The post-apocalyptic genre is highly popular among gamers. Each such game has its own end of the world, whether it's a nuclear war or a dangerous virus. The remaining people are forced to adapt to new conditions. The player takes control of a character (or a group of people, depending on the game) and tries to survive by any means available while completing all assigned tasks. This review presents the top 10 post-apocalyptic games.

Metro series

This series is based on the works of D. Glukhovsky. The story revolves around Artyom, a boy who survived a nuclear war and took refuge with his mother in the Moscow metro. 20 years later, the young man is faced with adventures he could never have imagined. Unfortunately, all of them are deadly dangerous.

The player will have to navigate through the metro tunnels and also venture to the surface to see what remains of Moscow. But that's not all, as in Metro Exodus, Artyom and his friends embark on a journey across the post-apocalyptic expanses of Russia. Throughout the game, the player will encounter various characters as well as dangerous mutants who have become the rightful rulers on the surface.

Rage

In this game, the cause of the apocalypse is an asteroid that crashed into the Earth and destroyed most of the population. 100 years later, the survivors emerge from underground shelters to the surface. The player takes control of a character and tries to survive in this post-apocalyptic world filled with deadly dangers.

Overall, the atmosphere of this world strongly resembles "Mad Max." There is also vehicles that can be driven around the locations and even participate in races. Winning races allows the player to upgrade their vehicle. There is an impressive arsenal of weapons and various enemies, including dangerous mutants.

State of Decay

Bloodthirsty zombies have almost completely overrun the planet. The player takes on the role of a leader of a small group and strives to not only save their own life but also the lives of their wards. To achieve this, a well-fortified base is necessary, and its construction becomes the main task.

It is not advisable to openly fight against zombies, as there are a lot of them and they can easily surround and overwhelm you. When venturing out for supplies, be cautious and stealthy. You will be given a fairly extensive world to explore. However, supplies are dwindling, so it's worth hurrying.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series

The post-apocalypse here has a local character, but that makes it even more atmospheric. The exclusion zone appeared around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and the conducted experiments permanently changed its appearance. Now this place is deadly dangerous for humans. But artifacts and the thirst for adventure still attract new stalkers there.

In each game, the player will play as different characters, completing specific tasks and exploring the Zone. There are plenty of secrets and mysteries here. The Zone has its own rules and factions, with whom you can either establish friendly relations or become their enemy. Mutants and anomalies add to the picture, and the locations require constant vigilance and anticipation of attacks.

I Am Alive

An earthquake is very scary. When everything around is collapsing and people are dying, and you don't even know what to do. But the main character of this game manages to survive. Now he must find his family at all costs in a city that has practically turned into ruins. It won't be easy, as numerous trials await him.

The character will need food and water to sustain his strength. Weapons also come in handy, as there are bandits in the city, as well as those who will attack to defend their territory or seize others' supplies. Throughout the game, the player will encounter people in need of help. Ignoring such requests is not recommended.

Days Gone

We have another zombie apocalypse on our hands, which has driven the survivors to the most remote places. Here they have set up camps to be at least relatively safe. Such communities need people who will conduct reconnaissance, gather resources, and carry out other tasks. The player will take control of one of these "nomads."

The locations here are extensive, so a motorcycle will become your best friend. Don't forget about its maintenance, refueling, and upgrades. At the beginning of the epidemic, the protagonist lost his wife and doesn't stop thinking about finding her. But remember, zombies are lurking around, so be careful. And especially avoid hordes, as an encounter with them does not bode well for the character.

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

In this game, the post-apocalyptic world is quite specific. Radiation is rampant everywhere, giving birth to mutants. The player will take control of a squad consisting of unusual heroes. It will include:

• Selma (a mutant girl);
• Duck;
• Boar.

The last two characters are humanoid and highly combat-ready. Each of the heroes has their own weapons and skills that are useful for survival.

The squad sets out from the Ark, one of the few remaining safe places, in search of resources. Ahead of the heroes lies a long journey filled with battles and clashes with various enemies.

The Long Dark

Here, you won't see mutants, radiation, or zombies. Instead, you'll face the extreme conditions of nature itself. It all started with an unknown catastrophe that resulted in the loss of electricity. The game's protagonist is a pilot who survived a plane crash.

Winter prevails in the game, so it's important to find warm clothing and a place to rest and regain strength. Finding food and water will be a challenging task, but it's essential for survival. The main enemies will be wild animals that are also searching for food. Keep an eye on your indicators to coordinate your actions properly.

ATOM RPG

This game's action takes place in the USSR after a nuclear war. In this fictional world, there is an organization called ATOM. They monitor what is happening in the world and promptly respond to any emerging threats. The game's main character is a member of this organization, and a crucial search mission falls on his shoulders.

There are several locations on the map, including a city and a traders' camp. Mutants and bandits roam everywhere, with whom you'll have to fight. You need to develop your character by upgrading their skills. You will also have to communicate with other characters, choosing different dialogue options.

FALLOUT

Rounding off the collection is a game that is one of the first in the post-apocalyptic setting. Specifically, the game's action takes place after a nuclear conflict. The series includes several parts, each of which delights not only with dynamic gameplay but also with numerous mysteries to uncover.

The appearance of the parts differs as well. For example, in the first part, the gamer acted on maps with tactical battles, developing specific skills. In contrast, the third part is a full-fledged real-time action game. Each part features mutants, bandits, factions, and other characters who can give quests or assist in progress.