Best Open World Survival Craft 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 open world survival craft games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free open world survival craft games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
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!
Castle Story
Castle Story is a creative voxel-based strategy game in which you can build castles one brick at a time using an army of little creatures called Bricktrons. Design and build your own castles, expand your territory in a vast landscape and defend your Bricktrons against onslaughts of hostile creatures.
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.
Brigand: Oaxaca
Brigand: Oaxaca is a highly difficult post-apocalyptic RPG/FPS set in Mexico. Emphasis is on challenge, a branching story with multiple endings, and total freedom of action (kill friendly characters, rob stores, jump across roofs, etc.).
Creativerse
A sandbox adventure game as big as your imagination.
Phoning Home
A tale of survival about two shipwrecked robots - ION and ANI - on their life-defining journey in this unique genre-mix of exploration, puzzle and survival.
Force of Nature
Force of Nature is a Sandbox game that combines Action, Adventure, RPG, Strategy and Management genres
Junk Jack
Make the world truly yours in Junk Jack, a relaxing sandbox experience focused on building and improving your home. Discover new planets, tame and breed creatures, cook foods, collect animal companions, farm exotic plants, collect fish, grow flowers, play with your friends!
Radiation Island
Radiation Island is a survival adventure game where you craft your own destiny in a huge open world environment. As part of the Philadelphia Experiment you have become stranded in a parallel, alternate reality. Discover this new and mysterious world, with all its surprises.
Planet Explorers
Planet Explorers is an open world sandbox adventure RPG game set on a distant planet. The game uses a new OpenCL calculated voxel system to allow players to change the terrain in any way, create new objects such as weapons, vehicles, objects, and do it anywhere.
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).
How to Survive 2
Dead or Alive? Make up your mind, stranger. We don’t like that undead business here in Louisiana…Survive solo or with friends as you look to fulfill your basic needs of food, water and shelter, crafting your own tools and weapons while you secure your camp and face flesh hungry zombies.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
Frozen State
Frozen State is a brutal, survival game set in a world embraced by the man-made ice age meant to protect mankind from pestilent hybrids. Bitter cold and numbing fear are the constant companions in the journey through the retro-futuristic Frozen State world.
Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition
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!
Wayward
You awake to discover yourself no longer in the company of good men or a fine seafaring vessel. Treasure... you remember something about treasure. Wayward is a challenging turn-based, top-down, wilderness survival roguelike. Explore, build, and most importantly survive in these unforgiving lands.
Don't Starve Together
Fight, Farm, Build and Explore Together in the standalone multiplayer expansion to the uncompromising wilderness survival game, Don't Starve.
Far Cry® Primal
The award-winning Far Cry franchise returns with its innovative open world gameplay, bringing together massive beasts, breathtaking environments, and unpredictable savage encounters. Welcome to the Stone Age, a time of danger and adventure.
UnReal World
The cult classic open-ended wilderness survival roguelike RPG taking place in the ancient North. Throughout the years, UnReal World has been praised for its incredible depth, realism, atmosphere and immersion. Lose yourself in the most intricate, detailed and enchanting iron-age game world.
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.
Subterrain
Uncompromising Sci-Fi survival on Mars! Manage the entire colony single-handed! Craft, Research, Explore and Fight against evolving mutants. Vast open world and randomly generated levels to explore! Can you survive long enough to escape the horror?Most played open world survival craft games on Steam
Take a look at the top open world survival craft games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 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 1,215,155 reviews of which 1,060,406 were positive and 154,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played open world survival craft game, thanks to its 59,015 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,060,406
154,749
59,015
players
2. 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 1,399,576 reviews of which 1,364,418 were positive and 35,158 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 25,486 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among open world survival craft games based on player count.
9.7
1,364,418
35,158
25,486
players
3. 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 126,678 reviews of which 93,632 were positive and 33,046 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. While seeing 23,033 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world survival craft games based on player count.
7.3
93,632
33,046
23,033
players
4. 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 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 #4 spot among the most played open world survival craft games.
8.8
325,645
41,877
18,083
players
5. 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 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 #5 spot among the most played open world survival craft games.
9.4
468,624
28,026
17,441
players
6. 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 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 #6 spot among the most played open world survival craft games.
9.3
348,457
21,522
16,414
players
7. 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 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 #7 spot among the most played open world survival craft games.
8.3
608,653
117,751
15,372
players
8. 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 creature collector game developed and published by Pocketpair. Released on January 18th 2024 has received 377,729 reviews of which 355,481 were positive and 22,248 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 13,742 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world survival craft games.
9.3
355,481
22,248
13,742
players
9. SCUM
Traverse punishing environments, looting, crafting and evading the constant threats to your life. The unprecedented levels of character customization and progression are your ultimate tools for survival. SCUM is a survival, open world survival craft and multiplayer game developed by Gamepires and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on August 29th 2018 has received 111,283 reviews of which 83,014 were positive and 28,269 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 9,336 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world survival craft games.
7.4
83,014
28,269
9,336
players
10. 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 open world, multiplayer and survival game developed and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on April 15th 2025 has received 15,264 reviews of which 13,016 were positive and 2,248 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 8,822 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world survival craft games.
8.3
13,016
2,248
8,822
players
Best deals on open world survival craft games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of open world survival craft games 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 open world survival craft games.
1. 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 1,139 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 open world survival craft category.
6.5
763
376
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
2. Spirit of the Island
A beautiful Life Sim Sandbox RPG with Cross-Platform Online COOP set on a tropical Archipelago. Build your farm, grow crops and animals, craft various items, cook dishes, gather resources, build shops and museum to attract visitors, and turn a desolate Island into a prosperous tourist destination! Spirit of the Island is a family friendly, relaxing and indie game developed by 1M Bits Horde and published by META Publishing. Released on August 17th 2022 has received 1,726 reviews of which 1,158 were positive and 568 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in open world survival craft games.
6.5
1,158
568
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
3. 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. 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. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in open world survival craft games.
7.8
83,957
22,767
-91%
41.89€
3.77€
4. The Long Dark
THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster. The 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 #4 position in the best deals for open world survival craft games.
9.0
99,943
10,259
-90%
29.99€
2.99€
5. Feel The Snow
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 #5 position in the best deals for open world survival craft games.
8.4
2,536
354
-90%
12.79€
1.27€
6. Above Snakes
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 #6 position in the best deals for open world survival craft games.
7.3
1,276
399
-89%
25.73€
2.83€
7. 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. TerraTech is a building, sandbox and open world game developed and published by Payload Studios. Released on August 10th 2018 has received 23,303 reviews of which 21,271 were positive and 2,032 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for open world survival craft games.
8.9
21,271
2,032
-88%
24.17€
2.90€
8. Breathedge
Survive in outer space! Together with your immortal chicken, discover the truth behind your sudden spaceship crash. Craft tools, pilot vehicles, and even control space stations to survive and explore the wreckage. Breathedge is a open world survival craft, space and singleplayer game developed by RedRuins Softworks and published by RedRuins Softworks and HypeTrain Digital. Released on February 25th 2021 has received 15,194 reviews of which 12,524 were positive and 2,670 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for open world survival craft games.
8.1
12,524
2,670
-88%
24.42€
2.93€
9. 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. Crashlands is a open world survival craft, rpg and survival game developed and published by Butterscotch Shenanigans. Released on January 21st 2016 has received 6,187 reviews of which 5,544 were positive and 643 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for open world survival craft games.
8.7
5,544
643
-85%
15.07€
2.26€
10. Fade to Silence
Fade to Silence is a single-player and co-op survival adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world that is frozen in an eternal winter. Snow and ice have shaped a merciless landscape. Nature is corrupted. Monstrous creatures out of an Eldritch horror dream roam the frozen wasteland. Fade to Silence is a survival, open world survival craft and rpg game developed by Black Forest Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on April 30th 2019 has received 1,279 reviews of which 798 were positive and 481 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for open world survival craft games.
6.1
798
481
-81%
30.53€
5.80€
Free open world survival craft games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play open world survival craft games 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 open world survival craft 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 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 open world survival craft games on Steam.
7.3
93,632
33,046
23,033
players
2. 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 multiplayer, action and open world survival craft game developed and published by Adrian Kaminski. Released on April 15th 2023 has received 7,730 reviews of which 6,860 were positive and 870 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
8.6
6,860
870
74
players
3. Ylands
Adventure awaits you and your friends in the world of Ylands! Gather resources, craft tools, construct anything and everything, and explore the lands! Build a ship and set sail, encountering mythical animals, a wide variety of sea-life, enemies of all kinds and much more! Ylands is a multiplayer, adventure and free to play game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 7,997 reviews of which 5,044 were positive and 2,953 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
6.2
5,044
2,953
71
players
4. Walking Zombie 2
Zombie singleplayer shooter in modern polygon graphics with rich RPG elements. Walking Zombie 2 is a fps, zombies and open world survival craft game developed and published by Alda Games. Released on October 11th 2019 has received 12,406 reviews of which 10,893 were positive and 1,513 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
8.6
10,893
1,513
69
players
5. 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… XERA: Survival is a base-building, open world survival craft and multiplayer game developed and published by Spotted Kiwi Interactive. Released on September 26th 2021 has received 7,766 reviews of which 5,184 were positive and 2,582 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
6.6
5,184
2,582
38
players
6. Arid
Discover the mysteries of the Atacama, explore the abandoned mining networks, evade the scorching sun and survive the environment in one of the most arid place in the world. Arid is a FREE survival game made by students from Breda University. Arid is a open world survival craft, survival and exploration game developed by Sad Viscacha Studio and published by Breda University of Applied Sciences. Released on June 29th 2021 has received 1,857 reviews of which 1,612 were positive and 245 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
8.3
1,612
245
9
players
7. Cubic Castles
Your blocks, your castle, your world! Build anything you can dream up and explore with other players! Cubic Castles is a mini-MMO that combines the best of block-building and 3D platform action! Create fantastic parkour challenges, explore worlds made by other players, or even make friend! Cubic Castles is a free to play, open world survival craft and building game developed and published by Cosmic Cow LLC. Released on August 13th 2014 has received 4,279 reviews of which 3,172 were positive and 1,107 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
7.2
3,172
1,107
9
players
8. Planet Explorers
Planet Explorers is an open world sandbox adventure RPG game set on a distant planet. The game uses a new OpenCL calculated voxel system to allow players to change the terrain in any way, create new objects such as weapons, vehicles, objects, and do it anywhere. Planet Explorers is a open world survival craft, sandbox and open world game developed and published by Pathea Games. Released on November 08th 2016 has received 6,813 reviews of which 4,228 were positive and 2,585 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
6.1
4,228
2,585
7
players
9. 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. BEACHED is a free to play, multiplayer and early access game developed and published by Gradient Studios. Released on August 04th 2021 has received 3,506 reviews of which 2,281 were positive and 1,225 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
6.4
2,281
1,225
5
players
10. Prospector: The First Contract
As the Prospector in this Prologue chapter, you will be taking on your first contract. Explore new planets, gather resources, build your fully automated base, and ship materials to distant colonies. Prospector: The First Contract is a open world survival craft, sandbox and survival game developed by Loonworks Games and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on July 12th 2024 has received 496 reviews of which 457 were positive and 39 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free open world survival craft games on Steam.
8.6
457
39
1
players