Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Rust (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Rust 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: Hurtworld, which both open world and survival.
- Rust is tagged Survival, Crafting, Multiplayer, Open World, Open World Survival Craft, Building, PvP, Sandbox 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.
- 2 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
Hurtworld
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 12 player tags including Survival, FPS and Open World Survival Craft; released around the same time (2019).
Hurtworld is a hardcore multiplayer survival FPS with a focus on competitive gunplay and strategic map control. Built for hardcore gamers, Hurtworld aims to punish.
Hurtworld at a glance Released 2019 Studio Bankroll Studios Player sentiment 76% positive of 30,966 Price $24.99 SurvivalFPSOpen World Survival CraftCraftingBuildingPvPSandboxEarly Access
- 2
Raft
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 10 player tags including Survival, Open World Survival Craft and Crafting; released around the same time (2018).
Raft™ throws you and your friends into an epic oceanic adventure! Alone or together, players battle to survive a perilous voyage across a vast sea! Gather debris, scavenge reefs and build your own floating home, but be wary of the man-eating sharks!
Raft at a glance Released 2018 Studio Redbeet Interactive Player sentiment 93% positive of 377,670 Price $19.99 SurvivalOpen World Survival CraftCraftingBuildingOnline Co-OpSandboxFirst-PersonSimulation
- 3
DayZ
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Post-apocalyptic; released around the same time (2018).
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 SurvivalOnline Co-OpPost-apocalypticShooterPvPFPSSandboxFirst-Person
- 4
Will To Live Online
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Post-apocalyptic and Open World Survival Craft; released around the same time (2018).
Will To Live is a MMORPG-shooter whose action takes place in a severe post-apocalyptic world. Explore the world, engage in fights with mutants and other survivors, join the clans in the struggle for existence and prove your right to Live.
Will To Live Online at a glance Released 2018 Studio AlphaSoft LLC Player sentiment 69% positive of 18,389 Price Free SurvivalPost-apocalypticOpen World Survival CraftFPSShooterFirst-PersonCraftingEarly Access
- 5
XERA: Survival
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting; released around the same time (2021).
Action-focused, open world survival shooter, PvPvE against fellow mercenaries and lethal XOIDS. Raid for resources alone or with team-mates, build and defend your base, stash your gear and survive against the odds. You are the hunters. You are the hunted. And the robots never sleep…
XERA: Survival at a glance Released 2021 Studio Spotted Kiwi Interactive Player sentiment 66% positive of 7,941 Price Free Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingPost-apocalypticBuildingSandboxShooterFPS
- 6
Next Day: Survival
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Post-apocalyptic and Crafting; released around the same time (2018).
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-apocalypticCraftingShooterPvPSandboxEarly AccessSimulation
- 7
Project Zomboid
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Open World Survival Craft and Sandbox.
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..
Project Zomboid at a glance Released 2013 Studio The Indie Stone Player sentiment 94% positive of 476,732 Price $24.99 SurvivalOpen World Survival CraftSandboxPost-apocalypticCraftingBuildingIndieSimulation
- 8
Deadside
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Open World Survival Craft and FPS.
An Open World Survival Shooter blending hardcore PVP and PVE action. Secure precious loot in safe zones or build your own fortress in the wild. With intense gunfights, stunning visuals, and performance smooth enough for any system, the challenge awaits!
Deadside at a glance Released 2024 Studio Bad Pixel Player sentiment 76% positive of 40,512 Price $24.99 SurvivalOpen World Survival CraftFPSPost-apocalypticPvPShooterFirst-PersonCrafting
- 9
Abiotic Factor
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 10 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Open World Survival Craft.
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Abiotic Factor at a glance Released 2025 Studio Deep Field Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 58,569 Price $34.99 SurvivalOnline Co-OpOpen World Survival CraftCraftingEarly AccessSandboxFPSFirst-Person
- 10
Last Oasis
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Indie; released around the same time (2020).
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 SurvivalCraftingIndieBuildingPvPSandboxEarly AccessPost-apocalyptic
- 11
Just Survive
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Post-apocalyptic; 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 SurvivalCraftingPost-apocalypticShooterSandboxFPSEarly AccessSimulation
- 12
Survarium
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; 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 SurvivalFPSPost-apocalypticShooterFirst-PersonPvPEarly AccessCrafting
- 13
The Forest
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting; 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 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingBuildingFirst-PersonSandboxSimulationIndie
- 14
Dying Light
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, First-Person 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 Online Co-OpFirst-PersonSurvivalOpen World Survival CraftFPSPvPPost-apocalyptic
- 15
TerraTech
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Building, Sandbox and Open World Survival Craft; released around the same time (2018).
TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector.
TerraTech at a glance Released 2018 Studio Payload Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 24,934 Price $6.24 BuildingSandboxOpen World Survival CraftCraftingSurvivalEarly AccessIndieOnline Co-Op
- 16
No Man's Sky
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and First-Person; released around the same time (2016).
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
No Man's Sky at a glance Released 2016 Studio Hello Games Player sentiment 85% positive of 414,641 Price $59.99 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalFirst-PersonSandboxCraftingIndieSimulationFPS
- 17
Stranded Deep
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting; released around the same time (2022).
Take the role of a plane crash survivor stranded somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. Come face to face with some of the most life threatening scenarios that will result in a different experience each time you play. Scavenge. Discover. Survive.
Stranded Deep at a glance Released 2022 Studio Beam Team Games Player sentiment 74% positive of 47,793 Price $19.99 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingFirst-PersonBuildingSandboxSimulationEarly Access
- 18
Anarchy: Wolf's law
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Open World Survival Craft.
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 SurvivalCraftingOpen World Survival CraftShooterFPSPvPPost-apocalypticFirst-Person
- 19
Valheim
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2021).
A brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players, set in a procedurally-generated purgatory inspired by viking culture. Battle, build, and conquer your way to a saga worthy of Odin’s patronage!
Valheim at a glance Released 2021 Studio Iron Gate Studio Player sentiment 94% positive of 540,990 Price $29.99 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalOnline Co-OpBuildingCraftingSandboxEarly AccessIndie
- 20
My Time at Portia
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 7 player tags including Crafting, Simulation and Building; released around the same time (2019).
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 CraftingSimulationBuildingSandboxIndieSurvivalPost-apocalyptic
- 21
The Long Drive
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Post-apocalyptic and First-Person; released around the same time (2019).
Random generated open world semi-post apocalyptic survival car driving game.
The Long Drive at a glance Released 2019 Studio Genesz Player sentiment 88% positive of 56,256 Price $15.99 SurvivalPost-apocalypticFirst-PersonSimulationShooterEarly AccessIndie
- 22
Satisfactory
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Crafting, Building and Sandbox.
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven!
Satisfactory at a glance Released 2024 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 278,668 Price $39.99 CraftingBuildingSandboxOpen World Survival CraftSurvivalFirst-PersonSimulationEarly Access
- 23
Scrap Mechanic
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Building, Sandbox and Survival.
Enter the creative paradise of Scrap Mechanic! Build fantastic machines, go on adventures with your friends and defend against waves of evil Farmbots in this imaginative multiplayer survival sandbox. With Scrap Mechanic’s powerful creation tools you can engineer your own adventures!
Scrap Mechanic at a glance Released 2026 Studio Axolot Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 122,335 Price $28.99 BuildingSandboxSurvivalCraftingFirst-PersonSimulationEarly AccessIndie
- 24
Arizona Sunshine VR Legacy
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world and survival; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and FPS; 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 SurvivalOnline Co-OpFPSShooterFirst-PersonIndiePost-apocalyptic
Common questions
What game is most like Rust?
Hurtworld, on the evidence we have. It both open world and survival. 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 Rust" 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 Rust. 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.