Explore the desolate lands and fight for survival without going through catastrophic events.
Civilization is in shambles, the landscape is barren, and survival is the ultimate goal. The best post-apocalyptic games let you experience the thrill of being a true survivor as you navigate untamed, mutant-infested wastelands.
While the genre is often associated with Bethesda’s popular series, there’s much more to discover, as our roundup will show. So brace yourself, fellow adventurers, as we dive into the chaotic worlds in games like Fallout.
Updated on September 11, 2024. We’ve refreshed our list of the best games like Fallout with two titles full of zombies that are out for blood: Days Gone and State of Decay 2.
What are the best post-apocalyptic games like Fallout?
Don’t count on finding only zombie games here! This list is filled to the brim with RPGs, shooters, and open-world titles featuring mutants and all sorts of radioactive creatures. We’ve made sure to mix it up to cater to all tastes.
Days Gone
Bend Studio’s open-world zombie game, Days Gone, was criminally underrated by reviewers—given the current standards, its 71 Metacritic score was too modest for such an epic adventure. While the initial PS4 performance was a little clunky, we think it deserves much more. Especially in its glorious PC version, which stands proud among the finest post-apocalyptic games released in recent years.
Starting off with the good stuff, DG has a really cool atmosphere, reminiscent of the Sons of Anarchy series, which was one of the big sources of inspiration for the developers, along with The Walking Dead. Biker riders meet zombies—lots and lots of zombies, as some of the herds have hundreds of them mercilessly rushing at you. The story is also surprisingly engaging, so we highly recommend not being like Sony and giving Deacon a chance.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series
Developed by Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is scheduled for release later in 2024. While there’s still some time, why not explore the previous chapter in the series along with its standalone expansions? They put players in the shoes of stalkers, seeking a new life and opportunities in the dangerous Zone.
Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat aren’t your typical shooters. Caution is key as you navigate contaminated terrain and eliminate enemies one by one. These are also some of the top games that run on low-end PCs, making them an ideal choice for those with less powerful hardware.
Metro series
Unlike S.T.A.L.K.E.R., almost every entry in the Metro franchise has pushed consoles and computers to their limits. With its breathtaking visuals and combination of FPS, survival, and RPG mechanics, it quickly captured the hearts of gamers. While the story in the first installment is based on the novel by Dmitry Glukhovsky, subsequent entries have deviated from the source material.
As you play, you join Artyom and his companions as they navigate in decaying Moscow. Exodus broadened the horizons by venturing beyond the confines of the metro into various open environments. If you’re looking for the best single-player first-person shooters, the Metro series is a must-try.
Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG
If you’re a fan of old RPG games, Encased might just be your cup of tea. Inspired by genre classics, Encased transports players to a world under the Dome where six influential factions vie for dominance.
You begin by creating your own hero before venturing out into the dystopian landscapes. Combat is turn-based, and your actions affect how NPCs perceive you. It’s up to you to choose whether you want to be their ally or the greatest threat to society.
State of Decay 2 (Included with PC Game Pass)
Although zombies might seem overdone, Undead Labs’ State of Decay 2 brings new depth to the survival open-world genre. Launched in 2018, the initial version was serviceable, but it kind of felt like an early access title due to the amount of bugs. Luckily, with patches upon patches, the developers not only fixed their ugly duckling, but they actually made it great.
SoD2 is set in a massive sandbox that’s been hit by the zombie apocalypse. It offers its players some truly deep survival systems, allowing them to recruit allies and create a thriving community, build bases meant to withstand the most persistent attacks and go on dangerous scavenging runs for supplies. The game is still getting updates to this day (the most recent one came out this July), so there’s a lot to explore—solo or in co-op.
Interested in playing State of Decay 2? Well, guess what—you don’t have to buy it, as it’s included with Game Pass. If you’d like to become a subscriber and get access to this game (and hundreds of other titles), take a good look at the offers provided below.
RAGE
Your adventure in RAGE begins as you leave a shelter designed to protect you from an asteroid impact on Earth. As you delve into the vast open world, you’re immediately thrown into battle against hostile humans, mutants, and the formidable military group known as The Authority.
Vehicles are your best friend here, allowing you to move quickly between locations and engage in frantic races. The gameplay mainly involves taking on waves of enemies. Overall, it’s among the most immersive games like Fallout.
UnderRail
Our list of post-apocalyptic games wouldn’t be complete without UnderRail. Certainly, it’s a notable addition to the cRPG genre. The story begins with a mysterious cataclysm striking Earth, decimating most of its inhabitants and rendering the surface unlivable.
You take on the role of one of the survivors, caught in the middle of a feud between opposing factions. At the heart of this conflict is an object that could be humanity’s last hope. The gameplay sticks to the classic formula with turn-based combat. So if you enjoy games like Fallout, you’ll feel right at home.
Mad Max
You’ve probably heard of the Mad Max movie series, right? The latest entry, “Fury Road”, directed by George Miller, was a huge hit in the post-apocalyptic action genre with its breakneck pace and breathtaking desert scenes. While the game’s story doesn’t directly follow the movie, it still has nods to the franchise and some familiar characters.
In Mad Max, you’re thrown into a massive environment that you can explore with your trusty Magnum Opus. The gameplay involves epic car races and battles, and when you’re on foot, the combat feels a bit like the Arkham series or Shadow of Mordor, with a focus on counters. With its plethora of quests and unique atmosphere, it stands out as one of the finest open world games out there.
ATOM RPG
This collection is all about games similar to Fallout, so many of them fall into the RPG genre, like the ATOM RPG. It transports you to the Soviet wastelands, where you must find your place while unraveling a conspiracy that could lead to the downfall of humanity.
Along the way, you’ll face a variety of enemies, complete quests, and interact with NPCs. The visuals may be simple, but they capture the atmosphere of the USSR well, with humble settlements and propaganda murals.
Wasteland 2 and 3 (Included with PC Game Pass)
To wrap up our list of the greatest nuke survival games, we have Wasteland 2 and 3. We decided to skip the first entry due to its dated feel, but the sequels are more accessible. Brian Fargo, the creator behind the original, also had a hand in their development. The second installment sends you to the scorching Arizona desert, while the third plunges you into the frigid landscape of Colorado.
Both are isometric games, focusing on exploration and turn-based combat. Not every conflict requires you to use force; clever negotiation with enemies, much like in classic tabletop RPGs, can often do the trick.
Where to buy the Fallout series cheap?
Created by Interplay Entertainment in 1997, it has been under the wing of Bethesda Softworks since 2008. The allure of its universe, which is set in the US post-nuclear disaster, was irresistible to not only gamers but also TV show creators. With eight titles available on PC, they cover various genres, from RPG to strategy to simulation. Fallout New Vegas is widely considered the franchise’s highlight, making it a solid starting point for newcomers.
And if you’re a PC Game Pass subscriber, you’re in luck; all of these are included as part of your subscription. But if not, be sure to check out the deals below!
What are your favorite nuke survival games? Are you a fan of post-apocalyptic worlds? Do you enjoy old RPG games or perhaps more modern releases? Share your thoughts in the comments!
