Survival Games: Definition and Examples

This section presents well-known survival games that have achieved remarkable popularity and recognition.

“Minecraft”

Probably the best-known survival game, Minecraft was launched in 2011 and has continued to evolve over the years. “Minecraft” is characterized by its iconic block aesthetic and features an extensive crafting system that allows players to create a variety of items, from fishing rods to carpets. The game offers players unprecedented freedom of creativity and encourages them to build intricate castles, houses or towers. The survival aspect in “Minecraft” involves managing health, with health points regenerating when the player is satiated. To achieve this, players must hunt cows, pigs and chickens or grow crops such as carrots, potatoes or wheat. In addition, nocturnal, malevolent creatures such as zombies, skeletons and “creepers” pose a major threat during the game.

“Grounded”

Released in 2020, Grounded brings a new perspective to the survival genre by shrinking players down to the size of ants and releasing them into a dangerous garden environment. As in traditional survival games, players must fight, build and explore, but the game's unique scale turns spiders and bugs into fearsome enemies, and even a lone tree becomes an oversized climb.

“Green Hell”

Survival in the jungle is vividly depicted in “Green Hell” (2019). The game contains conventional survival elements such as crafting items and weapons, but also forces players to consider the quality of drinking water and the possible effects of various diseases, making survival even more challenging.

“The Forest”

“The Forest” (2014) is another captivating survival game that immerses players in a forest environment characterized by unsettling encounters with seemingly mutated individuals equipped with numerous limbs.

Survival games are all characterized by comparable mechanics that focus on hunting, crafting and building shelters to ensure survival. Nevertheless, it is the distinctive atmosphere and locations that give each survival game its individuality. Enthusiasts and newcomers alike are encouraged to explore the captivating world of survival games, which offer unique challenges and engaging experiences.