Survival games make up one of the most popular genres in gaming. From the blocky exploration of Minecraft to the tense underwater adventures of Subnautica, survival games share many traits, and yet the big hitters are always fairly unique.
Related12 Best Mobile Survival Games
A good mobile survival game can help you survive a long commute.
PostsSurvival games are also not the easiest genre to get into. They're designed, by default, to be difficult. You are surviving against all odds. There will be poison. There will be no food. There will be no water. So, where to begin? Here, you can check out the best survival games for beginners, which get you acquainted with the genre.
Updated October 19, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace: Getting into survival games can be daunting, and we know that. As such, we've updated this list with a few more games for you to play as a beginner.
22 V Rising
CloseV Rising
MMORPG Survival Released May 17, 2022 ESRB T For Teen due to Blood, Violence Developer(s) Stunlock Studios Publisher(s) Stunlock Studios Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer Platform(s) PC How Long To Beat 40 Hours OpenCritic Rating Strong Powered by Expand CollapseV Rising quickly rose in popularity when it launched. It's carved its own space in the survival crafting genre by creating a world that is based not only on PvE against various difficult bosses but also on plenty of PvP against other players.
This isometric vampire simulator has some pretty unique mechanics, including a sunlight system that restricts your movement during the day, a blood system that allows you to gain temporary or almost-permanent stat boosts from NPCs out in the wild, as well as a robust progression system.
21 The Planet Crafter
CloseThe Planet Crafter
Open-World Survival Released April 10, 2024 Developer(s) Miju Games Publisher(s) Miju Games Engine Unity Platform(s) PC How Long To Beat 19 Hours Metascore 82 OpenCritic Rating Strong Powered by Expand CollapseThe Planet Crafter is a laid-back survival game set on a planet that is somehow hostile and cozy at the same time. In this game, your goal is to grow your base and make the planet hospitable for humans.
You are, essentially, crafting a planet. In The Planet Crafter, you won't find hordes of enemies trying to kill you. Instead, you will learn to protect yourself from the elements and lack of food. Overall, this is great for the solo gamer.
20 No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky
Adventure Action Survival 4.0/5 8.4/10 Released August 9, 2016 ESRB T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Animated Blood Developer(s) Hello Games Publisher(s) Hello Games Engine Proprietary Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op Cross-Platform Play PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC Steam Deck Compatibility Verified Platform(s) PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC How Long To Beat 30.5 Hours X|S Optimized Yes File Size Xbox Series 20.36 GB (September 2024) Metascore 83 Platforms That Support Crossplay PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S PS Plus Availability N/A Supported VR Headsets Sony PlayStation VR, Sony PlayStation VR2, Valve Index, HP Reverb G2, HTC Vive Pro 2, HTC VIVE Cosmos, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs) 150 hours Powered by Expand CollapseNo Man's Sky is an absolutely massive survival game set in a vast universe. Just how vast is it? Well, you're looking at over 18 quintillion planets. Of course, you won't visit all 18 quintillion planets, but this just shows how large the game truly is.
While playing No Man's Sky, you can do pretty much whatever you want. Want to build an epic base? Go for it! If you get bored building you base, you can simply stop and go learn some alien languages; the choice is up to you.
19 Raft
Raft
Survival Released June 20, 2022 ESRB t Developer(s) Redbeet Interactive Publisher(s) Axolot Games Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer Platform(s) PC How Long To Beat 31 Hours Steam User Rating 93% (October 25, 2023) Powered by Expand CollapseDumped in the middle of an expansive ocean, it's your task to survive while playing Raft. Gather materials from the surf, catch fish to survive, and slowly build up your raft to help you handle the perils of sea living.
RelatedRaft: Every Animal Enemy Type In The Game, Ranked
The world of Raft is filled with creatures to encounter - we've ranked them, in order of danger.
PostsYou can play Raft on your own or with your friends. It's a good game for beginners to the genre because it's all quite straightforward: you're on a raft, on the ocean. You can explore the depths for short periods, but mostly it's about collecting stuff from the waves and defending your boat against any problems.
18 Stranded Deep
Stranded Deep
Survival Released April 21, 2020 ESRB T For Teen due to Blood, Crude Humor, Mild Violence Developer(s) Beam Team Games Publisher(s) Beam Team Games Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One How Long To Beat 22 Hours X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 1 GB (November 2023) PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Powered by Expand CollapseStranded Deep is a classic survival game. You're stranded on a desert island and must survive; it doesn't get much more simple than that. There are also fairly limited mechanics in Stranded Deep. Nothing too complicated to craft, and no extremely difficult objectives -- if you don't count the mega-sharks, of course.
There is plenty to do in Stranded Deep. Grow crops, gather water, build a base, and eventually explore beyond your small island on the hunt for more resources. If you're brand new to the survival genre, we can't think of a better place to start than with Stranded Deep.
17 Minecraft
Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition
Survival Sandbox Released November 18, 2011 ESRB E Developer(s) Mojang Publisher(s) Mojang Engine LWJGL Cross-Platform Play Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Franchise Minecraft Platform(s) Windows, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, PS4, Xbox One Metascore 89 Platforms That Support Crossplay Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Powered by Expand CollapseMinecraft is one of the most popular games out there. It has sold millions upon millions of copies across multiple platforms and continues to receive regular updates more than a decade since it was originally launched. Minecraft is probably the most iconic survival game of them all, so it makes sense you might want to jump into the genre with it.
There are many ways to enjoy Minecraft. You can jump into a creative server and spend hours just building, or opt for an ultra-hardcore survival run where death means the complete, total end of your save. Minecraft is also one of the best survival games to play with friends, with easy-to-set-up private servers or ways to play together on public servers.
16 Astroneer
Astroneer
Adventure Released February 6, 2019 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence Engine Unreal Engine 4 Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Platform(s) PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One Developer System Era Softworks Publisher System Era Softworks How Long To Beat 22 Hours X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 1 GB (November 2023) Steam User Rating 92% (October 25, 2023) Powered by Expand CollapseAstroneer might be the ultimate survival game for beginners. This is because it's not so much about surviving as just sort of... having a nice time. It's a beautiful game that involves surviving on an alien planet while heading out to explore new frontiers and environments. Astroneer is a total sandbox adventure.
Related10 Most Colorful Games Of All Time
Looking for a bright and colorful game to boost your mood? Here are some of the most colorful video games that you can play.
PostsBecause of the lack of, well, survival mechanics, this is the sort of game to play if you want a soft introduction to the genre. It's more about building and exploring rather than surviving, making it the ideal beginner's game.
15 Don't Starve / Don't Starve Together
CloseDon't Starve
Survival Management Released April 23, 2013 ESRB T For Teen due to Fantasy, Violence, Crude Humor Developer(s) Klei Entertainment Publisher(s) Klei Entertainment Engine Lua Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer Platform(s) Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PS Vita, Nintendo Wii U, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PC How Long To Beat 30 Hours Metascore 87 Powered by Expand CollapseDespite the cute art style, Don't Starve is a creepy and fun open-world survival game that throws you into dark fantasy environments populated with demons. It's not the easiest game in the world, but it does help you understand how to survive the growing dark.
RelatedDon't Starve Together: 10 Ways To Keep Your Base Safe
Your base is essential in Don't Starve Together and these tips will help you protect it, and your life, no matter the circumstances.
PostsDon't Starve has rogue-like mechanics such as permadeath, hack-and-slash combat, and different playable characters that each have their unique abilities. If you want to invite a friend, then you can instead purchase the standalone version Don't Starve Together, which adds co-op.
14 This War Of Mine
This War of Mine
Survival 7.0/10 Released November 14, 2014 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Mild Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) 11 Bit Studios Publisher(s) 11 Bit Studios Engine Proprietary Engine Platform(s) Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One How Long To Beat 11 Hours X|S Optimized Yes File Size Xbox Series 3 GB (November 2023) PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand CollapseThis War Of Mine is a side-scrolling survival game with a strong anti-war message that places you in the shoes of civilians caught in the crossfire of unrelenting war. While a lot of media tackling such a stance can come off preachy or heavy-handed in its execution, This War Of Mine handles the subject incredibly well.
At its core, this game is about resource gathering and management as you try to feed, bandage, and shelter your growing group of survivors. The game is split into a day and night cycle, where during the day, you oversee your base, and in the night, you have to scout out nearby locations to scavenge for supplies while avoiding local militia and bandits.
13 Salt
Salt
Open-World Sandbox Adventure Released August 22, 2014 Developer(s) Lavaboots Studios Publisher(s) Lavaboots Studios Platform(s) PC Powered by Expand CollapseSalt is another game set on the open waters. While playing, your goal is to explore various items and find new treasures.
Compared to other games on our list, Salt is a relaxing and laid-back experience. It is similar to Astroneer in that you won't constantly be pushed into stressful situations. If you want to spend all of your time fishing, then you have every right to do so. One Steam reviewer even stated that "this game is good therapy".
