Hey guys, if you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for a good survival game to sink your teeth into. The thrill of starting with nothing, scrounging for resources, and battling the elements (and maybe some zombies or other players) is just unmatched, right? Well, 2022 was a fantastic year for the genre, and if you missed out on any of these gems, now's the perfect time to dive in. So, buckle up, grab your virtual pickaxe, and let's explore the top 10 PC survival games that dominated the scene in 2022!

1. Valheim: Viking Survival at Its Finest

Alright, let's kick things off with a real crowd-pleaser: Valheim. This game took the world by storm, and for good reason! You're dropped into a procedurally generated world inspired by Norse mythology, and the goal is simple: survive and maybe, just maybe, become worthy of Valhalla. What makes Valheim so special? Well, for starters, the art style is gorgeous and unique. It's got this charming, low-poly aesthetic that somehow manages to make the world feel both expansive and cozy. The core gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying. You'll be gathering resources, building bases, crafting weapons and armor, and exploring different biomes, each with its own challenges and creatures. But Valheim is more than just a survival game; it's also a fantastic building game. The base-building mechanics are intuitive and flexible, allowing you to create some truly impressive structures. And, of course, the multiplayer aspect is a huge draw. Playing with friends and tackling the game's bosses together is an absolute blast. This game is still one of the best survival games, so you should try it. Overall, Valheim offers a perfect blend of exploration, combat, crafting, and base-building. It's a game that can easily swallow dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of your time. The world is beautiful, the gameplay is engaging, and the sense of accomplishment you get from surviving and thriving is second to none. If you're looking for a survival game that's easy to pick up but hard to put down, then Valheim is definitely worth checking out.

2. V Rising: Become a Vampire and Conquer

Next up, we have V Rising, a survival game with a deliciously dark twist: you play as a vampire! Now, how cool is that? In V Rising, you awaken as a weakened vampire and must rebuild your strength by hunting for blood, building a castle, and avoiding the sun (classic vampire stuff). The gameplay is fast-paced and action-oriented, with a focus on combat and resource management. What sets V Rising apart is its unique vampire-themed mechanics. You have to carefully manage your blood type to gain different stat bonuses, and you can use various powers and abilities to dominate your enemies. The castle-building aspect is also quite impressive, allowing you to create a grand and imposing fortress to call your own. The game encourages you to raid other players' castles and defend your own, leading to some exciting player-versus-player (PvP) encounters. The combat system is skill-based and fun, with a variety of weapons and spells to master. As you progress, you'll unlock new abilities and upgrades, allowing you to become an even more formidable vampire lord. This game has a lot of content for you to enjoy. Plus, the gothic aesthetic and haunting soundtrack create a truly immersive atmosphere. If you're a fan of vampires, action combat, and base-building, then V Rising is a must-play. It's a fresh take on the survival genre that offers a unique and engaging experience.

3. Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Parkour and Zombies

Okay, let's switch gears and talk about Dying Light 2 Stay Human. This game is all about parkour and zombies, a combination that's always a winner, right? In Dying Light 2, you play as Aiden Caldwell, a skilled parkour expert navigating a zombie-infested city. The game's open world is massive and filled with opportunities for exploration, combat, and thrilling parkour maneuvers. What makes Dying Light 2 stand out is its incredible parkour system. Running across rooftops, scaling buildings, and leaping over obstacles feels incredibly fluid and satisfying. The combat is also a lot of fun, with a focus on melee weapons and brutal takedowns. The game's day-night cycle adds another layer of tension. During the day, the zombies are relatively slow and weak, but at night, they become much more aggressive and powerful. The story is engaging, with plenty of choices and consequences that affect the game's narrative. Moreover, the game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive. The city is beautifully rendered, and the sound design is top-notch, creating a truly terrifying experience. The game is still one of the best survival games, so you should try it. Dying Light 2 also features a co-op mode, allowing you to team up with friends and tackle the game's challenges together. If you're looking for a survival game with a strong focus on action, parkour, and a compelling story, then Dying Light 2 Stay Human is a great choice. It's a thrilling and immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

4. Sons of the Forest: The Ultimate Survival Horror

Now, let's get into something truly terrifying with Sons of the Forest. This is the sequel to the popular survival horror game, The Forest. In Sons of the Forest, you're stranded on a remote island inhabited by cannibals and other horrific creatures. The goal? Survive, uncover the island's secrets, and escape. What makes Sons of the Forest so terrifying? Well, for starters, the game's atmosphere is incredibly unsettling. The island is dense and foreboding, and the sound design is masterful, creating a constant sense of dread. The survival mechanics are challenging and rewarding, forcing you to scavenge for resources, craft weapons and tools, and build a base to protect yourself from the island's horrors. The cannibals and other creatures are truly terrifying, and the combat is brutal and visceral. You'll need to use all your skills and cunning to survive. The game also features a unique building system that allows you to create some truly impressive structures. You can design and build your own shelters, traps, and defensive structures. Plus, the game has a co-op mode, allowing you to team up with friends and face the horrors of the island together. If you're a fan of survival horror games, then Sons of the Forest is a must-play. It's a terrifying and immersive experience that will challenge your skills and push you to the limit.

5. Project Zomboid: The Zombie Apocalypse Simulator

If you're a fan of the zombie apocalypse, then you absolutely have to check out Project Zomboid. This game is a hardcore survival simulator that drops you into a zombie-infested world and challenges you to survive as long as possible. What makes Project Zomboid so unique? Well, for starters, the game's realism is astounding. You have to manage your hunger, thirst, fatigue, and even boredom. You have to find food, water, and shelter, and you have to be careful about your actions, as even minor injuries can quickly lead to infection and death. The game's world is vast and detailed, with plenty of locations to explore and loot. The zombies are relentless, and the combat is challenging and unforgiving. You'll need to use your wits, skills, and resources to survive. The game also features a deep crafting system that allows you to create weapons, tools, and other useful items. This game is also one of the best survival games, so you should try it. And, of course, the game's permadeath mechanic means that every decision matters. If you die, you lose everything and have to start over. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding survival experience, then Project Zomboid is definitely worth checking out. It's a game that will test your skills and push you to your limits.

6. Rust: The Ultimate PvP Survival Game

Alright, let's switch gears and talk about Rust, a game that's all about player-versus-player (PvP) survival. If you're looking for a game where you can build alliances, betray your friends, and engage in epic battles, then Rust is the perfect choice. In Rust, you're dropped into a harsh and unforgiving world with nothing but a rock and a torch. You'll have to scavenge for resources, build a base, and defend yourself from other players who are just as eager to survive as you are. What makes Rust so special? Well, for starters, the game's PvP is incredibly intense. You'll have to be constantly on guard, as other players can attack you at any time. The game's base-building mechanics are also fantastic, allowing you to create some truly impressive structures. You can build fortified compounds, traps, and other defenses to protect your resources. The game also features a variety of weapons and tools, allowing you to customize your playstyle. You can choose to be a stealthy assassin, a skilled marksman, or a brute-force warrior. Plus, the game's community is incredibly active, with plenty of servers and players to choose from. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding PvP survival experience, then Rust is a must-play. It's a game that will test your skills and push you to your limits.

7. Icarus: Survive the Wilderness

Icarus is a survival game that takes you to a terraformed planet filled with hostile creatures, and challenging weather conditions. You play as a Prospector, who explores the planet to gather resources and complete missions. The core gameplay focuses on survival, base building, and completing missions within a time limit. What sets Icarus apart is its unique focus on timed missions. You must venture down to the planet, gather resources, and complete objectives before the oxygen runs out or before the environment becomes too dangerous. The game features a variety of biomes, each with its own challenges. You'll have to build shelters, craft tools and weapons, and fight off dangerous creatures to survive. The game also has a crafting system that allows you to create various items, from basic tools to advanced weapons and equipment. Moreover, Icarus has a co-op mode, where you can team up with friends to survive the harsh environment and complete missions together. If you're looking for a survival game with a unique twist, Icarus is definitely worth checking out. The game's focus on timed missions and the challenging environment provides an engaging experience.

8. ARK: Survival Evolved: Tame Dinosaurs and Conquer

ARK: Survival Evolved is a survival game that takes you to a world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. You start on a mysterious island, and you must survive by gathering resources, crafting items, building structures, and taming dinosaurs. The core gameplay revolves around exploring a vast open world, surviving against the elements, and expanding your base. What makes ARK: Survival Evolved stand out is its emphasis on taming dinosaurs. You can tame various creatures, from small herbivores to massive predators, and use them to help you survive. The game offers a wide range of activities, including crafting, hunting, building, and exploring. You can create weapons and tools, build shelters and fortresses, hunt for food, and discover the island's secrets. The game also has a vast multiplayer mode, where you can team up with others to survive the island's challenges. If you're a fan of dinosaurs and open-world survival games, ARK: Survival Evolved is a great choice. It provides an engaging and immersive experience.

9. Green Hell: Survive in the Amazon Rainforest

If you're looking for a truly challenging survival experience, look no further than Green Hell. This game throws you into the depths of the Amazon rainforest, and you'll have to use all your skills and instincts to survive. The game's focus is on realism. You'll have to manage your hunger, thirst, sanity, and injuries, and you'll have to be careful about what you eat and drink. The game's environment is incredibly dangerous, with predators, poisonous plants, and diseases to contend with. What makes Green Hell so special is its commitment to realism. The game features a detailed crafting system, and you'll have to learn how to make tools, weapons, and medicine from the resources around you. The game also features a story mode, where you'll have to uncover the mysteries of the rainforest and find your way back to civilization. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding survival experience, then Green Hell is a must-play. It's a game that will test your skills and push you to your limits.

10. Conan Exiles: Build and Conquer in a Savage World

Last but not least, we have Conan Exiles. Set in the brutal world of Conan the Barbarian, this game allows you to build a base, fight against other players and creatures, and explore a vast open world. What makes Conan Exiles stand out? It's the freedom it gives you. You can build massive fortresses, raid other players, and even enslave NPCs to work for you. The combat is action-packed and visceral, with a variety of weapons and skills to master. The world is also filled with dangers, including wild animals, monstrous creatures, and other players. The game also has a deep crafting system, allowing you to create weapons, armor, tools, and even furniture. Plus, the game has a multiplayer mode, allowing you to team up with friends or fight against other players. If you're looking for a survival game with a focus on action, base-building, and player-versus-player combat, then Conan Exiles is a great choice. It's a fun and engaging experience that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

So there you have it, guys! The top 10 PC survival games to play in 2022. Each of these games offers a unique and engaging experience, so there's something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite survival game, and start your adventure today!