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Zombie games have been an absolute staple of the gaming space for decades at this point, from classic series like Resident Evil to newer games like Dead Island 2.
The best zombie games to play in 2024 come in all shapes and sizes, with some being straight up horror games, and others offering up large open-worlds to explore. These range from newer releases to stone cold classics, and everything in between.
Here's our picks for the best zombie games to play in 2024. We'll be regularly updating it, with new releases that make the cut. For now, see where games like Left4Dead2 and Resident Evil 4 land, and maybe find some new titles to try out.
Best zombie games 2024
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11. Telltale's The Walking Dead
A pitch-perfect adaptation
Why we love it
Telltale's The Walking Dead might be showing its age somewhat, but it's still one of the best zombie games around. Focusing on Lee and Clementine, its story features characters from the comics, while telling a heartbreaking tale of hope against all odds.
Telltale really paved the way for a new wave of narrative-focused games when it launched back in 2012. What it does so well, is adapting the brilliant source material into a story with mostly original characters. Lee and Clementine are the highlights, presenting a quasi father-daughter bond in the face of overwhelming horror. Depending on your choices, certain characters will die, while others might become uneasy allies. Over five episodes, The Walking Dead stands out for its heart wrenching story and one of the most memorable endings to a video game ever.
In terms of gameplay, Telltale's The Walking Dead plays out like an interactive comic, with quick-time events and environmental puzzles making up the bulk of its runtime. It's the dialogue choices that really make the game sing however, encouraging multiple playthroughs and some genuinely tense decision making moments.
10. Left 4 Dead 2
Where it all started
Why we love it
Left 4 Dead 2 is one of the greatest multiplayer zombies games available. But we love it for it's endless modding capabilities, meaning that even after more than a decade it can still feel fresh.
Available on: Xbox 360 and PC
No best zombies games list would be complete without Left 4 Dead 2. This old but iconic title has stood the test of time as one of the best options for fans of the undead genre to play.
Left 4 Dead 2 can be played solo but is best enjoyed in multiplayer, which can include up to five players for certain maps at a time. In a group, you'll have to make your way through several different maps as hordes of zombies rage and ravage their way towards you.
While the smaller enemies can be killed easily with whatever firearms you'll find along the way, there are some more dangerous entities that'll take more time to kill. This can be either tanks, spitters, or hunters, all of which have an individual skill set.
What's more, Left 4 Dead 2 has a vivid and lively modding community with some fantastic creations easily accessible to all players in Steam's workshop. Whether it's changing the appearance of enemies or playing through a shot-for-shot recreation of Resident Evil games, there's a ton of content for you to enjoy.
9. The Last of Us Part 1
Teaching an old dog new tricks
Why we love it
The Last of Us Part 1 tells a story that few can rival in gaming. Despite the premise of a zombie apocalypse being horrifying, this title delves into something deeper and more meaningful with its characters and their connections.
Available on: PS5 and PC
The Last of Us Part 1 is a faithful remake of the original 2013 game. While some fans may not see the point of replaying a game as long as this one, the remake does offer some brilliant additions.
There's more difficulty settings available for those who love to challenge themselves, as well as more accessibility options. Some of these include awareness indicators for the hard of hearing and traversal and combat audio cues as part of the vision accessibility preset.Making this title one of the most accessible on our best zombies games list.
While the UI does leave something to be desired compared to the original, this title is specifically built for the PS5 and so shows off everything this next-gen console has to offer.
8. Plants vs. Zombies
The best kind of fertilizer
Why we love it
Plants vs. Zombies is great mindless fun for those who want to play games and not break a sweat.
Available on: Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS, PC, and Android
In this best zombie game, it turns out that the best defense in case of an undead apocalypse isn't a katana or a sawed-off shotgun but your home-grown plants.
The 2D strategy game Plants vs. Zombies sees you pit your own plants and flowers against hordes of the undead, all in your front garden. There's pea shooters, cherry bombs, and even a pet snail that are all equipped to keep you safe.
While the graphics and framerate aren't anything ground-breaking, Plants vs. Zombies is still a timeless classic that is a perfect way to unwind and experience the apocalypse in a fun and non-terrifying way.
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies
This game packs a punch
Why we love it
COD zombies is a great way to have some chaotic fun with friends. It's full of horrific moments that'll make you scream but you'll probably soon find out that your friends are far deadlier than any of the undead here.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and Wii U
For those who enjoyed 2012's Black Ops 2 Zombies, you'll probably agree that the Bus Depot is so iconic a map that, for that alone, this title deserves a spot on our best zombie games list.
Call of Duty Zombies is a brilliant series if you're a fan of grotesque violence and the gun-loving frenzy that CoD is known for. The premise is simple, a group of soldiers, yourself included, have been sent on a mission to destroy an enemy facility. While scoping the place out, you're attacked by zombies and trapped within the building. If you find yourself at a loose end, then check out our Black Ops 2 Zombies guide.
However, thanks to the variety of maps, you can easily enjoy this game mode without paying too much attention to the story. Simply, this is an adrenaline-boosting world of fun that can be enjoyed either by yourself or with friends.
6. GTFO
Work together or die together
Why we love it
GTFO provides some of the best multiplayer zombie horror experiences around. Its high-stakes action and non-streamlined exploration mean that there's a surprise around every corner.
Available on: PC
GTFO is frightening, thrilling, and action-packed. If you like zombie games full of chaos and gunfire, this is a fantastic option and one worth checking out.
Trapped in a facility called The Complex, you and three other prisoners must complete your Work Order issued by The Warden to escape. Unfortunately, this largely consists of monstrous zombie-like creatures who are fast as hell and quick to anger. Cutting through these hordes takes a lot of skill and patience, as running in head-first may end up badly.
GTFO requires a good deal of teamwork as it is designed to put cooperation at the core of your experience. However, if getting a four-stack together consistently is too hard, then bots can make up one or two players. They will follow your lead exactly, going where you go and sneaking when you sneak, so be sure to set a good example.
5. Project Zomboid
Loot, craft, fight, and farm
Why we love it
Project Zomboid puts a creative twist onto the usual zombie game set up. While it can be tiring the extensive map is incredible to wander around and pulls you in at every corner.
Available on: PC
This hardcore RPG is a strong contender on our best zombie games list thanks to its vast map and customizable sandbox.
Project Zomboidis a hardcore RPG that you can enjoy solo or in a team. Set in a vast open-world map, you'll have to scavenge for loot, build a safe house, and farm for a better life. Despite its early access state, it's still a brilliant game to pass the time with.
It has to be said that this game may not be for everyone. If you're someone who appreciates the little details and atmospheric tone, then this is something for you. However, if you don't appreciate walking around a humongous map for an hour from one town to the next, then you may want to look elsewhere.
4. State of Decay 2
The mother of all zombie outbreaks
Why we love it
A great game if all you care for is open-world survival with well-balanced and fun multiplayer.
Available on: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Set just after the Zombie apocalypse outbreak, you and a small community of survivors need to rebuild civilisation, and you'll be the decision-maker behind it all.
While the first game is undoubtedly very fun, the sequel polishes a ton of imperfections that were present. Not only does the sequel abandon the comic book style in favor of something more realistic, but it also no longer penalizes players for inactivity. Previously, in State of Decay, if you weren't active for over two days, your in-game supplies would begin to dwindle.
The second game is currently in a good state, with an improved structured experience with enjoyable story elements that lasts longer. The sequel has also been rebalanced, with most of the bugs having been fixed.
3. Dead Island 2
An easy one trick
Why we love it
Dead Island 2 can be a bit hit and miss as to whether you'll like it or not. However, if all you want to do is kill zombies and not think too hard then check this game out.
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
Dead Island 2 released earlier this year to a mixed reception. With many thinking that this was a cheap and uninviting sequel to a fun but admittedly 2D zombie experience. However, since then it has garnered some attraction.
While gore should be and is a given in every zombie game, Dead Island 2 makes it a selling point with some satisfying dismembering action and loads of blood, guts, and gore.
2. World War Z
Overrun
Why we love it
World War Z has really come into its own after some excellent post-launch updates. Now, there's plenty to sink your teeth into, as you and your pals mow down thousands of zombies in each level. In terms of sheer scale, it's pretty unmatched among its peers.
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
World War Z is perfect for those that want to experience the feeling of being truly overwhelmed by thousands of rampaging zombies.
These aren't your classic slow, shambling corpses, instead matching the suped-up monsters from the movie. You'll need to set down traps, funnel enemies into position, and keep an eye on your ammo reserves as you fend off wave after wave of zombies. In terms of sheer excitement, World War Z is hard to beat. It's genuinely impressive to see just how many zombies can be on screen at once, making battles feel epic every time you load in.
1. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Killing zombies one suplex at a time
Why we love it
Resident Evil 4 Remake is action-packed, gory, and overwhelmingly cool. Its combat is some of the best in the series, and its monstrous bosses are unforgettable.
Platforms available: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Armed with a small selection of firearms and a knife or two, you have to infiltrate a remote Spanish village and kill off hordes of zombies during your mission to locate and rescue the president's daughter; it doesn't get better than this.
Resident Evil 4 Remake may not be the scariest game in the long-running series, but it does include some of the best combat and boss fights. Getting to go one-on-one with undead villagers and nightmarish monsters is excellent fun, thanks to the fast-paced action, smooth gun controls, and accessible melee attacks.
If you're looking for a zombie game with great fights and an incredible narrative, then Resident Evil 4 should be high up on your list.
How we chose the best zombie games
For better or worse we've got more than a few writers here on TRG who love a good post-apocalyptic undead world. Despite having an unthinkable amount of titles in this genre our team relentlessly faces up against each and every zombie that comes our way.We've been playing them for years and years too so know what goes into a great zombie game, and what can leave some falling short. And it's not all about personal preference either: we've considered picks from all genres that we have played zombie games in, and all game types too to give you solid options no matter what style of zombo game you're looking for.
Thankfully, this means we're able to root out the hits and misses when it comes to best zombie games so you don't have to.
Best zombie games: FAQs
Which zombie game has the best graphics?
The Last of Us Part 1 has some of the best graphics in zombie games. Expertly remastered for the PS5 you'll be in awe of the attention to detail in the post-apocalyptic scenery. Plus, zombies of The Last of Us in clickers, bloaters, runners, and stalkers have never looked so detailed and terrifying in this candidate for best zombie game.
Are there any good zombie games?
If you take a closer look at zombie games you'll see that despite having the same premise they aren't all cut from the same cloth. There are differences in art style, focus, story, genre, and in-game mechanics which means that you'll be able to find which one suits you best - and likely from our best zombie games list right here.
You Might Also Like...
- See what's on the horizon in our upcoming games 2024 list
- Here's our picks for the best multiplayer PC games
- Our Alone in the Dark review
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Elie Gould
Features Writer
Elie is a Features Writer for TechRadar Gaming, here to write about anything new or slightly weird. Before writing for TRG, Elie studied for a Masters at Cardiff University JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries – spending their free time filming short docs or editing the gaming section for their student publications.
Elie’s first step into gaming was through Pokémon but they've taken the natural next step in the horror genre. Any and every game that would keep you up at night is on their list to play - despite the fact that one of Elie’s biggest fears is being chased.
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