Best Survival Games Set In Real Life Locations

Summary

Players can immerse themselves in realistic environments with survival games set in real-life locations.
Project Zomboid and The Long Dark are based on fictional but real-life inspired places.
Chernobylite offers a hyper-realistic version of Chernobyl, while WolfQuest simulates Yellowstone survival.

Survival video games transport players to various settings. Although several survival games are set in imaginary landscapes that seem alien, others push players to test their endurance in more authentic environments. Authenticity isn’t the only factor that some gamers consider when seeking survival games; a few titles have gone an extra mile by placing players in actual real-world locations or replicas thereof, testing whether they could survive in these extreme conditions.

As an avid gamer, I must say that these survival games, nestled within real-world settings, truly stand out. They’re not just games; they’re immersive experiences that challenge my survival skills and push the boundaries of realism. The environments are intricately designed to mirror our world, from dense forests to sprawling cities, each offering its unique set of challenges. It’s like stepping into a virtual reality where every decision matters for my survival. The thrill, the suspense, and the excitement – it’s all too real!

Project Zomboid

Knox Country Is Heavily Inspired By The Fort Knox Area

This article focuses mainly on games set in actual locations, but it’s worth noting some survival titles like Project Zomboid that are worthy of mention. Although the game world isn’t an exact replica of a real-life location, when you embark on the zombie apocalypse in Project Zomboid, you’ll have the map of Knox County, Kentucky, to navigate and explore.

In Project Zomboid, set in Kentucky, the gaming environment is a fictional one that draws inspiration from iconic landmarks like Fort Knox. The game offers more than just zombie encounters; it also includes weather conditions reflecting those found in real Kentucky, with seasons playing a significant role.

The Long Dark

A Fictional Island In The Wilderness Of Canada

Additionally, let’s not forget to mention The Long Dark, another captivating survival game that deserves a shout-out. Despite being set in a fictional location, Great Bear Island in this game mirrors the stark landscapes and diverse ecosystems found in the Canadian wilderness.

While The Long Dark may not mirror Canada perfectly, this survival game’s stark depiction of trekking through frigid temperatures and deep snow to locate shelter and food makes it one of the most convincing survival games that could be seen as set in a genuine location, although the island within the game isn’t actually real.

Stranded Deep

Survive Within The Pacific Ocean

In contrast to most survival games that typically place players in forested, desert, or rough terrain landscapes, Stranded Deep offers a unique twist: instead of being grounded on land, you find yourself stranded in the vast Pacific Ocean, floating on a small inflatable raft.

After experiencing a harrowing plane crash, the game’s protagonist is left to navigate their destiny and strive for survival amidst the most perilous water-based situations. While the islands that appear in the game Stranded Deep may not mirror those of the real Pacific Ocean exactly, immersing oneself within this environment can offer players a glimpse into what it might be like to endure a plane crash over the sea.

WolfQuest: Anniversary Edition

Become A Wolf In Yellowstone National Park

In WolfQuest, unlike most survival games where players control human or humanoid characters, you assume the role of a wolf living within the Yellowstone National Park of Wyoming. This game not only functions as a survival game but also aims to simulate a near-authentic experience of a wolf’s life in the wilderness, even within protected areas like Yellowstone, providing a unique and immersive gaming experience.

Experiencing life in ‘WolfQuest’ might not be as grueling as other survival games like ‘The Long Dark’, yet it offers an authentic and engaging environment that stands out. It’s particularly appealing to those seeking a more immersive, non-human experience in the realm of wildlife.

Metro: Last Light Redux

Living In The Moscow Metro Tunnels

Last Light Redux” drawing gamers back into the haunting world of post-apocalyptic Moscow. Here, players, along with other city dwellers, seek shelter within the metro tunnels in a desperate bid for survival.

In essence, while Metro: Last Light Redux primarily falls into the first-person shooter genre, its Ranger Mode sets it apart by incorporating survival elements. This mode strips away the user interface, intensifies combat, and limits resources, pushing players to their limits. Furthermore, the game’s atmosphere is particularly noteworthy, immersing players in a believable setting of Moscow in an alternate reality, where the city faces numerous perils.

Atomfall

An Alternate History Of Northern England

In a similar vein, “Metro: Last Light Redux” isn’t the sole survival game set in an alternate version of our world. Another noteworthy contender for survival enthusiasts seeking games based on real-world locations is “Atomfall”.

In the game titled “Atomfall”, players are transported to the Northern region of England, more famously recognized as The Lake District. Following a nuclear catastrophe, much of England is left to survive independently in a challenging environment. Despite the picturesque landscapes that players encounter while exploring the quaint countryside villages, life in this post-apocalyptic reality remains tough. “Atomfall” offers a wealth of immersive elements, such as scavenging and an engaging narrative that delves into Cold War themes.

Green Hell

Players Test Their Limits In The Amazon Rainforest

Green Hell offers an authentic survival experience like no other, set within a strikingly realistic Amazonian rainforest backdrop. For those seeking a genuine challenge, this game is tailor-made to deliver a true-to-life survival ordeal, pushing players to their limits as they scavenge for resources and navigate the dense, untamed wilderness.

In addition to its captivating narrative, Green Hell also offers an engaging open-ended survival mode where players can immerse themselves more deeply into the Amazon jungle. Here, they are challenged to utilize every resource at hand and build their own shelter within the dense forest.

Chernobylite

3D Scanning Was Used To Make Photorealistic Environments

Among all the upcoming survival games, if you’re seeking ones that replicate real-world settings, particularly the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, I strongly recommend giving Chernobylite a try. Developed by The Farm 51, this sci-fi survival horror game is renowned for its meticulously crafted hyper-realistic depiction of the Chernobyl site following the devastating Chernobyl disaster.

Instead, in Chernobylite, the game introduces a futuristic element to what’s inside the Exclusion Zone. In this game, each building and location is meticulously detailed by the developers, based on real 3D scans of the zone itself, aiming to create an immersive experience that makes players feel like they are really venturing into the haunting landscape.

2025-08-11 02:43