In the ever-evolving world of video games, survival games have carved out their niche by delivering heart-pounding challenges, resource management, and immersive post-apocalyptic settings. As we step into 2023, we can’t help but get excited about the new and upcoming survival games that promise to push the boundaries of the genre. These games are set to captivate players with their unique gameplay, intriguing narratives, and stunning visuals. In this article, we’ll delve deep into 10 of these games, exploring their features, development, and what makes them stand out.
10. Road To Vostok: A Unique Twist on Survival
Game Overview
Road to Vostok, a first-person shooter with a post-apocalyptic twist, is generating buzz for its innovative approach to the survival genre. Set in a desolate border zone between Finland and Russia, players find themselves on a perilous journey where survival is the ultimate goal. Let’s dig deeper into what makes this game a promising addition to the survival game landscape:
Unique Narrative
The game draws inspiration from Cormack McCarthy’s “The Road,” infusing a sense of desperation and isolation into the post-apocalyptic setting.
Environmental Challenges
Surviving in Road to Vostok means contending with a harsh environment. From battling hostile enemies to navigating the unforgiving terrain, players must stay vigilant at all times.
Resource Scarcity
Scavenging for supplies and crafting weapons are essential survival tactics. Building temporary shelters becomes crucial for weathering the elements and avoiding danger.
Progressive Difficulty
As players inch closer to the border, the game ramps up the challenge, ensuring that complacency is not an option.
Developer Insights
Although the developer remains relatively unknown, their ambitious project has caught the attention of gamers and critics alike. The lack of a confirmed release date adds an air of anticipation to this intriguing title.
9. State of Decay 3: The Zombie Survival Saga Continues
Game Overview
State of Decay 3 is the long-awaited addition to the beloved State of Decay series, known for its immersive zombie survival concepts. Undead Labs, the developer behind the series, has been diligently working on this installment, leaving fans eager to discover what’s in store. Here’s what we know so far:
Proven Success
The previous games in the series have garnered praise for their unique take on the zombie apocalypse, offering complex mechanics and a dynamic open world.
Teaser Trailer
While details are scarce, a teaser trailer hints at a wintry theme and the possibility of confronting zombie animals. This teaser has fueled speculation and anticipation among fans.
Long Development Cycle
The extended development time for State of Decay 3 indicates a commitment to delivering a polished and innovative experience.
Uncertain Release Date
While a 2023 release is uncertain, there’s hope that the game might surprise fans with a late-year launch. Gamers are eagerly awaiting updates as they continue to follow the game’s progress.
8. The Lord of The Rings Return to Moria: Reclaiming a Legendary Setting
Game Overview
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria promises to transport players to the iconic world of Middle-earth, offering an opportunity to embark on a journey as dwarves seeking to reclaim the ancient city of Moria. This game injects the survival genre with a rich dose of lore and strategy:
Intriguing Premise
The concept of dwarves returning to Moria to undo the evil that has taken hold adds depth and meaning to the survival gameplay.
Resource Management
Players must mine for resources, which are then used for crafting weapons and rebuilding Moria. The base building aspect takes place in confined spaces, creating unique tactical challenges.
Engaging Foes
Fighting off orcs and other malevolent creatures in the dark and narrow confines of the mines promises thrilling combat scenarios.
Cooperative Play
Return to Moria offers cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends to take on the challenges of Middle-earth together.
Release Date
The game is slated for release in the fall, giving fans of both the survival and fantasy genres something to look forward to.
7. Rooted: Unreal Engine Five Meets Survival
Game Overview
Rooted is a post-apocalyptic survival game that embraces both first and third-person perspectives. What sets it apart is its use of Unreal Engine Five, promising breathtaking visuals and immersive environments:
Unreal Engine Five
Leveraging the power of Unreal Engine Five, Rooted aims to deliver a visually stunning and immersive experience. The engine’s capabilities have the potential to elevate the game’s environments and aesthetics.
Solo or Co-op
Players have the option to go solo or team up with friends in the quest for survival. The multiplayer aspect offers opportunities for cooperation and competition in the post-apocalyptic world.
Developer Potential
While details about the developer are limited, the game’s visuals have already sparked interest. Gamers are hopeful that the small studio will harness the engine’s capabilities to create a visually striking and engaging experience.
Creative Spin
While early information describes a standard survival game, players are eager to discover the unique elements that Rooted brings to the genre. The promise of creative innovation adds intrigue to the game.
Release Status
Rooted is currently in development, and a release date is yet to be confirmed. Gamers are keeping a close eye on this title as it unfolds.
6. Stranded Alien Dawn: Survival in the Unknown
Game Overview
Released in the spring, Stranded Alien Dawn has garnered attention for its refreshing take on survival. Stranded on an alien planet, players must navigate the challenges of survival while dealing with an array of unique and hostile creatures. Here’s why this game is making waves:
Space Spin
Stranded Alien Dawn offers a fresh perspective on survival by placing players in the shoes of astronauts stranded on an alien planet. The blend of space-themed survival and resource management adds depth to the gameplay.
Resource Management
In addition to traditional survival elements, players must manage food, water, and the impact of these resources being contaminated by the alien environment. Balancing these factors becomes crucial for survival.
Threat Assessment
The game challenges players to adapt to an alien ecosystem where traditional survival strategies may not apply. Learning to understand and navigate the planet’s unique flora and fauna becomes part of the survival experience.
Positive Reception
Early players have praised the game’s depth, compelling mechanics, and captivating alien world. The title has already garnered a loyal following.
Ongoing Development
As the game continues to evolve, players anticipate further updates and enhancements to enrich the survival experience.
5. Frostpunk 2: A Challenging City-Building Survival
Game Overview
Frostpunk 2 takes the survival genre in a different direction, merging it with city-building gameplay. The first installment of Frostpunk was renowned for its punishing difficulty and moral dilemmas, and the sequel looks to build upon that reputation:
City-Building Survival
Frostpunk 2 combines the challenges of managing a city with the harsh realities of survival. Every decision carries weight, and resource management is critical.
Resource Scarcity
Players must make difficult choices, such as allocating resources to keep the city warm in the face of an encroaching cold. Each decision has consequences that impact the city’s residents.
Expanded Gameplay
The sequel promises more resources to manage, including oil, which introduces additional complexity to the game’s mechanics. It’s a survival experience that demands careful planning and strategy.
A Devoted Following
Fans of the first game are eagerly anticipating Frostpunk 2 for its immersive storytelling and challenging gameplay.
Release Status
While the release date is confirmed for this year, players are gearing up to tackle the game’s punishing survival challenges.
4. Once Human: Surviving an Alien Infestation
Game Overview
Once Human thrusts players into an open-world post-apocalyptic setting unlike any other. This world has been overrun by an alien entity known as Stardust, resulting in a twisted and infected environment. Here’s why Once Human is generating excitement:
Alien Infection
The premise of a world infected by the enigmatic Stardust sets the stage for a unique survival experience. Players must adapt to the strange, otherworldly flora and fauna that now dominate the landscape.
Multiplayer Options
While the game offers a solo experience, players can also team up with others to tackle the challenges of survival together. Cooperative play adds depth and strategy to the gameplay.
Resource Management
Crafting and customizing weapons play a crucial role in survival, as does monitoring food, water, and their contamination by Stardust. The game’s resource management mechanics add layers of complexity.
Mystery Awaits
The game’s description hints at a larger mystery surrounding the alien Stardust entity. Players are eager to unravel the secrets of this unique post-apocalyptic world.
Development Updates
With early information showing promise, players are looking forward to learning more about the game as it continues to develop.
3. Outbreak Island: Base Building and Zombie Horde Survival
Game Overview
Outbreak Island delivers a classic survival experience with a twist. Set in an open-world sandbox, players must not only build during the day but also fend off hordes of zombies that come to life at night. Here’s why this game is worth keeping an eye on:
Day and Night Cycle
The game’s mechanics revolve around the day-night cycle. During the day, players gather supplies and fortify their base, while at night, they face the relentless onslaught of zombies.
Resource Scavenging
Scavenging for supplies and raiding abandoned buildings in a vast 20 square kilometer world offers ample opportunities for exploration and resource acquisition.
Vehicle Utilization
Players can utilize vehicles to navigate the expansive sandbox world, adding an element of strategy to resource gathering and base building.
Solid and Promising
While Outbreak Island may not reinvent the survival genre, it offers a well-executed and promising take on classic mechanics.
Release Status
The game is poised for release in 2023, providing a familiar yet engaging survival experience for players.
2. Dune Awakening: Exploring the World of Dune
Game Overview
Dune Awakening invites players to immerse themselves in the rich and captivating world of Dune. As an open-world survival MMO, the game offers a unique blend of survival elements in the iconic setting of Arakis. Here’s why Dune Awakening is generating excitement:
Iconic Setting
The Dune universe is renowned for its depth and complexity, making it an ideal backdrop for a survival MMO. Players can expect sandworms, intense warfare, and a world teeming with lore.
Multiplayer Sandbox
The game promises a sandbox world where players can interact with each other, engage in commerce, and navigate the challenges of survival in a hostile environment.
Experienced Developer
Funcom, known for their work on “Conan Exiles,” brings their expertise in developing ambitious multiplayer sandbox survival games to the table.
Transformative World
Dune Awakening hints at a dynamic world that changes as players progress, adding an extra layer of immersion to the survival experience.
Release Status
Gamers are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore the world of Dune when the game becomes available.
1. Sons of the Forest: A Promising Early Access Title
Game Overview
Sons of the Forest, an early access title, follows in the footsteps of its successful predecessor. In this game, players become members of a search and rescue team who find themselves stranded on a mysterious island inhabited by grotesque creatures. Here’s why Sons of the Forest is gaining traction:
Narrative Evolution
Unlike its predecessor, Sons of the Forest introduces a more complex narrative. Players embark on a mission to locate a missing billionaire, only to crash on the island and face a multitude of horrors.
Building and Exploration
Building structures, exploring creepy caves, and interacting with quirky NPCs are part of the game’s appeal. The game promises an engaging blend of survival, storytelling, and world-building.
Player Feedback
Early access provides an opportunity for players to provide feedback and shape the game’s development. The developers are actively listening to the community to enhance the gaming experience.
Release Success
Sons of the Forest enjoyed a successful initial release, garnering positive reviews and player feedback. Early access allows the game to evolve further based on player input.
Continued Development
Players can expect ongoing updates and improvements as the game continues to develop during its early access phase.
Bonus: Survival Games to Keep an Eye On
The Cult of the Lamb and Don’t Starve Together Collaboration
Game Overview
An unexpected collaboration between “The Cult of the Lamb” and “Don’t Starve Together” has piqued the interest of fans of both games. This partnership introduces a new game mode that draws inspiration from “Don’t Starve Together.” Here’s what makes this collaboration noteworthy:
Fusing Worlds
“The Cult of the Lamb” embraces the art style and characters of “Don’t Starve Together,” creating a seamless blend of two beloved game universes.
Survival Elements
The collaboration introduces new challenges, including the need to manage food for followers, enhancing the survival aspect of “The Cult of the Lamb.”
Quirky and Creative
Both games are known for their quirky and creative approaches to the survival genre. The collaboration promises to deliver an exciting and unique gaming experience.
Wanderlost: Indie Retro Survival with a Twist
Game Overview
Wanderlost offers an indie retro survival experience set in a colorful and intriguing world infested by zombies. This game stands out for its creative approach to survival mechanics:
Vivid and Mysterious
The game’s colorful and cute art style contrasts with its mysterious and captivating world. Abandoned buildings and different biomes provide a diverse and visually appealing backdrop.
Resource Gathering
Players will engage in traditional survival activities such as mining, harvesting, and crafting, all while navigating a world teeming with personality.
QuickTime Events
The game introduces engaging QuickTime events that simulate various crafting activities, adding an interactive element to resource management.
A scent of Ashes: Real-Time Combat in a Colony
Game Overview
A scent of Ashes promises a unique blend of real-time combat, colony management, and survival. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players must contend with formidable foes and manage their colony’s resources. Here’s why this game is generating interest:
Real-Time Combat
The game offers real-time combat with pause mechanics, adding a strategic layer to survival and resource management.
Resource Allocation
Balancing the needs of the colony, including food, water, and defense, presents an engaging challenge for players.
Mysterious World
The game’s setting introduces elements reminiscent of “Half-Life,” with enigmatic combine-style soldiers and an air of mystery.
Release Anticipation
Slated for a late-year release, A scent of Ashes has players eagerly awaiting the opportunity to dive into its unique blend of survival and real-time combat.
Conclusion
In the realm of survival games, 2023 promises to be a year of innovation, challenge, and immersion. From the desolate landscapes of Road to Vostok to the mystical allure of Dune Awakening, gamers can look forward to diverse and captivating survival experiences. As these titles continue to evolve and release, players can expect to be transported to worlds where every decision matters, resources are scarce, and the thrill of survival reigns supreme. So, gear up and prepare for an unforgettable year in the world of survival gaming.