The survival genre has always been about pushing players to their limits—testing patience, creativity, and even friendships. And in 2024, the genre has hit a new high, offering some of the most engaging and unique experiences in gaming.
Whether you’re scavenging for supplies, building shelter, or yelling at your co-op partner for forgetting to grab the fuel,survival gamesnow cater to everyone—from the lone strategists to the chaos-loving team players. Each title brings its twist, making the genre a constant source of innovation and debate.
10 Best Co-Op Survival Games
We’re all in this together.
AtDualShockers, we’ve sifted through countless titles and countless arguments to bring you our definitive list of the best survival games of the year. These are the ones that challenged us, immersed us, and yes, occasionally broke us. Buckle up—these games aren’t for the faint of heart.
10Soul Mask
A Raw Survival Sandbox
If you’ve ever dreamed of carving out your legacy in abrutal, mysterious world,SoulMaskdelivers that and more.
This Early Access survival sandbox throws you into a primal land where your only lifeline is an ancient, mystical mask.
Equal parts a blessing and a curse, this mask holds secrets that reshape everything you know—and push you into a journey of survival, leadership and unraveling ancient truths.
You start as a nobody, escaping a sacrificial ritual by sheer luck—or maybe fate. That’s when you stumble upon the mask, an artifact loaded with power and mystery. It’s not just some MacGuffin; it actively shapes the world around you.
We loved how the mask doesn’t just feel like a plot device but becomes a key player in the story. It’s the kind of narrative touch that hooks you from the start.
At DualShockers, we’re suckers for games that blend brutal survival with storytelling that makes you care.
SoulMasknails this balance. It’s challenging without being punishing, immersive without feeling overwhelming.
The mysticism of the mask, the fun of tribe-building and the raw satisfaction of simply surviving make this a standout survival experience for 2024.
9Frostpunk 2
Freeze or Fall
Frostpunk 2
Frostpunk 2doesn’t just bring you back to the frozen wasteland—it makes you feel its relentless grip with every choice you make.
The expanded mechanics force you to think harder, plan smarter and feel the weight of your decisions more deeply than ever.
If the original game asked you to manage survival, Frostpunk 2 demands you fight tooth and nail for hope itself.
Building your city isn’t just about placing structures; it’s about making choices that will haunt you. Will you enforce strict laws that might crush individual freedoms, or take the riskier path to inspire loyalty and hope?
Balancing resources feels even more precarious, with oil becoming the lifeblood of your settlement. Every choice feels like a gamble and the pressure to keep the last remnants of humanity alive never lets up.
The story jumps into the harsh realities of leadership in adying world. As the cold tightens its grip, players face dilemmas that test their values and resolve. Do you prioritize the many over the few, or risk it all for a better future?
Frostpunk 2doesn’t just challenge your gaming skills—it questions your values. The haunting visuals, chilling soundtrack and ever-tightening spiral of decisions make it a game that stays with you.
For the DualShockers team, its relentless tension and powerful storytelling cemented it as a survival classic that’s impossible to forget.
8Enshrouded
Darkness Uncovered
Enshrouded
Enshroudedinvites players into a mystical world where survival meets deepRPGmechanics. Set in a decaying land filled with secrets, its haunting atmosphere keeps you on edge. The game’s ability to mix exploration with intense survival makes it a standout in the genre.
Crafting isn’t just a mechanic here—it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re building a fortress to hold off waves of deadly creatures or forging weapons that look like they could’ve been pulled from legends, every choice feels significant.
The ever-shifting weather and unpredictable terrain only heighten the tension, creating moments where survival feels as much about wit as skill.
I’ll never forget the first time I faced one of the game’s towering monsters, armed with nothing but a hastily crafted sword and a prayer.
Enshroudeddoesn’t just invite you to play; it demands your full attention. Between its magical lore, intense survival mechanics and the sheer thrill of exploration, it’s a game that lingers with you long after you’ve logged off.
If you’re a fan of survival games with a touch of the mystical, this is one you won’t want to miss.
7LOTR: Return to Moria
Forge the Future
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
AtDualShockers, we’re suckers for a perfect blend of Tolkien lore and survival gameplay andLord of the Rings: Return to Moriadelivers on both fronts.
This isn’t just another survival game—it’s an immersive dive into Middle-earth’s iconic history, where players take on the weighty task of reclaiming the lost Dwarven city.
It’s a title that lets you channel your inner dwarf, combining mining, crafting and battling ancient evils in a breathtakingly atmospheric setting.
Survival inReturn to Moriais as grueling as it is rewarding. Mining resources and forging tools are just the start—managing dwindling supplies and defending against monstrous threats lurking in the shadows is where the real challenge lies.
The story feels like a love letter to Tolkien fans. Every corner of Moria holds secrets tied to its tragic fall, making each delve feel purposeful and rewarding.
Uncovering the forgotten history of the dwarves as you rebuild their once-glorious kingdom adds a sense of grandeur to the survival experience. As the tale unfolds, you’ll find yourself not just fighting to survive but fighting to restore an empire steeped in legend.
For fans ofThe Lord of the Ringsand survival enthusiasts alike,Return to Moriais a standout. Its rich lore, challenging mechanics and atmospheric tension create a game that’s both a tribute to Middle-earth and a thrilling adventure in its own right.
6Sons of The Forest
Island of Terror
Sons of The Forestdoesn’t just build onThe Forest(its predecessor)—it redefines whatsurvival horrorcan be.
The island is breathtakingly beautiful, a deceptive façade for the horrors that await. Fans of the original will be thrilled by the new dangers lurking behind every tree, under every shadow.
The survival mechanics are brutal and unforgiving. The AI-driven cannibals are terrifyingly smart, learning your habits and adapting to your tactics.
They’ll flank you when you think you’re safe, set traps when you least expect it and ambush in ways that leave you questioning every move.
Crafting and base-building are more intricate than ever, but the constant pressure to outthink your enemies makes survival a tense, high-stakes challenge.
Co-op mode cranks up the chaos as you and your friends band together—or fail together—in your fight for survival.
With its intelligent AI, jaw-dropping visuals and relentless gameplay,Sons of the Forestis a masterclass in survival horror.
It’s not just about staying alive—it’s about facing the unknown and embracing the chaos. DualShockers staff couldn’t put it down and neither will you.
5Once Human
Alien Apocalypse Awaits
Once Human
Once Humanisn’t just anothersurvival game—it’s a desperate battle for humanity’s future.
Set in a crumbling world overrun by alien infestations, the game pulls you in with its hauntingly beautiful landscapes and constant sense of dread. It’s a place where every decision feels like a life-or-death gamble and danger is always one step ahead of you.
Survival here isn’t simple. You’ll need to scavenge the ruins of a broken world, build bases to hold off relentless alien assaults and craft everything you need to stay alive. But the world isn’t static—it’s alive and angry.
Alien threats adapt to your playstyle, weather conditions change in an instant and even the terrain seems to shift against you. Each time you log in, you’re stepping into the unknown, which makes survival feel fresh and terrifying.
The narrative dives deep into humanity’s fight to reclaim Earth from extraterrestrial invaders. Through exploration, players uncover hidden lore and secrets about the alien scourge, piecing together a larger story about resilience and survival.
Once Humancaptured the hearts of the DualShockers team. It’s relentless, beautiful and brimming with tension at every turn.
Whether you’re fending off swarms of alien horrors or piecing together the haunting tale of Earth’s downfall, this game stands out as a visceral, unforgettable survival experience.
10 Games Like Once Human You Need To Play
what other games are similar and could maybe make the same leap to stardom?
4Lethal Company
Chaos Meets Horror
Lethal Company
Lethal Companytakes a bold leap into the horror-survival genre, blending cooperative chaos with spine-chilling tension.
This multiplayer gem has captured the attention of gamers, creating a unique experience filled with both dread and laughter. Its dynamic mix of terror and camaraderie has made it a standout in 2024.
The gameplay thrives on unpredictability. Players must traverse procedurally generated maps haunted by AI-driven monstrosities, working together to gather resources and complete objectives. But here’s the twist: trust is a luxury.
With every creak and shadow, paranoia spreads as alliances crumble under pressure. Will your group stay united or throw someone to the wolves for a better shot at survival? The constant tension and unpredictable outcomes make every session unforgettable.
By blending humor, tension and a sprinkling of betrayal,Lethal Companycrafts a survival experience that stands out in the genre.
It’s not just about escaping the horrors—it’s about how the journey bonds (or breaks) you and your team. For the DualShockers crew, it’s the perfect mix of mayhem and horror that keeps us hitting “ready up” again and again.
3Pacific Drive
Drive or Die
Pacific Drivethrows you into the driver’s seat—literally—in a survival experience unlike anything else. Stranded in the hazardous Olympic Exclusion Zone, your station wagon becomes more than just a vehicle; it’s your lifeline, fortress and constant companion.
With its surreal premise and gripping atmosphere, the game has left a lasting impression on fans of the genre.
The gameplay revolves around keeping your car functional, which includes repairing it with craftable kits andsiphoning gasfrom other cars to keep yours fueled up.
As you navigate through hazardous zones filled with anomalies, you’ll need to scavenge parts, manage fuel and repair damage. The car isn’t just a tool—it’s your shelter, transportation and survival partner. Every trip feels like a high-stakes expedition.
What makesPacific Drivetruly shine is how it combines its survival elements with a focus on vehicular strategy. Whether you’re plotting your route to avoid hazards or debating if you may make it one more mile on fumes, every choice feels weighty.
It’s survival reimagined—an unforgettable road trip through chaos and wonder. For the DualShockers team, this isn’t just a game; it’s a ride we can’t stop taking.
2STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Fear the Zone
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyltakes players back into the haunting Zone, a place where danger lurks at every corner.
Mutants that send shivers down your spine, radiation ready to creep into your every step and rival factions gunning for your last can of beans—this sequel doesn’t hold your hand and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Survival is the name of the game andSTALKER 2nails it. You’re not just collecting gear—you’re fighting tooth and nail for every resource, managing radiation exposure like it’s your daily coffee and facing enemies who seem like they’ve studied guerrilla tactics.
The AI keeps things spicy—ambushes, misdirection and unpredictability galore. Every playthrough feels unique, like the Zone itself has a grudge against you.
But it’s not just about staying alive; it’s about the why. The story pulls you into the Zone’s twisted heart, loaded with lore that could fill an encyclopedia. Moral dilemmas hit hard—will you save a desperate survivor or loot their stash?
Every choice reshapes the narrative, with multiple endings ensuring no two journeys feel the same. It’s a game that dares you to push further, dig deeper and live (or die) with your decisions.
As a survival game, it perfectly blends atmosphere with challenge. The oppressive environment and high-stakes gameplay ofS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobylleft a lasting impression on the DualShockers team as one of the most atmospheric survival games of the year.
A must-play for anyone who craves an immersive post-apocalyptic adventure.
Pals Gone Wild
Palworldis where charming creature-collecting meets survival chaos. In a world filled with adorable Pals, you’re tasked with surviving harsh conditions and making tough decisions. The game’s mix of lighthearted exploration and intense survival has left a mark on players, setting it apart from the rest.
The gameplay is an addictive loop of taming, crafting and strategizing. Each Pal has a purpose—some are fighters, others are builders or farmers. The twist? you may use them as loyal friends or tools for survival.
Need to fend off raiders? Equip a combat-ready Pal. Low on resources? You can “utilize” your Pals in morally questionable ways. Co-op multiplayer takes this chaos to the next level, letting you team up with friends to build, fight, or wreak havoc together.
Palworldisn’t just memorable—it’s the kind of game that DualShockers staff couldn’t stop talking about, earning it our top spot. Not to mention, a hugeDecember update forPalworldis planned which is going to add a huge island to the map to scavenge and explore!
Palworld: 10 Best Electric Pals, Ranked
Electric Pals are some of the most unique creatures in Palworld. Here is a list of the best Electric Pals in the game, all ranked accordingly!
