The Best Post-Apocalyptic Games on the PS4

The post-apocalyptic genre has been around for quite some time and has been a staple in various forms of fictional media, including books, movies, TV shows, and games. While it might seem a bit overused, it continues to offer fresh, engaging experiences. The PS4 has enjoyed a slew of outstanding titles in this genre that should be on every gamer’s playlist.

Here are the best post-apocalyptic games available on the PS4.

1. The Last of Us Duology

This was an expected entry on this list, and for good reason. If you’ve somehow missed it, the Last of Us games have set a new standard for post-apocalyptic zombie shooters. Both games feature incredible attention to detail and realistic mechanics, perfectly capturing the survivalist vibe of a post-apocalyptic world.

Undoubtedly, the standout aspect of these games is the narrative, which has drawn praise from audiences and critics alike. The story follows the journey of Joel and Ellie, his adopted daughter, as they navigate a zombie-infested America and strive to keep Ellie’s secret from the government, with the support of their friends and family.

2. Horizon Duology

If you want a break from the typical post-apocalyptic zombie shooters, Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West might be exactly what you need. Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world overrun by animal-like robots, Horizon offers a vast open world teeming with resources and all sorts of artificial wildlife.

In Horizon, you control Aloy, an outcast from her tribe. After proving herself, she embarks on a quest for revenge against those who killed her mentor. The game includes fast-paced combat with machines and humans. Horizon is a truly unique experience, captivating players with its stunning visuals and absorbing story.

3. Fallout 4

No discussion on post-apocalyptic games would be complete without mentioning Fallout. As one of the pioneering series in the genre, Fallout is beloved by devoted fans. Sadly, not all games in the series are available on the PS4, but each game has its own story, so you can jump into Fallout 4 without needing to catch up on previous titles.

Set in a post-nuclear apocalyptic world, Fallout 4 is a role-playing game where players must choose between four factions: the Institute, the Brotherhood of Steel, the Minutemen, and the Railroad. The game features a vast open world, with players making decisions that impact the outcome, ensuring a memorable gaming experience.

4. Resident Evil Series

The original post-apocalyptic zombie shooter, Capcom‘s Resident Evil has vastly influenced many gamers. Renowned as the ultimate zombie shooter, the series’ characters like Chris Redfield, Ada Wong, Albert Wesker, and Leon Kennedy have become cultural icons.

Thanks to recent remakes, nearly every Resident Evil game and some spin-offs are accessible on the PS4. Although the series has shifted from its original roots in the 7th installment, it remains a robust post-apocalyptic game with a compelling story and gameplay.

5. Days Gone

Bend Studio‘s underrated gem, Days Gone, is a fantastic open-world third-person shooter game. Set in a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic Oregon, Days Gone places you in control of Deacon, who travels by motorcycle in search of supplies to aid his allies and friends while seeking clues about his long-lost wife, Sarah.

Days Gone is a zombie-shooting fan’s paradise. Featuring a large world filled with zombies, called Freakers in the game, limited resources enhancing the survivalist feel, and an engaging storyline, this game is undeniably appealing.

6. Tom Clancy’s The Division 2

Want to experience a post-apocalyptic adventure with friends? The Division 2 is an excellent choice. Ubisoft is a well-known developer of innovative multiplayer games, and The Division 2 is another great entry in their multiplayer catalog.

The Division 2 takes place in a war-ravaged post-apocalyptic Washington DC. It is a third-person tactical shooter that emphasizes teamwork and strategy. Players need to design their characters and progress by exploring the open world and completing quests. The game’s variety of weapons enlarges as you continue honing your skills.

7. Dying Light Duology

Craving a fast-paced, adrenaline-charged zombie post-apocalyptic game, but tired of the usual shooting elements? Dying Light might be the game for you. The Dying Light series has gained a strong fan base due to its heart-pounding action and survivalist atmosphere, emphasizing resourcefulness against zombies and hostile humans.

The standout feature of the Dying Light games is their parkour mechanics. Experiencing the game from a first-person perspective, your parkour moves and grappling hook ensure that you explore every corner of the expansive open world. Guns are scarce, so players rely mostly on melee weapons.

Grappling around the city like Batman while fleeing from zombies doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

8. The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series

The Walking Dead is synonymous with post-apocalyptic zombie worlds, thanks to its hit TV show by AMC. The Telltale Definitive Series, however, diverges from the TV series, providing a narrative-driven experience where users mainly choose dialogue or actions, with minimal involvement in other tasks.

Though the Telltale Definitive Series might seem simplistic due to limited user engagement, the narrative is top-notch. The game’s outcome depends on your personal choices, ensuring a captivating experience. You’re in for an emotional roller-coaster!

9. Metro Series

The Metro series, like Fallout, thrusts players into a post-nuclear apocalypse, where they must navigate a devastated Russia. Human survivors have found refuge in metros, where resources are limited, prompting the formation of factions such as the Hanza, Red Line, and Rangers of the Order.

Gameplay-wise, Metro and Fallout have notable differences. Metro offers a first-person shooter experience, whereas Fallout allows players to toggle between first and third-person perspectives. Metro includes an unsettling atmosphere, challenges players’ morals, and incorporates resource gathering, showcasing grotesque creatures born from nuclear radiation.

10. NieR Duology

For JRPG enthusiasts wanting to explore the post-apocalyptic genre, NieR: Replicant and NieR: Automata are ideal choices. Square Enix excels in creating excellent JRPGs, with NieR being a prime example. Set in a future world invaded by alien machines, humans now inhabit space stations, dispatching androids to battle for Earth’s liberation.

Though lacking humanity, each android boasts a unique personality and varying emotional capacity. The game features a sprawling, artistically crafted world, a calming soundtrack, and classic hack-and-slash combat. Fans of JRPG or not, NieR is worth a try.

With an expansive, beautifully designed world, soothing soundtrack, and classic hack-and-slash style combat, NieR checks all the right boxes and is also recommended for non-JRPG fans.

11. Death Stranding

For players seeking a more relaxed experience with an immersive storyline, Death Stranding is worth discovering. Hailing from legendary developer Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans reside in shelters due to a mysterious event that made the surface uninhabitable and spawned bizarre life forms.

Players control Sam Bridges, portrayed by actor Norman Reedus, a delivery man with a special suit enabling him to traverse Earth’s surface. The game boasts a complex narrative, requiring attentive observation. Featuring cameos by Hollywood stars like Guillermo del Toro and Lea Seydoux, Death Stranding is a unique journey.

12. Nuclear Throne

Indie fans rejoice; this is the post-apocalyptic game you need to try. Nuclear Throne is a roguelike shooter that quickly becomes chaotic. In the game, mutants aspire to reach the Nuclear Throne, and players must thwart them by choosing one of 12 characters, each possessing distinct abilities.

The game can be enjoyed either in single-player or a local co-op mode. The gameplay is straightforward: aim and eliminate mutants. Throughout the game, players receive power-ups and new firearms to aid in this mission. Despite its simplicity, the game delivers exhilarating action, beginning almost immediately.