Must-Play Post-Apocalyptic Horror Games: Survive the End of the World

One of the experiences video games offer is the opportunity to test ourselves in the harshest circumstances.

If you like this idea, play these unforgiving post-apo horror games!

People love trying to survive in digital realities after the world’s end. Although the adventures may feel unsafe, they provide that sweet sense of danger in an entirely secure environment.

That’s what makes post-apocalyptic horror video games so appealing! Fancy a little survival trial in the worst environments possible? These five recommendations promise the most distressing adventures!

Game	Release	Genre	Developer
Deadlight	2012-10-25	Adventure	Tequila Works
Days Gone	2021-05-18	Action	SIE Bend Studio
Remnant II	2023-07-25	Action	Gunfire Games
Dying Light Definitive Edition	2015-01-26	Adventure	Techland
Dying Light 2 Reloaded Edition	2022-02-04	Adventure	Techland Publishing
Left 4 Dead 2	2009-11-16	Action & Shooter	Valve
Stalker Shadow Of Chernobyl	2007-03-20	RPG	GSC Game World
Project Zomboid	2013-11-08	Indie	The Indie Stone
Metro Exodus	2020-02-14	Adventure	4A GAMES
Metro Last Light Redux	2014-08-27	Adventure	4A GAMES
The Last Of Us Part I	2023-03-28	Adventure	Naughty Dog
Death Stranding Directors Cut	2022-03-30	Action	Kojima Productions
The Walking Dead The Telltale Definitive Series	2019-09-10	Action	Skybound Games

The Last of Us Part II

Release date:	2020-06-19
Genre:	Adventure
Developer:	Naughty Dog

This title is a must-play for those who value deep narrative over classic open world experiences.

Image credit: Naughty Dog

This sequel to the 2013 hit follows Ellie as she deals with the ongoing effects of the Cordyceps fungus epidemic, transforming humans into bloodthirsty creatures. Players can also control a new character, Abby, and both protagonists use slightly different skill sets. It’s a must-have for players seeking the most memorable stories!

Key features
Play as Ellie or Abby in a world overrun by a cordyceps fungus Unravel secrets and explore Sneak and try to mask your scent Enjoy a linear adventure in a post-apocalyptic world

The Last of Us Part II

Release date:	2022-02-04
Genre:	Action
Developer:	Techland Publishing

While it’s a sequel to the phenomenal 2015 action game, you don’t have to play the original to enjoy this installment.

Image credit: Techland Publishing

Dying Light 2 follows Aiden Caldwell, a lone Pilgrim, as he traverses a post-apocalyptic world ruined by a zombie virus. It’s an action-packed title, but only the right combinations of challenging choices can lead you to all eight endings.

Key features
Play as a lone Pilgrim entangled in inter-faction conflict Explore and lose yourself in the battle against the undead Make choices to see all endings Play solo or in co-op for up to 4 players

Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Release date:	2007-03-20
Genre:	RPG
Developer:	GSC Game World

Since the big release of the sequel to this legendary game from 2007 is just around the corner (S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl), it’s worth giving it a chance to get hyped up before the second part’s launch!

Image credit: GSC Game World

The terrible explosion of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant resulted in the creation of the Exclusion Zone. Now, the place is overrun by strange anomalies, bloodthirsty mutants, and omnipresent threats – only experienced Stalkers can survive in this cursed place and unravel the disturbing secret of its existence.

Key features
Explore the highly dangerous Zone and try to survive See seven alternative endings Experience the sense of pure solitude Play solo or in multiplayer for up to 32 players

S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl

Release date:	2016-06-21
Genre:	Adventure
Developer:	Abstraction Games

It’s a platform alternative to the typical open-world 3D post-apocalyptic games following Randall Wayne as he desperately tries to find his family in Seattle, devastated by a zombie outbreak.

Image credit: Abstraction Games

Explore the ruined city, discover what happened to Randall’s family, and collect every weapon you can to survive encounters with the dangerous zombies. It’s a dramatic story set within a classic platforming adventure – perfect for enthusiasts of engaging simplicity.

Key features
Explore the ruined city to find Randall’s loved ones Collect weapons and ammo to survive Choose from available game modes Solve puzzles and see the unexpected ending to this story

Deadlight: Director’s Cut

Release date:	2019-09-10
Genre:	Action
Developer:	Skybound Games

It’s the legendary collection of all the episodic adventure games in the series, offering over 50 hours of narrative-driven experience in a world ruled by a zombie epidemic and hostile human factions.

The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series

Image credit: Skybound Games

The Telltale Definitive Series is a set of six iconic titles based on Robert Kirkman’s comic books. You can play as different characters struggling to rebuild civilization in a cruel world after a devastating zombie apocalypse. No other game combines memorable storytelling with a sense of despair as well as this one!

Key features
Play a set of six titles in one of the best post-apocalyptic series Make choices and witness their lasting consequences Experience the tragic stories of the remaining survivors Sneak and solve challenging puzzles

The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series

Conclusion

All games on this list share a post-apocalypse theme, but each touches on slightly different genres. There are narrative-driven adventures, platformers, first-person shooters, and more—perfect choices catering to everyone’s tastes.

And whether you’re planning on playing post-apocalyptic horror for the first time or are a seasoned gamer, prepare for a ton of memorable fun in these cruel worlds.