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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Subsistence
Subsistence is a sandbox, first person, solo or co-op, PvE open-world survival game. Struggle through changing seasons to build a base, develop technology and gear-up in the hostile environment. Defend yourself from wildlife, the elements and AI hunters (who also build bases in the world).
CastleMiner Z
CastleMiner Z is an infinite world filled with deep places to explore, and horrifying monsters to slay. Build structures out of blocks, craft weapons and tools from raw materials, and explore the vast and frightening world around you.
Conan Exiles
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.
Volcanoids
A base-building open-world survival shooter that replaces your typical base with a giant drill. Alone or with friends, explore an island plagued by eruptions, upgrade your drill, and fight robots to uncover what's been hiding beneath the surface.
Citadel: Forged with Fire
This massive online sandbox RPG features elements of magic, spellcasting, building, exploring and crafting. As a newly minted apprentice of the magic arts, you will set off to the dangerous world of Ignus. Tame mighty beasts, forge alliances, explore uncharted territories or fight for dominance!
Voidtrain
Become a crew member of an Interdimensional Express Train! Discover a new world full of mysterious creatures, enemies and places. Upgrade and customize your train, gather new materials and build better weapons. Play solo or online сo-op with up to 4 people.
Raft
Raft™ throws you and your friends into an epic oceanic adventure! Alone or together, players battle to survive a perilous voyage across a vast sea! Gather debris, scavenge reefs and build your own floating home, but be wary of the man-eating sharks!
Longvinter
Fish, farm, craft, gather, cook, loot or steal from other players and build a campsite or a village with your friends in an open-world multiplayer sandbox game without rules!
Deadside
An Open World Survival Shooter blending hardcore PVP and PVE action. Secure precious loot in safe zones or build your own fortress in the wild. With intense gunfights, stunning visuals, and performance smooth enough for any system, the challenge awaits!
Wurm Unlimited
Wurm Unlimited is the standalone version of the fantasy sandbox world Wurm Online, the MMORPG where the players are in charge! A pioneer in the ideas of player influence, crafting and adventure, it is now one of the most deep and feature packed true sandbox experiences available.
TerraTech
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.
Stranded Deep
Take the role of a plane crash survivor stranded somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. Come face to face with some of the most life threatening scenarios that will result in a different experience each time you play. Scavenge. Discover. Survive.
Green Hell
Plunge into the open-world survival simulation set in the extreme conditions of the uncharted Amazon jungle. Use real-life survival techniques to craft, hunt, fight, and gather resources, set a makeshift shelter, or raise a fortress. Survive alone or team up with your friends and challenge the jungle together.
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!
Block Story™
There isn’t much better than a wide open game world in which you have essentially no limits and can alter the very landscape in which you play – that is, unless you add dragons, of course…
Smalland: Survive the Wilds
Experience a big adventure on a tiny scale! Enjoy multiplayer survival in a vast, hazardous world. Preparation is key when you're this small & at the bottom of the food chain. Craft weapons & armour, tame & ride creatures, build encampments & explore a strange new land.
Miscreated
Miscreated is a multiplayer online hardcore survival game set in a post-apocalyptic future. You will need to survive against mutants, players, and even mother nature herself.
Survisland / 实境求生
Survisland is a super hardcore sandbox survival game that pays great attention to restoring the real survival experience. The character has rich and realistic actions and reactions to , and the process logic of making props is no different from reality.
Frozen Flame
A challenging exploration and survival adventure, set in the dying world of Dragons. Only those who harness the power of Frozen Flame have the means to survive the harsh conditions of the realm and able to muster the strength to cleanse it for good.
XERA: Survival
Action-focused, open world survival shooter, PvPvE against fellow mercenaries and lethal XOIDS. Raid for resources alone or with team-mates, build and defend your base, stash your gear and survive against the odds. You are the hunters. You are the hunted. And the robots never sleep…
Project Castaway
Project Castaway is a survival crafting title set in the Pacific Ocean. Live the life of a stranded castaway, with only yourself - and the island's inhabitants - for company! Sail the ocean, hunt, explore unique islands and gather resources as you fight for survival.
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 30th 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 86,891 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
143,373
2,131
86,891
players
2. V Rising
Similarity 71% Awaken as a Vampire. Hunt for blood in nearby settlements to regain your strength and evade the scorching sun to survive. Raise your castle and thrive in an ever-changing, open world full of mystery. Gain allies online and conquer the land of the living. V Rising is a survival, open world and base-building game developed and published by Stunlock Studios. Released on May 08th 2024 has received 111,419 reviews of which 99,066 were positive and 12,353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 39,400 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Rust based on player count.
8.8
99,066
12,353
39,400
players
3. 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 426,541 reviews of which 326,984 were positive and 99,557 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. While seeing 31,544 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Rust based on player count.
7.6
326,984
99,557
31,544
players
4. 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 1,399,576 reviews of which 1,364,418 were positive and 35,158 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 25,486 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.7
1,364,418
35,158
25,486
players
5. 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 126,678 reviews of which 93,632 were positive and 33,046 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 23,033 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Rust.
7.3
93,632
33,046
23,033
players
6. 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 367,522 reviews of which 325,645 were positive and 41,877 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 18,083 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Rust.
8.8
325,645
41,877
18,083
players
7. 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 496,650 reviews of which 468,624 were positive and 28,026 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 17,441 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.4
468,624
28,026
17,441
players
8. 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 369,979 reviews of which 348,457 were positive and 21,522 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 16,414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.3
348,457
21,522
16,414
players
9. 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 1,153,288 reviews of which 1,116,314 were positive and 36,974 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 15,709 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Rust.
9.6
1,116,314
36,974
15,709
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 726,404 reviews of which 608,653 were positive and 117,751 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 15,372 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Rust.
8.3
608,653
117,751
15,372
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 30th 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 1,139 reviews of which 763 were positive and 376 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
376
-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 16,945 reviews of which 12,225 were positive and 4,720 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
12,225
4,720
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
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 5,881 reviews of which 3,897 were positive and 1,984 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
3,897
1,984
-93%
24.57€
1.72€
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 67,866 reviews of which 46,414 were positive and 21,452 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
46,414
21,452
-92%
62.25€
4.98€
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 106,724 reviews of which 83,957 were positive and 22,767 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
83,957
22,767
-91%
41.89€
3.77€
6. The Long Dark
Similarity 64% 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 Long Dark is a survival, open world survival craft and open world game developed and published by Hinterland Studio Inc.. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 110,202 reviews of which 99,943 were positive and 10,259 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 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.
9.0
99,943
10,259
-90%
29.99€
2.99€
7. Feel The Snow
Similarity 68% Choose one of the characters and start your journey. The game has many interesting things in store: building, crafting, puzzles, bosses, mystery, laughs, quests etc. Feel The Snow is a open world survival craft, multiplayer and survival game developed and published by Owlet. Released on December 12th 2019 has received 2,890 reviews of which 2,536 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 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.
8.4
2,536
354
-90%
12.79€
1.27€
8. 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 game developed and published by . Released on September 22nd 2014 has received 16,945 reviews of which 12,225 were positive and 4,720 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Rust.
7.1
12,225
4,720
-93%
34.57€
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 11,530 reviews of which 8,230 were positive and 3,300 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
8,230
3,300
-90%
20.60€
2.06€
10. 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 5,428 reviews of which 3,596 were positive and 1,832 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
3,596
1,832
-90%
19.80€
1.98€
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 30th 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 survival game developed and published by Starry Studio. Released on July 09th 2024 has received 126,678 reviews of which 93,632 were positive and 33,046 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 23,033 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Rust.
7.3
93,632
33,046
23,033
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 554,408 reviews of which 505,746 were positive and 48,662 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 8,988, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Rust.
9.1
505,746
48,662
8,988
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 82,002 reviews of which 64,785 were positive and 17,217 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 7,734, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Rust.
7.8
64,785
17,217
7,734
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 63,686 reviews of which 47,900 were positive and 15,786 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,138 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Rust.
7.4
47,900
15,786
1,138
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 73,924 reviews of which 65,394 were positive and 8,530 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 949 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like Rust.
8.7
65,394
8,530
949
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 174,922 reviews of which 163,761 were positive and 11,161 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 740 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free games like Rust.
9.3
163,761
11,161
740
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 74,001 reviews of which 66,520 were positive and 7,481 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 312 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free games like Rust.
8.9
66,520
7,481
312
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 17,505 reviews of which 12,228 were positive and 5,277 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 307 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.9
12,228
5,277
307
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 37,260 reviews of which 23,680 were positive and 13,580 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 240 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.3
23,680
13,580
240
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 2,305 reviews of which 1,430 were positive and 875 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 174 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free games like Rust.
6.1
1,430
875
174
players