Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Project Zomboid (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Project Zomboid 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 short version
- Closest match: The Forest, which both zombie, open world, survival and horror.
- Project Zomboid is tagged Survival, Zombies, Open World, Multiplayer, Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Post-apocalyptic, Co-op 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.
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
The Forest
Why it matched: both zombie, open world, survival and horror; shares 11 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting.
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 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingBuildingSurvival HorrorSandboxSimulationRealistic
- 2
State of Decay
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 8 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2013).
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 ZombiesSurvivalPost-apocalypticRPGSandboxSimulationSurvival HorrorIndie
- 3
State of Decay: YOSE
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 8 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 ZombiesSurvivalPost-apocalypticRPGSimulationSurvival HorrorSandboxCrafting
- 4
Just Survive
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 9 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Crafting; 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 ZombiesSurvivalCraftingPost-apocalypticSurvival HorrorSandboxEarly AccessSimulation
- 5
Anarchy: Wolf's law
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Realistic and Zombies.
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 SurvivalRealisticZombiesCraftingOpen World Survival CraftPost-apocalypticSurvival Horror
- 6
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Zombies and Post-apocalyptic.
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 SurvivalZombiesPost-apocalypticSimulationRPGSandbox
- 7
No More Room in Hell
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 6 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Survival Horror; released around the same time (2013).
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 ZombiesSurvivalSurvival HorrorPost-apocalypticRealisticIndie
- 8
Dying Light
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 5 player tags including Zombies, Survival Horror and Survival; 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 ZombiesSurvival HorrorSurvivalOpen World Survival CraftPost-apocalyptic
- 9
Days Gone
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 6 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Post-apocalyptic.
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.
Days Gone at a glance Released 2021 Studio Bend Studio Player sentiment 93% positive of 116,763 Price $39.99 ZombiesSurvivalPost-apocalypticOpen World Survival CraftCraftingSurvival Horror
- 10
Infestation: Survivor Stories 2020
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 6 player tags including Zombies, Survival and RPG.
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 ZombiesSurvivalRPGIndieSimulationPost-apocalyptic
- 11
My Time at Portia
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Crafting and Simulation.
Start a new life in the enchanting town of Portia! Restore your Pa's neglected workshop to its former glory by fulfilling commissions, growing crops, raising animals, and befriending the quirky inhabitants of this charming post-apocalyptic land!
My Time at Portia at a glance Released 2019 Studio Pathea Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 44,284 Price $29.99 RPGCraftingSimulationBuildingSandboxIndieSurvivalPost-apocalyptic
- 12
Rust
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Open World Survival Craft.
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 SurvivalCraftingOpen World Survival CraftBuildingSandboxIndiePost-apocalypticEarly Access
- 13
Chernobylite Complete Edition
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, survival and horror; shares 8 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, Survival and RPG.
Chernobylite is a science-fiction survival horror RPG. Set in the hyper-realistic, 3D-scanned wasteland of Chernobyl’s Exclusion Zone, explore a non-linear storyline in your search to uncover the truth of your tortured past.
Chernobylite Complete Edition at a glance Released 2021 Studio The Farm 51 Player sentiment 82% positive of 15,553 Price $29.99 Post-apocalypticSurvivalRPGSurvival HorrorSimulationCraftingRealisticIndie
- 14
DayZ
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Zombies and Post-apocalyptic.
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.
DayZ at a glance Released 2018 Studio Bohemia Interactive Player sentiment 78% positive of 468,392 Price $24.99 SurvivalZombiesPost-apocalypticSandboxSurvival HorrorSimulation
- 15
Don't Starve
Why it matched: both open world, survival and horror; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Open World Survival Craft and Crafting; released around the same time (2013).
Don’t Starve is an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic. Enter a strange and unexplored world full of strange creatures, dangers, and surprises. Gather resources to craft items and structures that match your survival style.
Don't Starve at a glance Released 2013 Studio Klei Entertainment Player sentiment 97% positive of 113,392 Price $9.99 SurvivalOpen World Survival CraftCraftingIndieSandboxSimulation2DSurvival Horror
- 16
Undawn
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 7 player tags including Survival, RPG and Post-apocalyptic.
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.
Undawn at a glance Released 2023 Studio Lightspeed Studios Player sentiment 54% positive of 6,602 Price Free SurvivalRPGPost-apocalypticCraftingSandboxZombiesBuilding
- 17
Arizona Sunshine VR Legacy
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world, survival and horror; shares 5 player tags including Zombies, Survival and Survival Horror; 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 ZombiesSurvivalSurvival HorrorIndiePost-apocalyptic
- 18
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
Why it matched: both zombie, open world, survival and horror; shares 6 player tags including Zombies, Survival Horror and Survival.
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 ZombiesSurvival HorrorSurvivalRPGIndieSimulation
- 19
Green Hell
Why it matched: both open world, survival and horror; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting.
Plunge into the open-world survival simulation set in the extreme conditions of the uncharted Amazon jungle. Use real-life survival techniques to craft, hunt, fight, and gather resources, set a makeshift shelter, or raise a fortress. Survive alone or team up with your friends and challenge the jungle together.
Green Hell at a glance Released 2019 Studio Creepy Jar Player sentiment 85% positive of 101,599 Price $2.79 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingSandboxSimulationSurvival HorrorBuildingRealistic
- 20
Fallen Earth Free2Play
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Post-apocalyptic and Zombies; released around the same time (2012).
Fallen Earth Classic is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Reloaded Productions and operated by Little Orbit. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland located around the American Grand Canyon.
Fallen Earth Free2Play at a glance Released 2012 Studio Little Orbit Player sentiment 60% positive of 7,569 Price Free SurvivalPost-apocalypticZombiesCraftingRPGSandbox
- 21
Survarium
Why it matched: both zombie, post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Post-apocalyptic and Early Access; 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 SurvivalPost-apocalypticEarly AccessZombiesCraftingRPG
- 22
Next Day: Survival
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Post-apocalyptic and Crafting.
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.
Next Day: Survival at a glance Released 2018 Studio SOFF Games Player sentiment 62% positive of 10,230 Price $9.99 SurvivalPost-apocalypticCraftingRPGSandboxEarly AccessSimulationIndie
- 23
Last Oasis
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Survival, RPG and Crafting.
Nomadic Survival MMO. Build wooden walking machines to travel to new lands. Create clans and fight for territory. Resources deplete fast, so take your sword and scavenge, pirate, and trade to stay alive.
Last Oasis at a glance Released 2020 Studio Donkey Crew Player sentiment 62% positive of 24,212 Price $29.99 SurvivalRPGCraftingIndieBuildingSandboxEarly AccessPost-apocalyptic
- 24
Craft The World
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Crafting, Building and Sandbox; released around the same time (2014).
Craft The World is a unique sandbox strategy game, the mix of Dungeon Keeper, Terraria and Dwarf Fortress. Explore a random generated world populated by dangerous creatures, build a dwarf fortress, gather resources, and craft all the items, weapons, and armor you need.
Craft The World at a glance Released 2014 Studio Dekovir Entertainment Player sentiment 88% positive of 17,058 Price $18.99 CraftingBuildingSandboxSurvivalIndieSimulationRPG2D
Common questions
What game is most like Project Zomboid?
The Forest, on the evidence we have. It both zombie, 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 Project Zomboid" 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 Project Zomboid. 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.