Summary
Survival games have many subgenres and niches, making them some of the most unique experiences available. Games like Project Zomboid andThe Foresthave thrust the genre into the forefront of gaming and made quite a name for themselves.
Not every game in the genre has been recognized, however, and many have become obscure, meaning not as popular as some survival genre giants. These games collected here are underrated but can often be just as fun as the mainstream games.
10This War Of Mine
ThisWar Of Minetakes a unique approach to a war-themed game in the sense that it focuses on the perspective of the civilians, an often forgotten demographic when thinking of warfare. Inspired by various sieges over the past 100 years, it places you in control of civilians surviving in a wartorn city by living in a dilapidated house. Daytime is plagued by enemy snipers, so that time is used for crafting and managing resources, while the night is for scavenging runs, exploration, and encounters with other NPCs. The main goal is to survive until a ceasefire is declared at a random time.
9V Rising
If you’re a fan of vampires,V Risingis for you. This entry follows your created vampire as they fight for dominion over the five biomes of the open world. The gameplay also features a base-building system where you’re able to consolidate your strength and build up a safe haven. V Rising also has a system of blood types your character can absorb to alter their stats. The quality of the blood also plays a role in how strong the buffs and debuffs are. PvP and PvE servers are available for those looking to play multiplayer, but the game can also be enjoyed in single-player.
8The Long Dark
The Canadian wilderness has never looked less inviting, especially for our protagonist by the name of Will Mackenzie. The gameplay is split into three modes: Survival, Story Mode, and Challenge Mode. The core of the game centers around braving the wilderness and staving off the wildlife while maintaining your nutrients and needs. Disease is also a prevalent threat as well as warmth and wind-chill, so clothing is an extremely important factor when venturing into the wilderness. 5 story chapters and a few DLC have been released over the years and provide an excellent narrative.
7Scum
Scum is set in Croatia and revolves around the concept of being the first to escape the island by removing an implant. It’s similar to a battle royal in the sense that it pits 80 players against each other to see who escapes first. There’s a nutrient system that isn’t integral to survival but provides handy stat bonuses when catered to.
Scum also features a point system called fame that can allow for resurrection and trading within safe zones. The game has been in early access since 2018 and has a projected release date of sometime in 2024.
6Survival: Fountain Of Youth
Set in the 16th century on the Caribbean Islands, you play as an unnamed explorer as part of Ponce de Leon’s search for the Fountain of Youth. Uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization and discover the fate of your crew mates while surviving the unforgiving wilderness that pits you against wildlife and nature itself.
You’re also able to visit other islands on the archipelago by building a variety of sea vessels like a simple raft or a large Schooner. Crafting is an important part of the game, as with most survival games. From a wooden spear to metal armor and muskets, there’s a lot of variety for crafting.
5Green Hell
Surviving in a remote area is hard enough, but when you’re in the Amazon Rainforest, the prospect of survival becomes far more unlikely.Green Hellis all about maintaining your needs and defying any sense of fear you may have. The game has your run-of-the-millrealistic survival mechanicslike hunger, nutrients and thirst, but it also includes mental states.
Lack of stable mental health can cause hallucinations, both auditory and visual, and makes survival extremely difficult. The game also features an optional story mode that sees your character search for his missing wife, who is also lost in the rainforest.
4Resident Evil 3
Of all theResident Evilentries, the most underrated of them all is the third installment. Resident Evil 3 follows Jill Valentine and Carlos Oliveira as they attempt to search through a zombie-infested city to find a vaccine for the ongoing plague of infected. The gameplay is third-person and revolves around exploring the surrounding environment while collecting supplies, solving puzzles, and fighting zombies. Weapons can be found throughout the levels and can provide a much-needed edge, especially during fights with the Nemesis, the game’s primary antagonist.
3Darkwood
Darkwood is about an ever-expanding forest that traps those found within and prevents their escape. An unnamed plague also causes the inhabitants of the forest to turn into abominations and monsters. The main character, simply known as ‘The Stranger’, has to scavenge during the day for supplies to trade and defend the hideout at night. If you die at night, you respawn in the morning having gained no reputation. The game has many choices to be made with the various NPCs in the two chapters of the story, with each choice impacting your ending.
2Valheim
InValheim, you play as an unnamed Viking sent to conquer the evils that stalk the land to ascend to Valhalla. You begin with nothing but your wits and the underwear on your character. From there you’ll have to learn to craft different recipes, find food to increase your health and stamina, and hunt for bosses to progress through the various biomes.
The core gameplay has hints of RPG elements, like skill progression, which increases your effectiveness with a certain weapon or tool type. Raids on your base can occur after defeating the first boss, so it’s important to build up defenses.
1Conan Exiles
Conan Exiles is criminally underrated even with its massive content updates and consistent community involvement with future updates. It takes place inthe open world of Conan the Barbarianand sees your character survive the harsh Exiled Lands where they’ve been sent after committing a variety of crimes.
The game is a hardcore RPG that forces you to plan your moves ahead of time and play smart to survive. You’re also able to build bases where you can craft armor, weapons, and even capture and make thralls that serve you faithfully. The bosses in the game serve as exceptionally tough challenges that will test even the mightiest of players.
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