Stranded on a pixelated island? Crawling through a desolate wasteland? Whether in closed quarters or open-world survival games on PC, they offer a thrilling buffet of calamity. From battling the undead to taming exotic creatures, these open-world ordeals test your wit and grit. So, fire up your PC and prepare to conquer (or at least survive) the wilderness with our list of the best open survival games on PC right here.
1. Sons Of The Forest
- Release Date: February 23, 2023
- Developer(s): Endnight Games Limited
Lost and desperate in a cannibal-infested peninsula? Sons of the Forest throws you into a gorgeous yet unforgiving open world. Craft weapons, build elaborate shelters, and befriend a helpful mutant companion – all while staying one step ahead of the twisted inhabitants and the ever-present threat of starvation.
It’s a brutal ballet of survival that’ll test your resourcefulness and leave you wanting more. The environment and stakes combined make Sons of The Forest one of the best open-world survival games you must try on PC. Do be aware though, it can get gory at times.
2. 7 Days To Die
- Release Date: December 13, 2013
- Developer(s): The Fun Pimps, Iron Galaxy
7 Days to Die hacks out a singular claim in the zombie survival genre, fusing together crafting, combat, and base building within a vast and unrestricted world. Scrounge for supplies by day, then fortify your refuge before the rabid throng descends at night.
With rich RPG mechanics and limitless personalization, it’s a zombie survival sandbox that compels you to return for another helping.
3. Grounded
- Release Date: September 27, 2022
- Developer(s): Obsidian Entertainment
Ever wished you could shrink down to the size of an ant and explore your backyard? Grounded turns that childhood fantasy into a thrilling co-op survival adventure.
Team up with friends to build epic bases from leaves and grass, fight off hungry spiders, and unravel the secrets of a suburban jungle. It’s one of the must-try co-op survival games on PC that’s both hilarious and heart-pounding at once.
4. Don’t Starve
- Release Date: April 23, 2013
- Developer(s): Klei Entertainment, Blitworks
Don’t Starve isn’t your typical vacation sim. This quirky open-world survival game on PC throws you into a Tim Burton-esque wilderness, where crafting, science, and even a touch of magic are needed to survive the day (and especially the night).
Gather resources, battle creepy crawlies, and unravel the mysteries of this strange land – all before hunger or the encroaching darkness claim you.
5. Ark: Survival Evolved
- Release Date: June 2, 2015
- Developer(s): Studio Wildcard, Grove Street Games, Abstraction
Imagine taming a colossal T-Rex, crafting a sprawling treehouse fortress, and outsmarting a pack of cunning Raptors. Ark: Survival Evolved drops you onto a breathtaking open world teeming with prehistoric life (and danger!).
In Ark, you’ll need to craft tools and weapons to defend yourself, build a secure shelter to survive the elements, and team up with fellow survivors to tame, train, and even ride a vast array of majestic (or terrifying) dinosaurs. Can you conquer the ultimate challenge and survive amongst these legendary creatures?
6. Pacific Drive
- Release Date: February 22, 2024
- Developer(s): Ironwood Studios
Lost in a warped Pacific Northwest, Pacific Drive throws you into a story-driven fight for survival. Your trusty station wagon becomes your lifeline as you scavenge resources, upgrade your ride, and unravel the mysteries of a supernatural exclusion zone.
Each venture into the unsettling wilderness unveils fragments of forgotten truth, all while you white-knuckle your way through a landscape that defies reality itself. One of the best open-world survival games Pacific Drive is a choice you shouldn’t skip out on.
7. Resident Evil Village
- Release Date: May 7, 2021
- Developer(s): Capcom
Resident Evil Village isn’t just a haunted house ride – it’s a warped amusement park of terror. Shifting from snowy villages to towering castles, each area throws unique horrors your way. With scarce ammo and grotesque enemies, you’ll scramble to survive, all while unraveling a chilling mystery that keeps you hooked.
Resident Evil Village is not only one of the best Resident Evil games but also one of the best survival games on PC.
8. Rust
- Release Date: December 11, 2013
- Developer(s): Facepunch Studios, Double Eleven
Rust injects pure adrenaline into the survival genre. It’s not just about fending off the elements; it’s about outsmarting (or outright raiding) fellow players for resources.
Build a fortress, craft weapons, and forge alliances (or betrayals) in a world that wipes clean every few weeks, forcing you to start anew – a thrilling test of social strategy and raw survival skills. While not being as good as Sons of the Forest, Rust is still one of the best open-world survival games for PC.
9. Terraria
- Release Date: May 16, 2011
- Developer(s): Re-Logic, Pipeworks Studio, Codeglue, Engine Software, 505 Mobile S.r.l
Don’t be fooled by Terraria’s charming 2D looks. This sandbox survival throws you into a world teeming with monsters, where crafting epic gear and building magnificent fortresses is as crucial as staying alive. Explore vibrant biomes, battle awe-inspiring bosses, and forge your own legend – one pickaxe swing at a time.
10. Raft
- Release Date: May 23, 2018
- Developer(s): Redbeet Interactive, Redbeet Interactive AB
Raft throws you a curveball in the survival genre. Instead of a static base, you build and expand your own mobile home on a rickety raft, drifting across a vast ocean.
Hunger, thirst, and hostile creatures lurk beneath the waves, making resource gathering and island exploration a thrilling mix of adventure and base-building. Get on Raft and experience true survival in an open-world environment on PC.
11. Frostpunk
- Release Date: April 24, 2018
- Developer(s): 11 Bit Studios
While Frostpunk is one of the best city-building games on PC, it is more than that. Here, survival hinges on defying the ever-encroaching freeze. Build your metropolis, enact harsh laws, and keep the frosty reaper at bay.
It’s a desperate dance between progress and humanity, making Frostpunk a chillingly addictive challenge for PC gamers and one of the best open world survival games.
12. Minecraft
- Release Date: 18 November 2011
- Developer(s): Mojang Studios
Minecraft may be a pixellated paradise but it packs a punch. It is a masterclass in open-world survival among many other games on PC. Craft tools, fight creepers under starry skies, and build your dream home – or a fortified chicken coop, the choice is yours.
Hunger pangs and lurking mobs keep the stakes high, while endless creativity fuels endless fun. The best part? get countless Minecraft mods and challenge yourself with endless survival possibilities. The latest Minecraft Tricky Trials update amps it up and makes it one of the best open-world survival games on PC.
13. Palworld
- Release Date: January 19, 2024
- Developer(s): Pocket Pair, Inc.
Forget cookie-cutter co-op survival. Palworld throws cuteness into the chaos. Tame adorable, quirky creatures called Pals, then befriend them or, well, use them strategically. Explore a vibrant world, gather resources, and build a base with your pals by your side.
This unique blend of monster-catching and survival makes Palworld a must-play for co-op adventurers.
14. Subnautica
- Release Date: December 16, 2014
- Developer(s): Unknown Worlds Entertainment, Panic Button Games, Shiny Shoe, Grip Digital
Dive into an alien ocean unlike any other in Subnautica. This open-world survival game throws you onto an aquatic planet, forcing you to craft, scavenge, and build to survive its breathtaking beauty and lurking terrors.
Explore vibrant coral reefs, navigate treacherous kelp forests, and all the while, keep an eye out for leviathans lurking in the depths. Subnautica isn’t just about survival; it’s an underwater odyssey of discovery. So if you love adventure and danger check out one of the best open world survival games on PC right here.
15. Valheim
- Release Date: February 2, 2021
- Developer(s): Iron Gate Studio, Fishlabs, Piktiv
Craving Viking adventures? Valheim waits. This open-world survival throws you into a gorgeous, procedurally generated purgatory teeming with mythical creatures. Build mighty longboats, conquer epic foes, and tame the wilderness. All the while fending off pesky greylings and crafting epic gear.
It’s survival with a side of Norse legend, and with friends by your side, the challenges transform into unforgettable sagas.
That ends our list of best survival games on PC that you must try. Have you tried any of the games from our list? Share your experience in the comments below.
