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Top 20 zombie games to survive the apocalypse

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - October 30th 2024, 19:30 GMT+1

About this gallery:

For this list, we decided to focus on the best games for battling zombie hordes while trying to survive the apocalypse. Since we’re all about the classic undead, we skipped creatures that make us question things – *The Last of Us*, we’re looking at you!

We’re also sticking to just one game per franchise (or the whole franchise, in some cases). Think we missed an essential zombie game? Drop it in the comments and let us know! | © Telltale Games

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD — 20. The House of the Dead (1996)

Nothing says “zombie nostalgia” like the cheesy yet endlessly entertaining *The House of the Dead*. With clunky dialogue and overly dramatic enemies, it’s a zombie rail-shooter that defined many an arcade visit. The zombies are relentless, and you feel like a hero in a B-movie, dodging brain-munchers while shooting wildly. Sure, it’s campy, but that’s part of the charm. This game made us proud to swipe quarters endlessly! | © SEGA

Cropped Plants vs Zombies — 19. Plants vs. Zombies (2009)

Zombie apocalypse meets garden warfare in *Plants vs. Zombies*. Who knew you could defend your lawn with sunflowers, pea shooters, and a hefty supply of strategy? It’s quirky, challenging, and hilariously adorable as you pit flora against the undead. This is the kind of game that tricks you into thinking it’s easy before completely wiping out your lawn. You’ll never look at a sunflower the same way again. | © PopCap Games

Zombie Army 4 Dead War MSN — 18. Zombie Army 4: Dead War (2020)

*Zombie Army 4* turns Nazi zombies into a co-op shootout with supernatural chaos. Packed with explosive moments and creative undead kills, it’s a relentless blast through Europe’s underworld. It’s silly, gory, and over-the-top, letting you mow down the dead with outrageous weaponry. Grab a friend and let loose; it’s a ridiculous ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously. | © Rebellion Developments

Day Z — 17. DayZ (2018)

*Survival of the fittest* takes on new meaning in *DayZ*, where the zombies are often the least of your worries. It’s a brutal open world where hunger, thirst, and other players can be as deadly as the undead. You’ll feel the tension in every encounter, wondering who to trust – and if you’ll make it to tomorrow. It’s gritty, unforgiving, and full of pulse-pounding “will I survive?” moments. | © Bohemia Interactive

Dead Island MSN — 16. Dead Island (2011)

Vacation meets zombie horror in *Dead Island*, where paradise turns into a nightmare. Nothing says relaxation like building makeshift weapons to battle the undead while solving the mysteries of a tropical island. It’s part RPG, part survival horror, and full of zombie-bashing fun. Expect jump scares, sunburns, and a lot of bloody beach towels. | © Deep Silver

7 Days to die MSN — 15. 7 Days to Die (2013)

*7 Days to Die* combines survival crafting with a countdown that’ll make you break into a cold sweat. Every seventh day, a horde of zombies descends on your base, testing every barricade and trap you’ve set. It’s a battle to see if you can outlast the timer in this apocalypse meets home renovation game. Build, scavenge, survive, and try not to panic. | © The Fun Pimps

14. Death Road to Canada (2016)

In *Death Road to Canada*, it’s you against the undead in a road-trip adventure with a dark sense of humor. This pixelated journey mixes strategy with absurd encounters, leaving you to decide if a zombie horde is worth battling for a gas station. It’s fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, with each stop adding to the chaos and charm of survival. | © Rocketcat Games

Cropped Co D Black Ops — 13. Call of Duty: Black Ops – Zombies (2010)

*Call of Duty* takes zombie-slaying to new heights with this arcade-style mode. As if dealing with soldiers wasn’t enough, now you’re taking on waves of the undead in familiar battlefields. With power-ups, barricades, and an eerie atmosphere, it’s the ultimate zombie battle royale. Grab a friend and get ready to grind; these zombies don’t go down easily. | © Activision

World War Z MSN — 12. World War Z (2019)

Inspired by the movie, *World War Z* delivers swarms of fast-moving zombies that’ll make your pulse race. It’s all about teamwork, strategy, and insane firepower as you fight off hordes of the undead. With different character classes and relentless action, the game feels like a survival thriller on steroids. It’s chaotic, intense, and oh-so-satisfying. | © Saber Interactive

Cropped They Are Billions — 11. They Are Billions (2019)

This real-time strategy game lets you face down literal billions of zombies in an apocalyptic challenge. You’re building bases, managing resources, and praying your walls hold as waves of zombies descend. It’s a test of endurance and planning, and each round leaves you screaming at the screen and itching to try again. *They Are Billions* is a strategy game with terrifying stakes. | © Numantian Games

10. State of Decay 2 (2018)

*State of Decay 2* lets you build a community, defend against zombie attacks, and scavenge to survive. The game is about teamwork, resource management, and, sometimes, heart-wrenching losses. It captures the slow-burn terror of a zombie outbreak, with every decision making the difference between life and death. It’s tense, realistic, and everything we’d want in a zombie apocalypse sim. | © Microsoft Studios

9. Unturned (2017)

In *Unturned*, the blocky visuals don’t stop this free-to-play survival game from packing in the suspense. It’s a sandbox world where zombies roam, and you craft, build, and fight to survive. The Minecraft-esque graphics add charm, but make no mistake – zombies will still make you jump. Simple, addictive, and perfect for hours of survival fun. | © Smartly Dressed Games

8. The Walking Dead (2012)

Telltale’s *The Walking Dead* takes zombies from scary to gut-wrenchingly emotional. You play as Lee, guiding young Clementine and making heart-breaking choices in a world where survival isn’t guaranteed. It’s storytelling gold, with tension and emotional investment at every turn. A game that’ll make you tear up over zombies? Only *The Walking Dead*. | © Telltale Games

7. Dead Rising (2006)

*Dead Rising* is the original mall-crawling zombie bash where you’re Frank West, a photojournalist-turned-survivor who’s ready to turn everyday items into deadly weapons. From golf clubs to lawnmowers, the game’s creative arsenal is a zombie-smashing dream. It’s a blend of horror, humor, and all the absurdity you could want in a zombie outbreak. With a ticking clock and endless undead, this game is as relentless as it is ridiculously fun. | © Capcom

Cropped Days Gone — 6. Days Gone (2019)

*Days Gone* is an open-world survival game with emotional depth, following biker Deacon as he faces “Freakers.” The zombie hordes here are relentless, and Deacon’s journey is both brutal and heartfelt. The blend of human drama and intense survival makes this an apocalypse worth exploring. Rev up that bike and hold on tight. | © Bend Studio

Cropped Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare — 5. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare (2010)

The Old West meets undead horror in this *Red Dead* expansion, bringing zombies to the frontier. It’s a wild, eerie twist on the cowboy tale, with John Marston facing a supernatural nightmare. This one’s spooky, funny, and packed with zombie shootouts on horseback. Because even outlaws deserve a second chance at life… or undeath. | © Rockstar Games

4. Project Zomboid (2013)

*Project Zomboid* is a survival sandbox where the question isn’t if you’ll survive, but how long. With realistic needs and the threat of infection, it’s a grueling apocalypse simulator. Each decision matters, and the “last stand” feels inevitable. There’s no winning here – just seeing how far you can make it before the inevitable. | © The Indie Stone

Dying Light MSN — 3. Dying Light (2015)

In *Dying Light*, you’re parkouring through a zombie-infested city, leaping across rooftops to escape the undead. It’s a thrill ride with fast-paced action and heart-stopping chases, especially at night. When the sun sets, zombies get fiercer, and the terror is real. It’s a zombie survival game with movement like no other. | © Techland

2. Resident Evil series (1996–present)

*Resident Evil* is the cornerstone of zombie horror, mixing creepy corridors, sudden scares, and high-stakes survival. From the Raccoon City outbreak to the latest bioterror disasters, the franchise has defined what it means to face the undead. It’s spooky, iconic, and the reason we double-check our ammo count. *Resident Evil* remains the ultimate zombie saga. | © Capcom

1. Left 4 Dead 2 (2009)

As the ultimate co-op zombie shooter, *Left 4 Dead 2* puts you and your friends in the middle of chaos. The special infected keep you on your toes, and the fast-paced gameplay makes every round a race for survival. It’s a rollercoaster of tension, screams, and cheers when you make it to the safe room. *Left 4 Dead 2* is the team game that made zombie apocalypse fun. | © Valve Corporation

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Whether you're a fan of horror or just love a good survival challenge, zombie games bring an undeniable thrill. From battling hordes of the undead to managing limited resources in a post-apocalyptic world, each game offers a unique way to outlast – or be outlasted by – those pesky brain-munchers.

In this list, we’re diving into the top 20 zombie games that have defined the genre, from spine-tingling classics to adrenaline-packed modern hits. Get ready to pick your favorites and maybe even discover a new undead obsession!

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Whether you're a fan of horror or just love a good survival challenge, zombie games bring an undeniable thrill. From battling hordes of the undead to managing limited resources in a post-apocalyptic world, each game offers a unique way to outlast – or be outlasted by – those pesky brain-munchers.

In this list, we’re diving into the top 20 zombie games that have defined the genre, from spine-tingling classics to adrenaline-packed modern hits. Get ready to pick your favorites and maybe even discover a new undead obsession!