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
Dead Rising® 2
The sequel to the million-plus selling Dead Rising, Dead Rising 2 takes the zombie survival horror to Fortune City, America’s latest and greatest entertainment playground.
Alien Swarm
Co-operative multiplayer game and complete code base available for free.
Aliens vs. Predator™
Survive, hunt and prey in the deadly jungles and swamps in distinctly new and thrilling first person gameplay.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat is the direct sequel of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. As a Major Alexander Degtyarev you should investigate the crash of the governmental helicopters around the Zone and find out, what happened there.
Aliens versus Predator Classic 2000
Aliens Versus Predator Classic 2000 features the Colonial Marine, Alien and Predator Campaigns and the frenetic single-player Skirmish mode from the original title: Alien Versus Predator Gold Edition, which was released to massive acclaim in 2000.
The Void
Only brought to life by scarce sparks of Color, the bleak, grey Void is a peculiar place. The player gets to explore it, get to know the Sisters, Brothers, and other weird creatures inhabiting it, and learn the ways of Color, harvesting it and drawing sigils that change the world around them.
Left 4 Dead 2
Set in the zombie apocalypse, Left 4 Dead 2 (L4D2) is the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning Left 4 Dead, the #1 co-op game of 2008. This co-operative action horror FPS takes you and your friends through the cities, swamps and cemeteries of the Deep South, from Savannah to New Orleans across five expansive campaigns.
Resident Evil 5
This game is a port of the Games for Windows - Live version that was released in 2009. If you buy the Untold Stories Bundle here on Steam, it will be the same as upgrading to Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition.
Nation Red
Nation Red is an ultra fast infinite play arena-based shooter providing an exceptional close-quarter battlefield experience. Fight thousands of zombie mutants and their bosses in frantic bloody gameplay while earning close to 100 perks. Fight in Barricade, Survival or Free Play mode.
Space Quest™ Collection
Experience a blast from the past with the complete, completely twisted Space Quest Collection.
Call of Cthulhu®: Dark Corners of the Earth
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is a first-person horror game that combines intense action and adventure elements.
Alien Shooter 2: Reloaded
This is the unique alloy of arcade action and RPG elements which combines well-established world of classical games and unmatched dynamics of the first part.
Zombie Shooter
The human race is in danger again. This time scientists could not cope the imminent threat and became monsters themselves. Crowds of zombie people filled the secret research base. The dreadful contagion is about to spread earth wide. Use the last chance to save the humanity from total annihilation!
Killing Floor
6-player co-op survival horror at its finest! Free updates, free special events and a ridiculous amount of fun!
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
Zombies are invading your home, and the only defense is your arsenal of plants! Armed with an alien nursery-worth of zombie-zapping plants like peashooters and cherry bombs, you'll need to think fast and plant faster to stop dozens of types of zombies dead in their tracks.
Penumbra Overture
Penumbra: Overture is a first person survival horror game, emphasizing on survival and problem solving instead of mindless violence and gore.
Dystopia
Dystopia is a cyberpunk game with tense combat situations in a high-tech world spanned by computer networks. Playing as either Punk mercenaries, or Corporate security forces, the player will fight through the physical world to gain access, via jack-in terminals, to cyberspace.
Penumbra: Black Plague Gold Edition
Surrounded by enemies and assaulted by terror from all sides, Philip must collect clues and solve vexing puzzles while combating the gnawing psychological terrors that assail his mind and threaten to strip him of his sanity.
Dead Space (2008)
You are Isaac Clarke, an engineer on the spacecraft USG Ishimura. You're not a warrior. You're not a soldier. You are, however, the last line of defense for the remaining living crew.
Call of Duty: World at War
Call of Duty is back, redefining war like you've never experienced before. Building on the Call of Duty 4®: Modern Warfare engine, Call of Duty: World at War immerses players into the most gritty and chaotic WWII combat ever experienced.
Left 4 Dead
From Valve (the creators of Counter-Strike, Half-Life and more) comes Left 4 Dead, a co-op action horror game for the PC and Xbox 360 that casts up to four players in an epic struggle for survival against swarming zombie hordes and terrifying mutant monsters.
Far Cry® 2
You are a gun for hire, trapped in a war-torn African state, stricken with malaria and forced to make deals with corrupt warlords on both sides of the conflict in order to make this country your home. You must identify and exploit your enemies' weaknesses, neutralizing their superior numbers and firepower with surprise, subversion,...
Zombie Panic! Source
Dive into the zombie apocalypse with Zombie Panic! Source: a cooperative, survival-horror first-person-shooter. A fast-paced standalone modification.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky – standalone prequel for the acclaimed S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, which tells you story about the Clear Sky group, that want to research the Zone and understand it better.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 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 survival game, thanks to its 59,015 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,060,406
154,749
59,015
players
2. V Rising
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 survival games based on player count.
8.8
99,066
12,353
39,400
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 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 survival games based on player count.
7.6
326,984
99,557
31,544
players
4. 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. With 25,486 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played survival games.
9.7
1,364,418
35,158
25,486
players
5. 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 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played survival games.
7.3
93,632
33,046
23,033
players
6. 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 208,163 reviews of which 203,940 were positive and 4,223 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 18,188 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played survival games.
9.7
203,940
4,223
18,188
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 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 #7 spot among the most played survival games.
8.8
325,645
41,877
18,083
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played survival games.
9.4
468,624
28,026
17,441
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played survival games.
9.3
348,457
21,522
16,414
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played survival games.
8.3
608,653
117,751
15,372
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 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted survival games.
1. 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 3,234 reviews of which 2,853 were positive and 381 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
2,853
381
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
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 1,825 reviews of which 1,624 were positive and 201 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
1,624
201
-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. 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 1,181 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for survival games.
8.1
1,000
181
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
5. 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 888 reviews of which 710 were positive and 178 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.6
710
178
-94%
19.67€
1.18€
6. 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. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for survival games.
6.5
763
376
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
7. 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 5,464 reviews of which 4,461 were positive and 1,003 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.9
4,461
1,003
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. 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 7,146 reviews of which 5,430 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 #8 position in the best deals for survival games.
7.4
5,430
1,716
-93%
15.14€
1.06€
9. 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 1,111 reviews of which 742 were positive and 369 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for survival games.
6.5
742
369
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
10. This War of Mine
In This War Of Mine you do not play as an elite soldier, rather a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. The game provides an experience of war seen from an entirely new angle. This War of Mine is a survival, war and atmospheric game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on November 14th 2014 has received 101,377 reviews of which 94,154 were positive and 7,223 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for survival games.
9.2
94,154
7,223
-91%
20.00€
1.80€
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 30th 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 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 survival games on Steam.
7.3
93,632
33,046
23,033
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 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 survival game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free survival games on Steam.
9.1
505,746
48,662
8,988
players
3. 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 73,924 reviews of which 65,394 were positive and 8,530 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 949, this survival game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free survival games on Steam.
8.7
65,394
8,530
949
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 174,922 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 #4 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
9.3
163,761
11,161
740
players
5. 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 25,334 reviews of which 16,483 were positive and 8,851 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 589 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.4
16,483
8,851
589
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 74,001 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 #6 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
8.9
66,520
7,481
312
players
7. Will To Live Online
Will To Live is a MMORPG-shooter whose action takes place in a severe post-apocalyptic world. Explore the world, engage in fights with mutants and other survivors, join the clans in the struggle for existence and prove your right to Live. Will To Live Online is a survival, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by AlphaSoft LLC. Released on April 05th 2018 has received 17,505 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 #7 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.9
12,228
5,277
307
players
8. 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 1,117 reviews of which 776 were positive and 341 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 167 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free survival games on Steam.
6.7
776
341
167
players
9. The Walking Dead: No Man's Land
Step into the dangerous world of The Walking Dead: No Man's Land. Lead survivors in turn-based strategy battles, manage resources, and make tough choices to ensure their survival. Fight walkers, build your base, and face endless dangers. The Walking Dead: No Man's Land is a free to play, turn-based combat and zombies game developed and published by Deca Games. Released on July 30th 2024 has received 509 reviews of which 389 were positive and 120 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free survival games on Steam.
7.2
389
120
95
players
10. CRSED: Cuisine Royale
CRSED: Cuisine Royale – is a brutal MMO last-man-standing shooter with realistic weaponry, elements of lethal mystic forces and incredible superpowers! CRSED: Cuisine Royale is a battle royale, free to play and multiplayer game developed by Darkflow Software and Matter Team and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on June 15th 2018 has received 38,569 reviews of which 30,404 were positive and 8,165 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free survival games on Steam.
7.8
30,404
8,165
91
players