Games Like Dead Island Definitive Edition

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 36.9%, Co-op 21.7%, Gore 12.5%, Horror 6.2%, FPS 6%

Why You'll Like It: This sequel keeps the series' chunky gore, weapon modding, first-person zombie combat, and darkly playful tone while modernizing the action.

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

Why similar: Zombies 33.3%, Co-op 12.9%, Open World 10.7%, Gore 8.8%, Multiplayer 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is the closest possible match, expanding the same first-person melee-heavy co-op zombie formula with more scavenging, crafting, and tropical-apocalypse exploration.

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 32.5%, Open World 11.7%, Survival 9.3%, Gore 8.6%, Online Co-Op 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers the strongest alternative to Dead Island's first-person co-op zombie combat by adding freer movement, better traversal, and a similarly satisfying loot-and-survive loop.

Humanity is fighting a losing battle against the virus. Experience a post-apocalyptic open world overrun by hordes of zombies, where your parkour and combat skills are key to survival. Traverse the City freely during the day, but watch the monsters take over during the night.

Why similar: Zombies 29.5%, Co-op 14.4%, Open World 14%, Survival 9.2%, Gore 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Like Dead Island, it mixes open-world zombie survival, first-person melee action, RPG progression, and cooperative exploration, just with more parkour emphasis.

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: Zombies 35.3%, Survival 18.9%, Open World 14.6%, Multiplayer 10.6%, Online Co-Op 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: If you want the same first-person zombie survival tension with co-op and open-world scavenging, this adds deeper crafting and base defense to the formula.

Explore the zombie-infested city of Los Perdidos, and find a way to escape before a military strike wipes the entire city, and everyone in it, off the map.

Why similar: Zombies 44%, Open World 12.7%, Co-op 10.4%, Gore 7.7%, Survival 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Although third-person, it nails the same sandbox joy of roaming zombie-infested areas, improvising weapons, and mowing down hordes in co-op.

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: Zombies 35%, Open World 16.4%, Survival 16.2%, Co-op 10.6%, Multiplayer 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the open-world zombie-survival fantasy and co-op focus, but shifts more weight toward resource management, scavenging runs, and long-term survival.

The sequel to the million-plus selling Dead Rising, Dead Rising 2 takes the zombie survival horror to Fortune City, America’s latest and greatest entertainment playground.

Why similar: Zombies 45.3%, Co-op 11.9%, Open World 11.1%, Gore 6.2%, Survival 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its emphasis on zombie crowds, weapon experimentation, and open-ended exploration makes it a strong alternative for players who enjoy arcade-style undead carnage.

Dead Rising 4 marks the return of photojournalist Frank West in an all-new chapter of one of the most popular zombie game franchises of all time. With an unmatched level of weapon and character customization, ambitious new features including new zombie classes and EXO Suits, Dead Rising 4 delivers a heart-pounding experience as players...

Why similar: Zombies 39.2%, Open World 13.7%, Co-op 11.6%, Multiplayer 7.8%, Survival 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This entry keeps the series' casual zombie-slaying sandbox appeal, with large areas to explore and lots of absurd improvised weaponry.

DESOLATE is a first person horror survival experience. Form a research team with up to 4 players and explore an open world filled with mysteries and unsolved questions, or do it all on your own.

Why similar: Zombies 30.5%, Open World 21%, Survival 20.5%, Horror 9%, Gore 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is a very close tonal match thanks to its first-person co-op survival on an isolated island filled with scavenging, melee combat, and horror threats.

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 47.8%, Co-op 12.5%, Multiplayer 11.5%, Online Co-Op 8.8%, Gore 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It trades open-world structure for intense co-op missions, but the focus on fighting huge zombie swarms with friends makes it a great action-heavy substitute.

London is falling. Are you prepared? The Last Blight is upon us. It was foretold. For the second time in history, a great plague has shrouded London in a fog of death. Big Ben tolls as thousands of unprepared die, or worse, are infected by a sickness more gruesome than death.

Why similar: Zombies 45.7%, Survival 11.7%, Open World 9.3%, Multiplayer 5.9%, Gore 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures Dead Island's scrappy first-person melee survival feel with constant scavenging, vulnerable combat, and oppressive zombie tension.

You are Frank West – photojournalist and original hero of the Dead Rising Willamette incident – taking center stage experiencing the re-imagined Fortune City outbreak.

Why similar: Zombies 47.9%, Open World 14.7%, Co-op 12.7%, Online Co-Op 7.5%, Gore 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers another strong mix of zombie-filled exploration, over-the-top crafted weapons, and co-op sandbox action despite the perspective shift.

The cult horror shooter series comes to an apocalyptic conclusion with an epic new third chapter, a heart-pumping new horde mode, and remastered editions of the best-selling Nazi Zombie Army 1 & 2.

Why similar: Zombies 49.2%, Co-op 12.8%, Gore 7.7%, Multiplayer 7.4%, Survival 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers satisfying co-op zombie-slaying with lots of gore and momentum, even if it is more mission-based than exploratory.

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 43.1%, Survival 11.4%, Co-op 10.4%, Multiplayer 10%, Online Co-Op 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is a more grounded co-op zombie FPS, emphasizing limited resources, teamwork, and survival pressure over power fantasy.

How long can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? A land overrun with an infected "zombie" population, where you compete with other survivors for limited resources. Will you team up with strangers and stay strong together? Or play as a lone wolf to avoid betrayal? This is DayZ – this is your story.

Why similar: Zombies 25%, Survival 15.2%, Co-op 11.5%, Open World 11.4%, Multiplayer 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: For players who liked Dead Island's survival side most, this offers a harsher open-world zombie sandbox built around scavenging, danger, and emergent encounters.

Back 4 Blood is a thrilling cooperative first-person shooter from the creators of the critically acclaimed Left 4 Dead franchise. Experience the intense 4 player co-op narrative campaign, competitive multiplayer as human or Ridden, and frenetic gameplay that keeps you in the action.

Why similar: Zombies 37%, Co-op 10.6%, Gore 9.5%, Multiplayer 9.3%, Online Co-Op 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This follows the Left 4 Dead-style co-op shooter template while adding progression systems and modernized zombie-horde action.

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 38.2%, Open World 22%, Survival 13.3%, Multiplayer 8.4%, Gore 4%

Why You'll Like It: Though single-player and third-person, it delivers a strong open-world zombie survival experience with scavenging, melee combat, and dangerous roaming hordes.

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 44.6%, Survival 17.2%, Open World 16.9%, Multiplayer 5.9%, Co-op 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers another open-world zombie survival loop built around looting and staying alive, though it is more strategic and less action-forward than Dead Island.

Hitler’s hordes are back for more in this spine-chilling shooter from the makers of Sniper Elite 4! Abominable occult enemies, epic weapons and a harrowing new campaign for 1-4 players await in 1940s Europe, as you fight to save humankind from undead Armageddon!

Why similar: Zombies 44.8%, Co-op 17%, Multiplayer 11.7%, Gore 10.4%, Open World 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: This leans further into shooting than melee, but its cooperative undead carnage, gore, and B-movie horror energy make it an easy fit.

In KILLING FLOOR 2, players descend into continental Europe after it has been overrun by horrific, murderous clones called Zeds that were created by rogue elements of the Horzine Corporation. 6-player Co-Op & 12-player VS Zed-slaughtering mayhem.

Why similar: Zombies 28.4%, Co-op 12%, Gore 11.8%, Survival 10%, Multiplayer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its brutal gore, cooperative survival focus, and constant close-range undead dismemberment will appeal if the combat feel was your favorite part of Dead Island.

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 51.3%, Co-op 13.3%, Multiplayer 7.4%, FPS 6%, Survival 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: It is less open-world and more linear, but few games match its polished co-op zombie action and replayable team-based survival chaos.

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: Zombies 29%, Survival 15.6%, Open World 14.7%, Multiplayer 9%, Co-op 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This indie alternative focuses on first-person open-world zombie survival, scavenging, crafting, and multiplayer in a way that overlaps heavily with Dead Island's core fantasy.

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: Zombies 39.4%, Survival 17.6%, Co-op 10.9%, Open World 10.4%, Multiplayer 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the scavenging, crafting, and co-op survival side of Dead Island, even if it presents the action from a top-down perspective.

“A real Gem” – Destructoid at E3 “Offers a different experience for zombie game veterans” – Co-Optimus“Has a lot more going for it than smashing brains and gory, red goo ... With a surprisingly deep crafting system” – GamesRadarYou're shipwrecked on an isolated island, a desperate castaway in a total freakshow world. How will you survive?

Why similar: Zombies 40%, Survival 17.3%, Co-op 11.3%, Multiplayer 6.5%, Crafting 6%

Why You'll Like It: Like Dead Island, it is built around surviving a zombie outbreak through scavenging, crafting, and steady combat progression.

BECOME THE BEAST. SURVIVE THE NIGHT. A terrifying new chapter in the Dying Light universe begins. As Kyle Crane, explore the vast and unpredictable wilderness, uncover a deadly evolution of the infected, and learn to control the beastly powers awakening inside you.

Why similar: Zombies 39.6%, Open World 16.6%, Multiplayer 11.4%, Gore 10.7%, Horror 7%

'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 33.9%, Open World 14.3%, Survival 12.3%, Multiplayer 10.6%, Online Co-Op 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It blends open-world scavenging and zombie survival with crafting and defense-building, making it a good pick if you want a more systems-heavy take on the premise.

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: Zombies 29.4%, Co-op 13.7%, Open World 13%, Survival 12.7%, Multiplayer 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Despite its simple visuals, it combines open-world zombie survival, looting, crafting, and multiplayer freedom in a way many Dead Island fans still enjoy.

Dead Effect 2 is the newest addition to the acclaimed Dead Effect franchise. This action sci-fi shooter is looking to push the boundaries of first-person shooters to new levels with slick graphics, rich narrative and RPG elements.

Why similar: Zombies 33.9%, Co-op 15.6%, Survival 10.7%, FPS 8%, Multiplayer 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: It swaps tropical zombies for sci-fi horror, but its first-person combat, loot progression, skill trees, and co-op-friendly action scratch a similar itch.

Blending action and survival horror, Resident Evil 6 promises to be the dramatic horror experience of 2013.

Why similar: Zombies 45%, Co-op 19.6%, Multiplayer 8.3%, Online Co-Op 7.4%, Horror 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its co-op-heavy zombie action and melee-infused combat make it a decent fit for players who enjoyed Dead Island more as an action game than a survival game.

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 46.4%, Co-op 15.1%, Survival 11.2%, FPS 7.6%, Horror 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a slower, more lethal multiplayer zombie FPS that appeals if you want Dead Island's undead threat with less arcade power and more realism.

You are Frank West. A hard-edged photojournalist hellbent on investigating the mystery at Willamette Mall. It's swarming with zombies. You have 72 hours. Chop 'till you drop!

Why similar: Zombies 51.9%, Open World 12.8%, Survival 9.9%, Gore 9.2%, Horror 4%

Escape Dead Island is a Survival-Mystery adventure that lets players delve into the Dead Island universe and unravel the origins of the zombie outbreak.

Why similar: Zombies 50.2%, Survival 11.8%, Gore 11.8%, Open World 10.7%, Multiplayer 4.4%

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 48.6%, Co-op 15.2%, Multiplayer 9.1%, FPS 6.6%, Survival 6.2%

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: Zombies 38.9%, Survival 19.1%, Open World 14.7%, Co-op 9.4%, Multiplayer 9.4%

RE Revelations 2 continues the series acclaimed essential survival horror experience, while uncovering startling truths.

Why similar: Zombies 41%, Co-op 12%, Multiplayer 11%, Survival 7.7%, Horror 7.3%

Resident Evil® Revelations returns redefined for PC complete with high quality HD visuals, enhanced lighting effects and an immersive sound experience.

Why similar: Zombies 41.8%, Co-op 12.7%, Horror 9.6%, Survival Horror 7.8%, Survival 6%

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 49.6%, Survival 17.7%, Open World 17%, Multiplayer 4.7%, Co-op 3%

As an ex-scientist on a mission, you find yourself in a toxic and infected island, where humans are no where to be seen. Build, explore and survive.

Why similar: Zombies 48%, Survival 20.5%, Open World 10.3%, Crafting 5.5%, Multiplayer 4.6%

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 34.4%, Multiplayer 14%, Survival 11.8%, Gore 9.5%, Online Co-Op 8.6%

Dive into the zombie apocalypse with Zombie Panic! Source: a cooperative, survival-horror first-person-shooter. A fast-paced standalone modification.

Why similar: Zombies 43.5%, Multiplayer 10.7%, Co-op 9.7%, Survival 9.6%, Horror 5.6%

Paradise isn't exactly what you hoped for: it's infested with zombies! Thankfully, you can control them. Capture them and teach them to farm or fight. They will help you defend our camp while you explore the world looking for… a new paradise.

Why similar: Zombies 31%, Co-op 14.8%, Survival 11.5%, Multiplayer 9.9%, Open World 9.6%

Driven by community suggestion, 505 Games and EKO Software introduce you to a new single player 3rd person view experience that allows you to re-play the zombie crafting adventure "How to Survive" from a deeply immersive point of view.

Why similar: Zombies 37.5%, Survival 16.8%, Open World 10.7%, Multiplayer 8.4%, Co-op 5.8%

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 48.2%, Open World 19.3%, Survival 18.4%, Co-op 7.5%, First-Person 2%

Currently in redevelopment [06/2026]: The island of Eden-Nadir, has fallen to a vicious mind consuming fungal parasite. Fight through the ashes of humanity to track down the truth behind the infection as one of four playable survivors before the outbreak spreads throughout the world.

Why similar: Zombies 38.3%, Survival 17.2%, Gore 11.9%, Open World 7.5%, Multiplayer 5.7%

Sent to find a missing billionaire on a remote island, you find yourself in a cannibal-infested hellscape. Craft, build, and struggle to survive, alone or with friends, in this terrifying new open-world survival horror simulator.

Why similar: Survival 20.5%, Open World 19.7%, Co-op 19.4%, Multiplayer 13.6%, Survival Horror 7.6%

Awaking on an island with no memory, you have just one memento of the life you led before… A child's photograph. Who is this? You must search the island for useful tools that will aid in your escape. As time passes and hopes of survival hang by a thread, you realise that this island is not as it seems.

Why similar: Survival 23.4%, Zombies 21.1%, Open World 18.6%, Multiplayer 11.3%, Co-op 10%

Time for some 16-bit retro revenge! When his beloved cat gets kidnapped, Max sets out across a zombie-infested California to get him back by force!

Why similar: Zombies 89.1%, Action 10.9%

Fight for your life in the INDIE SCI-FI FPS game fit for both casual and hard-core gamers with a passion for hunting down hordes of zombies. Prepare yourselves for the incoming nightmare!

Why similar: Zombies 46.5%, FPS 10.9%, Survival 8.9%, Gore 8.1%, Multiplayer 8%

6-player co-op survival horror at its finest! Free updates, free special events and a ridiculous amount of fun!

Why similar: Zombies 34%, Co-op 15.3%, Survival 10.1%, FPS 8.6%, Multiplayer 7%

Built exclusively for VR, Arizona Sunshine® puts you and up to 3 fellow survivors in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. Survive solo or in co-op, handle weapons with real-life movements, and explore a post-apocalyptic world in VR. Putting the undead back to rest is more thrilling than ever before.

Why similar: Zombies 29.8%, Survival 10.2%, Multiplayer 8.5%, Gore 8.2%, Co-op 6.6%

Team up or face it alone in this top down zombie slaying defense adventure! Featuring up to 4 player online co-op, cleanse the infected wave by wave and upgrade your base with traps & defenses to build the Ultimate Zombie Defense. Can YOU stop them?

Why similar: Zombies 42.2%, Co-op 12%, Survival 9.6%, Online Co-Op 9%, Gore 9%

Dead Rising returns with modern graphics in this Deluxe Remaster!

Why similar: Zombies 55.6%, Survival 19%, Horror 9.1%, Gore 7.9%, Action 5.1%

Discover the dark secrets of a lawless island ruled by violence and take the fight to the enemy as you try to escape. You’ll need more than luck to escape alive!

Why similar: Open World 31.8%, Co-op 14.5%, FPS 14.3%, Multiplayer 11.8%, Survival 7%

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 35.5%, Co-op 14.5%, Open World 14.5%, Survival 13.3%, Multiplayer 10.2%

Welcome to SCUM, a ruthless open-world survival game where deep character customization defines the prisoner you become. Loot, craft, hunt, build, and fight to outlast a hostile island where every choice can change your fate. Stay alive. Stay dangerous. Become harder to kill.

Why similar: Zombies 27.3%, Open World 15.2%, Survival 13.6%, Gore 9.9%, Online Co-Op 7.1%

Embark on an exotic journey into danger in this rip-roaring 1930s third person adventure for 1-4 players! Encounter pulse-pounding action, treacherous traps and tales of derring-do!

Why similar: Zombies 36.3%, Co-op 20.8%, Multiplayer 11.4%, Online Co-Op 9.3%, Open World 5.5%

Journey across space to the icy planet of Tau Volantis with Isaac Clarke and Sgt. John Carver to discover and destroy the source of the Necromorph outbreak.

Why similar: Co-op 22.4%, Survival 15.6%, Online Co-Op 13.6%, Horror 12.6%, Multiplayer 9.7%