Rust you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Rust.
1. Once Human
Similarity 55% Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world. Once Human is a multiplayer, free to play and open world survival craft game developed and published by Starry Studio. Released on July 09th 2024 has received 124,888 reviews of which 92,215 were positive and 32,673 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 14,237 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Rust.
7.3
92,215
32,673
14,237
players
2. Unturned
Similarity 70% You're a survivor in the zombie infested ruins of society, and must work with your friends and forge alliances to remain among the living. Unturned is a free to play, survival and zombies game developed and published by Smartly Dressed Games. Released on July 07th 2017 has received 553,929 reviews of which 505,358 were positive and 48,571 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 8,948, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Rust.
9.1
505,358
48,571
8,948
players
3. Albion Online
Similarity 56% Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion. Albion Online is a free to play, mmorpg and open world game developed and published by Sandbox Interactive GmbH. Released on May 16th 2018 has received 81,493 reviews of which 64,385 were positive and 17,108 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 7,851, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Rust.
7.8
64,385
17,108
7,851
players
4. Crossout
Similarity 58% Crossout - the postapocalyptic MMO action game where you can create a unique design for an armoured vehicle from dozens of parts and then drive it into multiplayer battles raging on land and in the skies alike. Crossout is a third person, gun customization and free to play game developed by Targem Games and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on July 26th 2017 has received 63,485 reviews of which 47,757 were positive and 15,728 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,115 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Rust.
7.4
47,757
15,728
1,115
players
5. Fallout Shelter
Similarity 53% Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland. Fallout Shelter is a free to play, base-building and survival game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on March 29th 2017 has received 73,710 reviews of which 65,209 were positive and 8,501 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 962 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like Rust.
8.7
65,209
8,501
962
players
6. Muck
Similarity 58% Muck is a survival-roguelike. Collect resources, find items & build a base to survive for as long as you can. Muck is a survival, multiplayer and crafting game developed and published by Dani. Released on June 05th 2021 has received 174,482 reviews of which 163,372 were positive and 11,110 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 799 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free games like Rust.
9.3
163,372
11,110
799
players
7. Will To Live Online
Similarity 64% Will To Live is a MMORPG-shooter whose action takes place in a severe post-apocalyptic world. Explore the world, engage in fights with mutants and other survivors, join the clans in the struggle for existence and prove your right to Live. Will To Live Online is a survival, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by AlphaSoft LLC. Released on April 05th 2018 has received 17,454 reviews of which 12,204 were positive and 5,250 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 294 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.9
12,204
5,250
294
players
8. No More Room in Hell
Similarity 58% The chances of you surviving this all out war of society and the undead are slim to none. Already, there are millions of the walking dead shambling about, searching for food to eat. There's no known cure. One bite can possibly end it all for you. However, you aren't alone in this nightmare. No More Room in Hell is a free to play, zombies and multiplayer game developed by No More Room in Hell Team and published by Lever Games. Released on October 31st 2013 has received 73,867 reviews of which 66,402 were positive and 7,465 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 270 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free games like Rust.
8.9
66,402
7,465
270
players
9. APB Reloaded
Similarity 54% The world’s first and premier Action MMO Third Person Shooter allows you to choose between two sides of the law. Play as Enforcer or Criminal, customize your gear for the task at hand and hit the streets and play how you want in a city filled with more action this side of a Hollywood blockbuster. APB Reloaded is a free to play, open world and multiplayer game developed and published by Little Orbit. Released on December 06th 2011 has received 37,233 reviews of which 23,667 were positive and 13,566 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 219 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.3
23,667
13,566
219
players
10. Wurm Online
Similarity 73% A sandbox MMORPG that has pushed the boundaries on what it means to be open world and stood the test of time. Dig, mine, shape the world around you and make your lasting mark! Wurm Online is a free to play, sandbox and rpg game developed and published by Code Club AB. Released on July 24th 2020 has received 2,290 reviews of which 1,422 were positive and 868 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 163 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.1
1,422
868
163
players