The 20 Best Open-World Zombie Games Ever Made (2024)

There are lots of great zombie games on offer these days, many of which are based on movies or television shows. Some take the form of linear action games or first-person rail-shooters, but an increasing number of zombie game developers are looking toward the open-world genre for inspiration on how to keep their players engaged.

The best open-world zombie games find ways to utilize their larger settings, either by filling them with death and destruction or by lulling players into a false sense of security with more sparsely populated locales. Both can be incredibly effective in their own ways, as evidenced by these fantastic zombie survival games.

1 Dying Light

Metacritic Rating: 75 (PC)

Though there had been plenty of great zombie games before the release of Dying Light, few had found ways to successfully bring an undead outbreak to the open-world genre. As a result, Dying Light broke a lot of new ground and went on to serve as something of a blueprint for many future open-world zombie games.

One of the things that make Dying Light such a great zombie survival game is the threat that some of its zombies pose. Rather than the slow, ambling creatures found in many other undead adventures, the game's infected can come at players pretty fast, particularly at night. This forces them to remain on their toes at all times and encourages the use of the game's fantastic parkour system.

Dying Light

Platform(s)

PC , PS5 , PS4 , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One

Developer(s)

Techland

Publisher(s)

Warner Bros. Games

Released

January 27, 2015

See at Steam

2 Dying Light 2

Metacritic Rating: 77 (PC)

It should perhaps go without saying, but those who liked Dying Light will almost certainly enjoy the game's sequel. After all, both games were developed by the same team and are set in the same universe. Sadly, however, a lot of people seem to be sleeping on Dying Light 2 despite enjoying the original.

Like its predecessor, Dying Light 2 is an open-world zombie game with survival elements and provides players with a ridiculous amount of content. The game looks great, the combat is fast and fluid, and the parkour system ranks among the very best in gaming. Fans of zombie games would do well to check it out, particularly those looking to kill time as well as the undead.

Dying Light 2

Platform(s)

PS5 , PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One

Developer(s)

Techland

Publisher(s)

Techland

Released

February 4, 2022

$25 at Amazon

3 Project Zomboid

Metacritic Rating: N/A

The simplistic art style and isometric viewpoint may suggest otherwise to some, but Project Zomboid is a fantastic game. Initially released as a tech demo in April of 2011, it received numerous updates over the course of the following decade, with Build 41 arriving in late 2021. It really has come a long way and is now widely considered to be one of the best open-world zombie games on PC.

The story is set amidst a zombie outbreak in Louisville, Kentucky, and supports both single and multiplayer gameplay. It incorporates a mixture of survival and RPG mechanics and places a heavy emphasis on avoiding or escaping zombies rather than trying to tackle them head-on. There are plenty of great Project Zomboid mods too, allowing players to further customize the experience to better meet their needs.

Project Zomboid

Platform(s)

PC

Developer(s)

The Indie Stone

Publisher(s)

The Indie Stone

Released

November 8, 2013

See at Steam

4 The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Metacritic Rating: 81 (PC)

is an open-world game in the same way that Pokemon Legends: Arceus is. This is to say that it isn't, really, though does boast sections that could be described as being open-world. For those who enjoy zombie survival games though, it's something of a must-play, as the VR carnage that it's able to provide really is top-notch.

Saints & Sinners throws players in at the deep end; often surrounding them with waves of terrifying zombies and forcing them to fight for their lives. The game also allows for a more stealthy approach at times, which can be as exhilarating as it is unnerving. With a sequel looming large on the horizon, those set up for VR would be foolish not to check it out, particularly if they're fans of the show.

The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners

Platform(s)

Oculus Rift , Oculus Quest , PC , PlayStation VR , PlayStation VR2

Developer(s)

Skydance Interactive , Skybound Entertainment

Publisher(s)

Skydance Interactive

Released

January 23, 2020

See at Amazon

5 DayZ

Metacritic Rating: 56 (Xbox One)

Admittedly, the zombies in DayZ don't really pose too much of a threat and can be easily avoided by those who know what they're doing. Like in similar open-world zombie games with online functionality, it's usually other players that pose the real threat, which, perhaps ironically, ends up mirroring most television shows and movies about the zombie apocalypse without even meaning to.

Those who've watched The Walking Dead will know that outside of the first few seasons, it was actually other survivors that ended up killing off most of the main cast. Granted, a walker would occasionally pop up out of nowhere and take a bite out of someone much like a zombie might in DayZ, which is why the immersive ARMA mod is arguably one of the best and most realistic open-world zombie games out there.

DayZ

Platform(s)

PC , Xbox One , PS4

Developer(s)

Bohemia Interactive

Publisher(s)

Bohemia Interactive

Released

December 13, 2018

See at Amazon

6 7 Days to Die

Metacritic Rating: 45 (PS4)

Set in a post-apocalyptic future following a nuclear war, 7 Days to Die's premise is not too dissimilar to that of the Fallout universe. Where it differs, however, is the emphasis that it places on survival, with players having to start from scratch if they perish at the hands (or teeth) of the game's zombie hordes.

Though the game didn't quite live up to some of the promises made during its successful Kickstarter campaign, it's still a lot of fun to play. Nighttime can be particularly enjoyable due to how daunting everything feels, although playing with friends can make survival a lot more manageable. At least until the Blood Moon occurs on the seventh day, anyway.

7 Days to Die

Platform(s)

Linux , macOS , PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One

Developer(s)

The Fun Pimps

Publisher(s)

Telltale Games

Released

December 13, 2013

See at Amazon

7 Night of the Dead

Metacritic Rating: N/A

Although Night of the Dead does have some open-world sections, these are typically used for resource gathering rather than exploration. Without these vital resources, however, players would struggle to build up their defenses and would likely be overrun by zombies pretty quickly as a result.

There have been plenty of zombie-themed tower defense games over the years, but few have managed to blend the genre's mechanics together with realism so seamlessly, nor are many quite as enjoyable as this. The game is still in Early Access on Steam at the moment but is already shaping up to be an excellent zombie game.

Night of the Dead

Platform(s)

PC

Developer

jacktostudios

Publisher

jacktostudios

Released

August 28, 2020

See at Steam

8 State of Decay 2

Metacritic Rating: 69 (PC)

State of Decay 2 is just one of many Xbox-exclusive zombie games released over the past decade or so, though some will argue that it's probably the pick of the bunch. The combat on offer here is absolutely fantastic and is backed up with a great score and some decent visuals too.

One of the things that makes the same so enjoyable is its relentless difficulty, which demands improvement from players if they're to have any hope of surviving the game's brutal and unforgiving world. It does have one or two problems, but these shouldn't be enough to sour the experience for most players.

State of Decay 2

Platform(s)

Xbox One , PC

Developer(s)

Undead Labs

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Game Studios

Released

May 22, 2018

See at Amazon

9 Unturned

Metacritic Rating: N/A

Unturned is a little like Minecraft, only with a lot less crafting, far more zombies, and a boatload of assault rifles. It's free to play, is available on PC and current and last-gen consoles, and offers a ridiculous amount of customization, both when it comes to cosmetics and map design.

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There are a few different game modes available, although they all revolve around surviving hordes of zombies in some capacity. Most of them are multiplayer only, with some encouraging players to work as teams rather than go it alone. While there are PvP elements included, players aren't obliged to kill their peers, allowing everybody to focus solely on taking out zombies if they choose.

Unturned

Platform(s)

PC , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Developer(s)

Smartly Dressed Games

Publisher(s)

Smartly Dressed Games

Released

July 7, 2014

See at Steam

10 Strange Brigade

Metacritic Rating: 75 (Xbox One)

Developed by the same team behind the Zombie Army trilogy, Strange Brigade took quite a few people by surprise when it was released in 2018. Rather than the spiritual successor to Zombie Army that many had expected, the game plays a lot more like Left 4 Dead, although this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The 1930s setting is interesting and makes a refreshing change from the dark backstreets and abandoned research facilities that typically host these kinds of games. The co-op elements also work incredibly well, although the narrative can at times feel a lot more B-movie than it does AA title. For those more interested in gameplay, though, it's a solid pick.

Strange Brigade

Platform(s)

PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Switch

Developer(s)

Rebellion Developments

Publisher(s)

Rebellion Developments

Released

August 28, 2018

See at Steam

11 Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare

Metacritic Rating: 87 (Xbox 360)

Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare is still considered one of the best DLC expansions ever released for a video game. Other developers copied Rockstar because of it, like Sucker Punch Productions and United Front Games making Halloween DLC for inFamous and Sleeping Dogs respectively. Neither really compares to Undead Nightmare, though.

Most of the map from the original game is present in the DLC, but things have gone haywire for old John Marsden. Zombies aren’t the only thing that will get in his way either, and players will need the best set of guns they can get their hands on in order to survive. Best of all, it’s backward compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles and is incredibly funny to boot.

Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare Pack

Platform(s)

PS3 , Xbox 360

Developer(s)

Rockstar San Diego

Publisher(s)

Rockstar Games

Released

July 26, 2010

See at Xbox Games Store

12 Days Gone

Metacritic Rating: 76 (PC)

Days Gone got a bit overshadowed when it was released. It was a bit buggy and most were far more excited about Sony’s other big exclusive, The Last of Us Part II. Reviewers may not have been particularly kind, but players couldn't get enough and the PC release has only increased the game's popularity.

This game is very different from games like The Last of Us and is a pure open-world zombie game in pretty much every way. The countryside is also breathtaking. Patches following its release have made it much better, so there has never been a better time to jump in, especially for PS5 owners.

Days Gone

Platform(s)

PS4 , PC

Developer(s)

Bend Studio

Publisher(s)

Sony

Released

April 26, 2019

See at Amazon

13 Fallout 3

Metacritic Rating: 93 (Xbox 360)

When one thinks of open-world games, the more recent Fallout titles are usually some of the first to spring to mind, even if the NPCs that reside in them are a little bit weird. Fallout 3 is where the series took a turn from its top-down perspective and helped to lay much of the groundwork for future entries in the series.

Many might not consider it to be a zombie game in the traditional sense, but it is, in a way. Ghouls, the games' zombie-like mutants, and other infected creatures roam the wastelands. It’s a horrifying look at the apocalypse but should feel like home for those looking for some scintillating zombie action.

Fallout 3

Platform(s)

PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC

Developer(s)

Bethesda Game Studios

Publisher(s)

Bethesda Softworks

Released

October 28, 2008

See at Amazon

14 Dead Island

Metacritic Rating: 80 (PC)

Dead Island is an open-world game, but one that is a bit more segmented than some of its contemporaries. It’s like getting lost in a city landscape, albeit with lots of tropical nature surrounding it. It is a pure zombie game at heart though, and, like Fallout 3, is full of traditional RPG elements.

The game was a bit broken when it launched on the PS3 and Xbox 360 back in 2011, but it has now been patched. There’s also a collection out on last-gen consoles making it a lot easier to get hold of. Since it is usually on sale digitally, and because it is now more than a decade old, now would be a good time to try it out.

Dead Island

Platform(s)

PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , PC

Developer(s)

Techland

Publisher(s)

Deep Silver

Released

September 6, 2011

See at Amazon

15 Dead Rising 4

Metacritic Rating: 72 (PS4)

The original Dead Rising game was almost like a tech demo for the Xbox 360. Capcom showed off what the system was truly capable of, with a ridiculous amount of zombie mayhem onscreen all at once. That's not to say that it didn’t have its fair share of problems though, because it certainly did.

Though the majority of bugs and glitches have long since been patched out, the series hasn’t really evolved much past its original concept. Dead Rising 4 is the most recent and most polished of the bunch, however, so those wishing to tear zombies apart in a mindless way should probably start there.

Dead Rising 4

Platform(s)

PC , PS4 , Xbox One

Developer(s)

Capcom Vancouver

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Studios

Released

December 6, 2016

See at Steam

16 The Last of Us Part 2

Metacritic Rating: 93 (PS4)

The Last of Us Part II has what one could call open-world segments. They come and go as the game progresses, which mostly takes place in a linear fashion. It's not quite Final Fantasy XIII, but it's a far cry from more traditional open-world games like Grand Theft Auto and Far Cry.

The emphasis on exploring to get materials still makes it a worthy candidate for adventure though and the story is expertly told. Plus, destroying the infected in the game is far more satisfying than most, thanks in large to the brutal nature of the overall world and the game's epic narrative.

The Last of Us Part 2

Platform(s)

PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5

Developer(s)

Naughty Dog

Publisher(s)

Sony

Released

June 19, 2020

See at Amazon

17 The Evil Within 2

Metacritic Rating: 82 (Xbox One)

The Evil Within 2 starts off in a city that is full of exploration. It’s kind of like a more open version of Resident Evil 3, although the tone is a little different. After about the halfway mark, the game does start to get a lot more linear, however, so players should keep that in mind.

Caveats aside, The Evil Within 2 is still a great infected game, though the citizens in its nightmare city aren’t exactly zombies. They are still bloodthirsty though and will give players quite the chase while howling frantically as they close in for the kill.

The Evil Within 2

Platform(s)

PS4 , Xbox One , PC

Developer(s)

Tango Gameworks

Publisher(s)

Bethesda

Released

October 13, 2017

See at Amazon

18 Yakuza: Dead Souls

Metacritic Rating: 64 (PS3)

Yakuza: Dead Souls is an oft-forgotten entry in the Yakuza franchise. It’s a Yakuza spin-off that effectively serves as one big hypothetical, asking players what would happen if zombies ever ran rampant throughout Japan. As with other Yakuza games, it can be a lot of fun and there's plenty of dark humor to lighten the mood.

Kazuma and his friends must fight back to take control of their beloved city and nation once again. The action focuses more on shooting than hand-to-hand combat and it is more linear than the mainline Yakuza games. Even so, it still has some of that open-world goodness that many fans adore Yakuza for.

Yakuza: Dead Souls

Platform(s)

PS3

Developer(s)

Sega

Publisher(s)

Sega

Released

June 9, 2011

See at Amazon

19 Sunset Overdrive

Metacritic Rating: 83 (PC)

Sunset Overdrive is like a zombie apocalypse caused by Mountain Dew or an orange energy drink equivalent. Like Dead Rising, the game impressively showed just how many enemies could litter the screen at once while also showing off a wide range of vibrant colors and interesting characters.

It’s an early, often forgotten Xbox One exclusive that some will feel didn’t get quite as much attention as it deserved. The pedigree of its developer, Insomniac, is ever-present in the game though, from its wacky humor to its creative use of projectile-based weapons.

Sunset Overdrive

Platform(s)

Xbox One , PC

Developer(s)

Insomniac Games

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Game Studios

Released

October 28, 2014

See at Amazon

20 Zombi

Metacritic Rating: 77 (Wii U)

ZombiU was like Ubisoft’s answer to Dark Souls. It plays with the idea of London's population being overtaken by a zombie virus. A lot of people passed it up because it was a Wii U exclusive, a system that did not perform particularly well for Nintendo in the sales department.

The game did eventually get a port to last-gen systems, however, making it far more accessible to the average gamer. It’s not the most original zombie game ever made, nor is it the most ambitious, but there is still a lot of fun to be had on the streets of London.

Zombi

Platform(s)

PC , PS4 , Xbox One

Developer(s)

Ubisoft Montpellier

Publisher(s)

Ubisoft

Released

August 18, 2015

See at Steam