The 27 Best Zombie PC Games You Can Play Right Now
In the mood to dive into some post-apocalyptic gameplay on the PC? Luckily for you there are a ton of different video games that feature the undead and there’s definitely a massive catalog of video games to pick through thus creating this list was extremely difficult. We tried our best to narrow down the best video game title that are worth picking up on the PC. All the titles listed below are available for purchase right now as full title release or for early access.
GTFO
GTFO is a four-player action-adventure game. As it
stands right now, this is an early access title so at the time of
writing this, you may find changes. At the very basic, players venture
down into the depths below from where a meteor struck the Earth surface.
Looking for valuables and answers to history, those that take on the
journey will find that something else is living below. As a result, the
journey not only becomes a race to find resources, valuables, and
ultimately, a means of escape back to the surface.
If you enjoy games like Left 4 Dead then you may find that this is
worth checking out. For now, the game doesn’t look like it has an
official release date quite yet. Currently, the developers are hoping to
see the game make it out of early access this year, but you can enjoy
it right now on the PC platform. Because this game is not fully
released, we’ll just make it our honorable mention.#27 7 days to die
7 Days to Die is a voxel video game by indie developers The Fun Pimps. The game takes place after a world war which caused much of the planet to be wiped out after being exposed to nuclear weaponry.
Exposed
to the radiation, a large majority of humans became infected, becoming
mindless zombies leaving the remaining few survivors to scavenge for
survival.
Players will find themselves seeking a variety of items to maintain
their survival such as shelter, food, and of course, water. Currently,
the 7 Days to Die video game is only available as an early access title.#26 How to Survive
How to Survive was developed under Eko Studios where the game plays in a top-down perspective. Players are tasked with scavenging items while making their way to an exit point which will take them to safety. However, what stands in their way are hordes of infected.
The
video game was easy to pick up and play in spurts which later inspired
the developers to go back and release a sequel known as How to Survive
2. Much of the mechanics remained the same, though the narrative
followed the events of the first game.
Instead of the pandemic being an island problem, the infection had
spread globally making it difficult for players to escape but rather
build up a shelter to separate themselves from the undead.#25 State of Decay 2
If you enjoyed the first installment to the State of Decay series then you may have already looked at State of Decay 2. This sequel released on May 22, 2018, for the Xbox One and PC platforms where players will once again find themselves in an open world zombie survival game.
Overall this is a third-person shooter where players must build up a sanctuary type fort that houses the innocent away from the flesh-eating monsters that rule the world. Outside of building up a base, players can team up with friends while scavenging for items and develop survivor skills to improve their usefulness in the community.
#24 Dead State
Another unique look at the zombie genre, Dead State
offers gamers a turn-based survival horror RPG. The video game was
developed by DoubleBear Productions and Iron Tower Studios where the duo
has placed players in the middle of Texas during the collapse of all
civilization as we know it.
If you enjoy RPG’s especially turn-based then this is one title to
consider picking up. Players are tasked with scavenging items, managing
and building up their characters and to top it all, there is an emphasis
on dialogue allowing players to make their own choices.#23 World War Z
If you want a bit more chaotic action to your zombie
game then we have to suggest looking at World War Z. This title focuses
on more horde based zombies where players can work together and fend off
a massive horde of undead. They are a bit fast in movement similar to
what we’ve seen in the film based that bears the same name. Zombies even
pile up to reach higher grounds which we imagine no area is really safe
from being reached and attacked. Apparently throughout the game players
can strategically place traps to thin out the herd of zombies and
you’ll be taken to different locations around the world. Normally game
adaptations from other mediums tend to not do as well, but you may be
surprised with World War Z. Take a look at our Before You Buy episode
where we dive into the gameplay and give our initial impressions of the
overall game so far.
#22 DayZ
Developed by Bohemia Interactive, DayZ is an open world survival video game. The title originally gained traction online as a mod for the video game title ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead which later inspired developers to see a full video game release and while it’s only available currently as early access, the title is maintaining a strong number of gamers.
Likewise,
the video game also has a focus on human interaction where players can
join forces or go against one another. Furthermore, players can expect
an option to switch back between first-person and third-person mode.
#21 Killing floor
Killing Floor, much like DayZ, originated as a mod for another video game, this time being Unreal Tournament 2004. It was only a few years later that the mod turned into a retail full release title.
Both
installments have players fighting off these failed clone creatures and
while the video game offers gameplay for a single player, Killing Floor
really shines with multiplayer. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the
video game series will sometime receive another installment.
The development team behind the series, Tripwire, has noted that they
will be releasing Killing Floor: Incursion sometime in the future which
is a VR take on the franchise. This upcoming installment will also make
use of the Unreal Engine 4 whereas the last installment was used with
Unreal Engine 3.#20 Call of Duty Zombies
Call of Duty has been a popular franchise for a number of years, though with the introduction of a zombies game mode, there are plenty of gamers who pick up select titles just to enjoy fighting off the undead.
The game mode first appeared within the Call of Duty: World at War title and has since been included in a number of installments afterward such as through the Call of Duty: Black Ops series.
Being
a Call of Duty title, another emphasis is gaining weapons by purchasing
them through points earned while also stocking up on perks and setting
traps to use as an advantage against the enemy.
As mentioned, there are a number of Call of Duty installments that
offer a zombies mode with one of the latest being Call of Duty: WW2.#19 Dead rising 4
Capcom sure loves their zombie titles as the studio not only has their staple Resident Evil franchise but the Dead Rising series as well. Gamers may see Resident Evil as a more serious approach to an undead zombie pandemic narrative campaign, but Capcom offers gamers who want more of an action-adventure experience with Dead Rising.
Currently,
the latest installment of the series is Dead Rising 4 which is known as
a survival horror beat ‘em up video game that is a more or less open
world. Players in Dead Rising 4 takes on the role of a protagonist named
Frank West who first came into the scene in the very first Dead Rising
video game.
In the narrative, Dead Rising 4 takes place in 2022 where Frank West
acts as a college professor who is convinced to follow a student to a
rural area of Colorado. In their journey, the duo discovers a military
compound is using the base as zombie research. Frank is then considered
and marked as a fugitive who once again gets swept into saving the day
after a zombie outbreak strikes.
Even
though Dead Rising 4 is the latest installment available for gamers to
enjoy today, we suggest going through the past installments as well.
#18 The Typing of the Dead
The Typing of the Dead by developers Wow Entertainment and Smilebit is a bit older than most of the video games on the list. However, it’s certainly one to be included and by far a far different zombie survival horror title.
Players
will be improving their fluidity when it comes to typing on a computer
along with increasing the accuracy. As for the story, players will
follow two agents as they investigate a zombie outbreak in Venice,
Italy.
Unfortunately, the sequel to The Typing of the Dead was only released in the Japanese markets.#17 Dying Light
Dying Light was created under Techland, who was also the developers behind Dead Island and as such, there are some clear similarities between the two. However, between the two video game titles, Dying Light certainly carries a more mature tone and bleak world.
The
video game follows an agent named Kyle Crane who is tasked with
infiltrating a quarantine zone city of Harran which has become infested
with a virus turning civilians into ruthless zombies. Interestingly
enough, there’s a twist on the day and night cycle in Dying Light.
During the day, the zombies are more lethargic and easier to deal with,
though once the sun set’s they become more aggressive and harder to
escape.
Developers have also tossed in some parkour elements within the game
allowing players to easily traverse the city and its obstacles when
fleeing the undead hordes. Combat as well has been changed from the
melee focus in Dead Island towards gunplay, giving players an
action-adventure experience. If you enjoy the game then you will
definitely want to keep an eye out for the upcoming sequel which is
expected to release sometime this year, 2019.#16 Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Wolfenstein is an iconic video game franchise that has lasted decades until most recently getting picked back up again for the latest generation of consoles and PC. While Wolfenstein may be focused on a way between an American rebel alliance against Nazi forces, the DLC released for the first title puts the battle between players and Nazi zombies.
The
DLC is called The Old Blood which takes the first-person
action-adventure gameplay and mechanics back but this time with a
narrative focused on battling the undead. We won’t spoil the story for
you as this particular DLC acts as a prequel to Wolfenstein: The New
Order. Expect the same action-pack adventure with a nice mixture of
supernatural elements.
#15 Resident Evil 4
Okay, trust us, this list is not completely made up of Resident Evil titles, but it’s worth making mention of the notable titles that are completely worth picking up today. For instance, if you never played Resident Evil 4 then you’re missing out.
Capcom really opted to make a new experience for the main installments to the franchise and you could argue that this is where the developers started to steer away from the old school survival horror formula for a more action-packed experience.
Within
the narrative, players take on the role of U.S. government special
agent Leon S. Kennedy who was tasked with a special mission. Leon must
head towards rural Spain and track down the President’s daughter, Ashley
Graham, who has been kidnapped by a cult.
To note just how much attention went into the fourth main installment
of the Resident Evil franchise, the development team over at Capcom had
scrapped four versions of the video game and it seems that they really
nailed the execution with this installment version as its regarded as
one of the best and most beloved with fans of the series.#14 Project zomboid
If you’re familiar with Project Zomboid by developers The Indie Stone then you know it has had an interest development cycle over the years. Regardless, the zombie title is well worth checking into for PC gamers, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed feel with an old-school zombie flick vibe.
Project
Zomboid has players stuck in a city that’s become flooded with the
undead. Your sole goal is to simply survive until your eventual demise
against the zombie creatures.
In order to survive, players must scavenge items and take care of
their various vitals such as hunger, tiredness, pain, and mental state.
Gamers who are looking for a relaxed gameplay or an even more difficult
experience, a sandbox mode will allow users to switch up various aspects
of the video game such as how many zombies are available to even
weather conditions.#13 Deadlight
Deadlight is a slightly different zombie video game as players will be going through the game as a sidescrolling platformer. Developers Tequila Works had crafted the game from inspirations such as Prince of Persia and Another World.
The
video game follows a park ranger named Randall that finds himself stuck
during the pandemic mess. Gamers are tasked then to take Randall across
all sorts of terrains through Seattle in order to reach the safe zone,
where our protagonist hopes to find his family. Interestingly enough,
this is also the first title to be developed by Tequila Works who had
later gone on to release video game titles such as The Sexy Brutale and
Rime.
#12 Resident Evil Revelations
If you’re looking for a side story to play through from the Resident Evil franchise then we have to suggest checking into the Resident Evil: Revelations titles. There’s a total of two installments available which will take place between the events of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5.
Resident
Evil: Revelations 2 follow s the events of the first Revelations title
which will see the return of Claire Redfield and for the first time
ever, gamers can play as Barry Burton. It’s also worth noting that for
the sequel, you’ll find that the narrative will take place between
Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6. This isn’t the big action Resident
Evil release either as Revelations titles act more as a survival horror
experience. As such, players can expect to conserve ammo, solve puzzles,
explore, and at times, evade the enemy.
#11 State of Decay
State of Decay is an interesting zombie pandemic title by developers Undead Labs. If you ever watched zombie flicks or shows, such as The Walking Dead, and thought to yourself that you could have led the group better than say old Rick Grime then here’s your chance. State of Decay puts you as the leader of a group of survivors, leaving you in command.
Additionally,
you’re in control when it comes to recruiting survivors, helping
outsiders, trading goods, or sending guests away. While there is a
storyline mode available, players are ultimately steering the ship.
#10 Dead Island
I believe Dead Island really grabbed the attention of gamers everywhere through its announcement trailer. Developers Techland and publisher Deep Silver delivered a trailer that would likely go down into the history books as we watch the demise of a little girl becoming infected in reverse.
The video game plays a bit like Left 4 Dead if you’re familiar with the series. Players can choose one of four playable characters who is found trapped within a fictional island known as Banoi. Overall, this is a luxury island that just happened to be ground zero for the zombie pandemic outbreak.
Though
the first title was a success, publisher Deep Silver has yet to launch a
sequel. Instead, we’ve seen a standalone DLC release known as Dead
Island: Riptide and a spin-off title known as Escape Dead Island. The
sequel, Dead Island 2 was originally supposed to release back in 2015
but its essentially stuck in development hell.
#9 The Evil Within Series
The Evil Within was directed by Resident Evil series creator, Shinji Mikami as the game focuses on Sebastian Castellanos a detective that gets pulled into a distorted world during an investigation. Staying true to the survival horror genre, The Evil Within will have players struggling against a fight with nightmarish creatures while avoiding traps, sneaking around the world, and solving complex puzzles.
#8 Arizona Sunshine
VR is becoming bigger and mainstream which means all
sorts of new video game titles will be released for gamers to enjoy. One
of those titles that were a recent launch was Vertigo Games’ Arizona
Sunshine.
Arizona Sunshine is a first-person shooter designed as a strictly VR
video game, players will be strapped into the world as they find new
survivors and take out zombies along the way. This is one of the few VR
titles well worth checking into if you’re looking to smash some zombie
brains in.#7 Dead Space
Dead Space is a terrifying experience for gamers as players are taking on zombie-like creatures set in a futuristic atmosphere. There are a total of three main installments to the franchise which was developed by the studio Visceral Games.
Players
take on the role of an engineer named Isaac Clarke who was tasked with
repairing a ship which later was discovered to be infected by
Necromorphs. Basically an alien parasite that have killed off the crew
and taken control of their bodies. Over the course of the video game,
our protagonist not only must fight to stay alive but uncovers
conspiracies that involve the government. Unfortunately, the
development studio who had brought out these titles were shut down by
EA.
#6 Resident Evil 7
Developed and published by Capcom, the long-running survival horror franchise Resident Evil should be no stranger to gamers. However, over the years, we have seen the franchise take a slight turn towards its humble roots of being a survival horror title. Instead, the franchise began to experiment with a more blockbuster action-packed experience, though that’s since changed with the latest installment.
Determined
to find his wife Mia, Ethan Winters dabbles deeper into the Baker
family in order to uncover what’s going on and just how this family is
connected to the disappearance of Mia Winters.
As stated, since this title takes players back to a more atmospheric
survival horror experience that Resident Evil first started out as,
players shouldn’t expect too much action. Instead, there will be a focus
on surviving your surroundings and solving puzzles.#5 Plants vs. Zombies
Plants vs. Zombies became a massive title when it first launched and quickly spread to a wide variety of platforms. The series is aimed towards a more relaxed approach to a zombie genre where players take on the role of plants who must stop an undead horde from reaching them.
This is a tower defense style video game where players can unlock new plant types that will act as a means to defend the wave of zombies. Likewise, players can expect a variety of zombie types as they progress through the game.
#4 The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is a world phenomenon in a wide
assortment of mediums. Starting out just as a standard monthly comic
book series, the story has been adapted into a drama television series
and then into a video game franchise. Arguably the strongest series of
The Walking Dead video game franchise is the series developed by
Telltale Games.
If you’re familiar with Telltale Games then we really shouldn’t have
to say much more. The development studio takes great care with whatever
franchise they happened to be working on, essentially establishing a new
narrative or an in-depth retelling of a story that will undoubtedly
draw you in.
There
are a total of three titles within Telltale Game’s The Walking Dead
series and a fourth, which will make the final installment, is currently
in the works. We won’t dare spoil the narrative which is the strongest
aspect to any Telltale Game, but if you enjoy The Walking Dead and want a
new interesting story with fresh new characters then you’ll be amiss
not to pick up the series.
#3 Left 4 Dead
It would be surprising if you haven’t heard or have at least played one of the two Left 4 Dead titles available on the market today. The franchise was brought out by Valve where players can gather together in a cooperative game mode to fight off a variety of undead zombies.
With
two main installments available, the Left 4 Dead series continues to
find active players on the PC platform due to fan-created levels which
are also often available for cooperative gameplay.
#2 Minecraft
I would find it awfully strange to come across someone who doesn’t know about Minecraft. The video game developed by Mojang has grown up to a life of its own with players both young and old going through and crafting their own worlds.
Ultimately,
the video game is about survival as well, staying away from what spawns
at night while keeping your vitals up. Furthermore, because this game
is suitable for a wide audience, it’s easily being shared and enjoyed
with friends all around the world.
#1 Resident Evil 2
Capcom has been an iconic video game development studio over the years and its brought out some incredible IPs. One of which was Resident Evil, a title we definitely feature heavily here on this list and as iconic as this series is, there was no surprise when the development team decided to handle remakes. Unfortunately for gamers, most of the remakes were spent on the original title and while that’s not a bad thing, for fans of the series, there have been plenty of vocal pleas for developers to bring out a remake of its sequel, Resident Evil 2. Well, it took a few years but Capcom did just that and delivered gamers a remake of Resident Evil 2 for current generation platforms. This remake does exactly what Capcom did with the original installment.
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