The post-apocalyptic setting gives the game a certain uniqueness. These games leave a lasting impression on gamers.
The post-apocalyptic setting is one of the few genres that has excelled in all forms of media, be it books, films or video games. The idea of a post-apocalyptic landscape evokes many emotions in people, be it fear, intrigue or even adrenaline rush depending on the topic. In theory, video games can offer a better post-apocalyptic experience than books and films, as they can uniquely place audiences in the shoes of a protagonist traveling a lifeless world.
Unfortunately, many development teams don't realize the potential for just how addictive a post-apocalyptic game can be, and instead use the genre as a gimmick to improve on tacky and homogeneous games. However, 10 games on this list offer fantastic post-apocalyptic worlds in which the player is given the opportunity to explore the landscape, tell a compelling story, or offer unique game mechanics that match the dark reality.
Updated on June 3, 2021 by Jack Purcy: With the ability of games to put the player in a character's shoes and immerse them in their surroundings, the post-apocalyptic genre has proven to be extremely popular. In this regard, over the years, many post-apocalyptic games have been released, many of which perfectly convey the atmosphere of a crumbling world. So to do even more justice to the unique genre, this list has been expanded to include more fantastic post-apocalyptic games.
15. Mad Max
- Available platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS
Mad Max was released in 2015 but was not associated with the hit movie Mad Max: Fury Road, which was released just four months earlier. While the film was well received by fans and critics, many players were glad the game was not a straightforward set-up, as movie-related games now have a bad reputation after numerous releases in the 2000s that were like money heist.
Mad Max impressed fans and critics alike with its explosive action and well-crafted open world that is fun to explore.
14. I Am Alive
- Available platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows
Ubisoft's I Am Alive may not be able to match the other games on this list in objective quality, but it nonetheless deserves a spot on the list for bringing to life some of the most ambitious and forward-thinking ideas the post-apocalyptic genre has ever seen. ...
Such ideas include the devastating effects that climbing, jumping and other strenuous movements can have on a player's well-being; and the lack of ammo, forcing players to use daring strategies like aiming an empty pistol at enemies in the hope that they'll believe it's loaded. The realistic approach to combat is a breath of fresh air for a genre that makes many other self-proclaimed realistic post-apocalyptic adventures look like Rambo by comparison.
13. Death Stranding
- Available platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
When Death Stranding was announced, it immediately became one of the most highly anticipated games in the gaming industry. The confusing trailers intrigued players who had no idea what Death Stranding would be like, and the theme continued when Hideo Kojima confusedly described it as the first "game with threads."
Most of the gameplay predictions from fans turned out to be completely wrong, as few predicted that Death Stranding would be predominantly composed of extreme post-apocalyptic Amazonian lineages. The unique gameplay has divided the players, but the story has received everyone's approval, so Death Stranding is worth watching, even if the gameplay does not seem very interesting to you.
12. Wasteland 3
- Available platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS
Wasteland 3 was released in August 2020 and faced the daunting task of improving on its critically acclaimed predecessor Wasteland 2. The game is similar to the XCOM series of turn-based tactical combat, but differs from it with a greater emphasis on role-playing mechanics.
The game from InXile Entertainment was well received by fans and critics, as evidenced by its 85 Metascore on PC and the Best Role-Playing Game nomination at The Game Awards 2020 - the award that ultimately went to the Final Fantasy VII remake.
11. Resistance: Fall of Man
- Available platforms: PlayStation 3
After the huge success of the PlayStation 2, the PlayStation 3 became one of the most highly anticipated consoles of all time when it was announced. Unfortunately, the months leading up to its release did not go so smoothly, with multiple delays and an overpriced starting price turning the Xbox 360 initiative over from Microsoft. Consequently, the console should have hit the market immediately after launch, which it managed to do thanks to the hit starter game Resistance: Fall of Man.
10. Final Fantasy VI
- Available platforms: Super Nintendo, PlayStation 1, Game Boy Advance, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows
The iconic Final Fantasy series received its sixth mainstream game in 1994 on the SNES, and is still considered one of the best today. What's more, the game from the 90s is considered by some to be one of the greatest RPGs of all time. This sentiment is shared by IGN, who ranked the game second behind Chrono Trigger on their list of the 100 Best RPGs of All Time.
Final Fantasy VI excelled in all key areas of Final Fantasy, with a memorable soundtrack, moving storyline, well-thought-out combat mechanics, and charismatic characters.
9. The Walking Dead
- Available platforms: Android, iOS, Kindle Fire HDX, OS X, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Ouya, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Like I Am Alive, The Walking Dead doesn't turn into an unrealistic post-apocalyptic adventure based on traditional gaming tropes thanks to Telltale Games' unique decision-driven gameplay.
Telltale Games' brand of storytelling and gameplay ensures that The Walking Dead can focus on creating an immersive story that captures the grim horror of a post-apocalyptic world while making it fun for the player.
8. Left 4 Dead 2
- Available platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, Linux
While Valve doesn't seem to have any plans to return the series in a third installment, there is a spiritual successor coming June 2021 called Back 4 Blood.
7. Metro Exodus
- Available platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, Luna, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X / S, Linux, macOS
The Metro series from 4A Games has taken its place in the post-apocalyptic genre with a fantastic trilogy of first-person shooters in the survival horror genre. Metro Exodus was the franchise's first attempt at an open world that naturally expanded the game's narrative and offered players a stunning visual journey.
Metro Exodus was nominated for the Golden Joystick Awards for Best Story and Best Visual Design, but lost to Days Gone from Bend and Devil May Cry 5 from Capcom, respectively.
6. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of chernobyl
- Available platforms: Microsoft Windows
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow Of Chernobyl came out in 2007 and is likely to become a significant source of influence for subsequent post-apocalyptic games such as Bethesda's Fallout 3.
Gameplay mechanics in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow Of Chernobyl may not be up to the level of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2009 Call of Pripyat, but Shadow Of Chernobyl's atmospheric setting and gripping history make it the top pick for this list.
5. Horizon Zero Dawn
- Available platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Horizon Zero Dawn by Guerrilla Games was released in 2017 and is today recognized as one of the highlights of the eighth generation of consoles.
Prior to the release of Horizon Zero Dawn, it was unfairly criticized for similar post-apocalyptic themes to the game Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which came out just a few days later and, understandably, caused much more hype. Now, with the passage of time, these games have naturally separated from each other in the minds of people, thanks to which the Guerrilla Games adventure has received the respect it has always deserved.
4. Gears Of War
- Available platforms: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One (Ultimate Edition)
Released just four days before the PlayStation 3's release, Epic Games' Gears of War was Microsoft's latest opportunity to convince gamers to opt for the Xbox 360 over the successor to Sony's best-selling console of all time.
Epic Games couldn't have done more to sway the minds of even the most die-hard PlayStation fans, as Gears of War offered one of the most intense and brutal third-person shooters to date, backed by an impressive 94 Metascore points.
3. The Last Of Us
- Available platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Launched in 2013, The Last Of Us is a worthy conclusion to the seventh generation of consoles thanks to its dark, moving and heartbreaking story. The Last of Us showed just how far the storylines in video games have progressed.
Of course, the mechanics of sniper shooting and stealth are outdated, but hopefully new generations of gamers can skip these shortcomings and enjoy one of the most well-written and well-played stories in the gaming world to date.
2. Fallout: New Vegas
- Available platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Fallout: New Vegas hit stores in 2010 with a fair amount of skepticism, as many players saw the lack of visual improvements over Fallout 3 and subsequently viewed the game as a glorified DLC.
This point of view seems ridiculous today, as Fallout: New Vegas from Obsidian Entertainment has become not only one of the most beloved post-apocalyptic games of all time, but also one of the best role-playing games. In addition to advancing Fallout 3's gameplay mechanics, Fallout: New Vegas has enhanced its predecessor, giving players more freedom of choice that many open-world RPGs are still trying to surpass.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Available platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
The latest Legend of Zelda game quickly became one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed parts of the iconic franchise, as evidenced by its remarkable 97 Metascore rating.
While the Legend of Zelda series may not come to mind when thinking of post-apocalyptic games, it has explored similar themes already, with Wind Waker and Ocarina of Time being prime examples. Breath of the Wild is undoubtedly the best incarnation of the post-apocalyptic genre in this series. The game features an immersive open world that is superbly detailed and densely populated with adventures to be completed.
