Top 5 Zombie Games | Our Expert Picks

Over the years, zombie games have gained immense popularity in the gaming industry, captivating players with their heart-pounding action, haunting atmospheres, and mind-bending survival challenges. In this article, we've handpicked the top 5 must-play zombie games to help you maximize your survival strategy and excitement as you brave through the living dead-infested worlds.

Table of Contents

• Resident Evil 2
• The Last of Us
• Dead Island
• Dying Light
• Left 4 Dead 2

1. Resident Evil 2

Background and Release Date: First released in 1998, Resident Evil 2 is a classic survival horror game, which was revamped with a Remake edition launched in 2019. Developed and published by Capcom, this game has remained the gold standard in the zombie genre ever since it first hit the scene.

Gameplay and Storyline: Set in the midst of a horrifying viral outbreak in Raccoon City, players take on the roles of either rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy or college student Claire Redfield as they fight for survival in the zombie-infested city. Players must solve puzzles, manage limited resources, and navigate through dangerous environments while battling horrifying monsters.

Highlight Features: What makes Resident Evil 2 stand out among other zombie games are the following:

• Atmospheric Horror: With its masterful storytelling and dark, moody environments, Resident Evil 2 constantly keeps players on edge.
• Strategic Gameplay: Resource management is critical, adding an extra layer of tension as players ration ammunition and healing items while facing relentless zombies.
• Iconic Monsters: From the terrifying Licker to the seemingly unstoppable Tyrant, Resident Evil 2 introduces unforgettable foes that still give gamers nightmares today.

2. The Last of Us

Background and Release Date: Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, The Last of Us is an action-adventure survival horror game first launched in 2013. With its captivating storyline and intense gameplay, The Last of Us quickly became a critically acclaimed bestseller.

Gameplay and Storyline: Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by infected humans who have fallen victim to a fungal infection, the game follows smuggler Joel and his young companion Ellie as they travel across the country to find a cure. Along the way, players not only face hordes of infected, but also hostile human survivors, adding more complexity to the gameplay.

Highlight Features: The Last of Us offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience with features like:

• Emotional Storytelling: The gripping and heart-wrenching narrative offers compelling character development, making players truly invested in Joel and Ellie's journey.
• Stealth-Based Gameplay: Rather than constant all-out action, players must carefully plan their movements, utilizing stealth and strategy to avoid or take down both infected and human enemies.
• Immersive World: The game's post-apocalyptic setting is hauntingly beautiful, creating a sense of realism and immersion that is unparalleled in the zombie game genre.

3. Dead Island

Background and Release Date: Developed by Techland and published by Deep Silver, Dead Island is a survival action role-playing game that was released in 2011. The game's unique setting, open-world gameplay, and wide-array of customizable weapons helped it stand out among other zombie games.

Gameplay and Storyline: Dead Island is set on the stunning tropical island of Banoi, which has been overrun by hordes of zombies. Players must team up with other survivors and forge their own path towards escaping the island, completing various quests and missions along the way. The game features a heavy emphasis on combat, crafting, and character progression.

Highlight Features: Dead Island offers players a fresh take on zombie games with features like:

• Unique Setting: The tropical paradise turned nightmare offers a refreshing change from the usual bleak zombie-infested landscapes.
• Open-World Exploration: Players have the freedom to explore the vast island and its many hidden treasures, creating their own survival story.
• Weapon Customization: The game's deep crafting system allows players to create their dream arsenal by upgrading and modifying an extensive range of weapons.

4. Dying Light

Background and Release Date: Developed by Techland and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Dying Light is a first-person action survival horror game that was released in 2015. The game's innovative parkour mechanics and day-night cycle, along with ruthless zombie combat, have made it a fan favorite.

Gameplay and Storyline: Set in the quarantined city of Harran, players assume the role of an undercover agent, Kyle Crane, who must navigate and survive in a city filled with various types of infected. Players must scavenge for resources, craft weapons, and complete missions while mastering the art of parkour to traverse the urban landscape.

Highlight Features: Dying Light offers a thrilling and challenging experience for zombie game enthusiasts with features like:

• Parkour Mechanics: The game's fluid parkour system allows for fast and fluid movement, adding a unique and exhilarating gameplay experience.
• Day-Night Cycle: As night falls in Harran, the infected become more aggressive and dangerous, requiring players to adapt their strategies and tactics on the fly.
• Varied Environments: From slums to high-rise buildings, Dying Light takes players on a visually stunning journey through an immersive and dynamic world.

5. Left 4 Dead 2

Background and Release Date: Developed and published by Valve, Left 4 Dead 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter survival horror game that was released in 2009. As the sequel to the highly popular Left 4 Dead, it has expanded upon the original's gameplay mechanics and introduced new characters, maps, and challenges.

Gameplay and Storyline: Left 4 Dead 2 follows a new group of survivors as they fight their way through hordes of infected in a desperate attempt to reach safe zones. Designed for cooperative play, the game encourages teamwork and strategic planning as players face various infected types, environmental hazards, and unpredictable events generated by the game's AI Director.

Highlight Features: Left 4 Dead 2 provides an intense and thrilling cooperative gameplay experience with its unique features:

• Cooperative Gameplay: Left 4 Dead 2 is best enjoyed with friends, as players work together to strategize and overcome the relentless hordes of infected.
• Replay Value: The AI Director ensures that each playthrough is different, with varying enemy spawn points, item locations, and random events.
• New Content: With additional infected types, weapons, and maps, Left 4 Dead 2 expands and improves upon the original's already-established formula for addictive and enjoyable gameplay.

Conclusion

Our expert-picked top 5 zombie games, featuring Resident Evil 2, The Last of Us, Dead Island, Dying Light, and Left 4 Dead 2, provide a diverse range of gameplay experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences among zombie enthusiasts. Now that you've discovered our top selections, it's time to take on the undead hordes and test your survival strategies in these thrilling games. Each game is guaranteed to provide a thrilling adventure as you navigate through their undead-infested worlds.