Top Upcoming Survival Video Games of 2018

Note: Article was updated in August of 2018 to include new titles.

2018 is quickly approaching and with it will come a slew of new video game titles to look forward to playing. With that said, now’s a good time to start marking down what video games to keep an eye on when they officially launch next year. Let us lend a hand, in this list, in particular, we’re going over the top survival video games launching in 2018.

Find More Upcoming 2018 Video Game Lists on Gameranx:

Astroneer

Developer: System Era Softworks
Publisher: System Era Softworks
Platform: PC, XBO
Release Date: 2018

Astroneer is a video game title that was playable since 2016, although it was released as an early access title. Developers System Era Softworks has since stated that the game will be launching fully at some point this year.

This is a sandbox adventure title that doesn’t have any real rhyme or reason. There’s no storyline to progress through nor does it have a set end goal. Instead, the game puts a focus on players to build, craft and simply survive the harsh elements of the world.

Players take on the role of an astronaut who navigates to a world that can be shaped freely. Likewise, the game will allow crafting and exploration through the use of various vehicles. However, the open world environment can be troublesome for our protagonist which ultimately means players will need to keep a sharp eye on their surroundings. Likewise, to keep your protagonist alive, players will need to gather resources such as fuel to power the spacecraft along with a healthy stockpile of oxygen reserve tanks.

Frostpunk

Developer: 11 bit studios
Publisher: 11 bit studios
Platform: PC
Release Date: April 24, 2018

From the developers who delivered This War of Mine to the masses in 2014 comes their next title release, Frostpunk. If you’re familiar with This War of Mine, you’ll find that Frostpunk shares some strong similarities, one of which is toying with the player’s moral compass.

Frostpunk takes place in an alternate reality in which the world has been consumed by mostly frozen tundra leaving humanity to seek out shelter near heat sources. Within the game, players control a city and must manage its inhabitants to keep those safe who seek refuge.

This is a survival game mixed with a tycoon-style city builder. Not only are you growing your city but you’re also gathering resources to keep your civilians alive and healthy. This could mean adding medical treatment centers, training staff, sending out hunters to scavenge food, and of course, making big decisions that plays on a person’s moral beliefs.

Conan Exiles

Developer: Funcom
Publisher: Funcom
Platform: PC, PS4, XBO
Release Date: May 8, 2018

Conan Exiles is another title that’s been available since 2017, but it will soon have its full console release. This is an open world survival game set within the world of Conan the Barbarian, but the story won’t follow Conan, instead, players will create their own protagonist.

From the start of the game, players will find that their character is sentenced to death by crucifixion under the beating sun. As you lay waiting for death, Conan comes by and rescues your character leaving players to navigate the harsh and unforgiving world.

Now labeled as an outcast, players will have to roam the wasteland where the weak are killed. You’ll find that in order to stay alive, you’ll need to gather resources, craft goods and dominate fights in a world filled with enemies and allies.

Scum

Developer: Gamepires
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platform: PC
Release Date: August 28, 2018

Scum from developers Gamepires is an upcoming survival title set to release later this year as an Early Access title. Overall, the video game acts as a televised show that follows a group of prisoners who are forced into battling each other on an island for entertainment.

For the most part, this is a battle royale video game where the last remaining player wins the game. Narrative wise, Scum places prisoners on an island where they must battle to appease their followers, gain sponsorship, gifts, and possibly a chance at life.

There is a big focus on survival outside of combat. Players will need to keep track of their character stat levels along with managing certain aspects such as nourishment and metabolic rate. If you enjoy video game titles such as PUBG then Scum could something well worth checking out.

Fade to Silence

Developer: Black Forest Games
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Platform: PC, PS4, XBO
Release Date: August 2018

Fade to Silence is a survival title that puts players in a deadly apocalyptic winter. Within the game, players step into the role of Ash, a tormented leader who must fight not only the hostile creatures that lurk the world but the weather elements to stay alive.

Developed by Black Forest Games, the game is stated to include monsters that players will have to face when gathering resources. However, outside of the physical creatures and enemies that seek out our character’s demise, the game is said to also include harsh weather patterns.

Through playing the game, players will be able to get a better grip on how the weather will affect Ash. During your expeditions to gather resources, you’ll have to decide if Ash has enough resources and strength to press on or if he will need to seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass by.

The Forest

Developer: Endnight Games
Publisher: Endnight Games
Platform: PC, PS4
Release Date: April 30, 2018

The Forest is finally comes out of its early access stage this year. Within the game, players take on the role of a man named Eric who is on a flight with his son. However, the duo finds themselves crashing down into an island where Eric witnesses his son being kidnapped.

Being the only other survivor on the plane, Eric must gather resources around the island while seeking out his son. Early on Eric will find that the island is home to a cannibalistic tribe that will keep watch over Eric and often attacks him at night.

With no set missions or goals, players will need to keep Eric alive by gather resources and setting up a perimeter around his campsite. Likewise, as you explore the island, Eric will seek out his kidnapped son. While the game doesn’t include missions to complete, there is an optional ending.

Rust

Developer: Facepunch Studios
Publisher: Facepunch Studios
Platform: PC
Release: February 8, 2018

You’re likely aware of Rust as the game was a big hit when it first launched as an early access title. The game is now out fully this year, where players can meet up and attempt to survive the online hostile world.

Rust will force players into the wilderness with nothing more than a rock and a torch. From there, players are left on their own to meet other gamers online while crafting and gathering other precious resources. Most will find that the game works best if players join clans to help gather additional goods or raid other clans for their goods.

Likewise, outside of gathering items and resources, players will need to keep an eye on their character to make sure they are not in danger of starvation, thirst or being too cold.

Subnautica

Developer: Unknown Worlds
Publisher: Unknown Worlds
Platform: PC, XBO
Release: January 23, 2018 (PC), 2018 (XBO)

Subnautica is a survival adventure game that is currently available for the PC platform with an Xbox One release coming later this year. Set within the late 22nd century, players step into the shoes of an astronaut who are set to discover and colonize new planets. However, early in the game, our protagonist is the lone survivor of a crashed spaceship.

Trapped on an aquatic planet filled with creatures, some of which will be hostile to the player, gamers are free to explore the world and progress through the narrative. During the journey, players will have to collect a variety of resources to maintain nutrition, hydration, and of course, oxygen.

However, if you wish to up the difficulty with the game, players can try out the Hardcore mode that will still require players to gather resources to maintain their protagonist’s survival, but the game will no longer allow a respawn after a death.

State of Decay 2

Developer: Undead Labs
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Platform: PC, XBO
Release: May 22, 2018

The sequel to State of Decay is slated to launch later this year. State of Decay 2 is an upcoming zombie survival game set in an open world where players will have to fight against a horde of zombies in a post-apocalyptic world.

Players will be controlling a group of survivors where you’ll ultimately decide just who lives and dies as you progress through the gameplay narrative. Likewise, the game does offer multiplayer where players can work together in establishing a safe haven for others to live within.

RPG progression is also said to be included in the game where survivor traits can be tweaked the longer you play the game. Furthermore, to assure a safe location, resources will need to be gathered in order to further build up your community to keep hostile zombies from gaining access.

FAR: Lone Sails

Developer: Okomotive
Publisher: Mixtvision
Platform: PC PS4 XBOX ONE OS X
Release: 2018

Within Far: Lone Sails, players will travel across an ocean that has since turned into a barren desert filled with scraps of a once thrilling civilization. Players will operative a makeshift vehicle that can be maintained and upgraded in order to fight against the natural hazards and obstacles that come your way.

The goal overall is simple, players are set to explore the old ruins while riding along in their machine in hopes to seek other survivors.

Desolate

Developer: Nearga
Publisher: HypeTrain Digital
Platform: PC
Release: February 9, 2018

Desolate is set two years after a disaster within the Granichny Island. The disaster has left monsters, madmen, among other horrors scattered around the island. Players are Volunteers, a role in which civilians can be taken to the island and help research the various paranormal activities.

However, every corner in this island is filled with terror and threats. You’ll need to scavenge the island, find other survivors and research the creatures inhabiting the island to learn how they can be defeated.

Currently, the game is available to play on the PC platform, but it’s worth noting that the game is in early access.

Metal Gear Survive

Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: February 20, 2018

Metal Gear Survive follows the events from the end of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and before the events of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

Upon Big Boss leaving Mother Base, a wormhole opens up and begins to absorb the remaining soldiers. Tossed into a new reality, you’ll find yourself against a slew of hostile zombie-like creatures. Can you find the materials needed to return home or will you be left as nothing more than a quick meal for the blood thirsty enemies?

Players will have to scavenge for resources all the while fighting off the zombified creatures that lurk about.

Don’t Starve

Developer: Klei Entertainment
Publisher: 505 Games
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PSV, Wii U, XBO, NS
Release: April 12, 2018 (NS)

Don’t Starve, developed by Klei Entertainment, originally released back in 2013 but Nintendo Switch users have received their copy this year. The game is an open world survival video game in which players must help keep their protagonist, scientist Wilson, alive from the dark world.

The game offers a day and night cycle in which the day portion puts players into collecting resources such as food and firewood while at night the game tosses monsters for players to avoid. This can be a difficult game for players to go through as well simply due to the fact that your world will be randomly generated and the included permanent death implementation.

Since its initial release, several editions and DLC has been released giving players even more content to go through such as Don’t Starve Together which brought in a multiplayer expansion.

No Man’s Sky

Developer: Hello Games
Publisher: Hello Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: July 24, 2018 (XBO)

No Man’s Sky was a massively hyped video game as it was leading up to its release on PC and PlayStation 4 platforms. However, once the game came out, the hype was quickly killed away where most fans felt that the developers failed to deliver a product that was promised.

However, over the years the developers continued to add content that better shapes up the game to those original expectations. Within July of this year, the game was officially released on the Xbox One platform.

Overall, the game puts players into a massive universe where they are free to explore countless worlds. As you reach a planet, you’ll be able to explore the land, gather resources and meet new alien creatures. Likewise, there is a flight simulator aspect where gamers may find themselves getting into dogfights over pirates in search of easy loot.

Hello Games have also featured an end goal for players to reach. Throughout your journey, players are tasked with reaching the center of the galaxy which will give players another chance to restart their exploration all over again.

Players will also need to be weary of exploring too far away from their ship as the different planets could hurt certain aspects of your character’s health. As a result the game forces players to gather resources or make upgrades in order to safely wander the planet.

We Happy Few

Developer: Compulsion Games
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing, Microsoft Studios
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: August 10, 2018

We Happy Few is a survival title that takes place in an alternate mid-1960s. Set in a dystopia where society requires its civilians to take a hallucinogenic drug to prevent them from being exposed to the true world, players will have the ability to go through the game with three different characters, all of which will have their own narrative journey and reasons behind avoiding the drug.

Players will have to gather items and weapons to stay alive as they flee the government control. However, keeping under the radar will be a challenge as you’ll have to look and act the part of being under the drug control.

To help progress through the game and achieve the characters end goals is a skill tree which will help in aspects such as combat and stealth. Regardless, the game will likely leave you on edge especially if you decide to go through the game with permadeath turned on. Luckily, this is an option for players so if you’re not feeling up to losing your progress, permadeath can be disabled.