Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours digging, fighting, building, and exploring virtual worlds, I must say that these three games are nothing short of extraordinary.


On Xbox Game Pass, you’ll find a huge selection of games, yet true survival games are somewhat scarce. Survival games offer distinctive gaming adventures suitable for various player preferences.

Regardless if you appreciate the ambiance, the challenge, or simply the liberty to roam and interact with pals, these games typically provide a wealth of experiences.

As a gaming enthusiast, if you’re searching for something similar, I’ve got good news! There’s an array of fantastic titles available on Game Pass that might just be what you’re after.

To ensure an authentic gaming experience, each game featured here includes essential survival aspects like creating tools, managing resources, and improving either your character or your base.

10 State of Decay 2

Unity, Survival, and Zombies

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

In simple terms, “State of Decay 2” is a survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Although it garnered mixed reviews at its release, the developers, “Undead Labs”, have done an excellent job refining and enhancing it since then.

This updated game offers improved arsenals, a wider range of mission types, and a richly varied cast of characters. It sets itself apart from other zombie games through its communal aspect. Instead of going it alone in the struggle for survival, you oversee a band of survivors, each with their own distinct abilities, characteristics, and requirements.

In this decaying world, you establish a community of non-player characters (NPCs) and aim to endure together. Be prepared though, because marauding zombie swarms threaten to destroy your settlement.

As a grizzled survivor in this post-apocalyptic world, I’m always caught between safeguarding my fellow survivors and braving the wilderness for much-needed supplies. It can be nerve-wracking, but the pulse-pounding combat, array of weapons, and diverse zombie hordes transform each scavenging mission into a gory, exhilarating adventure that keeps me coming back for more!

9 Grounded

Hope You’re Not Scared of Bugs

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

In the vein of survival games, Grounded revolves around constructing a shelter, collecting supplies, and battling against swarms of adversaries – but with a unique twist: the adversaries are colossal insects, while you, the player, have been miniaturized to the size of an ant.

In simpler terms, your objective is to live, investigate, and determine the reason for your shrinkage and a means to restore normal size. As you progress, you’ll encounter various environments, gather hints, and engage in battles with adversaries.

In this game, certain critters and pests can aid you on your adventure, but beware, some of them, like spiders, are out to get you instead.

You have the ability to create various types of weaponry, ranging from simple improvised items to sophisticated equipment for defending against or subduing these beasts. The fighting mechanism primarily involves dodging and outsmarting your adversaries, with the added advantage of utilizing the surroundings as an ally.

In a league of numerous survival games, Grounded distinguishes itself with its distinctive setting and universe.

8 Medieval Dynasty

A Chill Adventure in the Middle Ages

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem – Medieval Dynasty. This game is not as popular as it should be, but it offers a unique blend of survival and various other genres that make it stand out.

It combines survival, simulation, and role-playing elements in a detailed medieval setting.

Initially, you begin your journey as a modest farmer or hunter. Over time, you gain abilities that enable you to construct and govern a prosperous community. Personalize your settlement, oversee resources, and enlist villagers, all while dealing with the complexities of medieval times.

Here, the advancement mechanism stands out due to its distinct features. Users have the opportunity to form unions with characters, nurture families, and transmit their heritage.

Additionally, it offers an expansive environment teeming with resources, tasks, and non-player characters. What makes it unique is its comforting atmosphere, inviting players to delve into the world and engage with a variety of personalities.

Although the combat may be somewhat restricted, it’s not the primary aspect of this game. Instead, it stands out as one of the top survival games available, despite requiring a bit of learning along the way, primarily through experimentation and trial-and-error to grasp its mechanics.

7 Core Keeper

Stardew Valley Meets Terraria

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

If you found the Mines and Skull Cavern in Stardew Valley enjoyable and wished for a more comprehensive game based on them, then Core Keeper could fulfill that desire for you.

The adventure begins as you delve into an enchanted forest, uncovering a puzzling artifact along the way. Engaging with this relic transports you to subterranean realms within the game. Your mission now is to establish a settlement, collect resources, manufacture equipment, and eventually escape this labyrinthine world.

The cavern you find yourself in is seemingly endless and procedurally generated. It’s also filled to the brim with enemies such as slimes, bats, and more dangerous creatures that resemble hydras, tentacles, and golems.

In this game, each adversary and boss possesses distinctive attack styles and skills, compelling you to adapt your playstyle on the fly. It’s somewhat similar to Terraria, but this pixel art title offers a top-down viewpoint and a unique charm that distinguishes it from others.

6 This War of Mine

A Somber Experience

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

The title “This War of Mine” is incredibly moving emotionally. In this game, you’re dropped into a war-ravaged city under siege, where the narrative unfolds in various dramatic situations, with each one progressing linearly through distinct chapters.

In every situation, when there’s a limit to what can be achieved, your primary concern shifts from achieving victory to merely enduring. This principle underscores the idea that war doesn’t produce winners; instead, it imposes a heavy weight on those who participate in the game.

The core mechanic of this game primarily focuses on resource allocation, exploration at night for supplies, and looking after your characters during the day. Often, you’ll encounter situations requiring tough choices between prioritizing survival needs or upholding ethical standards.

Additionally, certain characters within this game may prove impossible to rescue, which can be a bitter realization following all the time and empathy invested in their well-being. This aspect alone solidifies its status as one of the most melancholic games available.

In this grim and distressing environment, the tunes, soundscapes, and overall ambiance skillfully establish the mood. Each instance carries an undercurrent of suspense, leading to a deeply engrossing gaming experience that lingers long after play.

5 Valheim

An Immersive Viking Adventure

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

In the game named Valheim, you’ll be plunged into an extensive, randomly generated Viking realm teeming with diverse landscapes. You’ll traverse verdant woods and perilous peaks, collect resources, construct, and fight to carve out your destiny in Valhalla.

The core mechanism of the game revolves around collecting supplies, fabricating weapons and protective gear, and constructing fortified shelters to endure harsh weather and mythical adversaries such as trolls and draugr.

The game exploded onto the scene a couple of years ago, and its popularity can be attributed to its engaging co-op mechanics, art style, and alterable terrain.

Valheilm offers an engaging experience that includes a realistic weather system, seamless sailing, and mysterious ruins concealing hidden riches. This immersive game can be played individually or in teams of up to ten participants.

4 Palworld

A Surprising Blend of Multiple Games

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

In popular terms, Palworld is often compared to “Pokémon” with guns. However, it’s more akin to the gameplay of “Ark“.

In this world, you thrive by acquiring Companions and utilizing them at your outpost for tasks. Additionally, you can embark on journeys with them and engage them in battles against other Companions.

The world we find ourselves in is surprisingly engaging, boasting various ecosystems. Some of the boss encounters are genuinely thrilling. Each character (Pal) has unique moves, talents, and skills, and some of the dragon companions are particularly impressive.

Besides simply discovering and controlling the land of Pals, you’ll need to deal with more than just that. Hunger, thirst, and natural hazards will test your survival skills. Additionally, hostile gangs and adversaries may attempt to invade your settlement, posing a constant threat.

The game is currently available as an early release version, yet it boasts a high level of refinement and abundant content. Future upgrades are expected to introduce even more content, however, the ongoing lawsuit between Pocketpair and Nintendo could potentially impact this.

3 Ark: Survival Ascended

Taming Dinosaurs Has Never Been Better

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

As a gaming enthusiast, I can tell you that the game I’m currently immersed in is none other than the remake of Ark: Survival Evolved, titled Ark: Survival Ascended by Studio Wildcard. This new version boasts improved graphics, overhauled mechanics, and a completely refreshed sound design, making every survival adventure feel like a whole new experience.

This game amplifies the authentic perils found in nature, like famine and climate, along with numerous comfort enhancements. Players continue to relish the experience of controlling dinosaurs, venturing through treacherous caverns, and participating in frenzied battles against formidable bosses.

Initially, you’re barely clothed and surrounded by a challenging environment filled with dangerous dinosaurs, making it tough to have a good time. But as soon as you establish your base, acquire some exciting weapons, and domesticate some helpful dinos, that’s when the game becomes entertaining.

Soaring through the skies alongside companions on an enormous dinosaur remains ever amusing. The addition of novel landscapes and obstacles makes way for even more fun escapades in this upgraded edition.

2 Terraria

Dig, Fight, Explore, Build

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

In the gaming world, I’ve found that Terraria gets compared a lot to Minecraft, but let me tell you, they’re two distinct worlds. Sure, both games are part of the survival genre, but for me, Terraria is all about combat and upgrading my equipment. It’s more action-packed with enemies and bosses waiting around every corner!

The primary functions of exploring and constructing are essentially stepping stones towards encountering progressively harder battles.

In this game, you’ll find a variety of items and weapons, which means you have numerous opportunities to experiment with various play styles. The layouts and exploration aspects resemble several 2D Metroidvania games, but they are generated procedurally.

In this realm, you could invest countless hours without realizing, even though the fundamentals appear straightforward. However, it often proves more complex than expected. The advancement and loot system are enticing, drawing you in, while the innovative methods to conquer battles set it apart as one of the finest 2D platform games available.

1 Minecraft

The Best Sandbox Out There

Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass

When thinking about sandbox survival games, Minecraft is likely the title that springs to mind for many. This unique game allows players to progress at their own speed without any penalties.

Instead of battling the Ender Dragon, consider dedicating multiple days to crafting an ideal automated farm using Redstone. Alternatively, if you’re not drawn to that, feel free to explore creating impressive structures such as castles, fountains, or massive monuments.

Although defeating the Ender Dragon signifies the conclusion of the game in a literal sense, due to its continuous updates, it’s more accurate to say that the game doesn’t truly end. The game is delightfully packed with endless content, making it even more enjoyable when played with friends or family.

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2024-10-01 15:09