EarlyGame | Top 20 Dinosaur Video Games – Classics & Upcoming Hits!

About this gallery:

For this list, we’re focusing on the best games where you become a dinosaur – or, in some cases, a very unlucky human just trying to survive in a prehistoric world. We’ve ranked them in order of release and even included three upcoming dinosaur games that look absolutely awesome!

Think we missed a must-play dino game? Let us know in the comments! We’re always on the hunt for more prehistoric adventures!

Turok 2: Seeds of Evil (1998)

Turok 2 took everything from the first game and cranked it up to eleven – bigger guns, nastier dinosaurs, and absurd amounts of gore. You played as Turok, a warrior tasked with stopping the Primagen, an alien overlord controlling bioengineered dino-monsters. The level design was massive (sometimes too massive), but the sheer variety of weapons – especially the infamous Cerebral Bore – made every encounter a blast. Multiplayer was also a highlight, letting you and your friends blast each other to bits in classic late-’90s FPS fashion. It’s clunky by today’s standards, but for those who love old-school shooters with ridiculous ambition, it’s a must-play. | © Acclaim Studios Austin

Dino Crisis (1999)

Capcom basically said, “Let’s do Resident Evil, but with dinosaurs,” and somehow made it even scarier. You play as Regina, a special agent investigating a top-secret research facility overrun by clever, bloodthirsty dinos. Unlike zombies, these reptiles think – they stalk you, dodge your attacks, and burst through doors when you least expect it. With limited ammo, puzzle-solving, and plenty of B-movie charm, Dino Crisis became a cult favorite. It never got the remake treatment like Resident Evil, but fans are still begging Capcom to bring Regina back. | © Capcom

Jurassic War (2001)

Jurassic War is a real-time strategy game that flew under the radar, but for those who found it, it was dino-mic. It played like a mix of Warcraft II and Age of Empires, but instead of knights and archers, you commanded tribes and, yes, dinosaurs. Players could tame and control raptors, T-Rexes, and other prehistoric beasts, making for some truly chaotic battles. While it never reached the heights of the big RTS titles, its unique setting and fun mechanics made it a hidden gem. Finding a copy today is tough, but if you do, it’s a fun trip back to a time when dinosaurs ruled… your PC. | © Rake in Grass

Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis (2003)

Before Jurassic World Evolution, there was Operation Genesis, the ultimate “build-your-own-dinosaur-park” sim. You weren’t just plopping down fences and paths – you had to manage security, keep visitors happy, and, most importantly, make sure your T-Rex didn’t turn the park into a buffet. The game struck the perfect balance between creativity and chaos, as even the best-laid plans could end with screaming guests and helicopters frantically trying to tranquilize an escaped raptor. It’s still considered one of the best Jurassic Park games ever, and fans have spent years modding it to keep it alive. | © Blue Tongue Entertainment

Dino Run (2008)

Who knew a pixelated dinosaur running for its life could be so addictive? Dino Run was a simple yet frantic side-scroller where you controlled a little raptor outrunning an incoming extinction event. Along the way, you’d eat smaller creatures, dodge obstacles, and try to survive as long as possible in the face of inevitable doom. It had a quirky sense of humor, fun multiplayer, and that perfect “one more run” appeal. Even today, it’s a blast to play, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas make for the most timeless games. | © Pixeljam Games

Fossil Fighters (2008)

Imagine Pokémon, but instead of cute electric rodents, you’re reviving and battling dinosaurs – welcome to Fossil Fighters. This DS cult classic let players dig up fossils, clean them (with a surprisingly fun mini-game), and resurrect them into battle-ready “Vivosaurs.” The combat was a mix of turn-based strategy and dino-smashing, with a story that was delightfully wacky and filled with twists. While it never hit mainstream fame, it had a dedicated fanbase that loved its mix of excavation, evolution, and over-the-top battles. If you ever wanted to command a T-Rex in a high-stakes showdown, this game delivered in the quirkiest way possible. | © RED Entertainment

Dino Storm (2011)

Cowboys? Check. Dinosaurs? Check. A Wild West MMO where you ride laser-equipped dinos into battle? Oh, absolutely check. Dino Storm took the MMORPG formula and threw it into a prehistoric frontier where players fought bandits, wrangled dinosaurs, and built their own settlements. The graphics were simple, but the charm was undeniable – who wouldn’t want to be a futuristic cowboy taming dinosaurs? It wasn’t the deepest MMO, but for a free-to-play game, it offered some seriously fun (and weirdly niche) dino-action. Plus, any game that lets you duel on the back of a T-Rex is doing something right. | © Splitscreen Studios

ARK: Survival Evolved (2015)

Few survival games are as punishing – and rewarding – as ARK: Survival Evolved. Stranded on an island filled with dinosaurs, players must gather resources, build shelters, and, if they don’t get eaten first, tame and ride massive prehistoric beasts. The thrill of turning a wild T-Rex into your personal war machine is unmatched, but so is the frustration of losing everything to a sudden raptor ambush. Multiplayer added another layer of chaos, with tribes waging all-out dino warfare. It’s buggy, brutal, and sometimes downright unfair – but when it works, ARK is one of the most immersive dino experiences out there. | © Studio Wildcard

The Isle (2015)

What if you were the dinosaur instead of hunting them? That’s the entire appeal of The Isle, a multiplayer survival game where you don’t just encounter dinosaurs – you become one. Whether playing as a tiny herbivore just trying to survive or a towering apex predator on the hunt, every moment is a tense, primal struggle. There’s no hand-holding here – you grow from a hatchling to an adult, learning to survive through sheer instinct and teamwork. The realism is brutal, but the experience of stalking prey as a raptor or leading a pack of carnivores into battle is unmatched. It’s not just a game; it’s a prehistoric lifestyle. | © Afterthought LLC

Primal Carnage: Extinction (2015)

Ever wanted to live out Jurassic Park, but with more explosions and fewer ethics? Primal Carnage: Extinction pits humans against dinosaurs in an all-out multiplayer battle for survival. One side plays as heavily armed mercenaries trying to fend off a prehistoric nightmare, while the other is the nightmare – stalking, slashing, and chomping through anything in sight. Whether you're ambushing enemies as a raptor or raining fiery death as a human pyro, the action is fast, chaotic, and gloriously unbalanced. It’s the closest thing to a dinosaur battle royale, and that alone makes it worth the ride. | © Circle Five Studios

Horizon Zero Franchise (2017, 2022)

Who needs regular dinosaurs when you can have robot dinosaurs? Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel Horizon Forbidden West take place in a stunning post-apocalyptic world where humanity has fallen, but mechanical creatures – many resembling prehistoric beasts – roam free. As Aloy, a fierce warrior armed with a bow and some serious survival instincts, you take on towering robotic T-Rexes (Thunderjaws), raptors (Watchers), and even massive metal pterosaurs. The mix of open-world exploration, deep lore, and epic battles makes this franchise one of the most unique takes on dino-inspired action ever. Who knew fighting dinosaurs with a bow could be so satisfying? | © Guerrilla Games

Beasts of Bermuda (2018)

Ever dreamed of living the true dinosaur life – hatching from an egg, struggling for survival, and either thriving or perishing in a brutal prehistoric world? That’s Beasts of Bermuda in a nutshell. This multiplayer survival game lets you play as different species, from tiny critters scurrying for food to apex predators ruling the land. Weather, hunger, and other players add to the challenge, making every moment tense and immersive. It’s a slower, more realistic take on dino-survival, perfect for those who want to experience the highs and lows of prehistoric life without, you know, actually getting eaten. | © Sastrei Studios

Path of Titans (2020)

Path of Titans is like The Isle, but with even more dinosaurs and deeper progression mechanics. Instead of just playing as a dino for survival, you evolve and grow through an MMO-style experience, completing quests, hunting prey, and even forming packs with other players. The variety of dinosaurs is impressive, letting you take on roles from stealthy scavengers to towering carnivores. Plus, there’s cross-play between platforms, meaning your prehistoric adventures aren’t limited to just PC. If you’ve ever wanted to roleplay as a dinosaur in an online world, this is one of the best places to do it. | © Alderon Games

Parkasaurus (2020)

Think Jurassic Park, but if it was designed by someone who really loved Saturday morning cartoons. Parkasaurus is a dinosaur zoo tycoon game with bright colors, goofy designs, and plenty of personality. Instead of gritty realism, it embraces the absurd, letting you design the wackiest dinosaur exhibits imaginable. Want a T-Rex wearing sunglasses? Done. Need to manage dino diets and guest happiness? Also done. Beneath its lighthearted style, there’s actually a deep park-management sim that rewards creativity and strategy. It’s the perfect game for dino lovers who prefer fun over realism. | © Washbear Studio

Jurassic World Evolution 2 (2021)

The Jurassic World franchise may be all about chaos, but Jurassic World Evolution 2 lets you control the madness… at least, until the inevitable T-Rex breakout. This park-building sim improves on the first game with better AI, new environments, and a more dynamic dinosaur ecosystem. You’re in charge of managing guests, breeding dinosaurs, and – most importantly – preventing catastrophic disasters. But let’s be honest, half the fun is causing chaos and watching dinosaurs turn the park into a prehistoric nightmare. If you ever wanted to prove you could run Jurassic Park better than John Hammond, now’s your chance. | © Frontier Developments

Prehistoric Kingdom (2022)

If Jurassic World Evolution was too restrictive for your inner mad scientist, Prehistoric Kingdom is the answer. This park-building sim gives you total creative freedom, letting you design exhibits exactly how you want while raising scientifically accurate prehistoric creatures. No more dinosaurs magically appearing – here, you breed and genetically engineer them, shaping their habitats with terrain tools and climate controls. The game’s gorgeous visuals and deep customization make it a dream for dino fans who love micromanagement. Finally, a game that lets you properly care for your prehistoric pets – until they inevitably try to escape. | © Blue Meridian

Paleo Pines (2023)

What if dinosaurs weren’t terrifying, man-eating monsters, but adorable, friendly farm animals? That’s the charming world of Paleo Pines, a cozy farming sim where you befriend, ride, and care for dinosaurs while building your own peaceful village. Think Stardew Valley meets The Land Before Time, complete with vibrant landscapes, quirky NPCs, and dinos that act more like giant, scaly puppies. There’s no survival horror, no running for your life – just wholesome prehistoric vibes and the joy of raising a herd of lovable reptilian companions. If you ever wanted a dino best friend instead of a dino enemy, this is your game. | © It’s Anecdotal & Modus Games

Goodlands (Unreleased)

If you've ever dreamed of being a paleontologist without all the dusty fieldwork, Goodlands is digging up something special for you. This upcoming indie adventure lets you walk, hop, and drive around a badlands-inspired environment, unearthing fossils to restore a decrepit museum to its former glory. With a demo already receiving 'Very Positive' reviews on Steam, players are eager to see what the full release will uncover. Get ready to don your virtual khakis and embark on a fossil-finding adventure. | © thegeolojosh

Clawed (Unreleased)

Ever wondered what would happen if Jurassic Park met Resident Evil? Enter Clawed, an upcoming action-adventure survival horror game that drops you into Prehistoria, a dinosaur theme park where you're definitely not at the top of the food chain. On a covert mission, you'll navigate diverse biomes, solve intricate puzzles, and scavenge for resources – all while avoiding becoming a dino's next meal. With danger lurking around every corner, your wits and weapons are your best friends. Mark your calendars for Q2 2025; it's going to be a wild ride. | © Front Door Games

Jurassic Park: Survival (Unreleased)

Return to Isla Nublar the day after the events of the iconic 1993 film in Jurassic Park: Survival. This single-player action-adventure game puts you in the shoes of Dr. Maya Joshi, an InGen scientist left behind amidst the chaos. Navigate the island's treacherous terrain, survive thrilling first-person encounters with dinosaurs, and uncover untold stories lurking in the shadows. While the release date remains a mystery, the promise of revisiting Jurassic Park's original setting has fans on the edge of their seats. | © Saber Interactive