Best Open-World Survival RPGs – Investment Policy

Survival crafting games, where you explore and build in open worlds, have become incredibly popular lately. It seems many games are now blending features from different genres, trying to create something new. This approach has worked particularly well with survival games. While titles like Minecraft have been huge successes for years, developers are now experimenting with adding role-playing game (RPG) elements to the mix, and a few games have already emerged that do just that.

I’ve chosen these games based on a few key features. They all have to be open-world, meaning you can freely explore a large environment. They also need to include survival elements, like managing hunger, thirst, and building shelter. Finally, they should have some role-playing game (RPG) aspects, at least including character stats and the ability to improve skills. While it’s rare for a game to perfectly meet all these requirements, I’ve allowed some flexibility, particularly with the RPG elements. I’ll be ranking these games based on how well they’ve been received on Steam.

Early Access games are included.

Outward

Remember To Stay Hydrated In Aurai

Outward is a unique RPG that blends challenging combat inspired by games like Elden Ring with the harsh survival elements of Kenshi, all wrapped in a world rich with magic and lore. It’s perfect for fantasy fans looking for a more demanding experience where basic needs like food, water, and rest are crucial to overcome obstacles – and these elements are surprisingly well-integrated into the gameplay.

Every time you play, you’ll have a unique experience. Playing with friends can be especially chaotic if you’re not careful – rushing into battles you’re not ready for or heading out without supplies can lead to trouble! The game also features a fascinating magic system, and the fact that you can’t simply fast travel really pulls you into the world, though that might not always be a good thing.

Conan Exiles

Learn To Thrive In A Savage World

If you enjoy harsh and unforgiving game worlds, Conan Exiles delivers. You begin in the world of Hyboria with absolutely nothing and must build yourself up into a powerful figure. The game offers a challenging survival experience where you can construct bases, create weapons and armor, and even capture and command thralls. It also includes RPG features like choosing your character’s race and leveling up your skills.

Honestly, the world in this game is huge, and exploring it with friends is where the real fun begins. There’s so much to see – different landscapes, challenging dungeons to level up in, and everything feels really diverse. But the best part? Jumping onto a multiplayer server and getting lost in some awesome roleplaying with other players. It’s a fantastic experience!

Dune: Awakening

Arrakis Gives You Freedom, But Not Without A Cost

The world of Dune always seemed perfect for a large, open-world RPG, and I’m happy to say Dune: Awakening largely delivers on that potential. Despite some issues with the late-game content being overly challenging and the multiplayer experience being hampered by disruptive players and a harsh tax system, the game still gets a lot right.

Create the survivor that fits your playstyle. Prefer close combat? You can focus on that. More interested in psychic powers and intrigue? Those are available too. You’ll also need to find a secure base in the desert while staying safe from the massive sandworms. Hopefully, with all this exploration and the quests you undertake, the game will become more accessible and enjoyable for players who prefer to play alone.

Enshrouded

Step Into The Shroud, If You Dare

Even though Enshrouded is still being developed as an Early Access game, leaving it out would have meant missing some truly great titles that successfully combine open-world exploration, survival elements, and RPG features. Enshrouded excels at this combination, and despite a few rough spots, it shows real promise and could become a standout game.

This game has elements similar to Outward, but it stands out from other open-world survival games because it also includes traditional quests. You can construct impressive houses, interact with characters, and develop a specialized skillset based on classic RPG classes. As with any survival game, you’ll need to gather resources and manage your hunger and thirst while doing all of this.

Grounded

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids

I’ve always loved Obsidian’s RPGs, and I’m getting that same vibe with Grounded. It’s a really cool game where you play as these tiny people, and the mystery is figuring out how you even got shrunk in the first place!

You’ll explore a huge, open world – think of it as a giant backyard – where you’ll need to develop your skills, find good equipment, and create a secure base to protect yourself from the dangerous creatures and bugs. Playing with friends is definitely the best way to enjoy the game. This new version is a big improvement over the original, but it might be worth waiting for a few performance updates before jumping in.

Kenshi

You Will Die, And You Will Enjoy It

No game is quite like Kenshi. While it doesn’t have as many players as some other popular titles, it’s earned its place by captivating a dedicated group who enjoy a real challenge. Unlike many games where you play a powerful hero, Kenshi puts you in a world that doesn’t care about your character or your goals.

Okay, so let me tell you, starting a new game in Kenshi is brutal. Seriously, you can literally spawn and be killed or captured almost immediately, and that’s just…the beginning! It’s all about surviving, not becoming some all-powerful hero. You can eventually build a base and fight back, but at first, you’re just scrambling to find food and gear, trying not to die. It sounds harsh, I know, but honestly, no other game nails that open-world, realistic survival feeling quite like Kenshi. I’m really hoping we get Kenshi 2 within the next five years – that would be amazing!

7 Days To Die

An Incredibly Deep Zombie Survival Experience

Zombie survival games are incredibly popular, but when you combine that with open-world exploration, crafting, and role-playing elements, 7 Days To Die really stands out. It lets you customize your character and complete quests like a traditional RPG, all while surviving a zombie apocalypse. The game is packed with features – you can build and customize vehicles, find or create a huge range of weapons, and explore a massive world to gather supplies.

Like the skill system in Project Zomboid, you improve your abilities by reading books, shaping the kind of survivor you’ll become. It’s important to get prepared – stay fed, stay hydrated – because in just seven days, a massive horde will arrive at your doorstep, ready or not.

Project Zomboid

The Sims Meets Zombie Apocalypse

If you enjoy zombie survival games, Project Zomboid is another great option. In this game, you begin by choosing one of five starting locations on a massive open-world map. The character creation is detailed, letting you select perks that make the game easier or harder. You can even build a backstory by choosing professions like Veteran or Police Officer, and then improve relevant skills by reading and watching TV. The developers are also planning to add NPCs, which could introduce quests in the future.

Fans of The Sims might be surprised to find a lot to like in this game, especially its unique overhead perspective and the way characters express their needs and feelings through moodlets. You’ll need to keep your character fed, hydrated, and entertained, or they’ll become depressed. The game features a world you can explore, with houses to search, animals to raise, and resources to gather. It’s a very open-ended experience, letting you decide how to prepare when the town’s water and power eventually get cut off. The game’s incredible detail and extensive customization options are likely the reasons it’s become so popular.

Ark: Survival Evolved

Naked And Afraid Among Dinos

At the top of the list and consistently the most popular on Steam is Ark: Survival Evolved, a survival, open-world game with RPG features. It offers a unique experience – instead of the usual zombies or magic, you’ll encounter dinosaurs! And you can tame them, even ride the winged ones. However, be prepared for challenging survival mechanics. It’s more than just staying fed and hydrated; your items aren’t completely secure, even when you’re offline, and everything you use and make will naturally wear down over time.

The game includes RPG elements through a leveling-up system for both your character and any dinosaurs you tame. You earn experience points (XP) by doing things like crafting and hunting, which you can then use to improve your abilities. Plus, the game’s large open world has bits of story and background to discover as you explore and learn to connect with the dinosaurs.

2026-01-04 20:07