Games Like DayZ

An Open World Survival Shooter blending hardcore PVP and PVE action. Secure precious loot in safe zones or build your own fortress in the wild. With intense gunfights, stunning visuals, and performance smooth enough for any system, the challenge awaits!

Why similar: Survival 17.6%, Post-apocalyptic 13.9%, FPS 10.4%, Massively Multiplayer 10%, Open World 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: Deadside captures DayZ's grounded first-person PvPvE feel with open-world looting, survival pressure, and dangerous player encounters in a more streamlined package.

Traverse punishing environments, looting, crafting and evading the constant threats to your life. The unprecedented levels of character customization and progression are your ultimate tools for survival.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 19.5%, Survival 16.2%, Zombies 13.8%, Open World 11.1%, Online Co-Op 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its large persistent world, brutal survival systems, scavenging-heavy progression, and constant threat from other players make it one of the closest overall DayZ alternatives on Steam.

Miscreated is a multiplayer online hardcore survival game set in a post-apocalyptic future. You will need to survive against mutants, players, and even mother nature herself.

Why similar: Survival 22.6%, Zombies 15.5%, Open World 11.9%, Post-apocalyptic 10.4%, Massively Multiplayer 10%

Why You'll Like It: This is another bleak multiplayer survival sandbox built around scavenging, hostile survivors, environmental danger, and tense post-apocalyptic exploration.

You're a survivor in the zombie infested ruins of society, and must work with your friends and forge alliances to remain among the living.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 12.8%, Survival 12%, Zombies 11.7%, Post-apocalyptic 10.3%, Sandbox 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Beneath its simple visuals is a very DayZ-like zombie survival sandbox full of looting, base-building, vehicles, and unpredictable PvP servers.

7 Days to Die is an open-world game that is a unique combination of first-person shooter, survival horror, tower defense, and role-playing games. Play the definitive zombie survival sandbox RPG that came first. Navezgane awaits!

Why similar: Survival 20.1%, Zombies 15.8%, Post-apocalyptic 11.5%, Online Co-Op 10.1%, Open World 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: While more crafting-focused, it offers the same addictive loop of scavenging, surviving zombies, exploring a large world, and trying to stay alive with or against other players.

The only aim in Rust is to survive. Everything wants you to die - the island’s wildlife, other inhabitants, the environment, and other survivors. Do whatever it takes to last another night.

Why similar: Survival 30.2%, Open World 12.5%, Multiplayer 9.5%, Sandbox 8.4%, PvP 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: If DayZ's best part for you is the paranoia of player interaction and ruthless open-world survival, Rust delivers that same high-stakes sandbox energy.

Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite..

Why similar: Survival 24.6%, Zombies 21.1%, Open World 11.5%, Post-apocalyptic 10.2%, Sandbox 9%

Why You'll Like It: It trades DayZ's first-person perspective for deeper survival simulation, delivering the same hopeless zombie-apocalypse tension, scavenging, and emergent multiplayer stories.

Hardcore open-world survival where preparation is everything. Scavenge, craft, fortify during the day. When night falls, the infected hunt in numbers. Play solo or with friends in a brutal post-apocalyptic sandbox where survival is earned through smart decisions. How many Nights will you survive?

Why similar: Zombies 12.3%, Massively Multiplayer 11.7%, Survival 11.5%, Post-apocalyptic 11.1%, Online Co-Op 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its day-night survival rhythm, scavenging, barricading, and focus on realistic multiplayer zombie survival give it a very similar desperate tone.

This is a multiplayer cooperative open world construction survival sandbox game, where you and your friends must find supplies and build shelters in this world. You have to keep an eye on your character's needs state at all times, a bad state is likely to lead to death.

Why similar: Survival 20.8%, Zombies 16.3%, Open World 12%, Post-apocalyptic 10.6%, Survival Horror 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is a grounded zombie survival game centered on looting towns, managing needs, crafting, and enduring a hostile open world with others.

HumanitZ is an isometric, open-world sandbox survival game set in a world ended by a zombie outbreak. Survive alone or with friends by scavenging, crafting, building, and fighting to last as long as ‘humanly’ possible. You can’t change the past, but you can fight for the future of humanity.

Why similar: Zombies 15%, Survival 14.5%, Post-apocalyptic 10.2%, Open World 9.1%, Online Co-Op 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: HumanitZ leans more into crafting and top-down play, but its open-world zombie survival, scavenging, vehicles, and multiplayer cooperation hit many of the same notes.

Will To Live is a MMORPG-shooter whose action takes place in a severe post-apocalyptic world. Explore the world, engage in fights with mutants and other survivors, join the clans in the struggle for existence and prove your right to Live.

Why similar: Survival 28%, Post-apocalyptic 17.5%, Open World 13.4%, Massively Multiplayer 12.8%, Multiplayer 10%

Why You'll Like It: Its online post-apocalyptic world, scavenging, survival mechanics, and dangerous encounters with both enemies and players echo DayZ's MMO-like side.

Next Day is a multi-player SURVIVAL game with elements of RPG, in an imaginary country in Eastern Europe. Carry out an array of tasks, learn skills, and develop your character. Have shootouts with opponents and earn a reputation.

Why similar: Survival 28.4%, Post-apocalyptic 16.7%, Open World 15.7%, Multiplayer 9.7%, Co-op 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similarly rough-edged mix of open-world survival, looting, PvP, and post-Soviet wasteland atmosphere.

Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 14.9%, Survival 13.5%, Post-apocalyptic 12.1%, Online Co-Op 10.4%, Co-op 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Though more sci-fi than DayZ, it combines a shared open world, survival needs, base-building, looting, and PvPvE tension in a familiar way.

Stay Out - is a MMORPG with shooter elements, based on spirit of “stalking” - an urban exploration, searching and exploring mysterious, abandoned and forgotten by humanity pieces of our planet.

Why similar: Survival 17.1%, Post-apocalyptic 16.4%, Open World 12%, PvP 11.3%, Shooter 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This online post-apocalyptic shooter emphasizes harsh exploration, survival systems, hostile zones, and player-driven tension in a way DayZ fans often appreciate.

Want to survive? - Arm yourself and survive. Crafting, shooting, transport and much more awaits you in the Survival game. What happened to the world around and why he died - you may find out. But is this the main question now?

Why similar: Survival 24.4%, Post-apocalyptic 12.9%, Open World 11.2%, Massively Multiplayer 8.3%, Multiplayer 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: This is a multiplayer survival sandbox built around scavenging, crafting, PvP, and enduring a ruined world with scarce resources.

The chances of you surviving this all out war of society and the undead are slim to none. Already, there are millions of the walking dead shambling about, searching for food to eat. There's no known cure. One bite can possibly end it all for you. However, you aren't alone in this nightmare.

Why similar: Zombies 22.8%, Survival 14.3%, Online Co-Op 8.2%, Multiplayer 7.7%, Co-op 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its hardcore zombie survival, limited supplies, and emphasis on cautious cooperation capture some of DayZ's most stressful survival moments.

Explore, adapt, and survive in Undawn, a free-to-play open-world survival RPG for mobile and PC developed by LightSpeed Studios and published by Level Infinite. Embark on an adventure with other survivors four years after a worldwide disaster where hordes of infected roam a shattered world.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 19%, Survival 15.9%, Post-apocalyptic 13.2%, Open World 11.5%, Zombies 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Undawn is a zombie-focused open-world survival shooter with crafting, vehicles, and multiplayer exploration that scratches a more accessible DayZ-like itch.

The dead have risen and civilization has fallen. Now it's up to you to gather survivors, scavenge for resources and build a community in a post-apocalyptic world – a world where you define what it means to survive in this ultimate zombie survival simulation.

Why similar: Survival 22.3%, Zombies 20.2%, Open World 13.7%, Co-op 8.6%, Post-apocalyptic 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is less PvP-driven, but its open-world scavenging, permadeath-style stakes, zombie survival, and co-op play make it a natural DayZ-adjacent recommendation.

SurrounDead is an open world survival game. Taking place in a world ravaged by an apocalyptic catastrophe. The dead reign free and will stop at nothing to kill you.

Why similar: Zombies 26.8%, Survival 24%, Post-apocalyptic 17.1%, Open World 15.1%, Shooter 6%

Why You'll Like It: This single-player-leaning survival shooter nails the lonely scavenging, inventory management, and post-apocalyptic zombie atmosphere DayZ players often love.

STALCRAFT: X is the largest open-world online game in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Explore the world full of mutants and anomalies alone or with friends — unforgettable emotions guaranteed.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 20.1%, FPS 16.9%, Multiplayer 11.8%, Shooter 11.2%, PvP 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its online post-apocalyptic world, survival pressure, gunfights, and loot-driven exploration make it a strong fit for players who like DayZ's hostile atmosphere.

First-person action survival game set in a post-apocalyptic open world overrun by flesh-hungry zombies. Roam a city devastated by a mysterious virus epidemic. Scavenge for supplies, craft weapons, and face hordes of the infected.

Why similar: Zombies 16.1%, Survival Horror 12.1%, Survival 10.8%, Online Co-Op 10.8%, Post-apocalyptic 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is a more action-heavy take on first-person zombie survival, but the open-world scavenging, day-night danger, and co-op tension make it a solid alternative.

'Night of the Dead' is an open-world game that combines elements of exploration, tower defense, survival, and crafting. Traverse a world dominated by zombies while collecting various resources and powerful equipment. Build a fortress to survive the hordes of zombies that swarm every night!

Why similar: Zombies 16.6%, Survival 14.3%, Online Co-Op 12.9%, Survival Horror 10.5%, Sandbox 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its open-world scavenging, zombie pressure, crafting, and base defense make it a good pick if you enjoy DayZ's survival loop but want more fortification play.

Survival horror MMO. As one of the few survivors of the outbreak, you must scratch a living out of the decaying ruins of society. Scavenge for supplies, improve your skills, and trade with other players. All the while, keeping your eyes peeled for the infected lurking around every corner.

Why similar: Zombies 15.4%, Survival Horror 13.8%, Survival 12.5%, Massively Multiplayer 12.5%, Online Co-Op 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a grim online zombie apocalypse with loot runs, survival anxiety, and the constant risk of losing progress in dangerous areas.

No More Room in Hell 2 is a terrifying 8 player co-op action horror experience. Find your friends in the dark and survive - in a dynamic, endlessly replayable zombie apocalypse.

Why similar: Zombies 16.6%, Survival 12.6%, Online Co-Op 12.1%, Survival Horror 11%, Co-op 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses more on co-op runs than a persistent sandbox, but its unforgiving zombie survival, scarcity, and high-tension teamwork feel very DayZ-like.

Ride and fight into a deadly, post pandemic America. Play as Deacon St. John, a drifter and bounty hunter who rides the broken road, fighting to survive while searching for a reason to live in this open-world action-adventure game.

Why similar: Zombies 22.8%, Survival 19.1%, Open World 18.9%, Post-apocalyptic 17.3%, Multiplayer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Although single-player, it offers the same lonely post-apocalyptic road-trip vibe, scavenging, survival pressure, and constant fear of overwhelming infected.

A deadly virus is spreading across Los Angeles, turning its inhabitants into zombies. Bitten, infected, but more than just immune, uncover the truth behind the outbreak and discover who - or what - you are. Survive, evolve and become the ultimate Zombie Slayer.

Why similar: Zombies 23%, Co-op 18.2%, Post-apocalyptic 18.1%, FPS 10.4%, Horror 9%

Why You'll Like It: It is more combat-forward than DayZ, yet its first-person zombie apocalypse, looting, crafting, and co-op survival make it an easy crossover pick.

The Front is a survival open-world crafting sandbox game. You are a resistance fighter sent back in time to stop the rise of a tyrannical empire. Collect resources, craft tech, build shelters, and fight monsters to accomplish your mission.

Why similar: Survival 18%, Massively Multiplayer 16.2%, Open World 10.8%, Sandbox 10.8%, Co-op 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: If you mainly want open-world survival, base-building, vehicles, and PvP sandbox play rather than zombies specifically, The Front is a strong substitute.

Welcome to the zombie apocalypse experience of a lifetime – and now more beautiful than ever. Caught in the midst of an epic zombie outbreak on the tropical island of Banoi, your only thought is: Survive!

Why similar: Zombies 24.7%, Survival 15.3%, Co-op 11.6%, Open World 11.2%, Multiplayer 8%

Why You'll Like It: This co-op open-world zombie RPG is less simulation-heavy than DayZ but still delivers scavenging, survival themes, and first-person undead combat.

DeadPoly is a polygon arcade zombie survival looter shooter with base building, crafting, scavenging, leveling, questing, and more, but your only goal is survival, everything else is optional.

Why similar: Zombies 17.1%, Survival 16.4%, Post-apocalyptic 15.2%, Online Co-Op 13.3%, Sandbox 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its voxel style changes the feel, but the core loop of looting, surviving zombies, building up, and playing with friends is very DayZ-adjacent.

Dead or Alive? Make up your mind, stranger. We don’t like that undead business here in Louisiana…Survive solo or with friends as you look to fulfill your basic needs of food, water and shelter, crafting your own tools and weapons while you secure your camp and face flesh hungry zombies.

Why similar: Survival 31.3%, Zombies 29.5%, Co-op 11.4%, Open World 11.3%, Multiplayer 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: This one is more crafted and mission-based, yet its focus on zombie survival, scavenging, crafting, and co-op keeps it relevant for DayZ fans.

The end is here. Life as you knew it has gone to hell after the mother of all zombie outbreaks. Now you and the few scattered survivors must band together to survive and rebuild in a 3rd-person action game set in a dynamic open world.

Why similar: Zombies 27.6%, Survival 23.3%, Open World 13.6%, Post-apocalyptic 11.4%, Sandbox 5.8%

The New Z is a FREE TO PLAY multi-game mode experience. SURVIVE with friends and gather loot, stash and trade. Go into wars against other groups in a massive OPEN WORLD or face them 5 v 5 in COMPETITIVE.

Why similar: Zombies 23.6%, Survival 18.5%, Massively Multiplayer 11.7%, Open World 11%, Multiplayer 8.1%

Infestation is a Survival Horror MMO that immerses players in a zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic world in which a viral outbreak has decimated the human population leaving in its wake, a nightmare of epic proportion.

Why similar: Zombies 26.2%, Massively Multiplayer 18.7%, Survival 18.5%, Open World 8%, PvP 6.4%

Z1 Battle Royale is a Free to Play, fast-paced, action arcade, competitive Battle Royale. Staying true to its "King of the Kill" roots, the game has been revamped and restored to the classic feel, look, and gameplay everyone fell in love with. Play solo, duos, or fives and be the last ones standing.

Why similar: Survival 25.5%, Massively Multiplayer 17.9%, Open World 9.3%, FPS 7.5%, PvP 7.3%

After a rampant viral outbreak causes global society to collapse, you must survive the harsh wilderness of the Canadian Rockies amidst vast hordes of Infected and rival survivors.

Why similar: Zombies 11.9%, Survival 11%, Post-apocalyptic 10.2%, Online Co-Op 8.1%, Sandbox 7.6%

DARKEST DAYS is a zombie shooting RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a sudden zombie outbreak. Explore a dark yet captivating open world, build a sanctuary with fellow survivors, grow stronger, and fight for survival.

Why similar: Zombies 18.6%, Survival 16.8%, Post-apocalyptic 14.8%, Open World 12.7%, Multiplayer 8.9%

Try to survive the harsh realities of the cold Siberian countryside. Live long and always remember, man is man's enemy. You can trust no one but it is almost impossible to survive on your own. Choose your path and go to finish. Firefights, transport, crafting and survival.

Why similar: Survival 13.7%, Massively Multiplayer 13.3%, Post-apocalyptic 11.5%, FPS 9.4%, Open World 8.9%

Make your stand against the collapse of society in the ultimate zombie survival-fantasy game. Explore an open world full of dangers and opportunities that respond to your every decision. Recruit a community of playable survivors, each with their own unique skills and talents.

Why similar: Zombies 26.4%, Survival 24.1%, Open World 14.4%, Post-apocalyptic 10.9%, Survival Horror 5.3%

From Valve (the creators of Counter-Strike, Half-Life and more) comes Left 4 Dead, a co-op action horror game for the PC and Xbox 360 that casts up to four players in an epic struggle for survival against swarming zombie hordes and terrifying mutant monsters.

Why similar: Zombies 28%, Co-op 12.2%, FPS 10.5%, Online Co-Op 8.5%, Survival 8.4%

Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploy with a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, a massive arsenal of modern weapons and vehicles, and limitless opportunities for content creation. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war.

Why similar: Multiplayer 13.1%, Shooter 13.1%, FPS 12.8%, Open World 12.7%, Co-op 11.3%

"Sunrise" - an online shooter with elements of survival from the first person. Your task is to survive in the harsh conditions of the post-apocalyptic world. Explore new regions, team up with other players in groups, survive with them and create your own rules of survival!

Why similar: Survival 24.5%, Massively Multiplayer 18%, Post-apocalyptic 12%, Multiplayer 7.7%, FPS 6.8%

Soviet Survival is an isometric, open-world survival game where you must find your place in the ruined Soviet Union.

Why similar: Zombies 14.8%, Survival 14.3%, Post-apocalyptic 10.9%, Open World 9.3%, Survival Horror 9.2%

Set in the zombie apocalypse, Left 4 Dead 2 is a co-operative action horror FPS takes you and your friends through the cities, swamps and cemeteries of the Deep South, from Savannah to New Orleans across five expansive campaigns.

Why similar: Zombies 32.3%, Co-op 11.7%, FPS 10.4%, Online Co-Op 8.4%, Survival 8.4%

Open-world survival sandbox with base-building, crafting, farming and multiplayer. Explore a dangerous island, fight, build and stay alive.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 16.5%, Survival 14%, Zombies 9.4%, Post-apocalyptic 9.3%, FPS 8.9%

Try and survive in the world of Nomad. Build a base and protect it from raiding players. Scavenge food, weapons and medical supplies across the island. Team up with others and make a base. Make your mark on the world of Nomad.

Why similar: Survival 24.2%, Zombies 19.2%, Open World 12.1%, Multiplayer 11.8%, Massively Multiplayer 6.4%

VEIN is a post-apocalyptic survival multiplayer sandbox game. Gather supplies to survive, explore abandoned buildings, defend your home, and rebuild society, whether alone or with friends.

Why similar: Survival 18.6%, Zombies 16.5%, Post-apocalyptic 12.6%, Open World 12%, Co-op 9.5%

You are on an island where everyone wants to kill you, ranging from weather conditions to dangerous enemies, your goal is to survive. Survive alone or together. Build, craft, grow, explore, fight!

Why similar: Zombies 16.5%, Post-apocalyptic 14.7%, Survival 14.7%, Massively Multiplayer 11.3%, Open World 9.8%

Team up with 64 players to fight off the horde of zombies in this post-apocalyptic FPS or join the horde against the living! Turn on your teammates and tear them apart. Level up and unlock new weapons, perks, clothing options and more! Equip your favourite loadout and join the fight!

Why similar: Zombies 15.6%, Survival 11.8%, Post-apocalyptic 9.9%, FPS 9.8%, Co-op 9.7%

Z1 Battle Royale is a Free to Play, fast-paced, action arcade, competitive Battle Royale. Staying true to its "King of the Kill" roots, the game has been revamped and restored to the classic feel, look, and gameplay everyone fell in love with. Play solo, duos, or fives and be the last ones standing.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 37.4%, Survival 18.5%, Zombies 10.3%, Open World 6.6%, Shooter 6.3%

Once a prosperous city Istanbul is fallen. Prepare your gear, defeat zombie hordes and reclaim your hometown. Uncover hidden story behind the disaster and learn what controls the zombies. Select your side between military and rebels and fight for the control of the city.

Why similar: Survival 22.7%, Zombies 20.1%, FPS 9.7%, Multiplayer 9.7%, Co-op 8.3%

Contagion isn't your average Zombie Shooter but instead takes a more realistic and different approach to the popular genre with unique characters, environments, weapons, items, and a built in system that makes every round completely unpredictable with resources, objectives, and paths ever changing.

Why similar: Zombies 19.3%, Post-apocalyptic 11.9%, Survival 11.1%, Survival Horror 9.7%, Co-op 8.8%

CastleMiner Z is an infinite world filled with deep places to explore, and horrifying monsters to slay. Build structures out of blocks, craft weapons and tools from raw materials, and explore the vast and frightening world around you.

Why similar: Survival 18.1%, Zombies 16.4%, Sandbox 9.5%, Open World 7.8%, Multiplayer 7.6%

MISERY is a 1–5 player co-op survival game set in a nuclear disaster zone. Here, every day is a struggle: search radioactive ruins for resources, build your bunker, craft weapons, and explore a weird, procedurally-generated world with your friends. Beware of anomalies, monsters, and armed bandits.

Why similar: Survival 16%, Post-apocalyptic 14.4%, Online Co-Op 13.3%, Survival Horror 11.3%, Co-op 9.6%

An open-world post-apocalyptic survival sandbox. Scavenge, craft, build, and survive solo or in co-op.

Why similar: Survival 20.3%, Post-apocalyptic 13.2%, Survival Horror 12.9%, FPS 11.3%, Multiplayer 9.8%

World War Z is a heart-pounding coop third-person shooter for up to 4 players featuring massive swarms of hundreds of zombies, focused on fast-paced, gruesomely spectacular action.

Why similar: Zombies 28.8%, Online Co-Op 15.8%, Co-op 10.4%, Multiplayer 10.3%, Survival Horror 7.3%