Survival games are some of the most immersive experiences in gaming, throwing players into unpredictable worlds where resource management, exploration, and strategy are essential to staying alive. Whether you’re battling harsh environments, fending off dangerous creatures, or competing with other players, survival games offer challenges that keep you hooked for hours.
Steam’s library is packed with incredible survival titles, and in 2025, the genre is stronger than ever. Here’s our curated list of the top 20 survival games on Steam that you need to play this year.
1. Valheim
Price: Around $20
Set in a Norse-inspired world, Valheim combines survival mechanics with crafting, exploration, and epic boss battles. Whether you’re building a village or sailing into the unknown, this co-op-friendly game offers endless adventure.
Why It Stands Out:
- Procedurally generated maps.
- Co-op for up to 10 players.
- A seamless blend of survival and exploration.
2. Subnautica: Below Zero
Price: Around $30
Dive into the icy depths of an alien ocean in Subnautica: Below Zero. This standalone sequel to Subnautica offers a unique underwater survival experience with breathtaking visuals and a compelling story.
Why It Stands Out:
- Stunning underwater environments.
- Engaging narrative.
- Base-building mechanics.
3. Sons of the Forest
Price: Around $30
As the sequel to The Forest, Sons of the Forest takes survival horror to the next level. With improved graphics, smarter AI, and even more terrifying encounters, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Why It Stands Out:
- Realistic crafting and building mechanics.
- Dynamic weather and seasons.
- Intense survival horror elements.
4. Project Zomboid
Price: Around $15
In Project Zomboid, you’re tasked with surviving a zombie apocalypse. Its isometric perspective, deep mechanics, and challenging gameplay make it one of the best zombie survival sims on Steam.
Why It Stands Out:
- Highly detailed survival mechanics.
- Persistent world with multiplayer support.
- Endless replayability.
5. Don't Starve Together
Price: Around $15
Don’t Starve Together is a multiplayer survival game with a quirky art style and brutal mechanics. Team up with friends to gather resources, craft tools, and stave off insanity in a dark and dangerous world.
Why It Stands Out:
- Unique hand-drawn visuals.
- Multiplayer survival with friends.
- Expansive modding community.
6. Rust
Price: Around $40
If you enjoy competitive survival games, Rust is the ultimate test of your skills. Build bases, gather resources, and fend off other players in this brutal multiplayer experience.
Why It Stands Out:
- Thriving online community.
- Intense PvP and raiding mechanics.
- Constant updates and new content.
7. The Long Dark
Price: Around $35
Set in a post-apocalyptic wilderness, The Long Dark focuses on survival against the elements. With no zombies or monsters, the game’s emphasis on realistic survival makes it a unique experience.
Why It Stands Out:
- Atmospheric visuals and sound design.
- Episodic story mode.
- Realistic wilderness survival mechanics.
8. ARK: Survival Evolved
Price: Around $30 (frequent sales)
Tame dinosaurs, build massive bases, and explore a prehistoric world in ARK: Survival Evolved. Its multiplayer focus and constant updates make it a long-time favorite for survival fans.
Why It Stands Out:
- Over 100 species of creatures to tame.
- Thriving modding community.
- Intense PvE and PvP gameplay.
9. Grounded
Price: Around $30
Shrink down to the size of an ant and survive in a backyard teeming with giant insects. Grounded combines creative survival mechanics with a lighthearted yet challenging atmosphere.
Why It Stands Out:
- Detailed survival systems.
- Beautiful yet dangerous environment.
- Immersive story mode.
10. Green Hell
Price: Around $25
Survive in the unforgiving Amazon rainforest in Green Hell. This hardcore survival game tests your skills with realistic mechanics like wound care, hunger, and psychological effects.
Why It Stands Out:
- Detailed survival systems.
- Beautiful yet dangerous environment.
- Immersive story mode.
11. Conan Exiles
Price: Around $40 (frequent sales)
Survive, build, and dominate in the brutal world of Conan Exiles. With its massive open world and RPG elements, this game lets you create your own adventure.
Why It Stands Out:
- Massive sandbox world.
- Thriving multiplayer community.
- Extensive building and crafting systems.
12. State of Decay 2
Price: Around $30
Build a community and survive a zombie apocalypse in State of Decay 2. Its focus on base-building and resource management makes it a standout title.
Why It Stands Out:
- Co-op multiplayer for up to four players.
- Permadeath mechanics for added tension.
- Focus on community survival
13. 7 Days to Die
Price: Around $25
7 Days to Die combines survival mechanics with base-building and tower defense. Survive hordes of zombies that grow deadlier every seven days in this brutal experience.
Why It Stands Out:
- Day-night cycle with escalating difficulty.
- Deep crafting and building systems.
- Open-world exploration.
14. Raft
Price: Around $20
Set adrift in the middle of an endless ocean, Raft challenges you to survive by gathering resources, building a floating base, and fending off sharks.
Why It Stands Out:
- Unique oceanic setting.
- Co-op multiplayer support.
- Constant updates with new content.
15. Icarus
Price: Around $35
From the creators of DayZ, Icarus offers session-based survival in an alien world. Complete missions, gather resources, and return to orbit before time runs out.
Why It Stands Out:
- Beautiful and dangerous alien environments.
- Co-op gameplay.
- Regular content updates.
16. Stranded Deep
Price: Around $15
Survive on a deserted island in Stranded Deep. With an emphasis on crafting, exploration, and survival, this game is perfect for fans of castaway stories.
Why It Stands Out:
- Beautiful tropical setting.
- Procedurally generated islands.
- Open-ended survival gameplay.
17. Eco
Price: Around $30
Eco is a community-driven survival game where players must work together to save their world from destruction. Balancing ecological impacts and survival needs makes this game truly unique.
Why It Stands Out:
- Focus on cooperation and sustainability.
- Deep crafting and simulation mechanics.
- Thriving multiplayer community.
18. Dying Light
Price: Around $30
Parkour meets survival horror in Dying Light. This game challenges you to navigate a zombie-infested city while scavenging for resources and crafting weapons.
Why It Stands Out:
- Intense melee combat.
- Day-night cycle with terrifying nighttime gameplay.
- Open-world exploration.
19. Frostpunk
Price: Around $30
As the leader of a struggling society in a frozen wasteland, Frostpunk challenges you to make tough decisions to ensure your people’s survival.
Why It Stands Out:
- Deep resource management mechanics.
- Moral dilemmas that impact gameplay.
- Beautiful yet desolate environments.
20. The Forest
Price: Around $20
Fight for survival in a mysterious forest teeming with cannibalistic mutants. With its mix of horror and survival mechanics, The Forest remains a standout title in the genre.
Why It Stands Out:
- Engaging story and lore.
- Co-op multiplayer.
- Realistic crafting and base-building.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of survival horror, crafting, or multiplayer experiences, this list offers something for everyone. Steam’s library of survival games is constantly growing, and these 20 titles are a testament to the genre’s diversity and depth.
