Top 15 best survival games on PC

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The survival games take players on a journey through hostile worlds where every decision counts.

Whether you're a fan of RPGs, survival, multiplayer PvP or other genres, discover our selection of the most popular best PC titles.

🏆 Rank 🎮 Game ⭐ Review on Steam
1 Terraria 97 % (extremely positive (1,166,606))
2 Subnautica 97 % (extremely positive (301,085))
3 RimWorld 97 % (extremely positive (195,154))
4 The Forest 95 % (extremely positive (556,711))
5 Don't Starve Together 95 % (extremely positive (359,821))
6 Valheim 94 % (very positive (441,678))
7 Project Zomboid 94 % (very positive (319,825))
8 Terminus Zombie Survivors 94 % (very positive (4,166))
9 Raft 93 % (very positive (308,348))
10 This War of Mine 93 % (very positive (80,290))
11 SurrounDead 92 % (very positive (18,368))
12 Grounded 90 % (very positive (71,640))
13 Rust 87 % (very positive (1,087,330))
14 Enshrouded 86 % (very positive (81,846))
15 No Man's Sky 83 % (very positive (296,746))

1. Terraria

Developer/Publisher : Re-Logic / Re-Logic
Release date May 16, 2011
Platforms Nintendo Switch, macOS, PS4, PC
Review on Steam 97 % (extremely positive (1,166,606))
Multiplayer : Yes, up to 8 players locally
PEGI : 12
Gender : Action, Adventure, Indie, RPG

  • Why this game?

Terraria is a survival game in 2D. It's a mix of exploration, construction, combat and RPG progression.

Its greatest advantage is that each game offers new caves, biomes, enemies and treasures to discover. Its wealth of content and total freedom make it one of the most popular best PC survival games.

  • For whom?

For players who like to explore, build and progress over the long term.

2. Subnautica

Developer/Publisher : Unknown Worlds Entertainment / Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Release date January 23, 2018
Platforms PS5, Android, Nintendo Switch, PC
Review on Steam 97 % (extremely positive (301,085))
Multiplayer No
PEGI : 7
Gender Adventure, Independent

  • Why this game?

Because Subnautica offers a unique survival experience in an entirely underwater universe on an unknown planet.

The atmosphere, the feeling of isolation and the gradual discovery of the fauna and mysteries of the ocean make this an unforgettable adventure.

  • For whom?

For those who love immersive exploration and solo adventures full of mystery.

3. RimWorld

Developer/Publisher : Ludeon Studios / Ludeon Studios
Release date : October 17, 2018
Platforms : macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PS4
Review on Steam 97 % (extremely positive (195,154))
Multiplayer No
PEGI : 18
Gender : Independent, Simulation, Strategy

  • Why this game?

You must know that RimWorld is a survival and management game. You'll be leading a group of survivors stranded on a distant planet.

This title features parts that generate unique stories thanks to artificial intelligence that creates unexpected events.

  • For whom?

For fans of strategy, management and’emerging stories unpredictable.

4. The Forest

Developer/Publisher : Endnight Games Ltd / Endnight Games Ltd
Release date : April 30, 2018
Platforms : PS4, Microsoft Windows
Review on Steam 95 % (extremely positive (556,711))
Multiplayer Yes, up to 8 (PC), 4 (PS4).
PEGI : 18
Gender Action, Adventure, Independent, Simulation

  • Why this game?

The Forest is playable solo Where in cooperation. It mixes survival, exploration and horror with frightening effectiveness.

Its gameplay makes it a great choice. It places you on an island after a plane crash. To survive, you have to chop wood, build a shelter, craft weapons and explore dark caves filled with dangers.

  • For whom?

For gamers who love tense survival, It's all about exploration and co-op thrills. Its oppressive atmosphere and subterranean explorations also make it one of the most popular best PC horror games.

5. Don’t Starve Together

Developer/Publisher : Klei Entertainment / Klei Entertainment
Release date April 21, 2016
Platforms Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, macOS, PlayStation 4, PC
Review on Steam 95 % (extremely positive (359,821))
Multiplayer : Yes, up to 6 players online.
PEGI : 12
Gender Action, Adventure, Independent, RPG, Simulation, Strategy

  • Why this game?

Don’t Starve Together is a multiplayer survival game.

Its unique artistic style hides a very real difficulty that pushes players to cooperate intelligently. Each game becomes a constant battle against nature and its creatures.

  • For whom?

For those looking for a a real cooperative survival challenge with their friends.

6. Valheim

Developer/Publisher Iron Gate AB / Coffee Stain Publishing
Release date February 2, 2021
Platforms PS5, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, PC
Review on Steam 94 % (very positive (441,678))
Multiplayer : Yes, 10 players on the same server.
PEGI : 12
Gender Action, Adventure, Independent, RPG, Early Access

  • Why this game?

Because it's a survival and exploration game inspired by the Nordic mythology. The building system is accessible yet profound, and exploration by drakkar adds a real sense of adventure.

Whether solo or in cooperation, each session becomes a unique experience. memorable Viking epic. Moreover, Valheim is often cited among the best PC co-op games.

  • For whom?

For players who like to build, explore and experience a epic cooperative adventure.

7. Project Zomboid

Developer/Publisher : The Indie Stone / The Indie Stone
Release date : November 8, 2013
Platforms Linux, Microsoft Windows
Review on Steam 94 % (very positive (319,825))
Multiplayer for up to 4 local players.
PEGI : 16
Gender Independent, RPG, Simulation, Early Access

  • Why this game?

Because Project Zomboid offers a ultra-realistic survival simulation in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse.

You'll manage hunger, fatigue, injuries, weather and even your character's mental state. Every death is final, making every decision stressful and important.

  • For whom?

For fans of realistic survival, slow and extremely immersive.

8. Terminus Zombie Survivors

Developer/Publisher : Longplay Studios / Longplay Studios
Release date August 19, 2024
Platforms Microsoft Windows, Mac OS operating systems
Review on Steam 94 % (very positive (4,166))
Multiplayer No
PEGI : 12
Gender Adventure, Independent, RPG, Simulation, Strategy

  • Why this game?

Terminus Zombie Survivors is a game that combines survival, strategy and group management. You'll find yourself in a world infested with the undead.

You have to move your team, search locations, manage fatigue and injuries while avoiding being overwhelmed by the hordes. The tactical approach and decision-making the game's constant rhythms.

  • For whom?

For those who love strategic survival with reflection and team management.

9. Raft

Developer/Publisher Redbeet Interactive / Axolot Games
Release date June 20, 2022
Platforms : PS5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series
Review on Steam 93 % (very positive (308,348))
Multiplayer : Yes, up to 8 players simultaneously.
PEGI : 7
Gender : Adventure, Indie, Simulation

  • Why this game?

Raft puts you in the middle of a infinite ocean on a simple raft, with only one objective: survive. In cooperation, the experience becomes even more fun thanks to shared tasks and collective progress.

  • For whom?

For gamers who love relaxed survival, online construction and cooperation.

10. This War of Mine

Developer/Publisher 11 bit studios / 11 bit studios
Release date November 14, 2014
Platforms Android, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Review on Steam 93 % (very positive (80,290))
Multiplayer No
PEGI : 18
Gender : Adventure, Indie, Simulation

  • Why this game?

Because this game gives you a striking, realistic and deeply human experience. That's right, This War of Mine offers a different approach to survival game. It focuses on civilians trapped in a city at war.

The night-time search phases are tense, and every choice can have serious consequences.

  • For whom?

For those looking for a narrative survival, emotional and based on difficult choices.

11. SurrounDead

Developer/Publisher : Zurvivor / PlaySurrounDead
Release date June 24, 2022
Platforms Android, Microsoft Windows
Review on Steam 92 % (very positive (18,368))
Multiplayer No
PEGI : 16
Gender Action, Adventure, Independent, RPG, Early Access

  • Why this game?

SurrounDead plunges the player into a post-apocalyptic universe filled with abandoned towns, military bases and zombie-infested areas.

Its immersive atmosphere and freedom of approach make it a gripping survival adventure on the PC.

  • For whom?

For gamers who like to explore freely and survive in a dangerous urban world.

12. Grounded

Developer/Publisher : Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios
Release date September 27, 2022
Platforms PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series, Microsoft Windows
Review on Steam 90 % (very positive (71,640))
Multiplayer : Yes, up to 4 players simultaneously.
PEGI : 12
Gender : Action, Adventure

  • Why this game?

Because Grounded offers an eoriginal survival experience. In the game, players are miniaturized in a garden that has become a huge hostile world.

Exploration reveals different biomes such as wetlands, giant grasses and hidden laboratories. Playable solo or cooperatively, the game blends adventure, construction and progress in a world as colorful as it is dangerous.

  • For whom?

For those who want a accessible survival, It's fun and ideal for sharing with friends.

13. Rust

Developer/Publisher Facepunch Studios / Facepunch Studios
Release date February 8, 2018
Platforms PS5, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows
Review on Steam 87 % (very positive (1,087,330))
Multiplayer : Yes
PEGI : 16
Gender : Action, Adventure, Indie, Massively Multiplayer, RPG

  • Why this game?

Rust is a multiplayer survival game where each player must build a base, protect its resources and survive against other online players.

In the game, danger comes as much from the environment as from other survivors. Each session is unpredictable, competitive and rich in human interaction.

  • For whom?

For the competitive players who enjoy intense PVP and ruthless survival.

14. Enshrouded

Developer/Publisher Keen Games GmbH / Keen Games GmbH
Release date January 24, 2024
Platforms : GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Review on Steam 86 % (very positive (81,846))
Multiplayer : Yes, up to 16 players simultaneously.
PEGI : 16
Gender Action, Adventure, Independent, RPG, Early Access

  • Why this game?

Because you'll be playing in a fantasy world. The latter, however, was ravaged by a mysterious mist.

You must then explore, collect resources, build detailed bases and upgrade your equipment in order to surviving creatures and the dangers of the map.

  • For whom?

For fans of survival fantasy with RPG-style exploration and progression.

15. No Man’s Sky

Developer/Publisher : Hello Games / Hello Games
Release date August 12, 2016
Platforms PS5, PC, PS4, Steam, Xbox One, Series X/S, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Review on Steam 83 % (very positive (296,746))
Multiplayer : Yes, up to 32 players simultaneously on PC and 16 players on consoles.
PEGI : 12
Gender : Action, Adventure

  • Why this game?

Because No Man’s Sky offers an almost infinite universe of billions of planets to explore, each with its own fauna, flora and hostile conditions.

Today, it is one of the space survival games available on the PC. You must survive by managing your equipment, building bases, upgrading your ship and exploring space in single or multiplayer mode.

  • For whom?

For those who dream of’explore planets, build space bases and travel without limits.

👉 As you've seen, the PC survival games have never been so varied. Whatever your style, each track offers an intense and memorable experience.

Please also consult our list of best free RPG games on PC.

Alternatively, share your experience and recommendations in comments to help other players choose their next adventure!

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