The 2010s saw an explosion of survival games. From instant classics to cult gems, these games cover a range of styles and genres. While each game is vastly different, survival games often revolve around characters who are lost or alone and must fight not only dangerous enemies, but the environment as well. Many of these titles also incorporate complex crafting, hunger, and construction mechanics, creating engaging games that require patience to succeed.
The 2010s brought a wide range of survival games to different platforms. Where the previous decade saw the beginnings of the survival genre, the 2010s saw it grow and take over the gaming landscape. From stunning open worlds to terrifying nightmare hellscapes, the 2010s were a landmark decade in gaming that set the standard for the modern era.
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10 2010 – Deadly Premonition
Dynamic Weather, Repairing Items, Hunger and Tiredness Gauges
This polarizing survival horror game is set in an open world and revolves around an FBI Agent’s investigation into a series of murders, as he tracks the Raincoat Killer. The game incorporates common survival mechanics, such as a dynamic weather system and consumable items. The character requires regular food and sleep to continue. If the agent goes without food, they will lose health and eventually die. Additionally, the vehicles used to explore the open world need to be refueled and repaired when damaged.
Deadly Premonition blends the horror and survival genres, creating a fun narrative game with a foreboding atmosphere. The game became renowned for splitting critical reactions. Some enjoyed its strange and unique gameplay, while others downright hated it.
9 2011 – Minecraft
Environmental Hazards, Dynamic Weather, Crafting and Construction, Hunger Meter
Little can be said about Minecraft that hasn’t already been said. As the most successful game of all time, Minecraft sits at the top of the industry, proving the huge potential of survival games. Minecraft’s simple concept of a vast world made up of blocks, which players can either build with or destroy, has led to infinite creativity.
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The multiplayer aspect of the game, mixed with a range of environmental hazards and deadly enemies, has made Minecraft what it is today. The game uses a range of survival mainstays to engage players. From the hunger meter to its dynamic weather system, and deep crafting mechanics, the game appeals to all ages and continues to find new fans each year.
8 2012 – Miasmata
Thirst Meter, Crafting and Collecting, Stealth
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Released: 2012
- Developers: IonFX
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Survival.
This indie first-person survival game places players in the shoes of a plague-ridden scientist, who is searching for a cure on a mysterious island. The character will need to contend not only with the harsh environment, but a deadly creature hunting them through the wilderness. Due to the character’s sickness, any harm will result in disorientation. Dehydration is also a constant issue, with the player needing regular water to stay alive.
Exploration plays a big part in the game, with a deep mapping system that uses cartography techniques. The game suffers slightly from its low-budget nature, but manages to succeed in creating an intriguing setting with immersive gameplay.
7 2013 – Metro: Last Light
Limited Resources, Environmental Hazards, Rechargeable Items, Stealth
Metro: Last Light is the sequel to the 2010 survival shooter, Metro 2033. The game is set in post-apocalyptic Russia, where many of Moscow’s last surviving residents live short lives in the claustrophobic tunnels of the metro. The game blends survival horror and FPS mechanics, creating a narrative-driven game with deep lore and an oppressive atmosphere.
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The game was well received on release, with critics noting its overall improvement over the first entry. The Metro franchise has grown in popularity, but remains largely a cult game series. Its next installment, Metro: Exodus, would expand on the world and gameplay even more.
6 2014 – This War of Mine
Hunger, Health, and Mood Meters; Item Gathering and Crafting
This bleak survival strategy game takes players into the world of innocent civilians attempting to stay alive in an active war zone. Inspired by the real-life siege of Sarajevo, the player controls a group of people hiding in a damaged building. During the day, venturing outside is too dangerous. Instead, players spend their time trading, crafting, and interacting with the different residents holed up inside.
During the night, the player ventures out, meeting other survivors while gathering items and materials. Like many survival games, players must keep track of the character’s hunger and health, as well as the mood of the civilians. This War of Mine was released to critical acclaim, for its evocative storytelling and immersive gameplay.
5 2015 – Sunless Sea
Hunger, Fuel, and Fear Meters
Sunless Sea
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4 , Linux , iOS , Android , Xbox One
- Released
- February 6, 2015
- Developer
- Failbetter Games
- Genre(s)
- RPG , Adventure , Indie Games , Shooter
Sunless Sea is a tough top-down survival RPG with roguelike elements. The game is set in a Victorian-style steampunk world, where London has become an island in an underground ocean hellscape known as the Unterzee. Players pick their steamship captain, whose background can be customized, and then head out to explore the dangerous waters.
Sunless Sea is a challenging game, and players should expect to die often. Navigating the ocean’s dangers is just the beginning, as fuel for the ship will run out fast and food supplies will deplete. Players will need to make many decisions, including who to hire as their crew, and whether to eat them after they die. The game has many mechanics, a slow pace, and a high difficulty level, but for fans of Lovecraftian horror, this indie gem is a must-play.
4 2016 – No Man’s Sky
Crafting and Building, Resource Gathering, Environmental Hazards
No Man's Sky
- Platform(s)
- Switch , PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X , PS4 , PS5
- Released
- August 9, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Hello Games
No Man’s Sky is one of the most famous games in recent memory, notorious for its rocky start and subsequent resurrection. It has now become one of the most critically acclaimed survival games on the market. No Man’s Sky was one of the most anticipated games of all time, but this hype faded when the game was released in an unfinished state. Unsatisfied, the developers returned to work, releasing update after update that would not only fix the game, but improve it beyond previous beliefs.
No Man’s Sky may have had a controversial beginning, but this ambitious sci-fi survival game eventually delivered. The game offers an infinite number of planets to explore, resources to gather, and strange aliens to meet. Players can work together, building settlements, heading out on adventures, or mining for precious materials. No Man’s Sky is now one of the best survival experiences sci-fi fans could wish for.
3 2017 – Conan Exiles
Hunger and Thirst Gauges, Item Crafting, Settlement Construction
Conan Exiles
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- May 8, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Funcom
- Genre(s)
- Survival , Action-Adventure
This open-world survival game is set in the Conan the Barbarian universe. It revolves around the player character being saved from death by the famous hero and moving into the Exiled Lands. Surviving in the harsh desert environment means managing both hunger and thirst, as well as building better weapons and stronger settlements.
Players can team up with friends to create an in-game community. Additionally, PvP servers are also available for players wanting an extra challenge. Conan Exiles' blend of action, fantasy, and survival mechanics makes it addictive to play either solo or with others.
2 2018 – The Forest
Hunger and Thirst Gauges, Crafting, Construction, Environmental Hazards
One of the most popular survival games in recent years, The Forest offers a perfect blend of hardcore survival and terrifying horror. The game revolves around a father who crash-lands with his son on a mysterious island. After his child is taken, the father sets out to search for his missing child. As the game progresses, mysteries are uncovered and hidden locations are found.
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The game is filled with dangers, from poisonous food and environmental hazards, to roaming cannibals hideous mutant creatures. When first starting a game, players will need to move fast, as it won’t be long before enemies start attacking. Players will need to manage both their hunger and thirst, as well as their temperature, the quality of food they eat, and the amount of resources they have stored.
1 2019 – Chernobylite
Environmental Hazards, Gathering Resources, Item Crafting, Base Building
Fans of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R series will love this survival shooter, set 30 years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The game revolves around Igor Khymynuk, a Chernobyl Power Plant physicist, who is searching the dangerous exclusion zone for his missing fiancée. Chernobylite incorporates a horror atmosphere with FPS gameplay and survival mechanics to create a memorable experience.
While there are similarities to other titles, Chernobylite stands as its own game, with its engaging narrative and unique mechanics. This underrated gem is a must for single-player FPS gamers, and will also appeal to fans of both horror and survival games.
