Best Games With Radioactive Settings

Key Takeaways

Desolate wastelands are a common setting in post-apocalyptic games filled with radiation hazards.
Survival games like Far Cry New Dawn & Rage focus on scavenging resources & fighting enemies.
Metro Exodus & Chernobylite offer immersive gameplay in radioactive wastelands.

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for post-apocalyptic wastelands and their peculiar challenges, I can confidently say that the radioactive landscapes of these games have become my second home. Each one offers a unique twist on the genre, from the gritty realism of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. to the quirky charm of Fallout 4.

In many video games, gameplay often revolves around survival and exploration. These games frequently center around a particular setting, like a deserted wasteland or a lush tropical island, which serves as the foundation for both the layout of the map and the mechanics within the game. A popular choice among developers, especially for open-world survival games, is to set the game in a barren wasteland.

Many games are set in desolate landscapes, either resulting from a viral pandemic or zombie apocalypse, or stemming from a nuclear catastrophe after a global nuclear conflict or local disaster. Notably, a nuclear wasteland presents unique dangers due to the presence of lethal radiation.

1 Far Cry New Dawn

The Collapse Has Done A Number On Montana

In the wake of a devastating nuclear disaster called The Collapse, set in the post-apocalyptic landscape of Montana, Far Cry New Dawn serves as a spin-off from Far Cry 5. Like its predecessor, it maintains the same open-world design philosophy and combat mechanics. However, what makes Far Cry New Dawn unique is its irradiated environment that, surprisingly, boasts a vibrant, colorful aesthetic despite the catastrophe.

In a setting where a nuclear catastrophe occurred, the environment surprisingly teems with life, possibly because of rapid evolution and mutation caused by radiation. The protagonist must adapt and endure this harsh terrain, battling mutated beasts and fellow survivors.

2 RAGE

FPS In A Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland

Radiation is a serious hazard for the player in RAGE. Set in an open-world game map following an asteroid collision with Earth, this first-person shooter mixes frantic ground combat with vehicle combat, very reminiscent of the Mad Max movies.

In this game, players should gather essential resources for survival, all while keeping themselves safe from hostile opponents such as rogue humans and mutated beasts. Additionally, they’ll uncover advanced technology to advance further in the game. The intricate map layout and rapid-fire action create a truly distinctive gaming experience.

3 Chernobylite

Survival Horror In The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

Chernobylite unfolds within an imaginatively re-created version of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The visual aesthetics and environment are captivating, characterized by a mix of eeriness, chilling moments, and persistent unease. Numerous risks abound, with the most perilous, apart from hostile entities, stemming from the lingering radiation that resulted from the meltdown of Reactor 4 several years prior.

Navigating through the Exclusion Zone in this chilling video game proves to be a challenging ordeal for players, as they seek answers about their lost spouse. The narrative is frighteningly engaging and offers unexpected turns that keep you guessing. In essence, this is an exceptional survival horror game that warrants a broader fan base than it currently enjoys.

4 Mad Max

Play As The Iconic Road Warrior In The Wasteland

In the game Mad Max, players assume the character of Max, a road warrior embarking on a mission of vengeance. This time, Max is pursuing Scabrous Scrotus, the antagonist who abandoned him for dead. Max’s objective throughout this post-apocalyptic journey is to seek retribution by tracking down and confronting his enemy in a radioactive wasteland.

In this game, battles involving vehicles play a significant role. Notably, a key aspect of the game involves initially building and subsequently enhancing the Magnum Opus, a vehicle inspired by the fast-paced chase cars from the first two movies that Max drove. The action-packed combat, whether on foot or within Max’s car, is engaging, and the expansive open-world map has been thoughtfully designed.

5 Metro Exodus

Radioactive Russia Is As Dangerous As It Sounds

In the sequel to the earlier games, you once again assume the character of Artyom, embarking on a perilous journey alongside a band of survivors, traversing vast swathes of post-apocalyptic Russia. The city of Moscow is now a desolate, radioactive landscape, and much of the rest of the country follows suit. The challenge in this game lies not only in surviving but also in ensuring that your gas masks are equipped with sufficient filters to ward off harmful radiation.

The storyline of this game is powerfully gripping, albeit tinged with a gloomy and melancholic tone. It unfolds in a desolate landscape teeming with perils. Everywhere you look, the map layout and surroundings create an immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements the gameplay.

6 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl

Become An Illegal Scavenger In The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

The Shadow of Chernobyl stands out among modern first-person shooter games due to its exceptional quality. The game’s appeal is well-deserved, given its meticulous attention to detail. From the tactical gunplay to the immersive, radiation-filled map teeming with mutated creatures, it offers an unforgettable gaming experience.

The game vividly depicts the bleakness and sorrow that follows the Chernobyl catastrophe, along with the continuing barrenness of the zone, which remains off-limits and may stay so for the foreseeable future, potentially lasting another 20,000 years.

7 Fallout 4

It’s Called Fallout For A Reason…

It’s not hard to imagine that we’d find Fallout 4 on this list, given its popularity within the franchise. This iconic role-playing game from Bethesda came out in 2015, but its vibrant player community remains active even now.

In the aftermath of nuclear devastation, the game’s expansive map showcases a post-apocalyptic landscape teeming with radiation. As survivors rebuild shattered society, players will encounter various hazardous irradiated creatures such as ghouls, centaurs, and others. The gameplay blends combat, crafting, questing, and settlement building into a multi-faceted experience that allows for numerous playstyles. Extra content provided by DLC and an abundance of community-created mods further enrich the core gameplay.

2024-10-20 10:34