There is no bad time to play a horror title, but autumn is arguably the perfect season to dive into the best zombie games of all time. As someone whose love for zombie media—from TV shows to movies—has never wavered, I take this list very seriously.
I don't include titles just because they are new or feature the undead; this is a curated selection of true classics. If you are new to the subgenre, you are in for a treat, as any of these picks will provide an incredible experience. Here is our definitive look at the best zombie games of all time.
Survival and Strategy: The Best Zombie Games of All Time
7 Days to Die
Developer: The Fun Pimps
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
It is difficult to confine 7 Days to Die to a single genre. It functions as an open-world RPG, a tower defense title, and a survival game all wrapped into one dangerous package. The gameplay focuses heavily on survival mechanics that require constant vigilance.
To survive the waves of zombies, you must:
- Craft essential weapons and items.
- Forage for vital resources across a massive map.
- Expand your base to defend against increasing difficulty.
- Explore five distinct, dangerous biomes.
The game features a set campaign world, but you also have the option to play in a randomly-generated world for maximum replayability. With hundreds of crafting recipes available, no two playthroughs feel exactly the same.
DayZ
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Beginning its life as a mod, DayZ truly tapped into the gritty side of survival horror. The game drops you onto an island overrun with the undead, tasking you with finding everything necessary to stay alive. While the zombies are a constant threat, they aren't your only concern.
Your real danger often comes from other player-controlled survivors. They might choose to help you, or they might attempt to kill you and take your gear. This unpredictability helped give rise to the modern survival genre and even influenced the rise of battle royales.
Action, Gore, and Campy Chaos
Days Gone
Developer: Sony Bend
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
While it may not have reached the same heights as some other first-party PlayStation titles, Days Gone absolutely nails its post-apocalyptic setting. The Oregon environment is a haunting, hazardous slice of ruin filled with viral danger.
The "Freakers" are hyper-energetic, bloodthirsty enemies that are at their deadliest when they utilize mob mentality. When a swarm of the infected comes charging at you, the tension is palpable. Combined with savage wildlife, bandits, and motorcycle customization, it is a rock-solid survival experience.
No More Room In Hell 2
Developer: Torn Banner
Platforms: PC
The original No More Room in Hell was a beloved, albeit somewhat janky, co-op horror game. The sequel from the creators of Chivalry 2 polishes the experience significantly. It expands the world and systems to create one of the tensest titles available today.
Even in early access, it stands out among the best zombie games because every shot counts. Players must be extremely smart, as zombies can quickly flank and overwhelm a group. The game features a fascinating formula where you and seven others are dropped into different sections of the world and must find each other to survive.
Dead Rising 2
Developer: Capcom
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
The Dead Rising series takes a much different approach than heavy hitters like The Last of Us or Resident Evil. The atmosphere here is much campier, featuring ridiculous costumes and over-the-top action. Naviting the hordes is less about pure terror and more about creative destruction.
In Dead Rising 2, you can craft ludicrous weapons to shred, cook, electrocute, or explode zombies. It offers a massive world filled with characters to rescue and hilarious ways to dismantle the undead. If you enjoy killing zombies in absurd ways, this is one of the best zombie games for your library.
Dead Space (2023)
Developer: EA Motive (Remake), EA Redwood Shores (Original)
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
The original Dead Space is a beacon of the horror genre that helped resurrect survival horror entirely. The 2023 remake takes the digital DNA of the original and amplifies everything that made it special. It is a masterclass in atmosphere and tension.
The game focuses on surviving against hordes of humans warped by malevolent, otherworldly forces. It remains a premier example of how to use gore and thrills to create a truly unsettling experience. For fans of high-quality survival horror, this remake is an essential play.
