DayZ began as an ARMA 2 modification with the aim of creating a realistic survival experience, where players are forced to make tough choices between evading the zombie hordes and avoiding other humans who may also be vying for scarce supplies.
In this huge game world, scavenging resources is key to survival, but so is being aware of the ever-present danger of death and the loss of gear that comes with it.
Thus, combatting the undead is often best done through avoidance rather than direct confrontation due to limited weapon options.
The games like DayZ here provide similar zombie or survival adventures in both single-player and multiplayer modes, requiring players to be mindful and resourceful if they wish to make it out alive.
Contents
Top 11 Games Like DayZ
1. Rust
Rust is an expansive open-world survival video game that was developed by the renowned Facepunch Studios and released on December 11, 2013.
It offers players a unique post-apocalyptic experience, allowing them to scavenge for resources, build shelters, craft items, and battle with hostile creatures and hazardous environments.
Players can also take part in intense PvP combat with other gamers while customizing their characters to create a truly individualized experience.
Clans can be formed, or players can choose to explore the world alone; either way, Rust promises an immersive journey of survival that will keep them coming back for more.
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
2. 7 Days to Die
7 Days to Die is an action-packed, survival horror video game developed by The Fun Pimps and released on December 13th, 2013. Players are thrust into a post-apocalyptic world overrun with zombies, with the ultimate goal being to survive for seven days against herds of undead creatures as well as natural threats such as hunger, thirst, and radiation.
Scavenge for resources to craft weapons and tools to protect yourself and build your own fortifications against the zombie onslaught.
Enjoy a unique mix of survival, shooter, and construction in single-player or up to four players in co-op mode, or battle it out with players from around the world on multiplayer servers!
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox Cloud Gaming
3. State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 is an immersive and thrilling open-world zombie survival experience developed by Undead Labs and released on May 22, 2018.
Players take on the position of leader of a group of survivors assigned with navigating a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.
Gather resources needed to fortify their base, keep their survivors safe and healthy, and take on even greater threats.
With choices throughout the game that shape your story, and a four-player co-op mode, State of Decay 2 offers an unforgettable experience.
Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
4. The Last Of Us Part II
The Last Of Us Part II is an incredible action-adventure game from eminent developer Naughty Dog, released on June 19, 2020. This highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed 2013 title follows two protagonists: Ellie, who is now 19 years old, and her adoptive father Joel.
Players must fight against human enemies and hostile creatures using firearms, bows, throwable items, and other improvised weapons.
With an extensive crafting system, players can scavenge for materials to create health kits, bombs, and Molotov cocktails.
The game also features Factions – a thrilling online multiplayer mode where two teams of four players strive to survive AI enemies. Get ready for an intense journey!
Platform: PlayStation 4
5. Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is a groundbreaking action-adventure game developed by the renowned game studio Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Released on February 28, 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has reverted to a more primitive state, with robotic creatures roaming the land.
As Aloy, an intrepid young hunter, players must uncover the secrets of their past and save the planet from a looming disaster. Gameplay involves action-based combat, exploration, resource gathering, and crafting weapons alongside puzzle solving; all set within a vast open-world environment that allows players to complete missions in any order they choose.
Platform: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
6. Dying Light
Dying Light is an intense survival horror experience developed by Techland and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, released on January 27th, 2015.
Players take on the role of Kyle Crane, a covert detective sent to study the origin of a virus that has spread throughout the city of Harran, converting its inhabitants into zombie-like creatures known as “Infected”.
Combat, parkour-style movement (free running), shooting, and weapon crafting are all key features of the game. Daytime brings with it different levels of weapons and gear to be found, while nighttime serves up more bold and dangerous enemies.
For even more intense action, up to four players can join together in the online multiplayer mode to complete missions or explore Harran.
Platform: Linux, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
7. Dead Rising 3
Dead Rising 3 is a zombie-infested, action-packed survival horror video game developed by Capcom Vancouver and published by Microsoft Studios.
It was released on November 22nd, 2013 to an eager fanbase. Players take on the role of protagonist Nick Ramos as they seek to survive the outbreak in Los Perdidos, a city overrun with herds of the undead and a faction of ruthless survivors.
The vast open world encourages exploration and scavenging, providing resources to craft weapons, vehicles, and more in order to stay alive – all while battling zombie hordes with distinct behaviors and attacks as well as human enemies.
Dead Rising 3 also allows up to four players to team up online for co-op missions and to share arcade-style replays of their playthroughs.
Platform: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
8. The Forest
The Forest is an immersive open-world survival horror experience created by the award-winning studio Endnight Games and released on May 30, 2014.
Set on a mysterious densely forested island, players must scavenge for food, build shelters, and craft weapons and traps to fend off attacks from mutant creatures in order to survive.
As the player progresses, they will uncover secrets that may unlock the mystery of this terrifying location. With an ever-changing environment and dynamic day/night cycles, no two playthroughs of The Forest feel the same.
Players must also be wary of their mental health as they progress through the game, as a heightened sense of paranoia and fear can take its toll.
Platform: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
9. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), a rebellious battle royale video game developed by PlayerUnknown and published by PUBG Corporation, was released to the world on December 20th, 2017. It quickly gained immense popularity due to its captivating gameplay and unique mechanics.
Players are dropped onto an island with up to one hundred other opponents, where they must scavenge for weapons, gear, and vehicles while trying to survive the onslaught of other players all within a shrinking zone.
In the end, only one brave soul will stand tall and become the victor. Players can choose to play solo or with friends in duo/squads mode, allowing for different strategies and styles to be employed.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
10. Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is an intense and thrilling cooperative survival horror first-person shooter video game that was developed by Valve Corporation and released on November 17, 2009.
Players are tasked with navigating through a post-apocalyptic world filled with hordes of zombies alongside up to four other survivors.
It features a single-player campaign, multiplayer mode, and an AI director that creates randomized events to keep the players on their toes.
Brand new weapons like a chainsaw and grenade launcher have been added, along with five unique campaigns set in locations such as New Orleans and Savannah. Gameplay involves fighting off zombies while completing missions such as rescuing NPCs or retrieving items.
Players can also use a variety of firearms, melee weapons, explosives, and healing items.
Platform: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems, Linux
11. Dead Island
Dead Island is an incredible action-packed role-playing survival horror video game created by Techland and published by Deep Silver.
First released on September 6, 2011, the title has intrigued players with its gripping gameplay that combines elements of open-world first-person shooters and RPG adventures.
Gamers can explore a vast tropical island off the coast of Papua New Guinea, complete missions to collect experience points and level up their character, and craft powerful weapons to use against the hordes of zombies. Together with friends, you can bravely fight for survival in cooperative or versus mode – up to 8 players!
Platform: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S