The relationship between zombies and video games has thrived for several decades, captivating players with a thrilling blend of fear and fun. Whether it’s evading a relentless undead swarm or engaging in adrenaline-pumping gunfights, the allure of zombie games is undeniable, and the genre has consistently attracted a loyal fanbase.
Certain titles have elevated the concept of battling hordes of zombies into a core element of their design. Among these influential games, Call of Duty: World at War stands out, arguably paving the way for the mainstream success of the zombie shooter subgenre. Its impact is still palpable in numerous modern titles featured in this curated list.
To maintain a fresh perspective, I’ve selected only one representative game from each franchise. Although several series showcase multiple outstanding entries, I opted to restrict the list to one game per franchise to avoid redundancy—especially from popular titles like the Black Ops series.
Moreover, the enjoyment factor tends to amplify when playing with friends, hence most selections here incorporate a multiplayer element, though it’s not a strict requirement. While first-person shooters are prominent in the genre, other styles can also deliver exhilarating experiences.
Think you’re ready to face the undead? Here’s a handpicked selection of exceptional games that will put your survival skills, tactical prowess, and resource management to the ultimate test.
10 Yet Another Zombie Survivors
A Mashup of Genres: Vampire Survivors Meets Zombies
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Key Information |
Details |
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Developer |
Awesome Games Studio |
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Genre |
Bullet Heaven |
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Release Date |
July 2023 |
While the title Yet Another Zombie Survivors may raise eyebrows, the gameplay offers an addictive experience that’s a noteworthy entrant in the zombie genre. As implied by its name, this ‘bullet heaven’ game draws inspiration from Vampire Survivors.
Zombies will continuously swarm you from all sides, and their numbers escalate as you advance through the game. You control a team of survivors, selecting members for each gameplay session. Although initially daunting, overcoming the zombie horde evolves into an engaging progression loop that rewards effort and patience.
9 7 Days To Die
Survival is Key: Fear For Your Life
The brilliance of simplicity shines in 7 Days to Die, a game that combines survival elements with crafting challenges and tower defense mechanics. Players are tasked with scavenging for materials and constructing a base within a week, preparing for an impending zombie attack.
Within this multifaceted game, base-building is intuitive and rich, supported by skill trees that enhance your gameplay experience. Exploration is rewarded as virtually everything not secured can be salvaged. However, it should be noted that the game can exhibit technical quirks.
For those willing to navigate these issues, 7 Days to Die stands among the finest in its genre.
8 Killing Floor 2
A Joyful Bloodbath: A Head-Banging Good Time
Killing Floor 2 shares gameplay similarities with Call of Duty Zombies but distinguishes itself through unique mechanics. Featuring a diverse class system with ten distinct roles, players can find a character that suits their gameplay style. My personal favorite is the Gunslinger, a headshot-focused pistol expert.
The zombies, affectionately called ZEDs or ‘Specimens, ’ include a mix of basic and uniquely skilled enemies, creating a challenging gameplay dynamic. Additionally, players can interact with a trader between rounds, adding depth to the experience.
The soundtrack enhances the action, allowing players to obliterate zombified foes while accompanied by heavy metal tunes.
7 Call of Duty Black Ops 6
Reviving the Formula: A Return To Form
Whether you’re a fan or not, Call of Duty World at War played a critical role in shaping the popularity of wave-based zombie games. Players have since looked to Treyarch for satisfying undead experiences, and Black Ops 6 does not disappoint.
This latest installment offers one of the most compelling CoD zombie experiences in years, designed thoughtfully for both newcomers and seasoned veterans. The maps are crafted to accommodate varied play styles, and innovative mechanics enhance rather than detract from the core gameplay.
The zombie swarming mechanics remain familiar, though, as more formidable waves emerge as the game progresses. Despite having several zombie variants, the classic formula continues to captivate players, ensuring that Zombies mode remains a staple within the franchise.
6 Making Ritual
A Hidden Gem: The Best Zombie Shooter You Never Played
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Developer |
Wales Interactive |
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Genre |
First-Person Shooter |
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Release Date |
April 2024 |
Released in 2024, Sker Ritual brings forth gameplay reminiscent of traditional CoD Zombies even as other titles experiment with open-world formats.This game embraces its legacy but offers a richly developed zombie experience filled with references to earlier Black Ops iterations.
Players face waves of zombies across a diverse array of maps, with numerous easter eggs and map-specific narratives to explore. Completing objectives leads to epic boss battles, enhancing the game’s overall depth. Unfortunately, many may not realize this fantastic title exists, making it a hidden gem worth exploring alone or with friends.
5 World War Z
Witness Hordes Like Never Before
World War Z (WWZ) seamlessly blends third-person action with strategic tower defense gameplay. Its engaging story mode takes players on a journey through various locations, from shopping malls to cramped laboratories, enriched by a rich narrative experience.
One of the most astonishing features is the ability to render massive hordes of zombies simultaneously, providing an unprecedented spectacle that stands out in the gaming landscape. Each character class brings unique abilities and skill trees, enriching the gameplay experience as players progress through the game.
4 Dead Rising Remastered
A Fundamental Classic: A Capcom Masterpiece
No list of zombie games would be complete without Dead Rising, a legendary title in this genre. Players assume the role of Frank West, a journalist trapped in a shopping mall infested with zombies and hostile survivors.
The game brilliantly intertwines an expansive playground with a robust storyline. Players must navigate time-management mechanics to maximize their progress and ultimately achieve a favorable conclusion, all while preparing for increasingly dangerous undead foes.
As night falls, the threat escalates, necessitating strategic planning to avoid being caught off guard by the relentless horde.
3 Days Gone
An Integrated Narrative: Zombie Genocide Baked Into the Story
While many titles on this list focus on wave-based gameplay, Days Gone caters to those seeking a compelling narrative experience. This open-world adventure features a well-crafted storyline set in a world overrun by zombies, alongside an impressive array of gameplay mechanics.
Hordes of zombies, referred to as swarmers, traverse the map, making encounters a thrilling test of strategy and skill. Players will find themselves strategizing and employing an extensive arsenal of weaponry to combat these menacing hordes that circulate both day and night.
2 Project Zomboid
Zombie Strategy Reinvented: Not As Braindead As You Think
Project Zomboid is an intricate open-world survival game that features a multitude of systems operating in harmony. A standout characteristic is its unique approach to zombie behavior: the undead are not simply mindless entities drawn to noise.
In this game, zombies utilize sight and sound to hunt players. Engaging a lone zombie might seem manageable, but it can alert nearby hordes, leading to dire consequences. The scope of the challenge expands significantly in urban settings where larger groups congregate.
Don’t be misled by its simplistic graphic style; this game offers a depth of gameplay that keeps players invested.
1 Left 4 Dead 2
An Iconic Title: A Flesh-Eating Masterpiece
Left 4 Dead 2 stands as one of the most exceptional zombie games ever created, especially when enjoyed with friends. Your primary objective is to reach an extraction point while navigating hordes of zombies that stand between you and safety.
The common enemy, referred to as the ‘Common Infected’, represents the weakest link in your struggle. However, causing chaos can quickly turn them into a formidable force. The threat intensifies significantly on higher difficulty settings, yet the game remains refreshingly strategic, providing ample opportunities for counterplay.
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