Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the wild world of survival games? If you're anything like me, you love the thrill of scavenging for resources, building a base, and fending off threats – whether they're zombies, wild animals, or just the harsh elements. The survival genre has exploded in recent years, and with so many awesome titles out there, it can be tough to know where to start. But don't worry, I've got you covered! I've put together a list of the top 10 survival games for PC in 2022, the ones that really stood out and kept us hooked. So, grab your virtual backpack, sharpen your virtual axe, and let's jump in! This list includes a variety of experiences, from crafting-heavy adventures to action-packed zombie slayers, ensuring there is something for every survival enthusiast. Prepare to be immersed in desolate landscapes, crafting intricate shelters, and battling the elements to survive in these captivating virtual worlds. Get ready to embark on epic journeys, where every decision matters and survival is the ultimate goal.

1. Valheim: Viking Survival at Its Finest

Valheim took the gaming world by storm, and for good reason! This game blends survival mechanics with Norse mythology, creating a truly unique and engaging experience. You play as a Viking warrior, dropped into a procedurally generated purgatory where you must prove your worth to Odin. The gameplay is all about exploring, crafting, building, and fighting. You'll gather resources to build a base, craft weapons and armor, and take on various creatures and bosses. What sets Valheim apart is its charming art style, cooperative multiplayer, and satisfying combat system. The community is fantastic, and the feeling of building a thriving Viking settlement with your friends is incredibly rewarding. The core gameplay loop is incredibly addictive, encouraging players to consistently explore the expansive world, discover new resources, and upgrade their gear. The game's progression is well-paced, ensuring a constant sense of accomplishment as you conquer challenges and unlock new possibilities. Furthermore, Valheim's focus on exploration and discovery provides players with a sense of wonder and intrigue, as they uncover hidden locations and encounter diverse creatures and bosses.

Why Valheim Reigns Supreme

• Amazing world-building: The environments are beautiful and varied, offering a constant sense of discovery.
• Co-op fun: Playing with friends makes everything better, and Valheim is designed with co-op in mind.
• Satisfying combat: The combat is engaging and requires skill and strategy.
• Crafting and building: The building mechanics are intuitive and allow for a lot of creativity.
• Regular updates: The developers are constantly adding new content and improving the game.

2. V Rising: Become a Vampire and Conquer

Alright, let's talk about V Rising, the survival game where you get to be a vampire! This game throws you into a gothic world where you must rebuild your strength after centuries of slumber. You'll need to gather resources, build a castle, and, of course, feast on the blood of your enemies. V Rising offers a unique blend of survival, action RPG, and base-building elements. You'll battle other players, hunt down powerful bosses, and expand your domain. The combat is fast-paced and skill-based, with a focus on dodging and using abilities. One of the coolest aspects of V Rising is managing your vampire powers. You'll need to strategically feed on different types of enemies to gain various buffs and abilities. Furthermore, the game features a captivating narrative that immerses players in a world of political intrigue and supernatural conflicts. The dynamic gameplay ensures that players are constantly engaged, striving to enhance their vampire abilities and dominate the world. You'll start as a weak vampire, and build your way to a powerful vampire lord. It's a blast, so don't sleep on this one!

Sinking Your Fangs into V Rising

• Unique vampire gameplay: The vampire theme is brilliantly executed.
• Fast-paced combat: The combat is exhilarating and requires quick reflexes.
• Base-building and castle management: Building your own castle is incredibly satisfying.
• Competitive PvP: The PvP is intense and adds a layer of strategic depth.
• Great progression system: The feeling of growing stronger as you level up and gain new abilities is addicting.

3. Elden Ring: Open World Survival in a Fantasy Realm

Okay, I know, Elden Ring isn't strictly a survival game, but hear me out! This action RPG from the creators of Dark Souls has survival elements baked right in. You're constantly scavenging for resources, managing your health, and dealing with environmental hazards. Plus, the open world is absolutely massive and filled with threats around every corner. You will explore a vast and intricate world, battle formidable foes, and unravel a captivating narrative, all while battling the elements and managing your resources. Elden Ring's design seamlessly blends action, role-playing, and survival elements, creating an immersive and engaging gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its intricate world, challenging combat, and rich lore, Elden Ring offers an unparalleled gaming experience that will captivate players for countless hours. From collecting materials for crafting to seeking refuge from the dangers of the night, Elden Ring challenges you to master the art of survival while exploring a breathtaking open world. The game's unforgiving nature and the constant need to adapt and overcome challenges make it a thrilling and rewarding experience for those who dare to venture into its perilous landscapes. The game is a true masterpiece and a must-play for fans of challenging action RPGs. The sense of accomplishment you get from conquering its challenges is unparalleled.

Why Elden Ring Earns a Spot

• Massive open world: The world is breathtaking and full of secrets.
• Challenging combat: The combat is tough but incredibly rewarding.
• Resource management: You'll need to manage your resources to survive.
• Exploration and discovery: The game encourages exploration and rewards curiosity.
• Epic boss battles: The boss fights are legendary.

4. Subnautica: Dive Into the Deep**

Subnautica is a unique survival game set in an alien ocean. You crash-land on an ocean planet and must survive by exploring, crafting, and building. The underwater environment is stunningly beautiful, but also filled with dangers. You'll need to manage your oxygen, craft tools and vehicles, and avoid hostile creatures. The game offers a compelling narrative, a sense of wonder, and a deep sense of immersion. The exploration in Subnautica is truly amazing. The sense of discovery as you uncover the mysteries of the planet is fantastic. One of the most engaging aspects of Subnautica is its exploration of the deep sea. The game's vast and beautifully crafted underwater world provides a unique sense of wonder and discovery, inviting players to dive into its depths and uncover its secrets. As you delve deeper into the ocean, you'll encounter a diverse range of marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to mysterious leviathans, each adding a layer of complexity and danger to your survival journey. Building bases is also super fun!

Subnautica's Underwater Wonders

• Stunning underwater world: The environment is breathtaking.
• Compelling narrative: The story keeps you engaged.
• Base-building: Building underwater bases is super cool.
• Exploration and discovery: The game encourages exploration.
• Unique survival mechanics: Managing oxygen and dealing with the environment adds a layer of challenge.

5. Raft: Survive the High Seas

Ahoy, mateys! Raft throws you onto a small raft in the middle of the ocean. You'll need to scavenge for resources, expand your raft, and craft tools to survive. The game features a unique crafting system, cooperative multiplayer, and a constant threat of sharks! Raft offers a unique survival experience by placing players on a small raft adrift in a vast ocean. The game's innovative gameplay and charming visuals provide an engaging and immersive experience. Raft's design seamlessly integrates crafting, exploration, and resource management, keeping players constantly engaged. From fending off sharks to expanding their rafts, players must utilize every resource available to stay afloat and thrive in a world filled with danger and mystery. The game provides a constant sense of accomplishment and progression as players gradually transform their humble raft into a thriving vessel. The dynamic gameplay ensures that players are always occupied, striving to improve their survival skills and navigate the treacherous seas.

Why Raft is a Must-Play

• Unique premise: The raft setting is original and engaging.
• Co-op fun: Playing with friends is a blast.
• Crafting and building: Expanding your raft is rewarding.
• Constant threats: Sharks and other dangers keep you on your toes.
• Charming art style: The game looks great.

6. Project Zomboid: The Ultimate Zombie Survival Experience

If you're a fan of zombie survival, you HAVE to check out Project Zomboid. This game is a hardcore, top-down survival experience where you must scavenge, build, and fight to survive in a zombie-infested world. It's known for its incredibly realistic survival mechanics, which will require you to manage your hunger, thirst, stress, and even your boredom. Project Zomboid is praised for its realism, and the open-ended nature of the gameplay, which encourages creativity and allows players to tailor their survival experience to their preferences. The game's detailed mechanics and challenging gameplay provide an immersive and thrilling experience, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. The constant threat of infection and the need to adapt to the ever-changing environment create a truly compelling and addictive gameplay loop. Be prepared to learn the hard way, but stick with it – it's incredibly rewarding. This game will challenge your skills in crafting, scavenging, and base building while constantly testing your ability to survive the zombie apocalypse. The game's dynamic gameplay and immersive atmosphere provide an unforgettable gaming experience, as players must navigate the complexities of survival while battling the relentless undead. The game offers a constantly evolving experience where every decision matters, and where players must utilize their skills and resources to overcome challenges and achieve their survival goals.

Why Project Zomboid is the Zombie King

• Incredibly realistic survival mechanics: The game is unforgiving but rewarding.
• Deep crafting and building systems: You can build and fortify your base.
• Massive open world: There's a lot to explore and scavenge.
• Community support: The community is active and creates mods.
• Challenging gameplay: Every day is a struggle for survival.

7. Conan Exiles: Build and Conquer

Conan Exiles is a survival game set in the brutal world of Conan the Barbarian. You start as a prisoner and must build, fight, and survive in a harsh environment. The game offers a blend of base-building, combat, and exploration. You can build massive fortresses, fight other players, and even enslave NPCs. Conan Exiles' focus on player freedom and progression gives players the ability to create their own destinies in a world of war and chaos. The game combines survival mechanics with open-world elements, providing an engaging experience for players. Conan Exiles lets you explore a vast and dangerous world, build your own settlements, and dominate your enemies. The game encourages you to carve your own path, whether through building a mighty empire or becoming a fearsome warrior. The game offers a rewarding and challenging gaming experience that will keep you engaged for hours on end.

Why Conan Exiles is a Barbarian's Delight

• Open-world exploration: The world is vast and full of secrets.
• Base-building: Build impressive fortresses.
• Combat: The combat is brutal and satisfying.
• PvP and PvE: Choose how you want to play.
• Mature themes: The game is gritty and violent.

8. Rust: The Ultimate PvP Survival**

Get ready for some serious competition in Rust! This is a hardcore PvP survival game where you'll fight for resources, build bases, and raid other players. The game is known for its intense PvP, its complex crafting systems, and its unforgiving environment. Rust challenges you to master the art of survival while battling the elements and the constant threat of other players. Rust challenges you to master the art of survival while battling the elements and the constant threat of other players. The constant threat of other players and the need to defend your territory create an atmosphere of tension and excitement that keeps players engaged. The game's emphasis on player interaction and conflict creates a unique and rewarding survival experience that will test your skills and resolve. Rust encourages you to form alliances and build lasting connections with other players. Be prepared for a challenge!

Why Rust is a PvP Titan

• Intense PvP: Prepare for constant battles.
• Complex crafting: The crafting system is deep and rewarding.
• Base-building: Build and fortify your base.
• Unforgiving environment: Survival is a constant struggle.
• Community-driven gameplay: The game's dynamics are shaped by the player base.

9. Green Hell: Survive the Amazon**

Green Hell throws you into the Amazon rainforest, where you must survive against the elements, wild animals, and your own sanity. The game features a unique survival system that focuses on managing your health, hunger, thirst, and sanity. The game focuses on realism, requiring players to craft tools, build shelters, and hunt for food while navigating the dangers of the jungle. Green Hell provides a demanding and rewarding gameplay experience that will test your survival skills in a challenging environment. The game's immersive atmosphere and unique survival systems make it a thrilling and unforgettable gaming experience. The game is known for its challenging survival mechanics, which require you to carefully manage your resources, monitor your health, and avoid dangerous encounters with both wildlife and the elements. The constant threat of predators and the need to adapt to the unpredictable environment create an atmosphere of tension and excitement that keeps players engaged. Be prepared to face the ultimate challenge of survival!

Why Green Hell is a Jungle Masterpiece

• Realistic survival mechanics: The game is incredibly immersive.
• Challenging environment: The jungle is dangerous and unforgiving.
• Unique sanity system: Managing your mental health is crucial.
• Crafting and exploration: Discover the secrets of the rainforest.
• Survival-focused gameplay: The game emphasizes resource management.

10. DayZ: The Original Zombie Survival**

Last but not least, we have DayZ. This is one of the original zombie survival games that inspired many others. You'll be dropped into a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies and other players. The game focuses on scavenging, trading, and, of course, surviving. You'll need to find food, water, and shelter while avoiding zombies and other hostile players. DayZ is the quintessential zombie survival experience, emphasizing player interaction and cooperation in a dynamic environment. The game's open-world gameplay allows players to create their own stories and experiences, making each playthrough unique. DayZ provides a thrilling and immersive experience, where players must navigate a world filled with both danger and opportunity. The game's open-ended gameplay lets you make your own stories in a vast and dangerous world. The game's blend of survival, exploration, and player interaction creates a unique and rewarding gaming experience that will keep you engaged for hours. Get ready to scavenge, build, and make tough choices to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Why DayZ Still Rules

• Open-world PvP: The game is driven by player interactions.
• Scavenging and trading: The game encourages resource management and social interaction.
• Realistic survival: The game has a deep and challenging survival system.
• Community driven: DayZ has a passionate and active community.
• Atmospheric: The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive.

So there you have it, folks! My picks for the top 10 survival games for PC in 2022. Whether you're into zombies, Vikings, or battling the elements, there's a game on this list for you. Get out there, start surviving, and have fun! Let me know in the comments which survival games you're playing. Happy gaming! And remember, the most important rule of survival is: don't give up! Game on!