Ark: Survival Evolved took the gaming world by storm with its unique blend of survival mechanics, dinosaur taming, and a sprawling open-world environment. Players are thrust into a mysterious island where they must gather resources craft tools, build shelters, and tame prehistoric creatures to thrive. Suppose you’ve found yourself captivated by Ark: survival eveolved gameplay and are yearning for more adventures in similar worlds. In that case, this article will guide you through several games that capture the essence of survival, crafting, and exploration in captivating ways.
1. Conan Exiles
Genre: Survival, Sandbox, Crafting
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Overview:
Conan Exiles transports players into the brutal world of Hyboria, inspired by the Conan the Barbarian universe. Like Ark, this game emphasizes survival in a harsh environment filled with dangerous wildlife, hostile NPCs, and challenging terrain. Players must gather resources, craft tools and weapons, and build bases to protect themselves. What sets Conan Exiles apart is its focus on building and combat. The game features a robust construction system that allows for intricate base designs, and its melee combat is dynamic and engaging.
Key Features:
- Detailed Crafting System: Craft a variety of tools, weapons, and armor using a comprehensive crafting system.
- Building Mechanics: Create elaborate structures from modest shelters to sprawling castles.
- Thrall System: Capture NPCs and convert them into your workforce, enhancing your survival capabilities.
2. Rust
Genre: Survival, Sandbox, Multiplayer
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Overview:
Rust is a survival game that pits players against not only the environment but also each other. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Rust requires players to gather resources, craft weapons, and build bases while defending against other players. The game’s PvP elements add a layer of intensity as players must constantly be on guard against raids and attacks.
Key Features:
- Persistent World: The game world continues to exist and evolve even when you’re offline, adding a sense of continuity.
- Dynamic PvP: Engage in player vs. player combat, leading to thrilling encounters and strategic planning.
- Raiding and Defense: Build and fortify bases to protect against other players’ attacks.
3. The Forest
Genre: Survival Horror, Sandbox
Platforms: PC, PS4
Overview:
The Forest blends survival mechanics with horror elements, placing players in a dense, mysterious forest after a plane crash. Players must gather resources, craft shelter, and fend off terrifying cannibalistic mutants. Unlike Ark and firekirin, The Forest incorporates a strong narrative and eerie atmosphere, creating a sense of dread and urgency as players uncover the secrets of the forest.
Key Features:
- Atmospheric Survival: Experience a unique blend of survival mechanics and horror elements.
- Crafting and Building: Gather materials to construct shelters and craft weapons.
- Story-Driven Exploration: Uncover the dark secrets of the forest and the mutants inhabiting it.
4. Subnautica
Genre: Survival, Exploration, Crafting
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Overview:
Subnautica takes the survival genre underwater, placing players in an alien ocean world filled with strange creatures and hidden dangers. Players must explore the depths, gather resources, craft equipment, and build underwater bases. The game’s stunning visuals and immersive environment create a sense of wonder and discovery.
Key Features:
- Underwater Exploration: Dive into a vibrant alien ocean teeming with life.
- Base Building: Construct underwater bases to house your equipment and protect against the environment.
- Story-Driven Adventure: Discover the mysteries of the alien planet while striving for survival.
5. No Man’s Sky
Genre: Survival, Exploration, Sandbox
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Overview:
No Man’s Sky offers a vast, procedurally generated universe for players to explore. While not strictly a survival game, it incorporates survival elements such as resource gathering and crafting. Players can explore diverse planets, build bases, and engage with alien species. The game’s continuous updates have added multiplayer features, base building, and complex missions, enhancing its depth and playability.
Key Features:
- Procedurally Generated Universe: Explore countless planets, each with unique ecosystems and challenges.
- Base Building: Construct bases on different planets to establish a foothold in the universe.
- Multiplayer and Missions: Collaborate with other players and embark on various missions.
6. Green Hell
Genre: Survival, Simulation
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Overview:
Green Hell challenges players to survive in the unforgiving Amazon rainforest. The game emphasizes realism, with detailed survival mechanics such as nutrition, mental health, and physical condition. Players must forage for food, craft tools, and build shelters while contending with the harsh environment and its inhabitants.
Key Features:
- Realistic Survival Mechanics: Manage hunger, health, and mental well-being in a realistic setting.
- Dynamic Weather System: Adapt to changing weather conditions that affect gameplay.
- Deep Crafting System: Create tools and weapons from the resources found in the jungle.
7. Valheim
Genre: Survival, Sandbox, Exploration
Platforms: PC
Overview:
Valheim is a Viking-themed survival game set in a procedurally generated world. Players must gather resources, build bases, and fend off mythical creatures while exploring different biomes. The game combines survival mechanics with cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up for adventures.
Key Features:
- Viking-Inspired World: Explore a world influenced by Norse mythology and folklore.
- Cooperative Multiplayer: Join forces with friends to tackle challenges and build settlements.
- Dynamic Crafting and Building: Craft a variety of items and construct detailed buildings.
8. 7 Days to Die
Genre: Survival Horror, Sandbox
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Overview:
7 Days to Die merges survival gameplay with tower defense elements in a zombie apocalypse setting. Players must scavenge for resources, build defenses, and fend off waves of zombies that increase in intensity every seven days. The game’s blend of crafting, building, and combat provides a unique take on the survival genre.
Key Features:
- Zombie Horde Mechanics: Prepare for and survive the relentless zombie attacks that occur every seven days.
- Crafting and Building: Develop intricate defenses and craft a variety of tools and weapons.
- Dynamic Weather and Day-Night Cycle: Adapt to changing conditions that impact gameplay.
9. Minecraft
Genre: Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile
Overview:
Minecraft may seem simplistic compared to Ark, but its survival mode offers a rich experience. Players start with nothing and must gather resources, craft tools, and build structures to survive in a blocky, procedurally generated world. The game’s creative and sandbox elements allow for endless possibilities in crafting and exploration.
Key Features:
- Infinite Worlds: Explore and shape vast worlds with diverse biomes and resources.
- Survival and Creative Modes: Experience survival challenges or unleash your creativity without limits.
- Modding and Customization: Enhance gameplay with mods and community-created content.
10. Grounded
Genre: Survival, Adventure
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Overview:
Grounded shrinks players down to the size of insects and places them in a backyard setting filled with dangers and mysteries. Players must gather resources, craft equipment, and build bases to survive. The game’s unique perspective and environment provide a fresh take on the survival genre.
Key Features:
- Unique Setting: Navigate a backyard environment from the perspective of a tiny character.
- Crafting and Building: Create tools, weapons, and shelters to survive against insect threats.
- Story and Exploration: Uncover the secrets of your miniature existence while exploring the backyard.
Conclusion
If you’ve enjoyed the survival, crafting, and exploration elements of Ark: Survival Evolved, these games offer similar experiences while bringing their unique twists to the genre. Whether you’re seeking realistic survival challenges, cooperative adventures, or imaginative worlds, there’s a game in this list that will satisfy your craving for adventure. Dive into these worlds and embark on new journeys filled with danger, discovery, and the thrill of survival.
