10 Best Survival Games in 2022 (Don't Starve, Days Gone, and More)

ARK Survival has a loyal fan base who go back to this game to relive the fun. The main goal is to survive and not get eaten by dinosaurs. Eventually, you get stronger and start to tame dinosaurs. Everything in this game is customizable to your liking, including the color, texture, and style of your belongings.

Some players said this open-world game might not suit those who prefer a single-player storyline, and it takes a while to get the hang of the controls. Still, players liked that they could strategize with friends on their next move or survive on their own. They also appreciated that there are hours of detailed and immersive gameplay.

You are the omnipotent leader of a colony that you have to build from the ground up. Try to survive raids from neighboring tribes and the harsh winter. Once you're stable and self-sufficient enough, build a ship to send your colonists out of RimWorld. Plus, the vast mod community makes this game more fulfilling.

A few reviewers noted it takes a lot of patience to get your colony up and running, saying there's a lot of strategizing needed to avoid failure. On a positive note, players said that it's easy to play this game for hours since there's always room for improvement.  They said the user interface and gameplay are highly addicting. 

In this Tim Burton-esque game, you play as Wilson, a gentleman scientist. Your goal is to have a full belly! You will gather resources and craft items as you survive the mysterious and magic-filled wilderness. You can also get the Don't Starve Together version of this game to share the pressure of surviving with a friend.

According to a few reviews, the game's exploration aspect is lacking, and the chores can get repetitive. Still, most reviewers loved the creative graphics and gameplay. They appreciated that it's challenging to master while still having rewarding elements, like an intriguing storyline and a variety of crafting.

Days Gone gives you the feeling of surviving a post-apocalyptic world without having to step out of your room. From the realistic and detailed open-world setting to the daily decisions you make as a bounty hunter, this game gives you a glimpse of humanity's core when survival is at stake. 

A few reviewers who played many realistic survival games felt like Days Gone didn't offer anything new. There were also glitches reported by some users. Meanwhile, many players liked its compelling story progression and balanced character development. 

With this game, you get a mix of first-person shooting, crafting, role-playing, and of course, surviving the apocalypse. Its open-world setting has a balance of building and shooting. Plus, this game has a co-op mode that you can use to work together or compete against each other.

While other survival games go for dark hues and grim realities, Astroneer takes you to space with a colorful low-poly art style for more soothing gameplay. It also has co-op features, so your friends can help you explore and scavenge in hopes of building a fully-fledged base. 

A few reviewers mentioned the game is laggy or glitchy for PS4 users, especially when attempting to put items in their place. They said the game controls also have a learning curve. Meanwhile, many players noted the game is creative and fun to play. They noted that it's also kid-friendly, saying it's a Minecraft-like experience in space.

In place of zombies, The Long Dark sets you in apocalyptic northern Canada with bears and the bitter cold as your main enemies. Be sure to keep your calorie count up and ensure a fire is lit during the night. There might be less action in this game, but it does give you a glimpse of how to endure Mother Nature's worst alone.

A few reviewers commented that the game lacked a compelling story, and some found the animal AI to be lackluster. On a positive note, players noted that the simplistic gameplay has a lot of suspense and mystery. They also liked that it gets close to real survival simulation. 

This massively multiplayer online game started as a spoof of PUBG but added lighthearted fun to the gameplay. It's free to play and boasts realistic weaponry and scenery. As you progress, you can gain armor, mystical powers, and outrageous costumes. The goal is to be the last person standing. 

Unfortunately, a few reviewers said the game has hackers that can douse the fun of surviving. Some also felt like the most recent update made the game lose some of its simplicity. Still, many players noted the game is fun, refreshing, and better than other battle royale titles. 

Here's another survival game that doesn't rely on dark graphics or gruesome worlds. You are lost under the sea on an alien planet. Enjoy the amazing underwater scenery while manipulating your surroundings for survival. As you progress, you strive to build a base on the ocean floor.

A few gamers experienced issues with saved game corruption, lag, and infinite loading screens on the console version. Plus, high TV or monitor resolutions are required to enjoy the graphics. Meanwhile, many reviewers say this game is a success among younger audiences. They also liked that the gameplay is both intriguing and beautiful. 

This game is a colony simulation with higher stakes. You're set in a bleak ice age, and every decision you make in establishing your civilization is crucial. As the player, you have full control of citizens and infrastructure. When you succeed, you get to bask in building a thriving city. 

A few reviewers didn't like the build order, saying it decreases the open-world style and customization of the game. Still, many gamers enjoyed the addicting level of stress and complexity. They noted that its depressing atmosphere and steampunk tech create an engaging game.