There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to games set in a post-apocalyptic world. From titles that combine role-playing mechanics with shooters to those that break the mold in their franchises, you have a lot of games to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Fallout New Vegas
Fallout New Vegas is an outstanding game with an immersive narrative and expansive world. This title’s set in a desolate version of Las Vegas, where players navigate harsh and unforgiving areas filled with people, monsters, and robotic life. From crumbling buildings to struggling societies, Fallout New Vegas captures what makes post-apocalyptic environments stunning and atmospheric.
The game’s storyline is gripping. It presents fans with different ambiguous choices that have their share of consequences and positives. Whether you’re deciding a faction’s fate or determining an individual NPC’s destiny, the decisions you make carry weight and impact.
On top of having neat weaponry and stellar RPG elements, Fallout New Vegas is worth your time.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow Of Chernobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl delivers intense gameplay and realistic survival mechanics all set in a eerily detailed world. It takes place during the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and presents players with a dangerous landscape to explore called “The Zone.” This environment contains everything you’d expect from decrepit buildings to mutated monstrosities.
As for the gameplay, it forces players to search for essential resources to stay alive. Players must locate food, water, and ammunition, as these items will assist them in surviving the enemies who have no qualms about hunting players down. From deadly anomalies to hostile factions, you must keep your eyes peeled and guard up if you hope to survive in this deadly environment.
In addition to having rich secrets and nice story beats, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl is a great game for those looking for something set in a post-apocalyptic universe.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a great Nintendo Switch game and a fantastic entry in The Legend of Zelda franchise. This game pushes boundaries and gives fans an entire world to explore. The level of freedom and detail that went into crafting this title is astonishing and will blow any Nintendo and non-Nintendo fan away.
Like previous The Legend of Zelda titles, it’s up to the protagonist, Link, to save Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon. However, you can choose to save that mission for last and explore what the developers offer in this new iteration of Hyrule. While you must complete certain missions to receive said freedom, it won’t take you that long.
From battling Bokoblins to discovering hidden locations, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers players enough content to keep them occupied for months and years to come.
Gears of War (Series)
Gears of War is a well-known series under Microsoft’s umbrella. This game features riveting gameplay, an evergrowing storyline, and enough memorable characters for fans to cherish.
Set in the fictional planet of Sera, the game portrays a world in ruins after a catastrophic event known as Emergence Day, where alien-like beings called the Locust emerged and waged war against humanity. It’s up to our protagonist Marcus Fenix and his allies to defeat them.
This game’s post-apocalyptic environment is well-crafted. It contains plenty of crumbling cities, destroyed locales, and broken vehicles to keep you immersed. As mentioned earlier, Gears of Wars’ gameplay is top-notch. You’ll adore using the game’s creative weaponry to battle the Locusts. From chainsaw guns to grenades, Gears of War promises players will have hours of fun with it.
The Last of Us (Series)
The Last of Us is a remarkable title with a deeply emotional narrative and an unforgettable cast. This game takes place in a world where a fungal virus decimated humanity. In it, we play Joel and Ellie as they traverse the new world brought about by this fungal affection.
You’ll traverse through overgrown landscapes and abandoned locations brimming with dangerous entities. Each environment tells a tale of loss, desperation, and survival. Moreover, Joel and Ellie are complex characters who endure much loss before and after they meet. Their struggles and interactions with each other and others showcase the lengths people will go to survive, making the narrative hit home for some folks.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a game with deep storytelling and compelling action-adventure gameplay elements, check out The Last of Us.
Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus is set during the aftermath of a post-nuclear war in Russia. It has players navigate an environment that’s desolate and dangerous. The game’s visual design is amazing. From its multiple ruins to its overgrown wilderness, each location will make players feel isolated and spooked. The environment also holds some neat secrets for players to uncover, encouraging them to explore.
The gameplay mechanics are equally impressive. Players will scavenge this world for resources and battle against multiple enemies. Furthermore, Metro Exodus’s narrative explores deep topics like hope, sacrifice, and the consequences of humanity’s actions. This all climaxes in an unforgettable experience that you don’t want to overlook.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is a splendid action-adventure title. It takes place in a future where humans established tribal societies. Players will control Aloy, a skilled hunter who embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries of her world.
Together with its engrossing storyline and detailed post-apocalyptic setting, Horizon Zero Dawn offers an array of content to keep fans occupied. For instance, the game’s setting is breathtaking and filled with enough creative wildlife and civilization to avoid feeling dead. On top of having desolate ruins that highlight the rich history of Aloy’s world, you’ll love exploring this game’s terrain to uncover its hidden secrets.
On top of giving Aloy incredible depth regarding her backstory, personality, and combat skills, this game’s sure to keep you busy and entertained.
Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is an iconic 4-player third-person shooter developed by Valve. It’s also a huge step up from the first game as it introduces new characters. zombie types, weapons, and locations for players to invest hundreds of hours into.
In Left 4 Dead 2, players must control a new faction of survivors and help them avoid and murder zombies during their travels. From eerie swamps to chaotic carnivals, Left 4 Dead 2 ups the ante and delivers an adrenaline-pumping post-apocalyptic experience that’ll engage and satisfy shooter, zombie, and horror fans alike.
Although the game’s best played with friends and people online, you’re certain to have a wonderful time with this one, regardless if you’re playing with a group or alone in the dark.
Stray
Stray is a modern title that earned praise for its immersive gameplay, fascinating visuals, and cutesy feline protagonist. In it, players control a stray cat and must help it navigate through a futuristic city brimming with robotic life. Its unique premise brings fans insight into what a world after human existence can look like from a feline’s perspective.
Furthermore, the game offers multiple puzzles and mysteries to keep players intrigued. Not to mention the NPCs, who have something interesting to comment on regarding this strange world you’re traversing. If you don’t mind playing a game that’s a bit on the shorter side, this post-apocalyptic gem should be fun for you.
Wasteland 3
Wasteland 3 is a great entry in the Wasteland series. The series itself is known for pioneering post-apocalyptic-themed titles, so it had to be included on this list in some form. The third entry has players follow the Arizona Desert Rangers. They’re a group that wants to rebuild humanity after losing it to the nuclear post-apocalypse.
This game has many diverse and well-designed environments for players to investigate. From frozen tundras to ruins, each location is well-crafted and demonstrates what a nuclear war would look like. The game’s atmospheric visuals and immersive sound design will make players feel the weight of humanity’s actions and elicit an empathetic response from them.
The gameplay has you doing battle with your foes on a grid. You’re given Action Points to spend on movement, attack, skills, and items. While fans may be enticed to pursue X-Com-like defensive gameplay, this is a game where being offensive is key.
If you love tactical-based RPGs or adore games with post-apocalyptic settings, then Wasteland 3 might be the game for you.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best video games through the years set in a post-apocalyptic world!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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