Top 10 Best Of POST-APOCALYPTIC Games to Play Now

Imagine a world hit by nuclear war, disease, or natural disasters. It's a harsh, empty place where only the toughest survive. This idea draws players into the exciting world of post-apocalyptic games. But what makes these games so captivating, and which ones are the best? Get ready for a trip through the most engaging and memorable post-apocalyptic games out there.

Are you up for exploring dangerous wastelands, facing scary shadows, and making your own way in a world ending? Buckle up, because we're about to show you the top 10 post-apocalyptic games. They'll grab your attention and leave a lasting impact on your gaming memories.

Key Takeaways

• Explore vast, open-world post-apocalyptic landscapes with stunning visuals and attention to detail.
• Encounter a range of factions, from survivors struggling to rebuild to hostile groups vying for control.
• Engage in thrilling combat, whether it's hand-to-hand, ranged, or vehicular, to survive the harsh realities of the new world.
• Delve into captivating narratives that explore the human condition and the aftermath of global catastrophe.
• Immerse yourself in atmospheric, immersive gameplay that captures the essence of a world on the brink of collapse.

1. Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus is the third game in the Metro series, based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novels¹. It takes players to a post-apocalyptic Russia after a nuclear disaster. You'll have to survive by finding resources and fighting off mutants and enemies¹. The game is known for its great story, gameplay, and survival elements¹.

In 2036, Artyom and his friends start a dangerous journey across Russia in the Aurora, a special train¹. The game lets players explore different places, from snowy areas to hot deserts¹. You'll meet many characters, some who help and others who don't, each with their own stories¹.

What makes Metro Exodus special is its detailed world and story². The game's world is full of life, even in the ruins of old military bases and cities². You can make choices that affect your friends and the game's ending¹.

Metro Exodus is a top game in the post-apocalyptic genre³. It combines action, a strong story, and a deep world to challenge players¹. It's perfect for fans of the Metro series and new players¹.

2. Fallout 4

Fallout 4 is a top pick for fans of post-apocalyptic open-world RPGs⁴. It's seen as the spiritual successor to the 1988 game Wasteland⁴. The series is known for its deep stories, great character creation, and exploring a ruined Boston.

In Fallout 4, you can play how you want⁵. You can join or fight factions, team up with various companions, and find different endings. The game's graphics and gameplay are top-notch, making it a highlight in nuclear fallout games.

Key parts of the game include scavenging for supplies, fighting mutants, and rebuilding society⁶. You'll face many dangers, make important choices, and decide the future of the world⁴. The 2024 update keeps players hooked with its rich world and endless ways to explore and customize characters.

Whether you're a big fan or new to the series, Fallout 4 gives a truly compelling post-apocalyptic experience⁵⁶⁴. It mixes exploring the wasteland, finding resources, fighting factions, and battling mutants. Fallout 4 is a standout in post-apocalyptic games⁵⁶⁴.

3. Dying Light

Dying Light is a top pick in post-apocalyptic games, offering a thrilling experience⁷. Its day and night cycle makes it unique, with zombies getting more aggressive and fast at night. This means players must always be ready to adapt and find new ways to survive⁷.

The game gives players tools to survive, like parkour moves for fast travel⁷. It also encourages players to explore, with secrets and treasures waiting to be found⁷.

Dying Light shines with its multiplayer feature, letting up to four friends team up⁷. Players can even play as an elite zombie in another player's game, adding a twist of danger⁷.

With its great story, exploration, and zombie fights, Dying Light is a hit⁷⁸. The sequel, Dying Light 2: Stay Human, came out in 2022 and made the series even better⁸⁹.

"Dying Light's day and night cycle helped the game stand out from other post-apocalyptic titles infested with zombies. That's because the undead hordes of Dying Light increase their aggressivity and speed when the sun sets, putting players in constant fight or flight."

Dying Light 2: Stay Human

The sequel, Dying Light 2: Stay Human, was released in 2022⁸⁹. It takes place 20 years after the first game, in a world facing a "modern dark age"⁹.

Dying Light 2 focuses more on fighting zombies and bandits up close, rather than using guns⁹. It also has a new decision system that changes the city and its factions⁹.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Techland delivered a great sequel⁹⁷⁸. It expanded the world and made the game even more exciting for players⁹.

4. The Last of Us

The Last of Us¹⁰ is a standout in post-apocalyptic survival horror. It was released in June 2013. This game takes us through a world hit by a deadly fungal infection, leaving over 60% of humans gone¹⁰.

Joel and Ellie, the game's heroes, travel through a devastated United States. They face tough choices and emotional hurdles as they grow closer¹⁰. The game is known for its gripping stealth, finding resources, and building a vivid world¹⁰.

This game is celebrated for its stunning graphics, smooth gameplay, and deep character stories¹¹. The Last of Us is a standout in post-apocalyptic games¹¹. Joel's tough decision about saving Ellie has deeply moved players¹⁰.

The Last of Us has also become a hit HBO series. This adaptation will bring the game's story to more fans¹². It will keep Joel and Ellie's story alive for a new audience, proving the game's lasting impact¹².

 

"The Last of Us stands out as one of the most unforgettable experiences in the post-apocalyptic genre."

 

5. Resident Evil

The Resident Evil series is a top choice in post-apocalyptic survival horror. It draws players into a world where viral outbreaks turn people into zombie-like creatures¹³. The series keeps its core elements like managing resources, exploring carefully, and facing scary mutant enemies¹³.

The Resident Evil series has a gripping story that delves into the outbreak's origins and the heroes' fight for survival¹⁴. Games in the series are known for their detailed world, storytelling through the environment, and tough battles that keep players excited¹³.

The Resident Evil franchise stands out with its focus on replay value and character growth¹³. Players dive into a world filled with suspense, face intense battles, and solve mysteries behind the deadly outbreaks¹⁴.

"The Resident Evil series has always been at the forefront of the post-apocalyptic survival horror genre, offering a unique blend of tense gameplay, captivating narratives, and a deep exploration of the consequences of viral outbreaks."

In Resident Evil, players fight against mutant creatures, manage scarce resources, and find out what caused the outbreaks¹³. It's a top pick for fans of post-apocalyptic games. The series shines with its atmosphere, character growth, and tough fights¹⁴.

The Resident Evil universe takes players from the famous Raccoon City to other exciting places¹⁴. The series keeps evolving, offering new ways to face the horrors of a viral apocalypse¹³¹⁴¹⁵.

6. Dead Island 2

Step into the world of Dead Island 2, where zombies have taken over California's sunny streets¹⁶. This sequel brings back the intense action of the Dead Island series. It combines savage melee combat, crafting, and a big open world to explore¹⁶.

Customize your character to fit your playstyle as you fight through the zombie-filled streets¹⁶. The game mixes dark humor with over-the-top action for a fresh take on the apocalypse¹⁶.

Dead Island 2 shines with its multiplayer feature, letting you join forces with friends against the apocalypse¹⁶. The game's smart difficulty system keeps the game fun and challenging, no matter how many players you have¹⁶.

After a long wait, Dead Island 2 has finally arrived, looking great and playing smoothly on modern hardware¹⁶. Critics love its immersive world and fun zombie-killing action, making it a top pick for fans¹⁶.

If you're looking for a unique zombie adventure, Dead Island 2 is a great choice¹⁷. It offers savage combat, cool traversal, and character customization for a memorable zombie fight in California¹⁶.

"Dead Island 2 impresses with its ability to deliver a finished and enjoyable product despite its tumultuous development journey." - IGN Review¹⁸

Key Features:

• Immersive post-apocalyptic open world set in a zombie-infested California¹⁶
• Intense melee combat with a robust crafting system for weapon customization¹⁶
• Highly customizable characters with unique abilities and playstyles¹⁶
• Cooperative multiplayer, allowing friends to tackle the challenges together¹⁶
• Dark humor and over-the-top action sequences to balance the grim tone¹⁶
• Smooth performance and visually striking presentation¹⁶

Statistic	Value
Game Length	30 hours18
Playable Characters	6 virus-resistant protagonists18
Weapon Variety	Melee weapons, electric katana, flamethrower-sledgehammer18
Multiplayer	Cooperative play for up to 2 friends18
Review Score	8/1018

With its engaging world, customizable characters, and team play, Dead Island 2 is a must-play for fans of the apocalypse genre¹⁸.

7. Days Gone

In the world of post-apocalyptic gaming, Days Gone is a standout adventure. It was made by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. This game takes you through the Pacific Northwest after a pandemic has turned it into a dangerous place.

As Deacon St. John, you'll ride a motorcycle through this harsh world. You'll fight against the "Freakers," the game's version of zombies. You'll need to manage resources, move around safely, and fight to stay alive¹⁹.

The game's weather changes add to the challenge and feel of the game. Rain and snow can make it hard to move and find what you need²⁰.

You'll meet different human groups, each with their own goals and problems. Making friends and enemies with these groups is key to surviving²¹.

Days Gone is known for its deep story and character growth. It shows Deacon's personal struggles and his relationships, making the game more engaging²⁰.

This game is all about exploring, facing the weather, and surviving in a big, dangerous world. Days Gone offers a unique zombie-like threat, exciting motorcycle action, and resource management. It's a top choice for those who love post-apocalyptic adventures¹⁹²¹²⁰.

8. Horizon Zero Dawn

Entering the world of Horizon Zero Dawn is an amazing journey. It takes you to a future where humans live in tribes and robots rule the land²².

The game tells a story that pulls you in. You play as Aloy, searching for secrets in a world taken over by machines. The way the game tells its story through the environment is incredible, making you feel like you're discovering new things at every step²².

Horizon Zero Dawn looks incredible. It uses bright colors like green, red, and blue to make its world stand out. This makes the game feel different from other post-apocalyptic games, showing hope and resilience²².

The game is full of things to do, like exploring, crafting, and fighting robots. You'll need to find resources, upgrade your equipment, and learn how to hunt these unique machines²². There are also conflicts with other groups and ways to make your character better, adding depth and replay value²².

Horizon Zero Dawn is a standout game with beautiful visuals and a great story. It shows how creative the post-apocalyptic genre can be²². It's a game that makes you feel good about the environment and offers a deep, engaging experience²²²³²⁴.

9. Left 4 Dead

In the world of post-apocalyptic cooperative games, Left 4 Dead is a standout. This game is all about fast-paced action. Players go on a thrilling journey through a world full of zombies. Teamwork and quick thinking are key to surviving²⁵.

Left 4 Dead 2 takes a different approach, focusing on linear levels. Players team up with up to three others to navigate through levels filled with zombies, known as "The Infected."²⁶

The game's post-apocalyptic co-op gameplay is intense. Players are always on the move, fighting off zombies and facing various challenges. The game features linear levels with hazards and intense horde combat. This makes for a thrilling experience²⁶.

Players can choose from many weapons to defend themselves. The game also has character abilities that make each player unique. This encourages teamwork and using your strengths²⁵.

Left 4 Dead 2 is very replayable. Each playthrough is different because of the game's changing levels and unpredictable zombie attacks. The modding community has also added new content, keeping the game exciting²⁶.

With its fast action, variety of weapons, and great cooperative play, Left 4 Dead 2 is a top choice for playing with friends. It's perfect for both new and experienced players, offering lots of fun²⁷.

"Left 4 Dead 2 delivers a linear journey to share with your friends, as you fight waves of bloodthirsty enemies ready to devour your flesh. It's a fast-paced action experience unlike any other."

For those looking for a deep and engaging post-apocalyptic co-op game, Left 4 Dead 2 is a must-play. It has great cinematic presentation, weapon variety, and exciting horde combat. It sets a high standard for the genre²⁷.

10. Death Stranding

Death Stranding is a must-play in the post-apocalyptic genre. It takes you on an open-world adventure²⁸. You play as Sam Porter Bridges, a courier trying to reconnect cities after the "Death Stranding" event²⁸.

This game is different from others in the genre. It focuses on moving through the world, delivering cargo, and connecting with other characters²⁹. You'll face supernatural threats and manage your cargo while keeping in touch with others²⁹.

The gameplay is unique, with amazing visuals and a deep story²⁹. As you play, you help rebuild society and form new connections. It's a journey through a post-apocalyptic world²⁹.

Death Stranding shines with its focus on exploring, growing your character, and interacting with others²⁹. It mixes supernatural elements, cargo delivery, and moving through the environment for a deep experience²⁹.

"Death Stranding is a profoundly atmospheric and captivating post-apocalyptic adventure that redefines the genre with its emphasis on exploration, character connections, and narrative depth."

Conclusion

Post-apocalyptic settings in video games mix exploration, survival, and storytelling. They take players to a world on the edge of collapse³⁰. Games like Fallout, Left 4 Dead, and Death Stranding use our fears and interests in the end of the world³¹. These games offer exciting gameplay and rich worlds that challenge players to adapt and make tough choices³².

As technology gets better, post-apocalyptic games will become even more real and engaging³². Games like The Last of Us and Gears of War have made their mark in the industry. They mix exploration, survival, and storytelling in a unique way³⁰. As developers keep creating, post-apocalyptic gaming will keep offering new and exciting experiences³¹.

The lasting charm of post-apocalyptic games is how they touch on our deepest fears and dreams³². Players face survival challenges, rebuild communities, or solve mysteries in a post-apocalyptic world³⁰. This genre keeps captivating and inspiring players, making a lasting impact on gaming for years to come³⁰.

FAQ

What are the key features that define the best post-apocalyptic games?

The best post-apocalyptic games are known for their immersive worlds and engaging stories. They offer survival challenges and a deep sense of exploration in devastated places. Players often face mutated creatures or hostile humans in these games.

What makes the Metro Exodus and Fallout 4 stand out in the post-apocalyptic genre?

Metro Exodus is a first-person shooter set in a nuclear-ravaged Russia. It focuses on environmental storytelling and survival horror. Players fight against mutants in tense combat.

Fallout 4 is an open-world RPG set in a post-nuclear Boston. It offers great character customization and faction choices. Players can explore the devastated landscape freely.

How do Dying Light and The Last of Us differentiate themselves in the post-apocalyptic genre?

Dying Light is unique with its day/night cycle. At night, the undead get more aggressive, making survival harder. Players use parkour and cooperate with others to stay alive.

The Last of Us focuses on a gripping narrative and character development. It shows the emotional journey of the protagonists in a world hit by a fungal infection.

What makes the Resident Evil series a standout in the post-apocalyptic survival horror genre?

The Resident Evil series is a classic in survival horror. It shows the effects of viral outbreaks that turn people into zombies. The games are known for their tension, storytelling, and challenging fights against mutants.

What unique aspects does Dead Island 2 bring to the post-apocalyptic open-world formula?

Dead Island 2 brings intense melee combat and a strong crafting system to the table. It's set in a zombie-infested California and has a darkly comedic tone. The game offers a unique take on survival action.

How do Days Gone and Horizon Zero Dawn stand out in the post-apocalyptic open-world genre?

Days Gone focuses on motorcycle travel and managing resources in a post-apocalyptic Oregon. It also explores emotional stories and faction conflicts. Horizon Zero Dawn presents a world where robots are the main threat. Players must use archery and scavenging skills to survive.

What makes Left 4 Dead 2 and Death Stranding unique in the post-apocalyptic genre?

Left 4 Dead 2 is all about fast-paced co-op survival against zombies. It offers a replayable and cinematic experience. Death Stranding takes a different path, where players are couriers in a post-apocalyptic America. It combines exploration, supernatural elements, and a deep story.

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