After all the waiting and delays,S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobylhas finally hit the scene. Thanks to the hard work of Ukrainian developer GSC Game World, players across the globe can experience the terrors of the Zone in a video game that combinesSurvival HorrorwithFPScombat.
Review: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Welcome (back) to The Zone, Stalker.
If you’re craving more after braving the horrors of the second S.T.A.L.K.E.R., however, there are plenty of games that capture the themes and scenarios of this grim franchise. If it’s an apocalyptic setting dealing with the pressures of moral conundrum or a world cluttered with monsters that need slaying, you’ll find them here.
Fun Fact: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. stands for Scavengers, Trespassers, Adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers, and Robbers, originally coined in the 1972 Russian novel “Roadside Picnic.”
8S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
Back to Basics
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
It’s an oldie but a goodie from the days of jankyPCgames. If the second game left you wanting to explore and learn more about its world, there’s no better time than now to play the first release that started the franchise.
True, the graphics and controls might be dated, but the feeling of scavenging in a ruined land remains unchanged. The older 3D models even add to the grim design of this murky world, especially the creatures. First-time players might need time adjusting, but once you’ve acclimated, you’re in for a wild experience of classicrole-playingsurvival horror.
7System Shock
Remake of Classic
System Shock (2023)
Built from the ground up, the iconic 1994 classic has been reborn for the modern age.System Shocktakes players into acyberpunk-themedworld where a space station has been taken over by a rogue artificial intelligence.
In true dystopian fashion, rampant mutants, machines and cyborgs are on the loose. The only way to survive is to hack, fight, and scavenge for materials. While the controls and combat have been redone for current-generation gamers, it still maintains its classic survival roots of inventory management and backtracking. Just be prepared for a challenge, because while most modern games will hold your hand, System Shock expects players to learn by doing.
6Death Stranding: Director’s Cut
“Tomorrow is in Your Hands”
Death Stranding
From the mind that gave players theMetal Gear Solidfranchise, legendary game directorHideo Kojimabrings his apocalyptic creation:Death Stranding. Though the original 2019 release was met with mixed feelings regarding its gameplay, critics agree that its story is an utter masterpiece. Now, thanks to the Director’s Cut, the game has been completely revamped with new gameplay additions and brand-new scenes.
Set in an alternate reality that’s collapsing after a cataclysmic event, it’s up to Sam Bridges to brave the hazardous world and deliver the necessary supplies that’ll reconnect the scattered colonies. The game also stars notable actors Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Troy Baker and so much more. Even better, thePlayStationexclusive has been made available onXbox, though only the Director’s Cut version.
5Frostpunk 2
Survive and Rebuild Society
Frostpunk 2
A sequel to another hit series centered in a ruined world – only replace the radiation with snow, and the Ukrainians with the British.Frostpunk 2is not about fighting the post-apocalypse but surviving it.
Review: Frostpunk 2
We do what we must for the greater good.
With only your people and the heater keeping them alive, it falls on you to design the city and manage the jobs to focus on. It won’t be easy though. As the population grows, so do the demands. Create laws and dictate how the society will be structured, with every choice impacting the city. In the franchise that’s made a name for itself as one of thebest strategy games set after the world’s end, Frostpunk is the game for players looking to face post-apocalyptic in a whole new way.
4Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Serve the Emperor’s Will
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
Looking for something with more action and less survival? Then it’s time to armor up and spill the blood of heretics in a cinematic third-person adventure that combines heavy melee and ranged combat.
Based on one of the most-popular franchises in the world,Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2places players in a war-torn future where armored space marines are locked in combat against hordes of alien predators and the forces of chaos. If all that sounds too chaotic, that basically summarizes the gameplay – utter chaos as you’re blasting and tearing through legions of enemies. And if you’re tired of heading into combat alone, Warhammer 2 featuresco-opand competitivemultiplayer, so your online friends can join in the carnage.
3Cyberpunk 2077
Transhumanist Dystopia
Cyberpunk 2077
For players looking for a more futuristic setting of gunplay and survival, look no further thanCyberpunk 2077. Despite its rocky beginnings, the game has been patched with new content, including an immense expansion: Phantom Liberty.
In a world where corporations control the city, the only way to make a name for yourself is to chrome up. Modify your body with the tech of your choosing. Become the fastest as you run and gun across the battlefield, the smartest as you hack into everything and everyone or the strongest as you rip and tear your foes in half. Earning the honor ofone of the best dystopian video games, the only thing cooler about Cyberpunk is the fact you get to interact with characters played by famous actors Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba.
2Metro Exodus
Survive the Horror & Endure the Politics
Metro Exodus
From the series that could almost be mistaken as the spinoff to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.,Metro Exodustakes players out of the cold metro and into an enormous open world. Based on the book series by Dmitry Glukhovsky and praised asone of the highest-rated games based on books, players explore a decimated Russia while searching for a home free of radiation and hostility.
Riding on a train with a small crew of colorful characters, your search will take you to locations infested with the worst creatures, but not all of them of the drooling monsters. In some places, the radioactive mutants are more tolerable than the corrupt humans. Relying on your gasmask and Geiger counter to survive the radioactive hot spots, how you approach each combat situation is up to you. Just mind how you act, because your choices will have an impact. So plan ahead before going in guns blazing.
1Fallout 4
“I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire”
Set in the ruined wasteland of Boston, you’re given the freedom to go and do whatever you wish. InFallout 4, you can build a base, a settlement or even a robot. Modify our weapons and armor to your specifications, all while listening to post-war music on your portable radio.
Explore the Commonwealth and join factions made up of unique characters with their own agendas. Fight using melee and guns while slowing down time with the VATS mechanic. As far as content goes, there’s hundreds of hours to be found in the base game, before you even start its DLCs. Then come back for some more withmodsmade by fans. As far as fun in the post-apocalypse goes, theFalloutseries is the only one that makes the end of the world seem tolerable.
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