Zombies. They’re the creatures that haunt our nightmares and make us sleep with one eye open. But when it comes to video games, zombies offer a thrilling experience that keeps us on the edge of our seats.
In this article, we’ll explore the best zombie games of all time, from the chilling Resident Evil series to the heart-wrenching The Last of Us. So grab your weapons and prepare to face the undead!
Watch Our Video
Resident Evil Series
The Resident Evil series is undoubtedly one of the most iconic names in the world of zombie games. From its humble beginnings on the PlayStation to its modern reimagining, Resident Evil has terrified and delighted gamers for decades.
With its atmospheric settings, intense gameplay, and memorable characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine, this series continues to set the standard for survival horror games.
The Resident Evil series offers a depth of storytelling that draws players in. Each game is filled with intricate puzzles, haunting mysteries, and a sense of unease that lingers long after you’ve put down the controller. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a seasoned veteran, no list of the best zombie games would be complete without Resident Evil.
The gameplay itself is designed to keep you on your toes. Resources are scarce, forcing you to carefully manage your ammunition and healing items. Every decision matters, as one wrong move could mean the difference between life and death.
The Resident Evil series is also known for its challenging puzzles. Throughout each game, you’ll encounter a variety of brain-teasers and riddles that must be solved in order to progress. These puzzles not only provide a break from the intense action, but also add an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning the impact that the Resident Evil series has had on the gaming industry as a whole. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, cinematic storytelling, and immersive environments, Resident Evil has inspired countless other games in the survival horror genre.
The Last of Us Series
If there’s one thing the PlayStation exclusive The Last of Us series has taught us, it’s that zombies aren’t just mindless creatures to be slaughtered. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by deadly infected, this series explores the human side of the zombie apocalypse.
As players follow the journey of Joel and Ellie, they’re faced with moral dilemmas, heart-wrenching choices, and a gripping narrative that leaves a lasting impact.
The Last of Us series is a masterclass in storytelling, blending action, stealth, and emotional depth to create an unforgettable experience. Its characters are so well-written and fully realized that it’s easy to forget they’re in a zombie game.
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Last of Us series is its attention to detail. From the decaying buildings to the overgrown vegetation, every environment is meticulously crafted to immerse players in the post-apocalyptic world.
Joel and Ellie’s relationship evolves throughout the games, with each facing their own personal demons and growth. Their interactions feel genuine and authentic, and players become emotionally invested in their journey. The voice acting is superb, adding another layer of depth to the already compelling narrative.
The Last of Us series is a masterpiece in the gaming industry. It pushes the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay, and immersion, delivering an unforgettable experience that will leave players emotionally impacted long after they’ve put down the controller.
Left 4 Dead
When it comes to cooperative zombie shooters, Left 4 Dead is in a league of its own. This game pits a group of survivors against hordes of the undead as they make their way to safety. With its fast-paced action, relentless enemies, and dynamic AI Director that ensures no two playthroughs are the same, Left 4 Dead offers an adrenaline-fueled experience like no other.
Left 4 Dead encourages teamwork and coordination, forcing players to strategize and rely on each other to survive. Whether you’re blasting through a horde of zombies with an automatic shotgun or reviving a fallen teammate, the sense of camaraderie that comes from playing this game is unmatched.
Dead Space Series
Space, the final frontier… filled with terrifying necromorphs. The Dead Space series takes the zombie genre to new heights by placing players in the shoes of Isaac Clarke, an engineer aboard a spaceship infested with grotesque creatures. With its claustrophobic atmosphere, innovative dismemberment mechanic, and spine-chilling audio design, Dead Space delivers a horror experience that will make you jump out of your seat.
Dead Space also offers a compelling story that delves into the dark secrets of the universe. As Isaac fights for survival and battles his own inner demons, players are taken on a thrilling journey that will keep them hooked until the very end. With its unique blend of horror, sci-fi, and deep gameplay mechanics, the Dead Space series remains a must-play for any zombie game enthusiast.
Dying Light
Dying Light is a game that truly embraces the open-world nature of the zombie apocalypse. Set in a vast and dangerous city overrun by the infected, players must navigate the urban jungle using parkour skills and clever strategy. With its dynamic day and night cycle, intense combat, and RPG elements, Dying Light offers a truly immersive experience that keeps you on your toes.
Dying Light also introduces a unique sense of verticality to the zombie genre, allowing players to scale buildings, leap across rooftops, and explore every nook and cranny of the city. The freedom and flexibility of movement add a whole new dimension to the gameplay, making Dying Light a refreshing take on the zombie genre.
Dead Island
Imagine yourself stranded on a tropical paradise, surrounded by a horde of flesh-eating zombies. That’s the premise of Dead Island. This game takes players to the stunning Banoi Island, where they must fight for survival and uncover the truth behind the zombie outbreak.
With its lush environments, visceral combat, and RPG elements, Dead Island offers a unique and immersive experience.
Dead Island also focuses on character development and skill progression, allowing players to customize their playstyle and adapt to different challenges. Whether you prefer bashing heads with a heavy melee weapon or picking off enemies from a distance with a powerful firearm, Dead Island gives you the freedom to play how you want.
State of Decay
State of Decay takes a different approach to the zombie apocalypse by putting players in charge of a group of survivors. In this open-world game, players must build and manage a community, scavenge for supplies, and make tough decisions to ensure the survival of their group.
With its emphasis on resource management, base building, and permadeath, State of Decay offers a unique and challenging gameplay experience.
State of Decay also features intense combat, stealth mechanics, and a variety of missions that keep players engaged and on their toes. The sense of responsibility for the lives of your characters adds a layer of tension and urgency to the gameplay, making State of Decay a must-play for fans of both zombie and strategy games.
Call of Duty: Zombies
When it comes to the multiplayer zombie experience, Call of Duty: Zombies is the gold standard. This game mode, originally introduced in Call of Duty: World at War, pits players against waves of undead in a variety of maps. With its addictive gameplay, Easter eggs, and iconic characters like Richtofen and Dempsey, Call of Duty: Zombies offers endless hours of cooperative fun.
Call of Duty: Zombies features an intricate storyline that spans multiple games and keeps players coming back for more. Whether you’re uncovering the secrets of Group 935 or battling ancient evil forces, the rich lore and immersive storytelling of this game mode make it a standout in the zombie genre.
World War Z
Based on the popular novel and film, World War Z puts players in the shoes of survivors fighting against hordes of fast and relentless zombies. With its intense third-person shooter gameplay, massive swarms of enemies, and dynamic environments, World War Z delivers a thrilling and action-packed experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
World War Z also introduces unique class-based gameplay, allowing players to specialize in different roles and contribute to the team’s survival. Whether you’re a sharpshooter picking off enemies from a distance or a medic reviving fallen teammates, the cooperative nature of World War Z adds a layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay.
Plants vs. Zombies
Wait, plants fighting against zombies? You read that right. Plants vs. Zombies is a lighthearted and addictive tower defense game that pits cute and quirky plants against waves of brain-hungry zombies. With its charming visuals, clever gameplay mechanics, and humorous dialogue, Plants vs. Zombies offers a refreshing and casual take on the zombie genre.
Plants vs. Zombies challenges players to strategize and plan their defenses to withstand increasingly difficult waves of zombies. From explosive cherry bombs to freezing winter melons, the variety of plants and their unique abilities keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. So if you’re looking for a zombie game that’s fun for all ages, look no further than Plants vs. Zombies.
DayZ
DayZ is one of the most popular zombie survival games out there. Set in an open-world environment filled with the undead, this game throws you into a post-apocalyptic world where every decision matters. Will you team up with other survivors or go it alone? Either way, you’ll need to scavenge for resources, manage your hunger and thirst, and ultimately fight to stay alive. DayZ is not for the faint of heart, but its thrilling gameplay and intense atmosphere make it a must-play for any zombie enthusiast.
As you explore the vast open-world, you’ll come across abandoned buildings, overgrown forests, and eerie towns that are infested with zombies. The attention to detail is remarkable, with each location telling its own story of survival and despair.
Unlike other zombie games, where you can simply mow down hordes of undead with ease, DayZ forces you to think strategically and plan your every move. You’ll need to scavenge for food, water, and medical supplies to keep yourself alive, all while avoiding the relentless pursuit of the undead.
In DayZ, you’ll also need to manage your character’s physical and mental well-being. Hunger and thirst will constantly gnaw at you, pushing you to find sustenance in a world that offers little. Your character’s mental state will also deteriorate over time, leading to increased anxiety and paranoia. It’s a constant battle to keep your mind and body in check.
DayZ offers a unique and immersive gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its unforgiving gameplay and realistic survival mechanics make it a challenging and rewarding game for those who are willing to brave the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
ZombiU / Zombi
ZombiU, originally released on the Wii U and later re-released as Zombi on other platforms, offers a unique take on the zombie genre. In this game, death is permanent – when your character dies, you’ll start over as a new survivor.
This mechanic adds an extra layer of tension and makes every encounter with the undead a heart-pounding experience. With its clever use of the Wii U GamePad and its immersive gameplay, ZombiU/Zombi is a standout in the zombie gaming genre.
The game’s unique permadeath feature adds an intense level of realism and consequence to your actions. Each survivor you control has their own strengths and weaknesses, forcing you to carefully consider your strategies and decisions. Will you risk engaging in a dangerous fight, or will you opt for a stealthy approach, avoiding unnecessary conflict?
The game’s attention to detail in its world-building is truly remarkable. From the decaying architecture to the haunting sound design, every element of the game is meticulously crafted to create a truly atmospheric and chilling experience. The sense of isolation and vulnerability is palpable as you scavenge for supplies, never knowing what lurks around the next corner.
As you progress through the game, you’ll uncover the dark secrets of London’s downfall. The narrative unfolds through scattered journal entries, audio logs, and haunting environmental storytelling.
Dead Rising Series
The Dead Rising series is known for its over-the-top action and humor. Set in a shopping mall overrun with zombies, these games allow you to get creative with your zombie-slaying methods.
From wielding ridiculous weapons to dressing up in outlandish costumes, Dead Rising offers a refreshing and light-hearted take on the genre. The series has seen several entries over the years, each providing hours of zombie-slaying fun.
In these games, you are given the freedom to explore the mall and tackle missions at your own pace. This open-world design allows for a non-linear gameplay experience, where you can choose to follow the main story or engage in various side activities.
As you scavenge the mall for supplies, you can create unique and devastating weapons by combining everyday objects. From a sledgehammer attached to a chainsaw to a baseball bat covered in nails, the possibilities are endless.
Over the years, the Dead Rising series has evolved and expanded, introducing new settings, characters, and gameplay mechanics. From the original game set in a shopping mall to the sprawling open-world of Dead Rising 3, each installment brings something fresh to the table while staying true to the series’ core elements.
Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid is a top-down survival game that focuses on realism and immersion. Set in a zombie-infested world, you’ll need to scavenge for food, manage your character’s health, and fortify your base to survive.
With its detailed survival mechanics and challenging gameplay, Project Zomboid is a must-play for fans of hardcore zombie experiences.
7 Days to Die
7 Days to Die combines elements of survival, crafting, and tower defense in a post-apocalyptic world. In this game, you’ll need to scavenge for resources during the day and fend off hordes of zombies at night.
With its open-world exploration, base building, and cooperative multiplayer, 7 Days to Die offers endless hours of zombie survival fun.
Zombie Army Trilogy
Zombie Army Trilogy takes the zombie genre and adds a twist – Nazi zombies. Set in an alternate version of World War II, you’ll team up with other players to fight off hordes of undead soldiers.
With its intense co-op gameplay, satisfying gunplay, and atmospheric environments, Zombie Army Trilogy is a standout in the genre.
Killing Floor
Killing Floor is a cooperative first-person shooter that pits you against waves of deadly mutants. While not strictly a zombie game, it shares many similarities with the genre.
The game’s fast-paced action, wide variety of weapons, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of intense zombie-like experiences.
Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse
Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse offers a unique twist on the traditional zombie narrative. In this game, you play as the zombie protagonist, Stubbs, as he wreaks havoc on a 1950s town.
With its humorous storyline, charming art style, and satisfying zombie abilities, Stubbs the Zombie is a refreshing take on the genre.
The Walking Dead: Telltale Series
The Walking Dead: Telltale Series is an episodic adventure game that focuses on narrative and player choice. Set in the world of the popular comic book and television series, this game puts you in the shoes of various characters as they navigate a zombie-infested world.
With its emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and tough decisions, The Walking Dead: Telltale Series stands as one of the best narrative-driven zombie games available.
Resident Evil Outbreak
Resident Evil Outbreak takes the iconic survival horror franchise and adds an online multiplayer component. Set in the familiar Raccoon City, you’ll team up with other players to escape hordes of zombies and solve puzzles. With its tense gameplay, atmospheric environments, and cooperative multiplayer, Resident Evil Outbreak is a great choice for fans of the Resident Evil series looking for a unique multiplayer experience.
Conclusion
When it comes to zombie games, these titles stand head and shoulders above the rest. Whether you’re looking for intense survival gameplay, engaging narratives, or cooperative multiplayer, there’s something on this list for you. So grab your weapons, prepare for the undead, and get ready to dive into the best zombie games of all time!
