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
Teleglitch: Die More Edition
In a cold, dark future dominated by mega-corporations, a small lonely planet on the edge of habitable space is the site of a shadowy research facility specializing in necrotic tissue reactivation. You are a scientist who has suddenly awoken to the realization that you are the lone survivor.
Prime World: Defenders
Fight off hordes of monstrous mutants created from a strange cataclysmic event in the new tower defense game, Prime World: Defenders. Join a group of exile treasure hunters who have ventured into the capital of an ancient empire, vast with mystery and danger.
Expeditions: Conquistador
Conquer the New world: In the 16th Century, Spanish explorers and soldiers reached the shores of America. The search for gold, fame, and adventure drove these travelers into a treacherous wilderness where they faced hunger, disease, and dangerous predators. In their wake, the Aztec Empires lay in ruins.
Resident Evil Revelations
Resident Evil® Revelations returns redefined for PC complete with high quality HD visuals, enhanced lighting effects and an immersive sound experience.
Sanctum 2
Sanctum 2 is the sequel to the world’s first Tower Defense/FPS hybrid game. Pick from four unique character classes and embark on a mission to protect the oxygen-producing Cores from hordes of deadly aliens who are threatened by their existence.
System Shock® 2 (Classic)
"Remember, it is my will that guided you here. It is my will that gave you your cybernetic implants, the only beauty in that meat you call a body. If you value that meat... you will do as I tell you." The cult classic sci-fi horror FPS-RPG has returned.
Cry of Fear
Cry of Fear is a psychological single-player and co-op horror game set in a deserted town filled with horrific creatures and nightmarish delusions. You play as a young man desperately searching for answers in the cold Scandinavian night, finding his way through the city as he slowly descends into madness.
Don't Starve
Don’t Starve is an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic. Enter a strange and unexplored world full of strange creatures, dangers, and surprises. Gather resources to craft items and structures that match your survival style.
Resident Evil 6
Blending action and survival horror, Resident Evil 6 promises to be the dramatic horror experience of 2013.
Organ Trail: Director's Cut
Organ Trail is a retro zombie survival game. Travel westward in a station wagon with 4 of your friends, scavenging for supplies and fending off the undead. Members of your party might die of dysentery or you might have to put them down yourself when they get bit.
Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army
** Please note: a remastered and improved edition of this game is now available in Zombie Army Trilogy.**Featuring a co-op campaign for 1 to 4 players, Nazi Zombie Army is a horrifying new stand-alone expansion of the award-winning Sniper Elite series.
Sword of the Stars: The Pit
A fun, fast, light-hearted, turn-based RPG, where the tradition of old school dungeon-diving games meets the sci-fi Sword of the Stars universe!
Dead Pixels
A toxic waste spill finds its way into the water supply, causing the recently deceased to rise from their graves. Now it's up to you to blast your way through the hordes of undead if you're going to escape the city. On the way to your rescue, you'll search stores and houses for supplies, and trade with other survivors.
Miasmata
Miasmata is a first-person survival/adventure game, developed from the ground-up by brothers Joe and Bob Johnson. You play as Robert Hughes, a plague-stricken scientist on a journey to discover a cure. Your adventure begins on the shores of a remote and mysterious island.
Call of Duty®: Black Ops II
Pushing the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from the record-setting entertainment franchise, Call of Duty®: Black Ops II propels players into a near future Cold War
Cargo Commander
Alone in space, light years away from your family, armed with only your Fistcannon™; you are Cargo Corps' latest recruit, a Cargo Commander.
Condemned: Criminal Origins
What twists the mind of an ordinary human into a serial killer?
Primal Carnage
A savage online shooter, where players do battle as man or beast in class-based deathmatches and a frantic escape mode. Unleash your inner dinosaur!
DOOM 3
A demonic invasion has overwhelmed the Union Aerospace Corporation's Mars research facility. As one of only a few survivors, you must fight your way to hell and back against a horde of demons in this award-winning horror/action FPS and reimagining of the original DOOM.
Zombie Driver HD
Insane mix of cars, speed, explosions, blood and zombies! Fight through an epic narrative campaign or test yourself in the Slaughter and Blood Race modes.
FTL: Faster Than Light
This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.
I Am Alive
I Am Alive casts the player as a lone survivor in a believable, dark and insecure post-apocalyptic world.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 19th 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 1,210,131 reviews of which 1,055,970 were positive and 154,161 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 114,699 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,055,970
154,161
114,699
players
2. 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 4,514 reviews of which 3,711 were positive and 803 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 47,839 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among survival games based on player count.
8.0
3,711
803
47,839
players
3. 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 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 44,343 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among survival games based on player count.
7.6
325,442
99,391
44,343
players
4. 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 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 25,592 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played survival games.
9.4
467,117
27,844
25,592
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 1,394,254 reviews of which 1,359,264 were positive and 34,990 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 24,884 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played survival games.
9.7
1,359,264
34,990
24,884
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 24,015 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
24,015
players
7. 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 22,530 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played survival games.
9.7
203,531
4,217
22,530
players
8. Project Zomboid
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 22,451 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played survival games.
9.3
346,127
21,393
22,451
players
9. 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 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 22,313 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played survival games.
8.3
607,154
117,657
22,313
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 376,422 reviews of which 354,339 were positive and 22,083 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 19,664 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played survival games.
9.3
354,339
22,083
19,664
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 19th 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 5,457 reviews of which 4,457 were positive and 1,000 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
4,457
1,000
-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 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play survival games.
1. 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 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 16,245 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free survival games on Steam.
7.3
92,215
32,673
16,245
players
2. 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 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 15,006, this survival game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free survival games on Steam.
9.1
505,358
48,571
15,006
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 64,273 reviews of which 51,171 were positive and 13,102 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 3,050, this survival game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free survival games on Steam.
7.9
51,171
13,102
3,050
players
4. 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 174,482 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 1,190 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
9.3
163,372
11,110
1,190
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 1,067 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
1,067
players
6. 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 927 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.4
16,371
8,843
927
players
7. 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 483 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.9
66,431
7,469
483
players
8. 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 17,454 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 392 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.9
12,204
5,250
392
players
9. 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 195 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.7
748
336
195
players
10. 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. Zumbi Blocks 2 Open Alpha is a action, multiplayer and open world survival craft game developed and published by Adrian Kaminski. Released on April 15th 2023 has received 7,679 reviews of which 6,817 were positive and 862 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 142 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.6
6,817
862
142
players