15 Best Games Like Rust to Test Your Skills in 2025
If you’re a fan of games like Rust, you know how adrenaline-pumping survival in the open world can be: raids, PvP, crafting, and a constant battle for resources.
But what if you’ve grown tired of the classic title and want to try similar games with new mechanics and settings?
In this list, you’ll find 15 of the best games like Rust, where you’ll have to build bases, explore the open world, gather resources, and fight for survival. From post-apocalyptic wastelands to dinosaurs, zombies, and even vampires – choose your perfect game and prove you’re the ultimate survivor.
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Our Top Picks for Games Like Rust
Looking for the best Rust-like games? In this list, we’ve collected top games with survival mechanics, where you’ll have to gather resources, craft weapons, and survive in a hostile environment with other players or alone.
- DayZ (2018) – hardcore zombie post-apocalyptic world with tough survival mechanics and danger at every turn.
- ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) – try to survive in a world full of dinosaurs and tame massive creatures. Of course, base building is also part of the game.
- 7 Days to Die (2013) – a great mix of survival, zombie horror, and crafting. Do everything you can to survive in zombie-infested world every 7 days.
- Minecraft (2011) – the iconic cubic world with survival elements, where you can build, explore, survive, and fight mobs.
- The Forest (2014) – A gripping survival horror game where you must scavenge, craft, and build to stay alive while uncovering the mysteries of a cannibal-infested island.
15 Best Games Like Rust for Crafting, Combat, and Survival
Next, we’ll take a closer look at each game in our ranking, highlighting its key features, unique mechanics, and what makes it a great choice for Rust fans. Find out which survival and open-world games might become your new favorites.
1. DayZ (Best Hardcore Zombie Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2013 | Bohemia Interactive |
DayZ is a game that perfectly embodies the survival genre, so get ready for the fact that every wrong step here could be your last. In this game, danger comes not only from zombies but also from players willing to do anything for valuable resources and survival.
The realistic graphics, unique mechanics, and sessions full of dangers make this game worthy of being ranked among the most impressive TPS games. If you’ve already experienced Rust, then this game is a must-play.
2. ARK: Survival Evolved (Best Dinosaur Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | 2017 | Studio Wildcard |
ARK is a true challenge for genre lovers. Here, survival aspects in the brutal world of dinosaurs perfectly combine with base building and fighting for resources with other players. I would include this game in the ranking of the vastest open-world games.
And I also liked the ability to tame a Tyrannosaurus and Pteranodon. The gameplay mechanics require the player not only survival skills but also the right strategy to help them survive in a world of wild creatures.
3. 7 Days to Die (Best Zombie Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2013 | The Fun Pimps |
7 Days to Die is not just an intense zombie game. It’s about resource gathering and building a reliable shelter. You’ll have only 7 days to prepare your base for the zombie horde invasion.
I spent many nights in this game – the building and resource-gathering mechanics are truly engaging. If you’re looking for the best games focusing on base defense and co-op play, this title will definitely appeal to you.
4. Minecraft (Best Creative Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | 2011 | Mojang |
Minecraft is a whole world where you can build anything out of blocks. And you can also explore the vast world, survive, fight mobs, and look for valuable resources.
Also, if you’re looking for mobile games where you can spend a few hours, this is a great option. The mobile version is no different from the main one. It’s a great alternative to Rust if you’re tired of hardcore survival and want to enjoy the creative aspects more.
5. The Forest (Best Horror Survival Game in the Forest)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4 | 2014 | Endnight Games |
The Forest immediately immerses you in a creepy horror game atmosphere – you crash with your son and end up on a mysterious island filled with cannibals.
Hunt, set up your base, and create dangerous traps for enemies. In your free time, explore the mysterious island in an attempt to find your son.
6. SCUM (Best Survival Game with Maximum Detail)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC | 2018 | Gamepires, Croteam |
SCUM is one of the most realistic survival games where every detail matters – from the calories in food to stress levels. Unlike other survival games, the focus here is on realism.
I’ve tried playing, and sometimes it’s really difficult to maintain the character’s physical state. Any missed detail, and you have to start over. If you’re into survival with realistic elements, this is the one for you.
7. Green Hell (Best Jungle Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2019 | Creepy Jar |
Green Hell is a real test of survival skills in the wild. Your main goal is to stay alive in the Amazon jungle.
Here, you not only need to find resources but also fight psychological challenges. The game mechanics are realistic, and any wrong move will lead to death.
8. Miscreated (Best Post-Apocalyptic Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC | 2018 | Entrada Interactive |
Miscreated is a harsh survival game, where you’ll face not only hordes of zombies but also hostile players. Realistic weather, great survival mechanics, and an open world – all these factors set the game apart from others in the genre.
If you love challenges, this game with RPG elements will keep you hooked for a long time.
9. Valheim (Best Viking Open World Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC | 2021 | Iron Gate Studio |
Valheim is a survival game set in a Viking world where you build, fight, and explore vast locations tied to Norse mythology.
I enjoyed the game for its impressive atmosphere, where every boss is carefully designed, and each adventure can be crucial for your survival. The game will appeal to fans of cooperative play.
10. Conan Exiles (Best Conan-Themed Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2018 | Funcom |
Conan Exiles takes us to the exciting medieval game world of Conan, where survival elements are perfectly intertwined with battles and mythical creatures.
In the game, you’ll definitely enjoy the opportunity to engage in large-scale battles for control over other players’ lands. This is the kind of game where you can build your own empire in the desert and send your army to fight the most dangerous creatures in these lands.
11. V Rising (Best Vampire Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC | 2022 | Stunlock Studios |
An unusual game in our selection, where you’ll find an open world, build your own castle, epic battles with enemies, and a vampire theme.
This title is definitely among some of the scariest vampire games out there with a dark, stylized atmosphere, a great item crafting system, and combat mechanics. A great choice for vampire fans.
12. Raft (Best Ocean Survival Game on a Raft)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2018 | Redbeet Interactive |
Get ready to be left alone in the middle of the open ocean. You have nothing but a small platform and the resources that float by.
Set up your base on the raft and prepare to fight real sea predators. I played Raft, and I enjoyed the relaxing building atmosphere, as well as the constant tension from the threat of sharks.
13. Icarus (Best Space Planet Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC | 2021 | RocketWerkz |
Icarus is an exciting survival game on a hostile planet, where every wrong step can be fatal. You go on missions, explore alien lands, and try to survive in a hostile atmosphere. Dangers can lurk at every turn, even when it seems like you’re in complete safety.
It’s a great combination of survival elements with science fiction and PvE. If you love space content, this game will definitely keep you hooked for hours.
14. Grounded: Fully Yoked (Best Insect Open World Survival Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC, Xbox One | 2020 | Obsidian Entertainment |
Grounded is an unusual survival game where you are shrunk down to the size of an ant and forced to survive in your own backyard. The game is great to play with friends.
Explore, build shelters among the grass, and defend yourself from larger insects, like giant spiders. The game is fun, with unique mechanics, and exploring the miniature world will be really interesting.
If you’re looking for something unique and creative, this is the perfect option.
15. Sons of the Forest (Best Survival Horror Game)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer (optional) |
| PC | 2023 | Endnight Games |
Sons of the Forest is the sequel to the popular game The Forest, where you’ll once again have to return to the mysterious island.
You’ll experience updated survival mechanics, along with an even more intense and frightening atmosphere. The game can definitely scare you at times, and it will delight horror fans in the survival genre.
More Survival Games
If you want to find even more tough survival games, there are plenty of other intense and immersive games worth checking out. Whether you prefer crafting your way to victory, battling harsh environments, or fending off relentless enemies, these titles will keep you on your toes.
From resource management to high-stakes combat, these games challenge your instincts and push your survival skills to the limit. Keep exploring, and you’re bound to find a new favorite!
FAQs
What game is similar to Rust?
One of the most popular games similar to Rust is DayZ. It features an open world, great survival mechanics, and the option to gather a team for cooperative play.
Is Rust the same as ARK?
No, Rust and ARK are completely different games. ARK focuses on dinosaurs and taming creatures, while Rust emphasizes base building and constant survival struggles between players.
Is Rust a copy of DayZ?
Rust is not a complete copy of DayZ, although both games offer survival mechanics and an open world with zombies. Rust is more focused on crafting and building, while DayZ is about survival in a zombie world with horror elements.
