What separates survival games from other genres is how immersive and demanding they can be. These games truly make the player feel like they are a part of the world. To mimic the intensity of surviving, most games within the genre are pretty difficult, which can put some players off. However, the genre is gaining popularity thanks to the growing availability of many hardcore survival games on more platforms.
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One essential consideration when crafting a good survival game is its length. They need to be long enough for players to fully understand the world, while not being overwhelmed by the mechanics (since survival games often don’t hold players' hands). These games on this list get it right. The engage the player, and are long enough to keep them entertained even when there is downtime.
6Green Hell: 16 Hours
One of the more demanding survival games out there,Green Hellrequires players to pay attention to everything, especially the character’s state of mind — which can alter the world. Players can play solo or co-op, but solo is whereGreen Hellbecomes a challenge. In this mode, things start to happen that force players to rely on their wits to survive. Otherwise, the character’s mind will work against them.
16 hoursis probably the best length forGreen Hellbecause of how limited the environment is. Since it’s just in the Amazon rainforest, trying to do more would make the game less appealing. Still, it provides the player with plenty of entertainment.
5Subnautica Below Zero: 20 Hours
What setsSubnautica Below Zeroapart is not just its length, but also the environment. While many survival games these days are set in post-apocalyptic worlds, this game takes place deep in the ocean of an alien planet. Its appeal lies in how vast the world is and everything players can do. The world is so big that many players haven’tfully discovered everythingin the world.
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Since it’s20 hourslong, players will be too busy fighting offthe game’s terrifying beaststo complete it. For good measure, going after those creatures will help them survive and escape quicker. Adding toSubnautica Below Zero’s appeal is the learning curve. It is both challenging and rewarding; however going into it blindly will slow down the pace. If players considerusing these tips, they’ll be progressing in no time.
4Don’t Starve: 33 Hours
This is probably one of the most challenging survival games, where everything matters and permadeathis a threat. From the errands to the day and night cycle, everything withinDon’t Starvehas an impact on the player’s actions. During the day, players will have time to find resources, recipes, and other things to help them build a base. At night it’s a different story. Players must have a light source or the screen will be black and an enemy named Charlie will attack the player.
Don’t Starvesits at33 hoursto completion, which gives players more time to discover the open world and deal with its characters. The game is quite difficult, but once players master the mechanics,Don’t Starvebecomes easier. It rewards players for sticking with it, leading to its appeal.
3Rust: 64.5 Hours
A hardcore survival shooter,Rustis so complex that only dedicated players will play. Like most games ofRust’silk, it’s true to life in many of its mechanics. Even thoughRustis under65 hours, it can be longer due to fact that it’s a multiplayer game as well.
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When a game likeRustis true to life, everything gets more difficult due to the hunger, thirst, and health mechanics that need monitoring. Ignoring them will make players lose quite often and early. SinceRustis quite hard, players should follow sometips or guides, because like most survival games, it requires patience. Since the developers ofRustarealways adding morecontent, it’s always a good time for new players to get into it.
2DayZ: 39.5-120 Hours
DayZhas inspired many games, such asThe Day Before.Both are centered around zombie infections and require strong teamwork to survive. However, unlikeThe Day Before, DayZputs more emphasis on gathering resources and trying to stay alive as long as possible. Players will have to fight zombies and other players at the same time becauseDayZalso acts as a battle royale as well. With the minimum being just under40 hours, players will have tons of time to explore the Soviet Russian landscape.
But what makesDayZso popular is that it leans into the survival aspect. For example, if players eat food that isn’t cooked well, they may get sick, making them an easier target to hit. These mechanics givehave a steep learning curve, but will make players feel like they’re accomplishing something in-game.
1Ark: Survival Evolved: 55-855 Hours
This is probably one of the more unique survival games in the genre, as players roam the world with dinosaurs.Ark: Survival Evolvedhas many different modes, but the most important ones are the PVP and PVE. In PVE, players can work together to build bases, train and breed dinosaurs, and play the game with less worry. In PVP, players can do the same thing, but with impending attacks from other players.
Not only isArk: Survival Evolvedoneof the biggestXboxgames, it’s also the longest sitting, between55 and 855 hoursfor single-player. However, while riding and attacking dinosaurs may be appealing, players should note how difficult the game can be, even for survival games enthusiasts. However,, once players get their tribes by joining other players, things become less demanding and more entertaining.
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