Best Survival games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated survival games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free survival games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl tells a story about survival in the Zone – a very dangerous place, where you fear not only the radiation, anomalies and deadly creatures, but other S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s, who have their own goals and wishes.
Feeding Frenzy 2 Deluxe
The feeding frenzy begins again! Swim and swerve through underwater worlds, chow down on smaller fish, and chomp your way to ocean supremacy. But watch out: boatloads of pesky predators are looking to make lunch out of you.
The Ship: Murder Party
The Ship is a murder mystery multiplayer.
Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45
Fight in the theatre of war that changed the world forever. Battle alongside your compatriots on some of the most inhospitable environments of the Eastern Front in Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45. Red Orchestra places you in the most realistic WWII first-person multi-player combat to date on the PC, allowing the player to fight through...
Counter-Strike: Source
Counter-Strike: Source blends Counter-Strike's award-winning teamplay action with the advanced technology of Source™ technology.
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero
With its extensive Tour of Duty campaign, a near-limitless number of skirmish modes, updates and new content for Counter-Strike's award-winning multiplayer game play, plus over 12 bonus single player missions, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a tremendous offering of single and multiplayer content.
Counter-Strike
Play the world's number 1 online action game. Engage in an incredibly realistic brand of terrorist warfare in this wildly popular team-based game. Ally with teammates to complete strategic missions. Take out enemy sites. Rescue hostages. Your role affects your team's success. Your team's success affects your role.Most played survival games on Steam
Take a look at the top survival games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 22nd 2025.
1. Rust
The only aim in Rust is to survive. Everything wants you to die - the island’s wildlife, other inhabitants, the environment, and other survivors. Do whatever it takes to last another night. Rust is a survival, crafting and multiplayer game developed and published by Facepunch Studios. Released on February 08th 2018 has received 1,212,646 reviews of which 1,058,194 were positive and 154,452 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played survival game, thanks to its 151,498 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,058,194
154,452
151,498
players
2. 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. 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 58,924 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among survival games based on player count.
7.6
326,033
99,436
58,924
players
3. Don't Starve Together
Fight, Farm, Build and Explore Together in the standalone multiplayer expansion to the uncompromising wilderness survival game, Don't Starve. Don't Starve Together is a survival, open world survival craft and multiplayer game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. Released on April 21st 2016 has received 494,883 reviews of which 471,668 were positive and 23,215 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 49,798 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among survival games based on player count.
9.4
471,668
23,215
49,798
players
4. RuneScape: Dragonwilds
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 47,238 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played survival games.
8.3
7,817
1,401
47,238
players
5. Terraria
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. With 36,437 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played survival games.
9.7
1,362,130
35,098
36,437
players
6. 7 Days to Die
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 35,231 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played survival games.
8.8
325,023
41,818
35,231
players
7. Valheim
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 33,578 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played survival games.
9.4
467,909
27,923
33,578
players
8. ARK: Survival Evolved
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 32,832 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played survival games.
8.3
607,889
117,699
32,832
players
9. RimWorld
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more. RimWorld is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Ludeon Studios. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 207,748 reviews of which 203,531 were positive and 4,217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 30,216 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played survival games.
9.7
203,531
4,217
30,216
players
10. Palworld
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 28,896 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played survival games.
9.3
354,816
22,122
28,896
players
Best deals on survival games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of survival games available on Steam right now, updated on April 22nd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted survival games.
1. The Pale Beyond
You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond. The Pale Beyond is a resource management, survival and choices matter game developed by Bellular Studios and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on February 24th 2023 has received 1,814 reviews of which 1,615 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for survival category.
8.5
1,615
199
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Terraformers
Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one! Terraformers is a simulation, procedural generation and survival game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 3,222 reviews of which 2,842 were positive and 380 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in survival games.
8.5
2,842
380
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. This Means Warp
It’s co-op space survival fun, Jim, but not as we know it. This Means Warp is an intense spaceship management roguelite experience for 1-4 players. Explore a procedurally generated universe, upgrade your ship, battle dangerous enemies and adapt your strategies to survive in a hostile galaxy. This Means Warp is a survival, online co-op and space game developed by Outlier and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on May 04th 2023 has received 619 reviews of which 445 were positive and 174 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in survival games.
6.9
445
174
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. 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. The Wild Eight is a survival, open world survival craft and multiplayer game developed by Eight Points and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on October 03rd 2019 has received 7,874 reviews of which 5,396 were positive and 2,478 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for survival games.
6.7
5,396
2,478
-95%
23.40€
1.17€
5. Tin Can
You've barely managed to escape your exploding spaceship. Now in an old escape pod, you hurtle through space at the mercy of the cosmos. With no knowledge of the pod’s complex systems, your life depends on a technical manual and your own wits. How long can you survive? Tin Can is a simulation, space and survival game developed by Tin Can Studio and published by Tin Can Studio and IndieArk. Released on May 12th 2022 has received 1,175 reviews of which 995 were positive and 180 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for survival games.
8.1
995
180
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
6. Help Will Come Tomorrow
In an uninhabitable Siberian wilderness, in a wake of October Revolution, a group of passengers survives the mysterious catastrophe of Trans-Siberian railway train. They must endure in a harsh ice-clad climate until rescue arrives. Facing many dangers, their own weaknesses and, their own prejudice. Help Will Come Tomorrow is a survival, adventure and resource management game developed by Arclight Creations and published by Klabater. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 886 reviews of which 709 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.6
709
177
-94%
19.67€
1.18€
7. Starsand
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. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for survival games.
6.5
763
373
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
8. Dead Age
Survive the zombie apocalypse with a “Final Fantasy” turn-based combat and permanent death! Manage survivors, craft materials, and make difficult decisions. Defend your camp against hordes of the undead to prevail in this non-linear rogue-lite (comparable to FTL). Innovative Indie Survival-RPG! Dead Age is a rpg, zombies and strategy game developed by Silent Dreams and published by Headup. Released on November 04th 2016 has received 5,461 reviews of which 4,459 were positive and 1,002 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.9
4,459
1,002
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. The Flame in the Flood
A rogue-like river journey through the backwaters of a forgotten post-societal America. Forage, craft, evade predators. The Flame in the Flood is a survival, adventure and action roguelike game developed by The Molasses Flood and published by CD PROJEKT RED. Released on February 24th 2016 has received 7,142 reviews of which 5,426 were positive and 1,716 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.4
5,426
1,716
-93%
15.14€
1.06€
10. Garbage
Experience the struggle which a homeless man goes through in a humorous manner. Primitive elements of contemporary life that we take for granted, such as staying warm, well-nourished, and hygienic, will become an issue. Garbage is a simulation, management and strategy game developed by Homebased and published by GrabTheGames and UpgradePoint. Released on June 04th 2021 has received 1,109 reviews of which 741 were positive and 368 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for survival games.
6.5
741
368
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
Free survival games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play survival games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 22nd 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play survival games.
1. Unturned
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. With 21,165 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free survival games on Steam.
9.1
505,538
48,619
21,165
players
2. Once Human
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 15,797, this survival game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free survival games on Steam.
7.3
92,698
32,815
15,797
players
3. Eternal Return
Eternal Return is a free-to-play, 2.5D perspective Battle Royale game. Search, Craft, Hunt, and Fight using a variety of characters. Plan your strategy and become the last survivor on this eternal experiment. Eternal Return is a free to play, anime and multiplayer game developed by Nimble Neuron and published by Nimble Neuron and SapStaR Games. Released on July 19th 2023 has received 64,376 reviews of which 51,234 were positive and 13,142 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 14,161, this survival game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free survival games on Steam.
7.9
51,234
13,142
14,161
players
4. Stay Out
Stay Out - is a MMORPG with shooter elements, based on spirit of “stalking” - an urban exploration, searching and exploring mysterious, abandoned and forgotten by humanity pieces of our planet. Stay Out is a free to play, survival and multiplayer game developed and published by MOBITECH LLC. Released on November 27th 2019 has received 25,214 reviews of which 16,371 were positive and 8,843 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,094 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.4
16,371
8,843
2,094
players
5. Fallout Shelter
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 1,623 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.7
65,306
8,513
1,623
players
6. Muck
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 1,110 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
9.3
163,577
11,142
1,110
players
7. 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. 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 995 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.9
12,218
5,264
995
players
8. No More Room in Hell
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 745 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.9
66,431
7,469
745
players
9. Fear Surrounds
Fear Surrounds is a horror-tinged take on the werewolf-style social subterfuge genre, where two evil spirits hide within a group of players and attempt to sabotage and murder them. Fear Surrounds is a multiplayer, horror and online co-op game developed by SaltyEgg Studio and published by Yooreka Studio. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 10,735 reviews of which 9,259 were positive and 1,476 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 279 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.4
9,259
1,476
279
players
10. Super Sus
Welcome to join the multiplayer social deduction game - Super Sus! Engage in intense gameplay with global players, as you strategize to safeguard your spaceship from the cunning Impostors determined to sabotage the mission and eliminate everyone aboard! Super Sus is a multiplayer, online co-op and social deduction game developed and published by GIANT INTERACTIVE HK LIMITED. Released on July 30th 2024 has received 1,084 reviews of which 748 were positive and 336 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 199 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.7
748
336
199
players