Top 10 Side-Scrolling Survival Games of All Time

Survival games transport players to unforgiving environments where they must conquer various obstacles and hurdles to stay alive. This engenders a feeling of immersion and struggle, requiring players to think strategically, hoard resources, and make critical decisions. Meanwhile, side-scrolling games have the power to evoke nostalgia in those who grew up playing iconic titles from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.

The charm of side-scrolling survival games lies in their unique combination of retro aesthetics, challenging gameplay, and a sense of exploration and immersion. Moreover, these games can create an air of mystery and intrigue by emphasizing contextual storytelling, subtle visual cues, and the player's own imagination.

10 Until We Die

Platforms:

PC and Nintendo Switch.

In Until We Die, players find themselves in a post-apocalyptic world where mutants have overrun the subway system. As a commander leading a group of survivors, the objective is to gather resources, fend off hordes of mutants, and expand the base in order to ensure survival. The game not only features a chilling atmosphere, but also emphasizes base building and real-time strategy. To successfully navigate the mutant-infested subway, players must effectively manage resources and personnel to defend their bases against attacks from the horde. The recruitment of diverse survivors with unique abilities can also increase the chances of survival, as they assist in exploring and overcoming the hazards of the underground environment.

9 Deadlight

Platforms:

PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox 360.

In the midst of a zombie-ridden post-apocalyptic world, players of Deadlight are tasked with finding their lost family members, a daunting and terrifying challenge. The game's unique approach requires players to avoid, rather than fight, the undead, adding an extra layer of tension to the already gripping gameplay. The narrative is expertly crafted with unexpected twists and turns, keeping players invested in the story. The combination of platforming, puzzle-solving, and zombie themes creates a truly unique gaming experience, one that requires quick thinking and a sense of desperation to progress.

8 Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut

Platforms:

PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, macOS, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita.

In Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut, players will find themselves immersed in a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly disease has decimated the population. The game offers a unique twist on the horror genre by introducing psychological elements that will test players' ability to survive and escape the nightmarish landscape.

Unlike other horror games that mainly focus on physical health, Lone Survivor places a strong emphasis on mental well-being. This means that players must make wise decisions to ensure they achieve one of the game's desirable endings, adding an extra layer of complexity to the already challenging gameplay.

7 The Final Station

Platforms:

PC, MacOS, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

In The Final Station, players take on the role of train conductor Edward Jones, who navigates a post-apocalyptic world 106 years after The First Visitation disaster. Rather than exploring on foot like many survival games, the majority of gameplay takes place aboard a train. The game's two major gameplay elements involve managing resources and caring for survivors on the train, as well as engaging in strategic combat at various train stations to uncover vital supplies and hidden codes. Additionally, The Final Station's art and soundtrack contribute to the game's overall sense of isolation and help to bring its plot to life.

6 Endling - Extinction is Forever

Platforms:

PC, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Android, and iOS

As the protagonist in Endling - Extinction is Forever, you take on the responsibility of safeguarding your offspring from the perils of a decaying planet brought about by human actions. You'll need to forage for sustenance and steer clear of predators to ensure their survival.

With a poignant narrative that conveys a compelling ecological statement, the game is a feast for the senses, thanks to the breathtaking hand-drawn visuals and an exceptional musical score that heightens its ambiance. It's a rare treasure that's sure to resonate with those seeking an evocative experience.

5 Grim Nights

Platforms:

PC​​​​​

As the leader of a medieval village in Grim Nights, players must gather resources to protect their village from nightly monster attacks. Survival depends on strategic planning and careful resource management to balance defense and sustenance. Crafting sturdy walls and positioning guards are key tactics, as success hinges on the player's ability to efficiently manage resources and deploy defenses. With a challenging difficulty level akin to Until We Die, Grim Nights offers an exhilarating survival adventure that should not be overlooked.

4 Overslept

Platforms:

PC​​​​

In Overslept, players take on the role of Jazlynne, a psychologist who has a penchant for napping after work. However, her routine is disrupted when she wakes up in a hospital that feels eerily familiar yet strange at the same time. The main objective of the game is to unravel puzzles and find a way out of the hospital, which is haunted by a towering and enigmatic entity. With unpredictable appearances, the game's clever use of lighting and sound effects creates an unsettling and nerve-wracking atmosphere that will keep players on the edge of their seats. The game's design brilliantly captures a sense of paranoia and dread, making the overall experience all the more immersive.

3 The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters

Platforms:

PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS.

Mina Park, the protagonist of The Coma 2, is a schoolgirl who finds herself trapped in a sinister version of her school. Drawing inspiration from Asian folklore, the game offers players a unique puzzle-solving experience as they gather clues to escape from the clutches of an evil entity. With its clever mechanics and immersive storytelling, this indie title is sure to keep players hooked as they unravel the mysteries of this dark and twisted world.

The game boasts a compelling narrative-driven gameplay with survival elements that add to the tension and atmosphere. One interesting feature is the mechanic that allows Mina to suffer permanent injuries if the player fails to equip her correctly, adding an extra layer of challenge to the already intense gameplay.

2 This War of Mine

Platforms:

PC, Android, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Linux, macOS

Players are immersed in a war-torn city where survival is the ultimate goal for a group of civilians. Scavenging for food, medicine, and other vital resources is crucial to keep their hideout and themselves alive. The presence of hostile snipers and scavengers adds further danger and tension to the already dire situation, forcing survivors to navigate cautiously. This War of Mine stands out from other games of its genre by placing players in the shoes of civilians instead of soldiers, offering a raw portrayal of the often-overlooked impact of war on non-combatants. Players are faced with difficult and realistic decisions, balancing the need to protect everyone in their group against the harsh reality of scarcity and the possibility of having to sacrifice some members for the sake of the rest's survival.

1 Sheltered

Platforms:

PC, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.

Players are thrown into a post-apocalyptic world, where they must fight for survival in an abandoned bunker. In Sheltered, the objective is to scavenge for necessary supplies while navigating through the hazardous wasteland, all while managing and maintaining the bunker to keep the family alive for as long as possible. Along the way, players may come across other survivors who may prove to be valuable allies in the future. The game also allows for creative expression through decorating and renovating the bunker, as players must transform it into a comfortable home for their family.