The quiet desolation of “The Long Dark” is as mesmerizing as it is challenging. Facing nature’s wrath, managing scarce resources, and unraveling the game’s enigmatic story provides an unparalleled survival experience.
For those who have weathered its frozen landscapes and yearn for more untamed wilderness and survival challenges, you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled a list of 20 survival exploration games that mirror the raw beauty and intensity of “The Long Dark”.
Subnautica
Subnautica takes you on an underwater journey unlike any other. Stranded on an alien planet covered mostly by water, you must scavenge for resources, build underwater habitats, and unravel the mysteries of the deep. The game’s immersive world, stunning visuals, and terrifying creatures will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In Subnautica, survival is not just about managing your hunger and thirst but also about avoiding the dangerous predators that lurk beneath the surface. Each dive into the depths brings new challenges and discoveries. Will you be able to overcome your fear and uncover the secrets of this alien world? Dive in and find out!
As you explore the vast underwater world of Subnautica, you’ll encounter a wide variety of marine life. From the graceful and colorful Reefback Leviathans that peacefully glide through the water to the aggressive and territorial Stalkers that guard their territories with razor-sharp teeth, every encounter is a thrilling experience. The game’s stunning visuals bring these creatures to life, making you feel like you’re truly swimming alongside them.
Subnautica is not just a game, it’s an immersive and unforgettable adventure. It will test your survival skills, push you to your limits, and leave you in awe of the wonders that lie beneath the surface. So grab your diving gear, take a deep breath, and prepare to dive into the depths of Subnautica.
Green Hell
Green Hell takes survival to a whole new level. Set in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, this game tests your skills in a hostile environment teeming with deadly creatures and unforgiving weather. To survive, you’ll need to master the art of crafting, hunting, and shelter-building.
Imagine yourself deep in the lush greenery of the Amazon rainforest, where every step you take is a battle against nature’s wrath. The air is thick with humidity, making it difficult to breathe, and the intense heat drains your energy. As you navigate through the dense foliage, you can hear the distant calls of exotic birds and the rustling of leaves, serving as a constant reminder that danger lurks around every corner.
The creatures that inhabit this untamed wilderness are not to be taken lightly. Venomous snakes slither through the undergrowth, their fangs dripping with deadly toxins. Ferocious jaguars prowl in the shadows, their eyes gleaming with a hunger for flesh. And let’s not forget about the swarms of bloodthirsty mosquitoes that relentlessly attack, leaving behind itchy welts that serve as a constant reminder of their presence.
Will you emerge from this green hell unscathed, or will you succumb to the perils that lie within?
Stranded Deep
Stranded Deep is an immersive survival game that plunges you into the heart of a thrilling adventure. Imagine yourself in the unfortunate position of being stranded in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean after a harrowing plane crash. The adrenaline rushes through your veins as you realize the gravity of your situation – you are completely alone, with only a handful of supplies to your name.
The turquoise waters stretch out before you, seemingly endless. The sun beats down mercilessly, intensifying your thirst and reminding you of the harsh reality of your predicament. With no land in sight, you must summon all your courage and resourcefulness to navigate this treacherous open sea.
As you drift aimlessly, a glimmer of hope emerges on the horizon – a tiny, deserted island. With a renewed sense of purpose, you paddle towards it, hoping to find solace and sustenance amidst the untouched beauty of nature. However, you soon discover that surviving on this island will be no walk in the park.
The island reveals its secrets to you as you explore its sandy shores. Shipwrecks and abandoned structures dot the landscape, remnants of a forgotten past. These decaying relics hold the promise of valuable loot and essential supplies that could mean the difference between life and death.
Stranded Deep challenges you to push the boundaries of your resilience and resourcefulness. Can you adapt to this harsh environment and find a way back home? Will you succumb to the perils that surround you, or will you rise above them and conquer the challenges that lie ahead? The answer lies within you, as you embark on a journey of survival, discovery, and self-discovery.
The Forest
The Forest drops you into a mysterious forest inhabited by cannibalistic mutants. After surviving a plane crash, you must search for your missing son while staying hidden from the lurking danger. The game combines survival elements with a gripping story that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
The Forest offers a wide range of activities to keep you occupied and alive. From constructing elaborate bases and fortifying them against attacks to hunting for food and resources, every decision you make can mean the difference between life and death. Prepare for a heart-pounding adventure filled with terrifying encounters and unexpected twists.
Rust
Rust throws you into a harsh and brutal world where survival is not just about gathering resources but also about fending off other players. In this massively multiplayer online game, you’ll need to build a base, form alliances, and defend yourself against both natural threats and hostile players.
With a dynamic environment and an open-world full of possibilities, Rust offers a unique survival experience. Will you cooperate with others or embrace a more ruthless approach? The choice is yours, but remember, trust can be a scarce resource in this dog-eat-dog world.
SCUM
SCUM takes survival to the extreme. Set on a sprawling open-world prison island, the game combines realistic survival mechanics with intense PvP combat. To survive, you’ll need to manage your character’s metabolism, train your skills, and navigate a treacherous landscape filled with dangerous AI-controlled inmates and other players.
But SCUM goes beyond simple survival. The game also features a robust character customization system, allowing you to shape your inmate’s appearance and abilities. With a focus on realism and immersion, SCUM offers an unparalleled survival experience.
DayZ
DayZ drops you into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. In this open-world survival game, you’ll need to scavenge for supplies, avoid or confront the undead, and deal with other desperate survivors. With an emphasis on player interactions, every encounter in DayZ is a potential life-or-death situation.
As you explore the vast landscape, you’ll unravel the mysteries of the outbreak and search for a cure. But be warned, the infected are not the only threat you’ll face. Other players can be just as dangerous, so trust no one and always be prepared for the worst.
Ark: Survival Evolved
Ark: Survival Evolved takes survival to prehistoric heights. Stranded on a mysterious island inhabited by dinosaurs and other ancient creatures, you must gather resources, tame wild beasts, and build your own tribe in this multiplayer survival game.
With a vast open world to explore and more than 80 unique dinosaurs to tame, Ark offers a truly immersive survival experience. Will you hunt with a pack of raptors or ride a mighty T-Rex into battle? The choice is yours, but remember, the island is full of dangers that will test your skills and determination.
This War of Mine
This War of Mine takes a different approach to survival exploration games. Instead of facing supernatural creatures or post-apocalyptic scenarios, you’re thrust into the shoes of ordinary civilians trapped in a war-torn city. As you scavenge for supplies and make difficult moral choices, you’ll experience the harsh reality of war from a civilian perspective.
This War of Mine is a thought-provoking game that explores the human cost of conflict. Will you sacrifice your own principles to survive, or will you find a way to navigate the moral minefield without losing your humanity?
Don’t Starve and Don’t Starve Together
Don’t Starve and its multiplayer counterpart Don’t Starve Together challenge you to survive in a dark and whimsical world filled with strange creatures and dangers at every turn. As you explore the eerie wilderness, you’ll need to gather resources, craft tools, and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Maxwell.
Don’t Starve offers a unique art style and a wide range of characters, each with their own abilities and quirks. Whether you choose to explore alone or team up with friends, this survival game will test your resource management skills and ability to adapt to a hostile environment.
7 Days to Die
7 Days to Die is a highly acclaimed survival game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. In this sandbox environment, players are faced with the daunting task of scavenging for resources, constructing shelters, and defending themselves against relentless hordes of zombies. The game seamlessly blends elements of crafting, survival, and tower defense gameplay, resulting in an incredibly diverse and thrilling experience.
One of the most captivating aspects of 7 Days to Die is its dynamic day-and-night cycle. As the sun sets, the tension rises, and players must remain vigilant to survive the darkness. Every passing moment becomes a question of life or death, as the undead become more aggressive and formidable under the cover of night. The constant struggle for survival in this unforgiving world keeps players on the edge of their seats, creating an adrenaline-fueled experience like no other.
7 Days to Die is a must-try for fans of The Long Dark and other survival games. Its immersive gameplay, intense zombie encounters, and vast open-world make it a standout title in the genre. Whether you prefer to face the challenges alone or team up with friends in multiplayer mode, 7 Days to Die offers an unforgettable and thrilling survival experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid is another top-tier survival game that offers a challenging and realistic zombie apocalypse experience. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead, players must scavenge for supplies, fortify safehouses, and confront both the undead and other desperate survivors. The game’s focus on realism sets it apart, as players must manage hunger, fatigue, illness, and emotional stability to survive.
In Project Zomboid, the world is a dangerous place, filled with constant threats and challenges. As players explore the desolate landscape, they will encounter abandoned buildings, ransacked stores, and eerie streets. Each location presents its own risks and rewards, forcing players to make strategic decisions about where to scavenge for supplies and where to establish their safehouses.
One of the unique features of Project Zomboid is the deep character customization and progression system. Players can choose from a variety of skills, traits, and professions, which impact their abilities and chances of survival. Are you a skilled carpenter who can build sturdy barricades? Or perhaps a nimble athlete who can outrun the undead? The choice is yours, and it will greatly influence your chances of survival in this unforgiving world.
If you’re looking for an immersive survival experience that puts your decision-making skills to the test, Project Zomboid is an excellent choice. With its realistic gameplay, deep character customization, and intense multiplayer mode, this game offers endless hours of thrilling and challenging gameplay. Can you survive the zombie apocalypse and emerge as a true survivor?
Conan Exiles
If you’re seeking a survival game that combines the harshness of the wilderness with the brutality of combat, look no further than Conan Exiles. Set in the iconic Conan The Barbarian universe, this game thrusts players into a vast and unforgiving open world where they must battle enemies, build settlements, and dominate their rivals.
Conan Exiles offers a unique blend of survival mechanics, base building, and PvP combat. From hunting for food and resources to constructing mighty fortresses, the game provides a wealth of opportunities for both cooperative and competitive play.
Embarking on your journey in Conan Exiles, you will find yourself in a sprawling world teeming with danger and adventure. As you explore the vast landscapes, you will encounter towering mountains, dense forests, and treacherous deserts. Each region presents its own set of challenges and rewards, pushing you to adapt and survive in different ways.
For fans of The Long Dark who crave a more action-oriented survival experience, Conan Exiles delivers in spades. With its immersive world, challenging gameplay mechanics, and intense PvP combat, this game will keep you hooked for hours on end. So grab your weapons, gather your allies, and embark on an epic journey in the savage world of Conan Exiles.
Raft
For those seeking a more lighthearted yet equally engaging survival experience, look no further than Raft. Set on a vast ocean, players must navigate the treacherous waters on a small raft, scavenging for resources and fending off hungry sharks.
In Raft, survival revolves around managing hunger and thirst, while also expanding your raft and crafting useful tools and equipment. The game also encourages exploration, as players encounter various islands and structures that offer valuable resources and secrets. The cooperative multiplayer option allows you to team up with friends, making survival in a world of endless ocean even more enjoyable. Raft’s charming graphics, relaxing soundtrack, and addictive gameplay make it an ideal alternative for fans of The Long Dark.
State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 takes the survival genre to the realm of post-apocalyptic zombie infestations. In a world ravaged by the undead, players must build a community, scavenge for supplies, and make tough decisions to ensure their group’s survival.
The game offers a dynamic open world where each decision matters. From managing limited resources and defending your base from relentless hordes of zombies to venturing into dangerous territories in search of supplies, State of Decay 2 delivers an immersive survival experience. The game also features a wide range of characters with unique skills and personalities, adding depth and replayability. If you enjoy the mix of survival, base building, and decision-making found in The Long Dark, State of Decay 2 is a worthy addition to your gaming library.
Mist Survival
Mist Survival takes survival gameplay to a desolate and mysterious world engulfed in an ominous mist. With limited supplies, players must scavenge, craft, and build their way to survival while evading the deadly creatures lurking within the mist.
The game offers a blend of traditional survival mechanics with stealth and combat. Players must carefully manage resources, maintain their health and stamina, and avoid detection from menacing enemies. Mist Survival also introduces a day-and-night cycle, where the night brings even greater dangers and challenges. With its eerie atmosphere and intense gameplay, Mist Survival provides a thrilling survival experience akin to The Long Dark.
Desolate
Desolate is a first-person survival horror game set in an alternate reality version of the Soviet Union. Players find themselves stranded on an isolated island, tasked with investigating a mysterious anomaly and surviving the horrors that lie within.
Desolate offers a unique blend of survival mechanics, exploration, and eerie atmospheric storytelling. With its immersive world, engaging narrative, and challenging gameplay, Desolate is a perfect choice for fans of The Long Dark looking for a darker and more suspenseful survival adventure.
Unturned
Unturned presents a whimsical and zombie-infested world where players must scavenge for supplies, build shelter, and fight off hordes of the undead. Despite its blocky aesthetics, the game offers a surprising amount of depth and features a large community-driven player base.
In Unturned, survival revolves around managing hunger, thirst, and health while battling zombies and other players who may pose a threat. The game also offers a comprehensive crafting system, allowing players to create a wide variety of items to aid in their survival. Unturned’s charming visuals, intuitive gameplay, and extensive modding support make it a great alternative for fans of The Long Dark in search of a more whimsical survival experience.
Terraria
While Terraria may not be a traditional survival game, it incorporates several elements that make it a worthy alternative to The Long Dark. Set in a vibrant and pixelated 2D world, players must gather resources, craft weapons and armor, and explore a vast and procedurally generated world.
Terraria features a sandbox-style gameplay that allows players to build structures, mine for rare materials, and face off against challenging boss monsters. With its emphasis on exploration, combat, and progression, Terraria offers a distinct survival experience that will keep fans of The Long Dark engaged for hours on end.
Survive the Nights
Survive the Nights is a multiplayer-focused survival game that emphasizes cooperative gameplay and strategic planning. Set in a zombie-infested world, players must work together to scavenge resources, build shelters, and fend off the undead.
The game offers a variety of survival mechanics, including hunger, thirst, and fatigue management, as well as base building and enemy AI. Survive the Nights also introduces a realistic day-and-night cycle, where darkness brings increased zombie activity, creating a constant sense of tension and urgency. If you’re looking for a survival experience that requires teamwork and coordination, Survive the Nights is a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
With their unique settings, captivating gameplay mechanics, and immersive survival experiences, these games like The Long Dark offer endless hours of excitement and challenge for survival enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the realistic and immersive survival of 7 Days to Die and Project Zomboid or the action-packed adventures of Conan Exiles and State of Decay 2, there is a game on this list for every survival fan. So, don’t let the wilderness of The Long Dark be your only survival playground; embark on new adventures and uncover the depths of your survival skills with these exceptional titles.
