Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like DayZ (2026)
Every game below overlaps with DayZ on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The games like DayZ on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
24 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Multi-platform
- PC
- Xbox
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
The short version
- Closest match: Just Survive, which both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror.
- DayZ is tagged Survival, Open World, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer, Post-apocalyptic, Shooter, PvP by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 4 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
Why players value DayZ
The five things Steam players tag DayZ with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.
- Survival
- Open World
- Online Co-Op
- Zombies
- Multiplayer
| Reception | on Steam (78% of 468,392) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | players report launchers, accounts and anti-cheat |
| Price | $24.99 |
Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Just Survive
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 10 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2015).
Just Survive is a post-apocalyptic survival game that immerses you in a world where humanity is fighting to take back control from the zombie hordes.
Just Survive at a glance Released 2015 Studio Daybreak Game Company Player sentiment 59% positive of 76,763 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.9/10 · Steam: (59% of 76,763)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Survival, Open World, Multiplayer, Massively Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesSurvivalMassively MultiplayerPost-apocalypticSurvival HorrorShooterSandboxFPS
- 2
No More Room in Hell
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Horror.
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.
No More Room in Hell at a glance Released 2013 Studio No More Room in Hell Team Player sentiment 90% positive of 76,511 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (90% of 76,511)
Matches DayZ on: 5 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Free to Play, Zombies, Multiplayer, Survival, Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesSurvivalHorrorOnline Co-OpFPSFirst-PersonSurvival HorrorShooter
- 3
Dying Light
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 9 player tags including Zombies, Survival Horror and Horror; released around the same time (2015).
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.
Dying Light at a glance Released 2015 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 95% positive of 494,569 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (95% of 494,569)
Matches DayZ on: 5 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Survival Horror, Horror, Online Co-Op, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $24.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesSurvival HorrorHorrorOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonSurvivalFPSPvP
- 4
Dead Frontier 2
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Survival Horror, Zombies and Horror; released around the same time (2019).
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.
Dead Frontier 2 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Creaky Corpse Ltd Player sentiment 70% positive of 28,382 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.4/10 · Steam: (70% of 28,382)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Free to Play, Multiplayer, Survival Horror, Zombies, Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:Survival HorrorZombiesHorrorOnline Co-OpSurvivalMassively MultiplayerSandboxPost-apocalyptic
- 5
Romero's Aftermath
Why it matched: both zombie, open world, survival and horror; shares 10 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Shooter; released around the same time (2015).
Play with your friends in a Zombie Infested World as you face the remnants of zombie hordes & rebuild society in a truly massive sandbox world. Choose how you want to play with hundreds of items, skins, weapons, character customizations, base building, crafting, zombies & more!
Romero's Aftermath at a glance Released 2015 Studio Free Reign Entertainment Player sentiment 49% positive of 10,977 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 4.8/10 · Steam: (49% of 10,977)
Matches DayZ on: 5 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Free to Play, Zombies, Survival, Open World Survival Craft, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesSurvivalShooterFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpMassively MultiplayerFPSSurvival Horror
- 6
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Zombies and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2020).
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.
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition at a glance Released 2020 Studio Undead Labs Player sentiment 83% positive of 69,755 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (83% of 69,755)
Matches DayZ on: 5 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Survival, Open World, Zombies, Base-Building, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $29.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:SurvivalZombiesOnline Co-OpPost-apocalypticSimulationSandboxHorror
- 7
Infestation: Survivor Stories 2020
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 9 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Massively Multiplayer.
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.
Infestation: Survivor Stories 2020 at a glance Released Not recorded Studio Fredaikis AB Player sentiment 42% positive of 25,385 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 4.6/10 · Steam: (42% of 25,385)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Survival, Massively Multiplayer, Open World, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesSurvivalMassively MultiplayerPvPSimulationFPSHorrorPost-apocalyptic
- 8
Arizona Sunshine VR Legacy
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 9 player tags including Zombies, Horror and Survival; released around the same time (2016).
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.
Arizona Sunshine VR Legacy at a glance Released 2016 Studio Vertigo Games Player sentiment 79% positive of 9,302 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: (79% of 9,302)
Matches DayZ on: 5 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Action, VR, Zombies, Horror, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $14.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesHorrorSurvivalOnline Co-OpFPSShooterFirst-PersonSurvival Horror
- 9
Killing Floor 2
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Zombies, Online Co-Op and FPS; released around the same time (2016).
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.
Killing Floor 2 at a glance Released 2016 Studio Tripwire Interactive Player sentiment 88% positive of 129,302 Price $2.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (88% of 129,302)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Gore, FPS — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $2.99 — $22.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesOnline Co-OpFPSPost-apocalypticHorrorShooterFirst-PersonSurvival
- 10
State of Decay
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Post-apocalyptic.
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.
State of Decay at a glance Released 2013 Studio Undead Labs Player sentiment 85% positive of 17,480 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (85% of 17,480)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Survival, Open World, Action, Post-apocalyptic — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesSurvivalPost-apocalypticSandboxSimulationHorrorSurvival Horror
- 11
Anarchy: Wolf's law
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Zombies and Shooter.
Action. Chaos. Power. Anarchy: Wolf Laws is a dynamic first-person shooter with elements of RPG, survival, and strategic management. Capture territories, upgrade your production, and run your business in a world of total lawlessness.
Anarchy: Wolf's law at a glance Released 2023 Studio Anarchy Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 825 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.2/10 · Steam: (77% of 825)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Survival, Realistic, Multiplayer, Zombies, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $9.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:SurvivalZombiesShooterFPSPvPPost-apocalypticFirst-PersonSurvival Horror
- 12
Zombie Army Trilogy
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 8 player tags including Zombies, Horror and Survival; released around the same time (2015).
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.
Zombie Army Trilogy at a glance Released 2015 Studio Rebellion Player sentiment 86% positive of 18,739 Price $44.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.4/10 · Steam: (86% of 18,739)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Action, Co-op, Multiplayer, World War II — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $44.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesHorrorSurvivalShooterPost-apocalypticSurvival HorrorFPSFirst-Person
- 13
State of Decay: YOSE
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2015).
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.
State of Decay: YOSE at a glance Released 2015 Studio Undead Labs Player sentiment 82% positive of 13,145 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: (82% of 13,145)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Survival, Open World, Base-Building, Post-apocalyptic — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $19.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesSurvivalPost-apocalypticSimulationSurvival HorrorSandbox
- 14
Contagion
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Zombies, Post-apocalyptic and Horror.
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.
Contagion at a glance Released 2013 Studio Monochrome, Inc Player sentiment 73% positive of 15,738 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.4/10 · Steam: (73% of 15,738)
Matches DayZ on: 2 of 5 — Survival, Zombies
Why players like it: Zombies, Post-apocalyptic, Co-op, Horror, Level Editor — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $9.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesPost-apocalypticHorrorFPSFirst-PersonPvPSurvival HorrorShooter
- 15
Survarium
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Survival, FPS and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2015).
Survarium is a post-apocalyptic online FPS game. If you are looking for a shooter where skills matter, look no further! The opposing players and deadly anomalies will never stop you on the way to victory, right? Then start playing now for free!
Survarium at a glance Released 2015 Studio Vostok Games Player sentiment 55% positive of 25,266 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.4/10 · Steam: (55% of 25,266)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Free to Play, Survival, Multiplayer, FPS, Post-apocalyptic — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:SurvivalFPSPost-apocalypticShooterFirst-PersonPvPZombiesMassively Multiplayer
- 16
The Forest
Why it matched: both zombie, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Horror and Survival Horror; released around the same time (2018).
As the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
The Forest at a glance Released 2018 Studio Endnight Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 680,814 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (96% of 680,814)
Matches DayZ on: 3 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Open World, Horror, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $19.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with DayZ:SurvivalHorrorSurvival HorrorFirst-PersonSandboxSimulationZombies
- 17
Generation Zero
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Survival, FPS and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2019).
Generation Zero is a stealth-action shooter where you wage guerilla warfare against lethal mechanical enemies. Explore a vast open world map inspired by the Swedish Cold War era, take part in the resistance alone or with up to three friends in seamless co-op.
Generation Zero at a glance Released 2019 Studio Systemic Reaction™ Player sentiment 72% positive of 42,169 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.6/10 · Steam: (72% of 42,169)
Matches DayZ on: 3 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Open World, Survival, Co-op, FPS, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $24.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:SurvivalFPSPost-apocalypticShooterSandboxHorrorSurvival Horror
- 18
Metro Exodus
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, FPS and First-Person; released around the same time (2020).
Flee the shattered ruins of the Moscow Metro and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness. Explore vast, non-linear levels, lose yourself in an immersive, sandbox survival experience, and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year in the greatest Metro adventure yet.
Metro Exodus at a glance Released 2020 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 135,440 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (90% of 135,440)
Matches DayZ on: 3 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Post-apocalyptic, FPS, Singleplayer, Open World, Story Rich — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $29.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:Post-apocalypticFPSFirst-PersonHorrorSurvivalShooterSurvival Horror
- 19
Left 4 Dead
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Zombies, FPS and Horror.
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.
Left 4 Dead at a glance Released 2008 Studio Valve Player sentiment 96% positive of 68,013 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.5/10 · Steam: (96% of 68,013)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Co-op, Multiplayer, FPS, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $9.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesFPSHorrorShooterOnline Co-OpSurvivalFirst-PersonPost-apocalyptic
- 20
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
Why it matched: both zombie, open world, survival and horror; shares 8 player tags including Zombies, Horror and Survival Horror; released around the same time (2020).
Saints & Sinners is a game unlike any other in The Walking Dead universe. Every challenge you face and decision you make is driven by YOU. Fight the undead, scavenge through the flooded ruins of New Orleans, and face gut-wrenching choices for you and the other survivors. Live The Walking Dead.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners at a glance Released 2020 Studio Skydance Interactive Player sentiment 86% positive of 10,074 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (86% of 10,074)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: VR, Zombies, Action, Gore, Horror — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $9.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesHorrorSurvival HorrorShooterSurvivalSimulationFirst-PersonFPS
- 21
Far Cry
Why it matched: both zombie, open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person.
A tropical paradise seethes with hidden evil in Far Cry®, a cunningly detailed action shooter that pushes the boundaries of combat to shocking new levels. Freelance mariner Jack Carver is cursing the day he ever came to this island.
Far Cry at a glance Released 2004 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 82% positive of 11,764 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (82% of 11,764)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: FPS, Action, Classic, Shooter, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $9.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with DayZ:FPSShooterFirst-PersonHorrorSandboxSurvivalZombies
- 22
Infestation: The New Z
Why it matched: both zombie, open world, survival and horror; shares 8 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2016).
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.
Infestation: The New Z at a glance Released 2016 Studio Fredaikis AB Player sentiment 54% positive of 33,887 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.4/10 · Steam: (54% of 33,887)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Free to Play, Survival, Multiplayer, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesSurvivalMassively MultiplayerFPSShooterPvPSurvival HorrorHorror
- 23
Left 4 Dead 2
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, survival and horror; shares 9 player tags including Zombies, FPS and Shooter.
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.
Left 4 Dead 2 at a glance Released 2009 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 98% positive of 1,055,804 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.8/10 · Steam: (98% of 1,055,804)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Online Co-Op, Zombies, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Zombies, Co-op, FPS, Multiplayer, Shooter — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $9.99 — $15.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with DayZ:ZombiesFPSShooterOnline Co-OpSurvivalHorrorFirst-PersonSurvival Horror
- 24
Rust
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Survival, PvP and Sandbox; released around the same time (2018).
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.
Rust at a glance Released 2018 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 87% positive of 1,394,551 Price $39.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (87% of 1,394,551)
Matches DayZ on: 4 of 5 — Survival, Open World, Online Co-Op, Multiplayer
Why players like it: Survival, Crafting, Multiplayer, Open World, Open World Survival Craft — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs DayZ: $39.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter (details)
Shared with DayZ:SurvivalPvPSandboxFirst-PersonFPSShooterOnline Co-OpPost-apocalyptic
Common questions
What game is most like DayZ?
Just Survive, on the evidence we have. It both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to DayZ" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with DayZ. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.