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
United Penguin Kingdom: Huddle up
This free version of the United Penguin Kingdom covers the content from one year of in-game time. A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales.
Eresys
Eresys is a co-op horror game inspired from the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Teamwork is a key as players take on the roles of four cultists and face the terrifying entities together. Dynamic AI mechanics and unique enemies, Eresys promises to deliver a thrilling and spine-chilling gaming experience.
Westale: Peelgrimage
Westale: Peelgrimage is an ink-style survivor-like game. Player can evolve their characters in the game, use marvelous magical treasures, experience the mysterious 72 transformations, and synthesize artifacts. Let's get into this Journey-to-the-West world and experience addictive combat.
Return from Core
Dig, explore, build, farm, automate, and meet charming Monster Girls in this sandbox RPG. Build your camp, plant crops, set up automated production lines and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
Against the Storm
A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors.
Taora : Beginning
Taora : Beginning offers the limited introduction experience to Taora : Survival, an open world survival game with unique character building and crafting. Build and upgrade your base, and survive the zombie apocalypse!
UNDYING - "KINGDOM"
As Anling’s zombie infection sets in, her days are numbered. The struggle to survive is made ever more paramount as she must ensure her son Cody stays alive. She must teach him how to survive in this new world at any cost…
Blood West
Weird west legends meet eldritch horror in BLOOD WEST, an immersive stealth FPS. Become the Undead Gunslinger, doomed to roam the barren lands until he manages to purge their curse, freeing his soul. 3 varied scenarios, perk-based character progression, and 20+ hours of gameplay await you!
Soulash 2
Soulash 2 is a sandbox RPG roguelike with a procedurally generated open world, simulated history, skill-based progression system, customizable abilities, material-based crafting, building, trading, and the possibility of total mayhem. Will you save your world or destroy it?
Picayune Dreams
Picayune Dreams is a roguelike blend of bullet heaven horde survival, and bullet hell gameplay. Adrift across the endless void, you must fend off thousands of nightmarish and otherwordly creatures. Uncover a mysterious and surreal story. And don't forget. You mu [TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED...]
The Last Train
In the barren wasteland on the brink of extinction, the last Train departs, supposedly carrying its passengers in search of a place where they can survive. A creature named Eilf boards the Train, determined to travel to Spring - the station that has been said to have vanished.
Last Train Home
The Great War is over - the fight continues. Command a legion of soldiers, desperately trying to make their way home amidst the chaos of civil war. Lead them through the unforgiving wilderness onboard an armored train. Manage your crew and resources and try to survive.
Loddlenaut
Play as an interstellar custodian sent to clean up a polluted ocean planet. Pick up trash, explore the vibrant waters, and take care of axolotl-like alien creatures!
Skybreakers
Skybreakers is an action roguelike thriller. Choose from various characters, arm yourself with a vast array of weapons, and create your own unique build by combining artifacts, random talents, abilities, and bonds. Plunge into exhilarating combat and use unique abilities to defeat the evil.
Blazing Sails
Fight for survival in Blazing Sails, a fast-paced pirate PvP game! Create your own unique pirate and ship. Band together with other players to command your mighty vessel! Explore different game-modes, maps, weapons, ship types and more while eliminating other crews in epic battles on land and sea!
Gatekeeper: Infinity
Prologue version of the game Gatekeeper. Gatekeeper: Infinity is a fast-paced rogue-lite shooter where you'll search for the stolen Heart of the Universe and battle machine enemies! Play solo or join forces with friends in co-op mode.
Of Blades & Tails
A turn-based RPG that is action-oriented but rewards a thoughtful approach. Explore a fantastic land populated by different animal tribes. Follow the main story or hunt for treasures in ancient ruins and mysterious dungeons. Develop your character and gain powerful equipment.
Wedding Witch
Here is a witch who wants nothing but to marry you. She decides to seek potions from a certain Succubus in order to charm you... but a labyrinthine forest filled with devils stands in her way. Will she be able to find the potions, and with them, her happy ending?
They Are Coming
They Are Coming is a hybrid game that combines roguelike, tower defense, and base building in a side-scrolling shooter format. It offers a straightforward gaming experience for pure enjoyment.
METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the origin story of Naked Snake and his mentor The Boss and the fifth title in the METAL GEAR series.
Gem Defender: Soyjak Survivors
Follow Chud on his fight against Dr Soystein's 'jak army in this spine-tingling survival shooter. NOW FEATURING BADLANDSCHUGS
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 June 16th 2025.
1. Dune: Awakening
Rise from survival to greatness and challenge the power of an Imperium in Dune: Awakening, a multiplayer survival game on a massive scale. Survive the sandworm, craft your ornithopter, build a fortress, and ascend to power on an open world Arrakis shared with hundreds of other players. Dune: Awakening is a open world survival craft, massively multiplayer and third person game developed and published by Funcom. Released on June 10th 2025 has received 24,981 reviews of which 21,591 were positive and 3,390 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played survival game, thanks to its 155,662 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
21,591
3,390
155,662
players
2. 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 1,227,784 reviews of which 1,071,135 were positive and 156,649 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 110,456 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among survival games based on player count.
8.7
1,071,135
156,649
110,456
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 430,252 reviews of which 330,349 were positive and 99,903 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. While seeing 46,727 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among survival games based on player count.
7.6
330,349
99,903
46,727
players
4. 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 730,170 reviews of which 612,177 were positive and 117,993 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 31,018 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played survival games.
8.3
612,177
117,993
31,018
players
5. 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 210,517 reviews of which 206,216 were positive and 4,301 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 27,800 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played survival games.
9.7
206,216
4,301
27,800
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 377,063 reviews of which 355,171 were positive and 21,892 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 27,195 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played survival games.
9.3
355,171
21,892
27,195
players
7. 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 370,046 reviews of which 327,889 were positive and 42,157 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 23,106 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played survival games.
8.8
327,889
42,157
23,106
players
8. 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 1,409,473 reviews of which 1,373,979 were positive and 35,494 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 22,766 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played survival games.
9.7
1,373,979
35,494
22,766
players
9. 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 131,199 reviews of which 97,203 were positive and 33,996 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 21,393 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played survival games.
7.3
97,203
33,996
21,393
players
10. 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 499,828 reviews of which 471,451 were positive and 28,377 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 18,183 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played survival games.
9.4
471,451
28,377
18,183
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted survival games.
1. 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 627 reviews of which 447 were positive and 180 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for survival category.
6.8
447
180
-99%
19.50€
0.38€
2. 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 1,862 reviews of which 1,658 were positive and 204 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in survival games.
8.5
1,658
204
-98%
19.50€
0.55€
3. 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 3,293 reviews of which 2,906 were positive and 387 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in survival games.
8.5
2,906
387
-98%
19.99€
0.44€
4. 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 1,198 reviews of which 1,015 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for survival games.
8.1
1,015
183
-98%
17.99€
0.46€
5. 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 5,475 reviews of which 4,467 were positive and 1,008 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.9
4,467
1,008
-98%
14.99€
0.38€
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 893 reviews of which 714 were positive and 179 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.6
714
179
-98%
19.99€
0.46€
7. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis
A medieval city under siege and a handful of civilians are all that keep the walls from falling. Mixing survival strategy and resource management, build your camp, craft supplies, and scavenge the occupied city to supply the last troops holding back the invaders. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis is a singleplayer, city builder and immersive sim game developed by Black Eye Games and published by Ravenscourt. Released on May 18th 2021 has received 1,641 reviews of which 1,295 were positive and 346 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.6
1,295
346
-98%
24.99€
0.54€
8. Dead In Vinland
DEAD IN VINLAND is a survival/management game, mixed with RPG and adventure elements, about a Viking family trying their best to survive on a mysterious island. Dead In Vinland is a rpg, strategy and survival game developed and published by Ishtar Games. Released on April 12th 2018 has received 1,691 reviews of which 1,313 were positive and 378 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.5
1,313
378
-98%
19.99€
0.56€
9. Shortest Trip to Earth
Shortest Trip to Earth is a roguelike spaceship simulator focused on exploration, ship management and tactical battles. Embark on a perilous journey across the universe with nuclear missiles, armed crew and a cat. Shortest Trip to Earth is a rogue-lite, space and strategy game developed and published by Interactive Fate. Released on August 15th 2019 has received 1,390 reviews of which 1,072 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.4
1,072
318
-98%
25.13€
0.53€
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 1,117 reviews of which 746 were positive and 371 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for survival games.
6.5
746
371
-98%
13.99€
0.39€
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 June 16th 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 survival game developed and published by Starry Studio. Released on July 09th 2024 has received 131,199 reviews of which 97,203 were positive and 33,996 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 21,393 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free survival games on Steam.
7.3
97,203
33,996
21,393
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 555,368 reviews of which 506,516 were positive and 48,852 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 10,810, this survival game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free survival games on Steam.
9.0
506,516
48,852
10,810
players
3. 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 175,857 reviews of which 164,593 were positive and 11,264 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,208, this survival game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free survival games on Steam.
9.2
164,593
11,264
1,208
players
4. 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 74,448 reviews of which 65,847 were positive and 8,601 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 983 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.7
65,847
8,601
983
players
5. 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 17,577 reviews of which 12,263 were positive and 5,314 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 388 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.9
12,263
5,314
388
players
6. 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 74,253 reviews of which 66,753 were positive and 7,500 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 346 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.9
66,753
7,500
346
players
7. 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 1,263 reviews of which 871 were positive and 392 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 214 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.7
871
392
214
players
8. 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 7,967 reviews of which 7,068 were positive and 899 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 134 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.6
7,068
899
134
players
9. Faaast Penguin
"Faaast Penguin" is a wild and thrilling knockout action racing game where up to 40 penguins collide in a chaotic race to the finish! It's free with cross-platform support! Unleash attacks! Hop on ULTIMATE RIDES! Use shortcuts! Pass your rivals and reach the finish line first! Faaast Penguin is a free to play, battle royale and multiplayer game developed and published by historia Inc.. Released on September 19th 2024 has received 1,159 reviews of which 859 were positive and 300 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free survival games on Steam.
7.1
859
300
96
players
10. Dead Maze
Dead Maze is a 2D MMO game set in a destroyed contemporary world, filled with zombies. Explore the world, scavenge and craft as many items as possible, to survive the hostile environment and upgrade your gear and camp as you go. Dead Maze is a free to play, survival and zombies game developed and published by Atelier 801. Released on February 13th 2018 has received 4,713 reviews of which 3,540 were positive and 1,173 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free survival games on Steam.
7.3
3,540
1,173
69
players