DayZ is a sandbox survival game set after the zombie apocalypse. Scavenge the remains of an enormous world, Chernarus, searching for resources and weapons to defend yourself against zombies and other players.

Publisher: Bohemia Interactive Playerbase: High Type: Sandbox Survival Release Date: April 12, 2012 Pros: +Huge open world (225km²). +Dynamic weather system. +Customizable weapons. Cons: -Unoptimized client. -Zombies glitch through objects. -Clunky gameplay animations.

Project Zomboid is an open world survival game taking place in a zombie infested apocalypse. Explore Kentucky suburbs searching for loot, while leveling skills, crafting, and building a base. Hordes of zombies force players to work together, until they inevitably die.

Publisher: The Indie Stone Playerbase: Medium Type: Survival Release Date: November 8, 2013 Pros: +Extensive, simple crafting system. +Realistic zombie survival. +Customizable sandbox mode. Cons: -Limited character customization. -Top-down graphics makes PvP difficult. -Clunky combat.

Ark: Survival Evolved is a sandbox survival game where players are stranded on a tropical island inhabited by dinosaurs. Gather, hunt, and build to survive the unforgiving wilderness. Compete with other players for precious resources and tame dinosaurs to ride and protect you.

Publisher: Studio Wildcard Playerbase: High Type: Survival Release Date: June 2, 2015 (Early Access) Pros: +Extensive crafting and building. +Tons of dinosaurs to fight and tame. +Tribal PvP. Cons: -Demanding system requirements. -No tutorial makes learning mechanics difficult. -Several optimization issues.

In Rust players must survive on a procedurally generated map by collecting resources, hunting wildlife, and crafting tools. But you’re not alone, other players are also enduring the wilderness. Survive by building a shelter and arming yourself with weapons in an unforgivable environment.

Publisher: Facepunch Studios Playerbase: High Type: B2P Survival Game Release Date: December 11, 2013 Pros: +Intricate building tools. +Procedurally generated maps. +Extensive crafting system. +Regular updates. Cons: -No tutorial makes learning systems difficult. -Poor optimization causes crashes. -Time consuming to play effectively.