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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Will To Live Online
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.
Dead Island Definitive Edition
Welcome to the zombie apocalypse experience of a lifetime – and now more beautiful than ever. Caught in the midst of an epic zombie outbreak on the tropical island of Banoi, your only thought is: Survive!
Survivalist
It's one year after the collapse of civilization and self-centered hedge fund manager Joe Wheeler emerges from his specially constructed bunker in search of food. This is a huge open-world RPG where you have the freedom to play how you want - but your choices have consequences.
FortressCraft Evolved!
FortressCraft Evolved is a unique blend of Voxel Landscapes, Tower Defense, Crafting, Logistics, Exploration, Combat and Assembly lines. Players begin by crash-landing on a strange alien world, left with only a small handful of starting machines.
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.
The Planet Crafter
A space survival open world terraforming crafting game, designed for 1 to 10 players. Alter the ecosystem of an inhospitable planet to render it habitable for humanity. Survive, gather resources, and build your base. Then, generate oxygen, warmth, and pressure to create a brand new biosphere.
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.
Villagers and Heroes
Enter a magical, 3D fantasy world filled with hundreds of unique locales, immersive lore, and exciting quests -- and it's all free to play. Join thousands of players from around the world, and be part of a one of a kind community.
Zumbi Blocks 2 Open Alpha
Loot. Kill. Survive. Can you escape ? (probably not) Zumbi Blocks 2 is the official sequel to the 2013 free browser zombie game. Stuck on an island, cut off from the rest of humanity, you wake up. The secret to breaking free from this place lies asleep, underground. From the soil, zumbies emerge.
BEACHED
A free-to-play, low-poly, open-world survival shooter where you’ll battle other players, explore massive monuments, and fight to stay alive. Build and fortify your base to defend against enemy raids, gather resources, and conquer a harsh, competitive world. Survival means doing whatever it takes.
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.
Hobo: Tough Life
Hobo: Tough Life is an urban survival role-playing game where you play as a homeless person. Play alone or team up in online co-op. Explore the streets of Praslav, scavenge for food and supplies, beg, steal, and do whatever else it takes to survive the forthcoming winter.
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!
Robocraft
Build insane, fully customisable robot battle vehicles that drive, hover, walk and fly in the free-to-play action game Robocraft. Add weapons from the future and jump in the driving seat as you take your creation into battle against other players online!
Hold Your Own
A single player open world sandbox, crafting and survival FPS game set in a multi-island land where you'll fight to survive. Build your base, hunt and craft to defend yourself from aggressive wildlife, enemies or friends. Do you have what it takes to Hold Your Own?
ZOMBI
London is falling. Are you prepared? The Last Blight is upon us. It was foretold. For the second time in history, a great plague has shrouded London in a fog of death. Big Ben tolls as thousands of unprepared die, or worse, are infected by a sickness more gruesome than death.
Space Trash Scavenger
Grab your jetpack and explore procedural asteroid fields, derelict spaceships and abandoned outposts. Build and automate your Space Rig to process scavenged trash. Craft, trade and fight your way home in this interstellar, open-world survival sandbox.
Welcome to ParadiZe
Paradise isn't exactly what you hoped for: it's infested with zombies! Thankfully, you can control them. Capture them and teach them to farm or fight. They will help you defend our camp while you explore the world looking for… a new paradise.
Among Trees
Escape to an enchanting, living sandbox surrounded by wildlife and nature. Scavenge materials and craft tools to turn your small cabin into a warm, well-supplied home. Survive by fishing, cooking and growing your own food. Be careful though, the forest is as dangerous as it is wonderful.
How to Survive
“A real Gem” – Destructoid at E3 “Offers a different experience for zombie game veterans” – Co-Optimus“Has a lot more going for it than smashing brains and gory, red goo ... With a surprisingly deep crafting system” – GamesRadarYou're shipwrecked on an isolated island, a desperate castaway in a total freakshow world. How will you survive?
Keplerth
Welcome to Keplerth! Try to survive on a hostile alien planet in this 2D sandbox RPG, where you can choose to live alone or fight side by side with your friends in the online multiplayer mode. Survive, build, farm, fight, and explore your way to victory in this open-world adventure!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 23rd 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 145,504 reviews of which 143,373 were positive and 2,131 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 137,343 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
143,373
2,131
137,343
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 425,469 reviews of which 326,033 were positive and 99,436 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. While seeing 33,922 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
326,033
99,436
33,922
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 1,397,228 reviews of which 1,362,130 were positive and 35,098 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 28,925 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
1,362,130
35,098
28,925
players
4. RuneScape: Dragonwilds
Similarity 73% On RuneScape’s forgotten continent of Ashenfall, dragons have awoken. Gather, build, skill and craft to survive in this co-operative (1-4) survival crafting game. Only by mastering survival and uncovering ancient secrets can they hope to slay the Dragon Queen—alone or with allies. RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a early access, survival and multiplayer game developed and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on April 15th 2025 has received 9,218 reviews of which 7,817 were positive and 1,401 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 23,231 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Rust.
8.3
7,817
1,401
23,231
players
5. 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 366,841 reviews of which 325,023 were positive and 41,818 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 18,653 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Rust.
8.8
325,023
41,818
18,653
players
6. 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 495,832 reviews of which 467,909 were positive and 27,923 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 17,862 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.4
467,909
27,923
17,862
players
7. 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 368,794 reviews of which 347,344 were positive and 21,450 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 17,190 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.3
347,344
21,450
17,190
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 1,151,641 reviews of which 1,114,726 were positive and 36,915 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 16,634 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.6
1,114,726
36,915
16,634
players
9. 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 725,588 reviews of which 607,889 were positive and 117,699 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 15,896 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Rust.
8.3
607,889
117,699
15,896
players
10. 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 376,938 reviews of which 354,816 were positive and 22,122 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 15,187 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.3
354,816
22,122
15,187
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 23rd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Rust.
1. Starsand
Similarity 54% Starsand is a mystic survival game set among the dunes of an arcane desert. An open-world full of danger, vast environments and mysterious happenings await you! Explore, hunt, craft, build – and SURVIVE. Starsand is a open world survival craft, survival and open world game developed by Tunnel Vision Studio and published by Toplitz Productions. Released on November 17th 2022 has received 1,136 reviews of which 763 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Rust.
6.5
763
373
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
2. 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 16,932 reviews of which 12,215 were positive and 4,717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Rust.
7.1
12,215
4,717
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
3. Portal Knights
Similarity 55% The world of Elysia needs YOU! Join this cooperative, 3D sandbox action RPG to level up your character, craft epic weapons, conquer enemies in real-time, and build almost anything! Craft your adventure. Forge your hero. Become the ultimate Portal Knight! Portal Knights is a adventure, multiplayer and sandbox game developed by Keen Games GmbH and published by 505 Games. Released on May 18th 2017 has received 21,613 reviews of which 18,030 were positive and 3,583 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Rust.
8.2
18,030
3,583
-92%
20.75€
1.66€
4. 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 67,778 reviews of which 46,346 were positive and 21,432 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
6.8
46,346
21,432
-92%
61.13€
4.89€
5. 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 106,495 reviews of which 83,765 were positive and 22,730 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
7.8
83,765
22,730
-91%
41.89€
3.77€
6. 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 11,491 reviews of which 8,208 were positive and 3,283 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
7.0
8,208
3,283
-90%
20.60€
2.06€
7. 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 5,427 reviews of which 3,596 were positive and 1,831 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
6.5
3,596
1,831
-90%
19.80€
1.98€
8. Above Snakes
Similarity 54% Piece by piece, create your own world in this relaxing Wild West-inspired worldbuilder. Craft, farm, hunt, build your base, and explore. Above Snakes is a open world, atmospheric and open world survival craft game developed by Square Glade Games and published by Crytivo. Released on May 25th 2023 has received 1,675 reviews of which 1,276 were positive and 399 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
7.3
1,276
399
-89%
25.73€
2.83€
9. Blazing Sails
Similarity 55% Fight for survival in Blazing Sails, a fast-paced pirate PvP game! Create your own unique pirate and ship. Band together with other players to command your mighty vessel! Explore different game-modes, maps, weapons, ship types and more while eliminating other crews in epic battles on land and sea! Blazing Sails is a co-op, naval combat and online co-op game developed by Get Up Games and Iceberg Interactive and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on November 13th 2023 has received 9,587 reviews of which 8,365 were positive and 1,222 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
8.5
8,365
1,222
-88%
14.50€
1.74€
10. 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 23,257 reviews of which 21,230 were positive and 2,027 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
8.9
21,230
2,027
-87%
25.69€
3.34€
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 23rd 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Rust.
1. 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 81,775 reviews of which 64,605 were positive and 17,170 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 8,240 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Rust.
7.8
64,605
17,170
8,240
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 554,157 reviews of which 505,538 were positive and 48,619 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 5,818, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Rust.
9.1
505,538
48,619
5,818
players
3. 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 survival game developed and published by Starry Studio. Released on July 09th 2024 has received 125,513 reviews of which 92,698 were positive and 32,815 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 3,046, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Rust.
7.3
92,698
32,815
3,046
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 63,600 reviews of which 47,832 were positive and 15,768 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,051 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Rust.
7.4
47,832
15,768
1,051
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 73,819 reviews of which 65,306 were positive and 8,513 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 978 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like Rust.
8.7
65,306
8,513
978
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 174,719 reviews of which 163,577 were positive and 11,142 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 790 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free games like Rust.
9.3
163,577
11,142
790
players
7. 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 73,900 reviews of which 66,431 were positive and 7,469 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 435 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free games like Rust.
8.9
66,431
7,469
435
players
8. 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 17,482 reviews of which 12,218 were positive and 5,264 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 309 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.9
12,218
5,264
309
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 37,249 reviews of which 23,673 were positive and 13,576 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 269 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.3
23,673
13,576
269
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 2,303 reviews of which 1,427 were positive and 876 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 209 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.1
1,427
876
209
players