Zombie games have been a favorite genre among gamers for many years. These games provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in a post-apocalyptic world filled with undead monsters, where the only goal is to survive. With new zombie games released every year, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest and greatest titles. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 zombie games to play in 2023 and beyond. From survival horror to action-adventure, these games are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
- The Last of Us Part II
- Resident Evil 2 (2019)
- Dying Light 2
- State of Decay 2
- Days Gone
- World War Z
- Dead Rising 4
- Project Zomboid
- Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War Zombies mode
- 7 Days to Die
1. The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II is an action-adventure survival horror video game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is the sequel to the critically acclaimed game The Last of Us, which was released in 2013. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game takes place five years after the events of the first game and follows Ellie, a teenage girl who is immune to the virus that has destroyed civilization, and her journey through the ruins of the United States.
The game features an immersive and emotionally-driven storyline that explores themes of revenge, love, and human nature. The gameplay is a mix of stealth, exploration, and intense combat, with an emphasis on resource management and survival. Players must scavenge for supplies and craft weapons and equipment to survive against hostile human and infected enemies.
One of the key features of the game is its stunning visuals and detailed environments. The game takes place in a variety of locations, from the ruins of Seattle to a small Wyoming town, and each environment is meticulously crafted with attention to detail. The game also features a dynamic weather system, with rain and snow affecting gameplay and visibility.
Another unique aspect of The Last of Us Part II is its representation of LGBTQ+ characters. Ellie, the protagonist, is a lesbian and the game explores her relationship with her partner, Dina, in a realistic and respectful manner.
The Last of Us Part II is a masterful work of storytelling and gameplay that has been praised for its realistic characters, immersive world-building, and emotional impact. It is a must-play for fans of the survival horror genre and those looking for a gripping and thought-provoking gaming experience.
2. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
(Image source: IGN)
Resident Evil 2 is a survival horror game developed by Capcom and released in 2019. It is a remake of the original Resident Evil 2 game released in 1998. The game is set in Raccoon City, a fictional midwestern town in the United States that has been overrun by zombies due to a viral outbreak. The player takes on the role of either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, two characters who are trying to survive in the city.
The game features a third-person perspective and follows the survival horror genre of gameplay. The player must explore the city and its various locations, including a police station, underground laboratory, and sewer system, to find items and solve puzzles to progress through the game. Along the way, the player will encounter zombies and other enemies that must be defeated using various weapons and items found throughout the game.
One unique aspect of Resident Evil 2 is the “zapping system,” which allows for multiple playthroughs with different scenarios and outcomes. Depending on which character the player chooses and how they progress through the game, they will experience different events and encounters that affect the story and ending of the game.
The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 features updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, including an over-the-shoulder camera angle and enhanced enemy AI. The game also introduces new areas and enemies, as well as new puzzles and challenges for players to overcome.
Resident Evil 2 (2019) offers a thrilling and immersive survival horror experience for players, with a gripping storyline and challenging gameplay. Its faithful recreation of the original game while adding new features and elements makes it a must-play for both long-time fans of the series and newcomers to the genre.
3. Dying Light 2
(Image source: DSOGaming)
Dying Light 2 is an upcoming post-apocalyptic survival game developed by Techland and published by Square Enix. Set in a vast open-world environment, the game takes place 15 years after the events of the first game, where humanity is struggling to survive in a world overrun by zombies. As the player, you take on the role of Aiden Caldwell, an infected survivor with exceptional parkour and combat skills who is searching for his own place in the world.
The game’s primary focus is on parkour-style movement, allowing players to traverse the environment with ease while escaping from or hunting down zombies. This movement system has been greatly improved from the previous game and includes new abilities such as wall-running, swinging, and grappling. The game’s world is four times larger than the original Dying Light and features a dynamic day and night cycle, where the game world changes based on the time of day.
One of the significant features of Dying Light 2 is the player’s ability to shape the game’s world and story based on their choices. Every decision made by the player will have consequences, altering the game’s story and changing the world’s layout. This means that the player’s choices have a lasting impact on the world and will change the way the game is played.
The game also features an extensive crafting system, allowing players to create weapons, traps, and items to aid them in their survival. Along with the crafting system, players can also upgrade their skills and abilities to increase their combat and parkour proficiency.
Dying Light 2 promises to deliver a unique, immersive experience with a compelling story, engaging gameplay mechanics, and an ever-changing world that reacts to the player’s choices. The game is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and is highly anticipated by fans of the zombie survival genre.
4. State of Decay 2
(Image source: GameSpot)
State of Decay 2 is an open-world zombie survival game developed by Undead Labs and published by Microsoft Studios. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must survive against hordes of zombies and other dangers while managing a community of survivors.
Players can choose to play as one of several survivor characters, each with their unique skills and abilities. They can also recruit other survivors they encounter and take control of them to increase the size and abilities of their community. The game features permadeath, meaning that if a survivor dies, they will not respawn, making player choices and survival strategies all the more critical.
The game is set in three different maps, each with its unique challenges and resources. Players must scavenge for resources, such as food, water, medicine, and weapons, to keep their community alive and well-equipped. They must also defend their home base against zombie attacks and other hostile human survivors.
The game features a day-night cycle, with zombies becoming more aggressive and dangerous at night. The game also includes a dynamic weather system, which can affect gameplay by making it harder to scavenge for resources during storms or blizzards.
State of Decay 2 offers a vast array of crafting and upgrading options for weapons, vehicles, and base defenses. Players can also build and upgrade facilities in their home base to improve their community’s overall well-being.
The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to join up with friends or strangers to tackle the challenges of surviving in a zombie-infested world together.
5. Days Gone
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Days Gone is a post-apocalyptic survival game developed by SIE Bend Studio and released in 2019 for PlayStation 4 and PC. Set in an open-world environment, the game follows the story of Deacon St. John, a former outlaw biker turned bounty hunter, as he navigates a world overrun by zombie-like creatures called Freakers.
The game takes place in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, in a world where a mysterious virus has turned most of the population into aggressive, feral creatures. As Deacon, the player must scavenge for resources, craft weapons and gear, and fight off hordes of Freakers and hostile human factions in order to survive.
One of the standout features of Days Gone is its dynamic weather system and day-night cycle, which can affect gameplay and create new challenges. The player must also manage Deacon’s motorcycle, which serves as both a mode of transportation and a weapon.
Days Gone also boasts a robust storyline with strong character development and emotional depth. The game explores themes of loss, grief, and redemption as Deacon searches for his missing wife in a world that has been turned upside down.
In addition to the main story, the game offers a variety of side missions and activities, such as clearing out enemy strongholds, rescuing hostages, and searching for valuable resources. The game also features a unique “horde” mechanic, where the player must face off against massive groups of Freakers in intense, high-stakes battles.
Days Gone offers a thrilling and immersive post-apocalyptic experience with a compelling story, challenging gameplay, and stunning visuals. Its combination of survival horror elements and open-world exploration make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
6. World War Z
(Image source: Polygon)
World War Z is a third-person shooter game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Home Interactive. It was released in 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game is based on the 2013 film adaptation of the same name, which in turn is based on the novel by Max Brooks.
The game takes place in several locations around the world, including New York, Moscow, and Jerusalem. Players can choose from six classes, each with its own unique set of skills and abilities, and work together with up to three other players to complete various objectives while fighting off hordes of zombies.
World War Z features an AI system called the Swarm Engine, which allows for thousands of zombies to be displayed on screen at once. The game also features a dynamic difficulty system that adjusts the level of challenge based on the players’ performance.
Players must scavenge for weapons and resources, fortify their positions, and work together to survive against overwhelming odds. The game features a variety of game modes, including a story campaign, a player-vs-player-vs-zombies mode called “Swarm Domination,” and a horde mode called “Horde Mode Z.”
The game’s graphics and sound design are both top-notch, creating a tense and immersive atmosphere that is both exciting and terrifying. The variety of locations and enemies also helps to keep the gameplay fresh and interesting.
World War Z is an intense and thrilling zombie shooter that is sure to please fans of the genre. With its impressive Swarm Engine and dynamic difficulty system, it offers a unique and challenging experience that is not to be missed.
7. Dead Rising 4
(Image source: Trusted Reviews)
Dead Rising 4 is a survival horror game developed by Capcom Vancouver and published by Microsoft Studios. The game is the fourth installment in the Dead Rising series and was released for Xbox One and PC in 2016.
The game takes place in the fictional town of Willamette, Colorado during the holiday season. The player controls Frank West, a photojournalist who is investigating a mysterious outbreak that has caused the town to be overrun by zombies. Along the way, Frank must battle hordes of zombies and other monsters, scavenge for resources, and complete various missions to uncover the truth behind the outbreak.
One of the unique features of Dead Rising 4 is the ability to craft and combine weapons, which allows players to create a wide variety of deadly tools to fight off the zombie hordes. The game also features vehicles that can be used to mow down zombies and explore the open-world environment.
Dead Rising 4 also introduces new gameplay elements such as the Exo Suit, a powerful piece of armor that gives the player enhanced abilities such as increased strength and the ability to perform powerful melee attacks. The game also includes cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends to take on the zombie apocalypse together.
Dead Rising 4 offers an immersive and thrilling zombie survival experience with its open-world gameplay, intense combat, and unique crafting system. Fans of the series will appreciate the return of Frank West as the protagonist and the new gameplay elements that add to the already engaging gameplay. Whether playing alone or with friends, Dead Rising 4 is a must-play for any fan of the survival horror genre.
8. Project Zomboid
(Image source: Steam)
Project Zomboid is a post-apocalyptic survival game developed and published by indie developer The Indie Stone. Released in 2013, the game has gained a cult following for its realistic depiction of a zombie outbreak and the unique gameplay mechanics that come with it.
In Project Zomboid, players are thrust into a world overrun by the undead, where they must scavenge for resources, find shelter, and fight off the hordes of zombies that roam the streets. The game features an isometric view, similar to classic RPGs, and has a focus on survival horror elements.
What sets Project Zomboid apart from other zombie games is its focus on realism. The game features a detailed health and injury system, where players must manage their hunger, thirst, and fatigue levels to stay alive. They must also avoid getting bitten by zombies, as infection can lead to death.
Players can choose from a variety of skills and traits, which can affect their survival chances. For example, some characters may be better at crafting items, while others may be more skilled in combat.
The game’s open-world setting allows players to explore different areas, from small towns to large cities, and scavenge for resources such as food, water, and weapons. The game also features a day and night cycle, where zombies become more aggressive at night.
Project Zomboid has received praise for its realistic survival mechanics, as well as its modding community that has added a variety of new features and gameplay elements to the game. While the game has been in development for several years, it continues to receive updates and support from the developers, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy the post-apocalyptic world of Project Zomboid for years to come.
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War Zombies mode
(Image source: Polygon)
Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War Zombies mode is a popular survival game mode that was released in November 2020 as part of the Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War game. Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, the game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The Zombies mode features a unique storyline that is set in the 1980s during the Cold War era. Players take on the role of CIA operatives as they fight against hordes of zombies that have been unleashed by the Soviet Union. The game is set in various locations around the world, including the Soviet KGB headquarters and the city of Berlin.
Players can choose to play the game mode in either solo mode or multiplayer mode, with up to four players. The game includes a wide range of weapons and equipment that players can use to fend off the undead, including the classic Ray Gun and the Pack-a-Punch machine, which upgrades weapons to deal more damage. Additionally, players can earn points by killing zombies, which can be used to purchase new weapons and perks to help them survive.
One of the unique features of the Zombies mode is the ability to play through various “Easter eggs”, which are hidden tasks and challenges that players can complete to progress through the storyline and unlock new features. These Easter eggs range from simple tasks like finding hidden items to more complex challenges like solving puzzles and completing objectives in a specific order.
Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War Zombies mode has received positive reviews from players and critics alike. The game’s immersive storyline, intense gameplay, and Easter egg challenges have kept players engaged and coming back for more. The game mode also includes regular updates and new content, which helps to keep the game fresh and exciting for players.
Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War Zombies mode is a thrilling survival game that offers a unique twist on the classic Call of Duty gameplay. With its engaging storyline, intense action, and challenging Easter eggs, it is no surprise that the game mode has become a fan-favorite among gamers.
10. 7 Days to Die
(Image source: Steam)
7 Days to Die is a post-apocalyptic survival horror game developed and published by The Fun Pimps Entertainment. Released in 2013, the game has garnered a significant following due to its unique blend of zombie survival and crafting gameplay. It is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
The game is set in a world that has been ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. Players take on the role of survivors, who must scavenge for resources, craft weapons, and build bases to protect themselves from hordes of undead that roam the wasteland. The game’s title refers to the seven-day cycle in which increasingly difficult zombie hordes attack the player’s base.
7 Days to Die has a sandbox-style gameplay, which means players have a lot of freedom to explore and experiment with different approaches to survival. The game features a day and night cycle, where zombies are more aggressive and dangerous at night. The game also has a crafting system, where players can create weapons, tools, and structures using materials they collect.
One of the standout features of 7 Days to Die is the game’s environmental physics system. The game uses a voxel-based system, which means players can manipulate the environment by digging, building, and destroying blocks. This allows players to create intricate bases and fortifications to defend themselves against the zombie hordes.
The game has both single-player and multiplayer modes, with the latter allowing players to join forces and survive together. 7 Days to Die has received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its unique blend of survival and crafting gameplay, but criticism for its technical issues and lack of polish.
And, One More – Dead Island 2
(Image source: Xbox)
Dead Island 2 is an upcoming zombie survival game developed by Dambuster Studios and published by Deep Silver. The game was first announced in 2014, and after several delays and development setbacks, it is finally set to release soon for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC gaming.
Dead Island 2 is a sequel to the popular game Dead Island, which was released in 2011. Like its predecessor, the game takes place in an open-world setting, with players fighting off hordes of zombies and other undead monsters. The game is set in the same location as the first game, on the tropical Banoi Island, which has been overrun by the undead.
In Dead Island 2, players will have the opportunity to play as several different playable characters, each with their own unique skillsets and abilities. The game also features a variety of quests and missions, as well as scavenging for resources to survive in the post-apocalyptic world. Players will have to fight their way through the hordes of zombies using a variety of weapons and abilities, including firearms, melee weapons, and special abilities that can be unlocked as they progress through the game.
One of the most anticipated features of Dead Island 2 is its immersive experience. The game promises to deliver a rich and detailed world, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and character development. The game’s storyline is expected to be deep and complex, with players uncovering secrets and unraveling the mystery behind the zombie outbreak on Banoi Island.
Dead Island 2 is a highly anticipated game that promises to deliver an exciting and immersive zombie survival experience. With its open-world gameplay, diverse playable characters, and engaging storyline, the game is sure to be a hit with fans of the zombie genre and gamers in general.
Conclusion
The world of zombie games offers a plethora of options for players to explore, from action-packed shooters to survival horror adventures. Each of the top 10 games listed in this article provides unique gameplay mechanics and thrilling challenges, making them a must-play for any zombie fan.
Whether you prefer the single-player story-driven experience of The Last of Us Part II, the open-world survival of Dying Light 2, or the multiplayer mayhem of Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War Zombies mode, there is a game on this list for you.
From crafting weapons to scavenging for resources, each game requires players to think on their feet and make tough decisions in order to survive. And with the added threat of the undead and other monstrous creatures, players are constantly kept on their toes.
As we move further into the future, it’s exciting to think about what new innovations and gameplay mechanics will be introduced to the genre. But for now, we can enjoy the incredible experiences offered by these top 10 zombie games, and look forward to what’s next to come in the world of zombie gaming.
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