Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Culling (2026)
Every game below overlaps with The Culling 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: Darwin Project, which both open world, survival, atmospheric and strategy.
- The Culling is tagged Survival, Multiplayer, Action, Battle Royale, First-Person, Crafting, Early Access, Open World 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.
- 12 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
Darwin Project
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Battle Royale, Survival and PvP; released around the same time (2020).
In Darwin Project, ten inmates must survive the elements, track each other, fight, craft tools, and use their social skills to be the last one standing. It's a unique take on battle royale with a Show Director to influence the match and Spectator Interactions to create a one-of-a-kind game show.
Darwin Project at a glance Released 2020 Studio Scavengers Studio Player sentiment 82% positive of 18,460 Price Free Battle RoyaleSurvivalPvPEarly AccessIndieMassively MultiplayerCraftingStrategy
- 2
Ring of Elysium
Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, Battle Royale and Survival; released around the same time (2019).
Escape an astonishing disaster in Ring of Elysium, a battle royale shooter developed by Aurora Studio.
Ring of Elysium at a glance Released 2019 Studio Aurora Studio Player sentiment 75% positive of 99,011 Price Not listed Free to PlayBattle RoyaleSurvivalFPSMassively MultiplayerEarly AccessPvPViolent
- 3
Will To Live Online
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Survival, Free to Play and FPS; 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 SurvivalFree to PlayFPSMassively MultiplayerFirst-PersonCraftingEarly AccessGore
- 4
ARK: Survival Of The Fittest
Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, Survival and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2017).
ARK: The Survival of the Fittest is a prototype spin-off of ARK: Survival Evolved, pitting up to 60 combatants against each other in a fast-paced, action-packed struggle for survival, where players are ultimately pushed into an epic final showdown leading their Dinosaur Armies into battle.
ARK: Survival Of The Fittest at a glance Released 2017 Studio Studio Wildcard Player sentiment 66% positive of 11,804 Price Not listed Free to PlaySurvivalMassively MultiplayerPvPEarly AccessCraftingFirst-PersonStrategy
- 5
Last Man Standing
Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, Survival and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2017).
The Ultimate BATTLE ROYALE! Sharpen your skills and kill everyone in your way as you hunt for guns, gear and glory in a massive battlefield where only ONE can be crowned the LAST MAN STANDING. Earn cash prizes in a monthly competitions,
Last Man Standing at a glance Released 2017 Studio Free Reign Entertainment Player sentiment 61% positive of 17,338 Price Not listed Free to PlaySurvivalMassively MultiplayerBattle RoyalePvPFPSFirst-PersonStrategy
- 6
Z1 Battle Royale
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 10 player tags including Survival, Massively Multiplayer and Battle Royale; released around the same time (2018).
Z1 Battle Royale is a Free to Play, fast-paced, action arcade, competitive Battle Royale. Staying true to its "King of the Kill" roots, the game has been revamped and restored to the classic feel, look, and gameplay everyone fell in love with. Play solo, duos, or fives and be the last ones standing.
Z1 Battle Royale at a glance Released 2018 Studio Daybreak Game Company Player sentiment 56% positive of 202,362 Price Free SurvivalMassively MultiplayerBattle RoyalePvPFPSFree to PlayEarly AccessFirst-Person
- 7
New Frontier
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, Survival and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2019).
New Frontier is a pvp free-to-play online survival game set in an alternate reality wild west world. Work with your friends, Build your base, Fight hellish monsters and forge alliances with other players to conquer the land.
New Frontier at a glance Released 2019 Studio Free Reign Entertainment Player sentiment 49% positive of 3,699 Price Not listed Free to PlaySurvivalMassively MultiplayerIndieViolentCraftingGorePvP
- 8
CRSED: F.O.A.D.
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Battle Royale, Free to Play and Survival; released around the same time (2018).
CRSED: Cuisine Royale – is a brutal MMO last-man-standing shooter with realistic weaponry, elements of lethal mystic forces and incredible superpowers!
CRSED: F.O.A.D. at a glance Released 2018 Studio Darkflow Software Player sentiment 79% positive of 38,607 Price Free Battle RoyaleFree to PlaySurvivalFPSMassively MultiplayerViolentPvPFirst-Person
- 9
Survarium
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Survival and FPS; 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 Free to PlaySurvivalFPSFirst-PersonPvPEarly AccessMassively MultiplayerCrafting
- 10
Witch It
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Indie, Survival and Early Access; released around the same time (2020).
Witch It is a multiplayer hide & seek game set in a vibrant, magical world. Brave hunters seek hidden witches that curse their villages!
Witch It at a glance Released 2020 Studio Barrel Roll Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 19,870 Price $19.99 IndieSurvivalEarly AccessFirst-PersonPvPStrategy
- 11
America's Army: Proving Grounds
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and First-Person; released around the same time (2013).
America’s Army: Proving Grounds is the official game of the U.S. Army and part of the highly acclaimed America’s Army game series. This free military game focuses on small unit tactical maneuvers and puts you to the test in a wide variety of new America’s Army maps and AA fan favorites.
America's Army: Proving Grounds at a glance Released 2013 Studio U.S. Army Player sentiment 79% positive of 11,051 Price Free Free to PlayFPSFirst-PersonStrategyMassively MultiplayerSurvival
- 12
TOXIKK
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Free to Play and Indie; released around the same time (2016).
FRAG LIKE IT'S 1999! TOXIKK plays as if today's military shooters never existed: Designed as a spiritual successor to the FPS giants of the late 90s and early 2ks, TOXIKK carefully evolves their mechanics with modern technology and fresh ideas elaborated with Arena-FPS enthusiasts.
TOXIKK at a glance Released 2016 Studio Reakktor Studios Player sentiment 77% positive of 5,933 Price Free FPSFree to PlayIndieFirst-PersonCompetitivePvPMassively MultiplayerStrategy
- 13
Black Squad
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and Early Access; released around the same time (2019).
Black Squad is a free-to-play military first-person-shooter. Players can master their skills and show off their strategies with a wide range of game maps, modes, and weapons to choose from. Join thousands of FPS players worldwide in one of the most played games on Steam!
Black Squad at a glance Released 2019 Studio VALOFE Player sentiment 76% positive of 81,225 Price Free Free to PlayFPSEarly AccessFirst-PersonPvPMassively MultiplayerViolentStrategy
- 14
The Way of Life Free Edition
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Indie and First-Person; released around the same time (2016).
The Way of Life makes the player relive the same life's experiences from the point of view of three characters of different ages: an adult, an old man and a child.
The Way of Life Free Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio CyberCoconut Player sentiment 74% positive of 6,131 Price Free Free to PlayIndieFirst-PersonSurvivalEarly AccessStrategy
- 15
Raft
Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Crafting and First-Person; 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 SurvivalCraftingFirst-PersonEarly AccessIndieStrategyMassively Multiplayer
- 16
Totally Accurate Battlegrounds
Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Indie, Massively Multiplayer and Strategy; released around the same time (2018).
Grab your balloon crossbow and trusty inflatable hammer, because things are about to get wobbly! Be the last weirdo standing in the world-leading physics-based Battle Royale game.
Totally Accurate Battlegrounds at a glance Released 2018 Studio Landfall Player sentiment 88% positive of 87,764 Price Free IndieMassively MultiplayerStrategyBattle RoyaleFPSPvPSurvival
- 17
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Gore, Violent and Survival; 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 GoreViolentSurvivalIndieStrategyFirst-PersonFPS
- 18
War Selection
Why it matched: both survival, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Free to Play and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2019).
War Selection is a compelling RTS game featuring base building, resource extraction and warfare. Evolve from a stone age tribe to a distinct industrial nation with unique game mechanics and battle for supremacy with dozens of players on a unique procedurally generated map.
War Selection at a glance Released 2019 Studio Glyph Worlds Player sentiment 85% positive of 23,534 Price Free StrategyFree to PlayMassively MultiplayerPvPSurvivalIndieEarly Access
- 19
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including FPS, First-Person and Competitive.
With its extensive Tour of Duty campaign, a near-limitless number of skirmish modes, updates and new content for Counter-Strike's award-winning multiplayer game play, plus over 12 bonus single player missions, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a tremendous offering of single and multiplayer content.
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero at a glance Released 2004 Studio Valve Player sentiment 91% positive of 28,347 Price $9.99 FPSFirst-PersonCompetitiveStrategySurvivalViolent
- 20
Heroes & Generals
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and First-Person; released around the same time (2016).
Shoot, blow sh!t up, fly or bark orders in the ultimate Free-to-Play, large scale, multiplayer, shooter experience. Thousands of players in multiple battles fighting one massive war of nations. The first to capture 15 cities takes the glory.
Heroes & Generals at a glance Released 2016 Studio TLM Partners Player sentiment 68% positive of 141,628 Price Not listed Free to PlayFPSFirst-PersonMassively MultiplayerStrategyIndieEarly Access
- 21
SCUM
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Massively Multiplayer and Crafting.
Welcome to SCUM, a ruthless open-world survival game where deep character customization defines the prisoner you become. Loot, craft, hunt, build, and fight to outlast a hostile island where every choice can change your fate. Stay alive. Stay dangerous. Become harder to kill.
SCUM at a glance Released 2025 Studio Gamepires Player sentiment 74% positive of 126,526 Price $44.99 SurvivalMassively MultiplayerCraftingEarly AccessFPSViolentPvPGore
- 22
Stranded Deep
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Crafting and First-Person.
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 SurvivalCraftingFirst-PersonEarly AccessIndieStrategy
- 23
WARMODE
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and First-Person; released around the same time (2019).
Free to play shooter about the confrontation of two irreconcilable sides, represented by the government military housings and the armed hirelings. Try your hand at virtual battles with off-scale dynamics and hurricane gameplay in the spirit of the classical shooters.
WARMODE at a glance Released 2019 Studio Novalink Player sentiment 62% positive of 16,311 Price Free Free to PlayFPSFirst-PersonEarly AccessMassively MultiplayerSurvivalGore
- 24
Line of Sight
Why it matched: both open world, survival and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and First-Person; released around the same time (2017).
Fast paced FPS with high customizational freedom. From game mode customization to an in depth weapon tuning and attachment system up to detailed character customizations, while it was developed so you can choose to either go for high performance or graphical fidelity without an high end PC.
Line of Sight at a glance Released 2017 Studio BlackSpot Entertainment Player sentiment 60% positive of 9,005 Price Free Free to PlayFPSFirst-PersonSurvivalCompetitiveStrategyIndie
Common questions
What game is most like The Culling?
Darwin Project, on the evidence we have. It both open world, survival, atmospheric and strategy. 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 The Culling" 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 The Culling. 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.