30 Rust-like Survival Games to Play

Rust: An Iconic Survival Game that Started it All

Let’s talk about the survival genre. It’s everywhere now, with developers trying their best to recreate the intense experience of fighting for your life in a harsh environment. But did you know that Rust, released in 2013, was one of the pioneers of this popular game type? While other survival games have improved and fallen short in terms of content, Rust remains a powerhouse in the genre.

From starting as a primitive human, players in Rust can eventually fly a helicopter or build bridges. It’s a fight-or-flight type of game, where survival is the name of the game. Whether you choose to make alliances or prepare for battle, the choice is yours. And that’s why Rust has become such a massive hit, allowing players to form meaningful in-game stories as they negotiate with survivors and scrounge up weapons and supplies.

Now, let’s take a look at some other amazing survival games that capture the magic of Rust.

33 Sons of the Forest

Platform(s): PC

Did you enjoy The Forest? Well, get ready for its sequel, Sons of the Forest. This game takes everything that made The Forest great and amps it up to a whole new level. With improved mechanics and a satisfying survival gameplay loop, Sons of the Forest has garnered great reviews during its Early Access phase. It’s a game that promises a thrilling narrative and an experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

32 Subnautica: Below Zero

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Subnautica was a fantastic underwater exploration and survival game that captured the hearts of players. Its sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero, continues the legacy with an expanded narrative and improved gameplay. Dive into the mysteries of the deep and navigate the treacherous icy waters in this awe-inspiring survival adventure.

31 Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead

Platform(s): PC

Prepare yourself for a gem of a survival game that defies expectations. Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead may have rudimentary graphics, but it offers depth and engagement like no other. As a top-down roguelike game, it will challenge new players to die over and over again as they learn the mechanics. However, once you become a veteran, you’ll be rewarded with the ability to conquer enemies and hazards with ease. If you’re a fan of Rust and want a challenging experience, Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead is the perfect choice.

30 DayZ

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC

Survival games and zombies go hand in hand, and DayZ was one of the first titles to experiment with this thrilling combination. In DayZ, players are thrown into a massive sandbox with other survivors, where they must scrounge up supplies and fend off hordes of infected. The game offers a delicate balance between cooperation and betrayal, making it an intense and unforgettable experience. It’s no wonder that DayZ started as a mod and eventually became a standalone title!

29 Conan Exiles

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X/S

Step into the savage world of Conan the Barbarian with Conan Exiles. This multiplayer survival game is set in a universe where survival is a constant battle. From gathering resources to crafting defenses, players must overcome the many threats in this unforgiving world. If you’re a fan of the Conan universe and love a challenging survival experience, Conan Exiles is the game for you.

28 Frostpunk

Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox One

Frostpunk combines city-building with survival gameplay in a way that’s both challenging and emotionally gripping. The game throws players into a frozen wasteland and forces them to make tough choices to ensure the survival of their community. With its immersive mechanics and snowball effect of consequences, Frostpunk is a must-play title for fans of the survival genre.

27 Medieval Dynasty

Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5

Medieval Dynasty offers a unique blend of crafting and survival elements set in a medieval world. It’s a game that’s less intense than others on this list, making it perfect for players who prefer a more laid-back experience. With a decent learning curve, players can quickly figure out the best ways to progress and build a thriving settlement in this immersive title. So, if you’re looking for a survival game with a touch of medieval charm, Medieval Dynasty is worth checking out.

26 Grounded

Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Imagine being shrunken down to the size of an ant and forced to survive in a backyard teeming with giant bugs and household pests. Well, that’s the premise of Grounded, a survival game unlike any other. Players must manage their hunger and thirst while building bases and crafting weapons to avoid their oversized enemies. It’s a unique and thrilling experience that will keep you on your toes.

25 This War of Mine

Platform(s): Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One

This War of Mine is not your typical survival game. It tells the story of refugees during war, providing a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful experience. As players navigate the challenges of war, they must make tough choices to keep casualties to a minimum. Its unique concept and memorable narratives make This War of Mine a standout in the survival genre.

24 Terraria

Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, Mobile, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia

Don’t be fooled by those who say Terraria is just a 2D version of Minecraft. This game offers a unique and engaging experience in its own right. With deep survival mechanics and captivating gameplay, Terraria deserves all the praise it receives. So, if you’re a fan of survival games like Rust and want to explore a whole new world, Terraria is the game for you.

23 RimWorld

Platform(s): PC

RimWorld is not just a survival game; it’s a complex and engaging simulation title that will keep you hooked for hours. While it may seem overwhelming at first, a few playthroughs will help you grasp the mechanics and enjoy one of the greatest games ever made. With its depth and freedom, RimWorld is a must-play for fans of the survival genre.

22 Sunless Sea

Platform(s): PC, Mobile, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One

Enter the Lovecraftian world of Sunless Sea, where survival meets eerie storytelling. While its survival mechanics may not be the most intricate, the game’s engaging narratives and captivating aesthetic make it an unforgettable experience. If you’re a fan of survival horror and enjoy diving into a dark and mysterious world, Sunless Sea is a game you shouldn’t miss.

21 Project Zomboid

Platform(s): PC

Project Zomboid stands out from the crowd with its unique take on zombies and survival gameplay. While its visuals may not be groundbreaking, it’s the gameplay that truly shines in this game. Brace yourself for intense encounters with hordes of zombies as you fight for your life. If you’re tired of the same old zombie tropes and want something fresh, Project Zomboid is the perfect choice.

20 Rising World

Platform(s): PC

Rising World may still be a work in progress, but it’s shaping up to be an amazing game. With its realistic and intuitive crafting system, it allows for a wide variety of play styles. Whether you want a tense survival experience or a relaxing adventure, Rising World offers it all. Keep an eye on this game; the sky’s the limit for its potential.

19 Astroneer

Platform(s): PC, Xbox, PS, and Android

Astroneer may have simplistic graphics, but its vibrant colors and captivating soundtrack make it a visual and auditory delight. While it may not offer the most challenging experience, it’s a game that can be enjoyed solo or with friends. Embark on an interplanetary adventure and build your own base in this relaxing and rewarding survival game.

18 Stranded Deep

Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, and PS4

Stranded Deep has been in early access for quite some time, but its developers have been refining and improving the game consistently. With its beautiful setting and challenging survival mechanics, it’s a game that rewards your perseverance. While some technical issues still need to be ironed out, Stranded Deep offers a wonderful and immersive experience.

17 Pathologic 2

Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, and PS4

If you’re in the mood for something truly unique, Pathologic 2 is the game for you. It’s a bizarre and captivating survival-action game that defies expectations at every turn. With its dreary visuals and constant threat of infection, the game keeps you on your toes. How you choose to survive in this game will shape your own story, making it an unforgettable experience.

16 Miscreated

Platform(s): PC (Windows)

In Miscreated, you’ll find yourself in a post-apocalyptic world full of mutants and other menacing threats. The game offers a beautiful environment and rewarding survival gameplay. While it still has its share of issues, it has a great community of players who make the experience more enjoyable. If you’re up for a challenging and immersive survival adventure, Miscreated is worth checking out.

15 ARK: Survival Evolved

Platform(s): PC, Xbox, PS, and Switch

If you love the style of Rust, but want to explore other options, Ark: Survival Evolved is a great alternative. This game offers satisfying content, allowing you to build houses, ride dinosaurs, and survive in an alternate universe where humans and dinosaurs coexist. With its endless possibilities, Ark: Survival Evolved will keep you engaged and entertained for hours.

14 Minecraft

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and mobile devices.

Last but not least, we have Minecraft. This legendary game needs no introduction, as it has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. In survival mode, players must defend against the many dangers that lurk in the blocky world, creating their own sanctuary with limited resources. Minecraft offers a unique and immersive survival experience that is sure to satisfy fans of Rust and the genre as a whole.

With so many amazing survival games out there, it’s hard to choose just one to play. But whether you’re fighting to survive against zombies or taming dinosaurs, these games will provide hours of excitement and adventure. So grab your gear, gather your friends, and dive into the thrilling world of survival gaming!

Rust

30 Rust-like Survival Games to Play