8 Open-World Games That Capture The Walking Dead’s Zombie Apocalypse Essence

Summary

The Walking Dead games’ quality varies; Days Gone captures nomadic life well for fans.
Dying Light 2 showcases urban decay, appealing to lovers of run-down settings.
Undying’s emotional zombie survival narrative mirrors the franchise’s melancholy vibe.

22 years since the debut of its comic book, and 15 years following the premiere of its TV series, “The Walking Dead” remains a significant cultural presence today. Fans worldwide have become enamored with Robert Kirkman’s raw setting and the intricate characters that reside within it. Despite the franchise deviating from its initial success in video games, enthusiasts continue to yearn for titles set within the “The Walking Dead” universe, seeking immersion in the harshness of its violent world.

Although Telltale games and a few others stand out, the history of video game releases under The Walking Dead brand hasn’t been particularly successful, causing enthusiasts to seek entertainment from other franchises for their undead open-world experiences. The following games immerse players in environments that recapture the decaying charm ignited by The Walking Dead years ago, making them ideal for fans of the franchise.

8. Days Gone

Nomadic Zombie Adventure

As a bounty hunter named Deacon, two years post-zombie outbreak, the game “Days Gone” mirrors the nomadic existence that many survivors from “The Walking Dead” series frequently adopt. Unlike other games where you regularly set up and break down camp, the continuous journey through the decayed Oregon landscape on Deacon’s motorbike evokes a sense of displacement and wandering. If you’re seeking an exploration experience in zombie games, I recommend checking out “Days Gone”.

7. Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Zombie-Infested Urban Jungle

If you’re a fan who particularly enjoys gritty city backdrops like those featured in “The Walking Dead”, I recommend checking out “Dying Light 2 Stay Human”. This game takes place 15 years after the events of its predecessor, and it’s set in the city of Villedor. Overrun by both the apocalypse and time, this urban jungle offers a vast playground for players to explore. Although “Dying Light 2” features superhuman zombies, which makes it more fantastical than “The Walking Dead”, its setting should still appeal to fans of the series.

6. Undying

Gut-Punch Set-Up

A character named Anling, who has been bitten by a zombie, struggles to teach her son survival skills in a post-apocalyptic world – a theme that longtime fans of Telltale’s adaptation of “The Walking Dead” may recognize as reminiscent of the undying (everlasting) nature of the undead.

In simpler terms, Anling’s “tickling time bomb” idea is a heart-wrenching concept where we’ve seen characters like Lee and Clementine in “The Walking Dead,” as well as in other zombie stories such as “Cargo” and “Undying.” These narratives involve a father carrying his infected daughter to safety in isolated Australia. The game “Undying” employs this same setup, creating an atmosphere of sad, unavoidable destiny that fans of “The Walking Dead” may recognize.

5. 7 Days to Die

Tower Defense Survival

7 Days to Die is an enduring zombie survival game, having exited early access in July of last year after its full release. Although the launch offered updated graphics and tweaked mechanics, they were not essential for enjoying 7 Days to Die. Since entering early access, it has successfully combined classic survival elements with tower-defense base construction, striking a chord with fans. If you’re seeking an experience similar to establishing and reinforcing a base in the world of The Walking Dead, give 7 Days to Die a try.

4. DayZ

Zombies Aren’t Your Biggest Worries

One consistent theme in “The Walking Dead” is that humans can be the true terrors among us. This idea is vividly demonstrated in “DayZ,” where players are dropped into vast, zombie-infested landscapes along with as many as 60 other individuals. Although large groups of zombies can still pose a danger, it’s essential to remain wary of fellow players, who may prove to be the greater threat.

Interacting with humans may result in the creation of groups, simple greetings, or even nothing at all; however, frequently it culminates in a shootout. Gamers might invest countless hours scavenging towns and amassing equipment, only to have it swiped by an enemy who took them down from afar.

3. Project Zomboid

Classic Zombie Survival

In the game called Project Zomboid, the main objective is to endure the longest you can amidst the zombie outbreak. This Indie Stone creation immerses players in a vast open world that teaches them the true essence of survival. Players must keep an eye on their character’s nutrition, health, and even mood as they battle through the apocalypse.

In the game, Project Zomboid, there isn’t a definitive final objective because the possibility of player failure is an inherent aspect of its design. Instead, players strive to see just how far they can progress. If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead and are seeking a challenging experience that mirrors the intensity portrayed in the series, this indie gem is not to be missed.

2. State of Decay 2

Building Your Own Safe Haven

Similar to many games in this collection, State of Decay 2 offers the typical survival elements and zombie combat that fans love from this genre. However, what makes it stand out is its emphasis on base building. In this game, players build and manage a community by rescuing survivors, collecting resources, and making strategic decisions about how to run their sanctuaries.

In these games, players don’t take charge of a predetermined character. If a player’s character perishes, it disappears, requiring them to assume control of another one. A significant feature of both The Walking Dead and State of Decay 2 is the characters’ struggle to establish a shelter they can consider home amidst the apocalypse. This concept is deeply ingrained in the fundamental principles of these games.

1. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

VR Survival

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a title that truly represents the franchise well. Unlike some open-world games, it doesn’t offer an expansive, uninterrupted world to explore. Instead, New Orleans, overrun by walkers, is divided into sections that players can freely roam around in. Despite this segmentation, these areas are substantial and intricately designed, providing the same feeling of freedom that one would experience in traditional open-world games.

Additionally, the fact that Skydance Interactive constructed this game specifically for VR enhances its immersive quality significantly. Players find themselves right in New Orleans, sneaking through the city, gathering supplies, readying their weapons, and combating walkers. Unfortunately, the less-than-ideal condition of the sequel, “The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution,” has somewhat marred the series’ overall reputation. However, the initial release is not only among the best games in the “Walking Dead” franchise but also ranks as one of the top VR titles overall.

2025-05-04 23:21