Summary
Sons of the Foresthas now been released for many fans of the survival-horror genre to dig their hands into and explore the vast island that lies within the game. However, for players who have already sped through and enjoyedSons of the Forest, or for those who have yet to play the game, there are plenty of other games that are reminiscent of the experience they would get inSons of the Forest.
Games that are likeSons of the Forestare generally survival games, with some including that horror aspect that makes the game’s environment so inevitably haunting. Players looking to scratch that survival horror itch will find no shortage of titles that are pretty similar to this tense game that takes no prisoners.
Updated on Jun 07, 2025, by Ritwik Mitra:Sons of the Forest is shaping up to be one of the best survival games, and fans can’t wait to see how this game evolves during its Early Access period to become a must-play title in the genre. While experiencing this title in its development phase can still be intriguing, most players would still prefer to check out other games, finished or otherwise, that let them enjoy a similar gameplay loop. Thankfully, there are more than enough options here to satiate most players.
Project Zomboidhas enjoyed a unique development process, including a theft that led to the game’s progress being halted significantly. Still, the game continued to attract a dedicated fanbase that loves what this title does with the survival genre.
Featuring many stats to level and numerous ways to approach the game’s challenges every single time, it’s easy to see whyProject Zomboidis shaping up to be such a promising game. Despite being in an Early Access stage,Project Zomboidfeatures more content than most other survival games out there and will keep players occupied for hours on end.
With so many zombie survival games out right now, it’s only a given that these games need to feature a unique hook to keep players interested.7 Days to Diedoes exactly that, featuring a gameplay loop that crescendoes at the end of every week when hordes of zombies descend upon them.
Most players will witness the end of their run on the seventh day, and it takes a while for players to be seasoned enough to deal with this assault at the end of one week, let alone several. Still, there’s nothing more satisfying than conquering the obstacles this game sets after struggling across multiple runs.
The unique art style andsimple yet challenging gameplay ofDon’t Starveis what made it such a smash hit back in the day. Even now, scavenging for resources and trying to brave the horrors of the night makes for a pretty tense time indeed.
The game has a co-op version that fans can check out if they want to struggle and survive with a friend.Don’t Starveis a legendary title that came out during the early boom of indie gaming and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many fans.
Despite being in Early Access,Valheimhas taken the world by storm. The game is truly one-of-a-kind and promises to be the next big thing in the survival genre when the full release comes out.
The ambition of this title is immense and shows just how passionate the developers are about this incredible game. Exploring a world based around Norse mythology as players prove themselves to the gods makes for a fun experience that fans simply can’t get enough of!
An obvious game for players looking for aSons of the Forest-like experience is its predecessor,The Forest. Whether fans played the sequel first or if they need a sign to replay one of the best survival games out there,The Forestis the best choice for fans ofSons of the Forest.
Endnight Games are behind both games, and there would have been noSons of the ForestifThe Foresthad not come first. There’s a lot of building to do, cannibals to avoid, and horrific cave systems, much like the game’s sequel.
Minecraftis just about the single best survival game for players seeking out a unique survival experience. Although it came out more than a decade ago,Minecraftstill runs strong with frequent updates that change the game.
Minecraftmay not have the superior horror aspect thatSons of the Foresthas, but that doesn’t mean the game can’t leave players on edge. Withrandomly generated maps, biomes,enemies, and more,Minecraftis a wonderful survival game.
ARK: Survival Evolvedwas released just around the same time asThe Forest, and together, the two games triumphed in a wonderful time for survival games.ARK: Survival Evolvedalso places players on an unknown map and pits players against deadly elements, enemies, and compelling cave systems.
The largest difference between the two games is thatARK: Survival Evolvedputs players up against dinosaurs. These dinosaurs can be tamed as well, making for great companions in players' adventures.
DayZis one of the oldest indie titles around, but it is also one of the best survival games out there and one of the more realistic ones, too. Fans of the more realistic feel ofSons of the Forestwill certainly loveDayZ.
DayZis an open-world zombie survival game that places players in Russia. Players are forced to scavenge the mapfor food, water,weapons, and shelter. ThoughDayZis a zombie-survival game,that doesn’t mean zombies are the only threat. With massive public servers, players may be each other’s worst fears.
Dying Lightis an open-world zombie-survival game that highlights parkour elements while players confront a compelling narrative, along with crafting exciting elemental weapons.Dying Light 2: Stay Humanis a recent release that is the sequel to the fan-favorite zombie game.
Players don’t necessarily need to playDying Lightto playDying Light 2: Stay Human, so players are free to experience the wonderful experience that enhances the features of the first game. The combat, co-op, and the entire map are all amazing.
Subnauticais one of the most popular survival games to date, and for good reason.Subnauticais one of the few AA games that have created an outstanding ocean-themed survival game. It has its very own unique experience for players to get into if they’re looking forsomething more sci-fi-themed and exciting.
Subnauticaplaces players on a planet almost completely made up of ocean, and they are forced to confront their thalassophobia (fear of deep water and what may be lurking in it) as they swim in the depths in search of game progression.
