20 Best Games Like Rust That You Should Know Update 04/2024

Games Like Rust

Rust was a fixture in the survival genre long before it became popular. These are the games to play if you crave the adrenaline rush of a fight or flight scenario.

Due to the large number of developers attempting to duplicate this successful game style, the survival genre has been overpopulated. Minimal supplies, harsh surroundings, and the possibility of zombies are all hallmarks of survival games. Rust was released in 2013 — well before many of the popular survival games of the current generation.

ARK: Survival Evolved and other games like it have improved on Rust’s core mechanics, although others lack content. As a primitive person, you could one day fly a helicopter or build bridges, depending on how far you progress. Rust is a survival-of-the-fittest style of game, where the only option is to fight or flee. The choice is yours; either form alliances or prepare for battle.

In the last decade, survival games have taken over the gaming industry. A simple genre has grown into hundreds of diverse subgenres throughout the years. Some of the more popular sub-genres are looter-RPGs, zombie survival horror, and multiplayer-only games.

If you’re looking for more than just Rustis, there are dozens of more survival-themed games out there. Rust-inspired themes and concepts have been incorporated into a wide variety of survival games. Fans of Rust should have a peek at a few additional survival games that might interest them.

20. Rising World

Rising World

Despite the fact that there is still work to be done, Rising World is already shaping out to be an amazing game. It’s beautiful and has a robust crafting system that’s easy to use. A more realistic tone and art style reminiscent of Rust overshadow the game’s many similarities to Minecraft. It can be tense or calming based on the player’s choices and accommodates a wide range of play styles.

There is no guarantee that the game will ever leave early access, but if it continues on its current path, the sky is truly open. In its current state, though, it’s still a terrific way to pass the time and is highly recommended. Even a few hundred people could be in the crowd.

19. Astroneer

Astroneer’s graphics may be a little dated in today’s terms, but the brilliant colors that abound throughout the game create for some incredibly memorable images. Also true with the game’s soundtrack, which will linger in the minds of players long after their computers are turned off.

The game’s difficulty, or lack thereof, is where it stumbles a little. It’s not impossible, but anyone looking for a real challenge will be let down by the lack thereof. A few technical concerns remain unresolved as well. Aside from those issues, it’s a fantastic game that can be enjoyed by yourself or with others. The latter is unquestionably the more enjoyable method, but both can be as gratifying and soothing.

18. Stranded Deep

More than five years after its first release on Steam, Stranded Deep is still in early access, which is an indication of the developer’s high expectations for the game. However, the basic elements are all there and have been thoroughly honed throughout the game’s lengthy development, so a good multiplayer experience is still a ways off.

Only a minor portion of what’s on offer here is survival-related; crafting and base-building play a significant role. It’s a game worth keeping an eye on because of its lush scenery, relaxed feelings, and tremendous potential. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so the delay of a full release is understandable. Rust wasn’t either, to be honest.

17. Pathologic 2

Pathologic 2

However, comparing Pathologic games to anything other than Rust would provide the same conclusion: they’re utterly different. This is a unique, slightly perplexing, yet tremendously pleasant experience from beginning to end. If you’re seeking for a truly unique experience, go no farther than right in front of your eyes. Keep your face covered with a face mask at all times!

Players are constantly reminded of the grim reality of the game’s environment thanks to its drab aesthetics, while the continual threat of infection keeps them alert. To a large extent, what players receive out of the game depends on what strategy they take, but games make every effort to allow and encourage this flexibility. But at its essence, it’s about making it out alive.

16. Miscreated

It’s hard to overstate the impact of Miscreated’s post-apocalyptic setting and some of the game’s aesthetics. Survival in this universe is both rewarding and tough, but it will take inexperienced players a long time to get the hang of things. That’s understandable, given the current situation with mutants.

The game, like Rust and DayZ, has concerns with people shooting on sight, but the problem is far less severe than in those games. Although the game’s PvP battle can be tense, it is all part of the experience. The game wouldn’t be nearly as much fun if it weren’t for the supportive online community. This is a game worth checking out as long as that is the case.

15. ARK: Survival Evolved

However, if you’re looking for something similar to Rust, there are other options. Ark: Survival Evolved is one of the most prominent choices. In early access for a long time, the game was widely available.

Ark: Survival Evolved’s appeal is based solely on its enjoyable gameplay. You may join public or private servers, build mansions, and even ride dinosaurs. There is never a lack of things to do in an alternate universe where humans and dinosaurs coexist. You, as a human race, must progress in order to endure.

14. Minecraft

Minecraft

As one of the most popular video games ever, Minecraft has amassed a large following. A multiplayer component was added to a game that had originally been designed for a solitary experience. To survive, players are sent into hostile environments with a slew of monsters like spiders and Endermen to contend with.

The battle to construct a house from scratch while working with a finite amount of resources gives this game its meaning.

Although Minecraft is mostly a construction game, there is also a survival mode that is similar to Rust.

13. Subnautica

The game’s universe is dangerous, but there are many charming aspects to it.

You don’t have to play Subnautica only to survive; it’s much more than that. Underwater, players can build structures, explore the depths, or simply rest in the marine environment (without getting wet).

As a diver, you can also drive a submarine and explore the ocean floor. Even after the game’s debut, Subnautica fans are still discovering new reasons to play.

12. Green Hell

Survival game in first-person perspective

Green Hell is a survival horror game set in the Amazon rainforest. In terms of its visual design, it’s quite stunning.

This isn’t like other survival games where you can just wander around aimlessly. The game’s storyline was introduced in version 1.0. You face the elements, the Amazonian rainforest and even your own thoughts in “Green Hell,” according to Screenrant.com.”

11. No Man’s Sky

No Man's Sky

The best time to play No Man’s Sky is now. Hello Games’ development team has worked extensively to ensure that its customers are satisfied. Despite the fact that some of Hello Games’ initial claims were not included in the game, the company has now made good on the majority of those promises.

The game now allows you to interact with the universe in a way you’ve never been able to before. Intriguing quests are complemented by a fun co-op mode. Fans of Rust and outer space will like No Man’s Sky.

10. 7 Days To Die

7 Days to Die is an epic survival horror game in which you can die in a variety of ways. Even though the game was released in 2013, it is still in the early access stage of development. Fans may be getting tired of the game, but it’s still a lot of fun.

Micromanaging will be required as you fight off hordes of zombies. One of the most popular video games of all time is 7 Days to Die. This game is a lot of fun because of the clever fusion of survival and construction.

9. Don’t Starve

Don’t Starve, an independent game, sets you in a hostile environment where your only hope for life is to rely on your wits and cunning. If you’re wondering what the aim of this game is, don’t worry. Unlike the multiplayer addition, Don’t Starve Together, there is a conclusion to the single-player campaign.

However, it’s hard to overlook how far the first game has come in terms of innovation. Setting the mood for a bleak survival game, the art direction is spectacular.

8. The Long Dark

The Long Dark

Once again, we’re dealing with a game that’s been in early access for quite some time. The Long Dark has no zombies, unlike other survival games. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere.

Survivalists will like this challenging but rewarding game. When it comes to the freezing tundra, everything go awry.

7. Raft

Aside from the fact that it’s a survival game, Rust is very similar to this one. Rafts can reach heights of several floors, allowing for a variety of unique experiences.

Aside from that, it’s a multiplayer game, so expect the unexpected. While building a floating home, you can explore the ocean. Sharks are lurking around every corner, so you’ll have to do everything you can to avoid them.

6. The Forest

A survival game that’s even more immersive than Rust may be just what you’re looking for. After surviving a plane crash, the protagonist and his kid wind up in a thickly forested area.

The Forest combines horror and survival in an open-world setting, creating a unique and immersive experience. More than 5 million copies of this game were sold commercially. The Forest has a sequel in the works, but it’s hard to top the original.

5. Escape From Tarkov

Escape From Tarkov

Players that prefer survival PVP in Escape From Tarkov will have a slightly different experience. Players will engage in what are known as raids in order to gather treasure and level up their characters. Every item in the inventory of anyone who dies in a raid is fair game for the looters.

There are many ways to play the game, with multiple maps and a mix of PVP and survival. In 2021, the game’s community continues to develop as a result of regular wipe resets and updates.

4. Valheim

The survival-based role-playing game was just released a short time ago. With this in mind, Iron Gate planned to build an RPG in the vein of Rust, but set in a fictional medieval world. There are many similarities between Valheim and the other games on this list.

In comparison to other games, this one focuses on PVE, loot, and progression. People are rewarded for defeating the bosses in each biome and progressing to new, more difficult places. Iron Gate has announced that it plans to keep working on the game and release new content in the near future.

3. Outlast

With its horror and survival elements, Outlast was one of the first significant titles to merge these genres. Surviving Mount Massive Asylum’s terrible secrets will be revealed to players. The only way to make it out of the Asylum is to uncover the truth about what took place inside.

Outlast is one of the greatest video games ever made for individuals who appreciate the horror genre. In spite of the passage of eight years, the visuals are still stunning.

2. Scrap Mechanic

Scrap Mechanic

Scrap Mechanic’s initial version was mostly a sandbox construction game. As of the 7th of May in the year 2020, Axolot has made a survival mode available for players to try out. Suddenly, a group of people find themselves stranded in an unknown location when a spaceship crash lands.

Players need to gather food and resources in order to survive. Scrap Mechanic’s vibrant visuals and easy-to-learn gameplay make it a refreshing change from other survival games. More and more gamers are signing up to play Scrap Mechanic every day.

1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. introduces the polluted areas around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant as a setting for exploration and survival Those that remain will have to keep a sharp eye out for mutants and other S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s, who will strike at the first opportunity.

Having to deal with radiation, starvation, and other issues in the Exclusion Zone is not ideal. While exploring the irradiated terrain in search of the enigmatic objects, players will have to balance danger and reward.