If you’re looking for compelling role-playing games with a post-apocalyptic backdrop, you've come to the right place. From Fallout New Vegas to Horizon Zero Dawn and all points in between, we have rounded up what we consider to be the best post-apocalyptic video games of all time!
Let's dive into these imaginative and thrilling adventure worlds, filled with mutant creatures and mysterious places just begging to be explored. These games provide great replayability value as their stories often branch off into multiple directions due to your decisions throughout gameplay, so don't miss out on jumping into any one or more of them!
Also Read: 25 Best Third-Person Games
Contents
Best Post-Apocalyptic Games of All Time
In recent years, post-apocalyptic games have become increasingly popular, and for a good reason. These games offer a unique and immersive experience, taking players on a journey through a devastated world where survival is key.
From gritty shooter games to complex role-playing adventures, the best post-apocalyptic games offer various gameplay and storylines that keep players engaged for hours on end.
Whether you're fighting off zombies, exploring a desolate wasteland, or simply trying to survive against all odds, these games provide a thrilling and challenging experience that is second to none. Here, we look closely at some of the best post-apocalyptic games and what makes them so compelling.
20. ELEX
ELEX is a captivating open-world RPG in a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger and adventure. In this game, players have the freedom to choose their path and shape their destiny as they explore a vast world filled with intriguing characters and challenging missions.
With a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, ELEX offers a rich and immersive experience that will keep players hooked for hours on end. Whether you prefer to fight through enemies with brute force or rely on your cunning and wit to outsmart your foes, there is something for everyone in this epic adventure.
Also Read: 20 Best Racing Games for PS5
19. State of Decay
The world of State of Decay is both thrilling and haunting, with danger lurking around every corner. Players must navigate through a post-apocalyptic landscape fraught with peril and make difficult decisions in order to survive.
With a wide variety of weapons and tools at their disposal, players can craft their own unique strategies and explore the vast, open world of State of Decay. Surviving in this harsh environment requires not only strength and skill but also a keen sense of resource management and cooperation with other survivors.
Will you rise to the challenge and lead your ragtag group of survivors to safety, or will you fall victim to the many dangers that await in State of Decay?
18. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a captivating action-adventure game that will transport players to a post-apocalyptic world where humans are subjugated by machines. In this immersive and visually stunning game, players will embark on a perilous journey with the main characters, Monkey and Trip, as they seek to find a way to freedom.
Along the way, they will encounter challenging puzzles, fierce battles with robots, and heart-wrenching plot twists to keep them on the edge of their seats. With its compelling storyline, richly detailed landscapes, and dynamic characters, Enslaved will take gamers on an unforgettable odyssey through a world as dangerous as it is beautiful.
17. Stray
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Stray is an atmospheric and immersive game where players must survive against all odds. As a robotic cat, you will explore a vast open world filled with dangerous creatures and mysterious artefacts as you attempt to unravel the mysteries of a long-forgotten civilization.
Featuring captivating visuals and intense action-adventure gameplay, Stray offers an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re fighting off hostile machines or scavenging for supplies, there is always something new and exciting around every corner of Stray. So don your robotic catsuit and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey!
With these incredible post-apocalyptic games, gamers will surely be immersed in a world of action, adventure, and mystery. From intense battles against robots to emotional storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat, these games provide hours upon hours of thrilling entertainment no matter what type of player you are.
16. Rage
Rage is an intense emotion that can overwhelm even the calmest of individuals. It is a feeling that can be triggered by various things, from small annoyances to major disappointments.
Some people may feel enraged by a specific event or person, while others may experience rage more frequently and easily. No matter the cause, rage can have harmful effects on both physical and mental health.
Learning how to manage and control rage is important for leading a healthy and fulfilling life. By identifying triggers and finding healthy coping mechanisms, individuals can work towards keeping their rage at bay and living a more peaceful existence.
15. Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is a thrilling game that has kept players on edge since its release in 2009. This cooperative first-person shooter game allows players to team up and fight through hordes of zombies while completing various objectives.
The fast-paced action and strategic gameplay create an exhilarating and satisfying gaming experience. With various playable characters and a constantly changing gameplay environment, Left 4 Dead 2 promises to keep players engaged and entertained for hours on end.
Also Read: 35 Best PS Vita Games of All Time
14. The Long Dark
The Long Dark is a survival game that puts players in the frigid Canadian wilderness following a mysterious global disaster. With no electricity or modern amenities, players must use their wit and survival skills to stay alive in this harsh environment.
Day-to-day tasks like finding food and shelter become monumental challenges as players are also faced with avoiding dangerous predators and harsh weather conditions.
The game's stunning visuals and dynamic weather system create an immersive experience that truly transports players to the frozen wasteland. If you're looking for a challenge and an escape from reality, The Long Dark is the game for you.
13. Biomutant
Biomutant is an upcoming action role-playing game that promises to be unlike any other. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take on the role of a mutant seeking to save their world from destruction.
The game boasts an impressive open-world environment, where every decision made by the player has a direct impact on the story and the world around them.
Featuring a unique combat system that blends melee, ranged, and mutant abilities, Biomutant is poised to offer a truly immersive gameplay experience. With stunning graphics and an engaging storyline, Biomutant is a game that is sure to captivate players from start to finish.
12. Rust
In gaming, Rust has undoubtedly made a name for itself with its hardcore survival gameplay and open-world environment. Players are thrown into the wilderness with nothing but their wits and must gather resources, build shelter, and fend off enemies to survive.
What makes Rust so engaging is the unpredictability of it all - one wrong move, and you could find yourself separated from your group or ambushed by rival players. The rush of adrenaline that comes with these heart-pumping moments keeps players returning for more. And with new updates and features constantly being added, Rust shows no signs of slowing down.
11. Wasteland 2
Wasteland 2 is a post-apocalyptic RPG that takes players on a thrilling adventure through a world ravaged by a devastating nuclear war. In this game, players take on the role of a squad of Desert Rangers, sworn to uphold law and order in the wasteland.
Using their skills and weapons, they must navigate treacherous terrain, battle ferocious monsters and bandits, and uncover the secrets of a world teetering on the brink of doom.
With its immersive storyline, complex characters, and challenging gameplay, Wasteland 2 is a game that will keep players on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Are you ready to brave the wasteland and fight for survival?
10. Resistance: Fall of Man
"Resistance: Fall of Man" is a science fiction first-person shooter video game that takes us through an alternate history where World War II never happened. Instead, a deadly alien invasion ravages Europe.
Players take on the role of American soldier Nathan Hale, who must fight through hordes of monsters to save humanity from extinction.
The game was praised for its atmospheric graphics, immersive gameplay, and gripping storyline that kept players on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its intense action and thrilling adventure, "Resistance: Fall of Man" is a must-play for any fan of the sci-fi genre.
09. Days Gone
Days Gone is a thrilling video game that takes players on a post-apocalyptic journey through the Pacific Northwest. As players travel through an open world filled with danger at every turn, they must use their skills and wits to survive against hordes of zombie-like enemies known as Freakers.
The game's stunning graphics and immersive storyline make it a must-play for any fan of the action-adventure genre. The emotional depth of the characters and their struggles in this harsh world will leave players on the edge of their seats, rooting for their survival every step of the way.
Also Read: 20 Best Super Mario Games
08. Resistance 3
In gaming, Resistance 3 is a standout title that takes players on an intense journey through a post-apocalyptic world plagued by alien threats. With its stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and gripping storyline, this game is not for the faint of heart.
It challenges players to think strategically and react quickly as they fight to survive against seemingly endless waves of enemies. As they progress through the game, players must constantly adapt and upgrade their weapons to keep up with the ever-evolving threat.
Whether you're a hardcore gamer or just looking for a thrilling experience, Resistance 3 is a must-play title that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
07. Metro Last Light
Metro Last Light is an enthralling video game that takes players on a post-apocalyptic adventure that is both thrilling and challenging. This game is set in the ruins of Moscow and is filled with a moody and atmospheric environment that will keep players hooked for hours on end.
As players navigate through this gritty world, they will encounter a wide range of enemies and obstacles that they must overcome to survive. From fighting off mutants to solving complex puzzles, Metro Last Light will test the skills of even the most experienced gamers.
06. Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI is regarded as one of the greatest entries in the long-running RPG series. With a sprawling world, memorable characters, and an engaging story, it's no wonder why this game continues to be beloved by fans decades later.
From the haunting melodies of "Terra's Theme" to the epic battles against Kefka, Final Fantasy VI immerses players in a diverse and captivating world. Whether you're a veteran fan or experiencing it for the first time, this game is an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting impression.
05. Death Stranding
Death Stranding is a game that defies expectations. From the mind of legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, it pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a video game, delivering a unique and unforgettable experience unlike anything else out there.
With its hauntingly beautiful visuals, deep and thought-provoking story, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Death Stranding is a true masterpiece that will stick with you long after you put the controller down.
04. The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead has become a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts and minds of viewers worldwide. This post-apocalyptic tale of survival in the midst of a zombie apocalypse is rife with danger, suspense, and heartbreak.
The show's characters are complex, flawed, and relatable, and their struggles to stay alive in a world overrun by the undead have kept audiences on the edge of their seats for over a decade.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, The Walking Dead promises to keep you hooked with its gritty realism, intense action sequences, and emotionally charged storylines.
03. Dead Island
Dead Island is not your ordinary zombie game. It focuses on survival and encourages players to think outside the box. In a tropical setting, the player is stranded on an island overrun by the undead. Players must scavenge for supplies, craft their own weapons, and cooperate with other survivors to stay alive.
The game features a complex leveling system where players can improve their skills in various areas, leading to a more unique and personalized gameplay experience. The game is not just about killing zombies but also taking care of your own mental and physical condition. With its unique approach to the zombie genre, Dead Island is definitely worth checking out for any survival game enthusiast.
Also Read: 15 Best Relaxing Games of All Time
02. Telltale’s The Walking Dead
Telltale’s The Walking Dead had players on the edge of their seats with each episode released. The game’s emotionally charged storyline took players on a rollercoaster ride as they navigated through a world overrun by zombies.
The game made players feel as though every decision they made had real-world consequences, and the stakes were always high. The Walking Dead was more than just a game; it was an experience. From dealing with loss and making tough decisions to forming lasting connections with characters, this game had it all.
It’s no surprise that it quickly became a fan favorite and cemented its place in gaming history as one of the greatest narrative-driven games of all time.
01. Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas takes you on a journey through the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Mojave Desert. As a courier left for dead, you must navigate through dangerous factions vying for control of the territory.
The game offers a unique blend of role-playing and first-person shooter gameplay, allowing you to experience the story in various ways. Choose your alliances, weapons, and strategies carefully, as your decisions will have far-reaching consequences.
With memorable characters, immersive environments, and compelling quests, Fallout: New Vegas is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Also Read: 30 Best Third-Person PS5 Games
Final Words
From the intense action of Dead Island to the emotionally charged drama of The Walking Dead, there are plenty of zombie games out there to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a unique spin on the genre or an immersive story-driven experience, these five zombie games are sure to please any fan of horror and survival. So grab your weapon of choice and make sure to stay one step ahead of the undead.