Best Solo Survival Games for Lone Wolf Players

15 June 2025

So, you fancy yourself a rugged lone wolf, huh? A one-person army. A solitary adventurer. A digital Bear Grylls, ready to drink virtual toilet water if necessary for survival. Well, let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place! I know the vibe—sometimes, multiplayer games feel like attending a chaotic family dinner where everyone’s yelling and nobody’s listening. But fear not! There’s a whole genre of games where you can thrive on your own, without teammates sabotaging your plans or screaming in your headset.

In this article, we're diving into a smorgasbord of the best solo survival games that’ll keep you on your toes, test your resolve, and occasionally make you question all your life choices. Whether you’re into crafting, fighting off zombies, or struggling against nature itself, I’ve got a little something for everyone. Let’s strap in, shall we?

1. "The Forest" – Where Cannibals Hate Your Guts

Ah, "The Forest." Because what’s more relaxing than crash-landing on a deserted island packed with mutant cannibals who have a taste for fresh meat? Spoiler alert: The fresh meat is you.

This game is like a survival version of a bad camping trip. You wake up, your plane is in pieces, and—just to sprinkle in some extra anxiety—your kid gets kidnapped. Now it’s up to you to survive the elements, scavenge resources, build a shelter, and oh yeah, avoid getting eaten. Fun times, right?

What makes "The Forest" stand out is its mix of exploration and sheer terror. The AI for those creepy cannibals is way too smart. They’ll stalk you, ambush you, and sometimes just stare at you from a distance like they’re plotting something. (Spoiler: They absolutely are.)

If you’re into creepy atmospheres, weird underground caves, and questionable choices—like, "Should I build a log cabin or just cry in the corner?"—this one’s a must-play.

2. "Subnautica" – Because the Ocean Isn’t Terrifying Enough Already

Ever thought, "Gee, I’d love to be stranded in an alien ocean full of horrifying sea creatures!"? No? Well, that’s exactly what "Subnautica" has in store for you. It’s a stunning underwater survival game that starts with—you guessed it—a crash landing. (Apparently, survival games require you to be absolutely terrible at transportation.)

Your job is to figure out what’s going on, stay alive, and try not to get eaten by a leviathan that’s about 100 feet long and makes noises that’ll haunt your dreams. It’s a beautiful game, for sure, but it’s also a masterclass in anxiety management. Every time you dive deeper into the ocean, you’ll question your sanity. Why? Because something horrific is probably lurking just out of sight.

But hey, if you’re into crafting submarines and swimming through bioluminescent alien reefs, "Subnautica" is a top-tier experience. Just… maybe don’t play it if you have thalassophobia. Trust me on this one.

3. "Don’t Starve" – The Title Says It All

"Don’t Starve" doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The name is literally your goal. You’re plopped into a dark, Tim Burton-esque wilderness, and the game’s like, "Good luck, bro!" It’s quirky, unforgiving, and will have you Googling "how to not die from starvation in a video game" in no time.

The gameplay is straightforward but brutal. You have to gather resources, craft tools, and stave off a range of delightful calamities like insanity, starvation, or being mauled by shadow creatures. Oh, and when night falls? If you don’t have a fire, you’re dead. Instantly. No pressure, though.

This game is perfect for players who love strategy and enjoy learning from their mistakes. (Spoiler: You’ll make a lot of mistakes.) The art style is charming, the humor is dark, and the challenge is real. Also, pro tip: Don’t trust the pigs. That’s all I’m saying.

4. "Green Hell" – Because Normal Jungles Aren’t Hellish Enough

If your idea of a good time involves hallucinating in the Amazon rainforest while everything—plants, animals, the weather—is trying to kill you, "Green Hell" is exactly what you’re looking for. Think of it as "The Forest" but harder, sweatier, and way more brutal.

This game is all about hardcore realism. You’ll need to monitor your vitals, battle infections, fend off jaguars, and occasionally remove leeches from your body. (Yup, it’s as gross as it sounds.) Oh, and did I mention you might go insane if things start to go south? Because that totally happens too.

Honestly, "Green Hell" isn’t messing around. It’s for those of you who laugh in the face of easy games and go, "Pfft, give me something harder." Just remember to take a break every now and then before the stress of this game makes you go crazy, too.

5. "Raft" – Build a Raft, Avoid the Shark, Repeat

"Raft" is simplicity at its finest. You’re stranded at sea on a tiny piece of wood that you optimistically call a "raft," and your only company is a shark that wants to chew it—and you—into pieces.

The gameplay loop is oddly satisfying. You start small, catching debris floating by, and eventually, you’ll build a sprawling floating fortress complete with gardens, cooking stations, and even furniture if you’re feeling fancy. Just remember, that shark is always lurking, ready to ruin your day. (Seriously, what’s his problem?)

"Raft" is less intense than some of the others on this list, but it’s still challenging in its own way. It’s perfect for players who want a relaxing-but-engaging survival game without constant jump scares—except for when the shark decides your raft looks like a snack.

6. "Project Zomboid" – Zombies, But Make It Depressing

"Project Zomboid" takes the zombie apocalypse genre and cranks the realism up to eleven. This isn’t some Hollywood-style shoot-’em-up where you’re mowing down the undead like a boss. Nope. In this game, you’re just a regular human with regular problems—like hunger, exhaustion, and the constant threat of being eaten alive.

What makes this game unique is the sheer attention to detail. You can barricade windows, scavenge for supplies, and even catch diseases if you’re not careful. The game’s tagline says it all: This is how you died. And believe me, you will die. A lot.

The graphics are simple, the gameplay is punishing, and the sense of dread is real. But if you like your survival games with a side of existential despair, "Project Zomboid" is a solid pick.

7. "7 Days to Die" – Zombies, Crafting, And a Countdown

"7 Days to Die" combines survival, crafting, and base-building with a zombie apocalypse twist. The hook? Every seven days, a massive horde of zombies shows up to wreck your poorly constructed base and ruin all your hard work. It’s like hosting a party where the guests destroy your house instead of complimenting your decor.

The game has a little bit of everything: scavenging, combat, exploration, and a pinch of horror. You can fortify your base, set traps, and prepare for the inevitable swarm. But no matter how ready you think you are, those zombies have a way of humbling you.

If you’re into survival games with a structured challenge and an ever-present sense of urgency, give this one a shot. Just don’t get too attached to your base. Trust me, it will get wrecked.

8. "The Long Dark" – Winter Is Coming, and It Hates You

"The Long Dark" is one of those games that feels peaceful… until it doesn’t. You’re stranded in the Canadian wilderness, trying to survive against the elements, wildlife, and your own poor decision-making. There are no zombies, no mutants, no aliens—just you versus nature. And spoiler alert: Nature cheats.

The game’s art style is beautiful, almost meditative. But don’t let that fool you. The Long Dark is brutal. You’ll freeze to death, starve, and probably get mauled by a wolf at some point. It’s an incredibly immersive experience that’s perfect for players who like their survival games with a side of solitude.

Fun fact: This game taught me more about hypothermia and calorie counting than science class ever did. So if you enjoy learning about your inevitable demise, this one’s for you.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—some of the best solo survival games for all you lone wolves out there. Whether you’re battling bloodthirsty cannibals, terrifying sea creatures, or just your own bad luck, each of these games offers a unique (and sometimes brutal) survival experience.

So, grab your crafting tools, build that shelter, and try not to die while every single thing in the game is actively plotting your doom. After all, who needs friends in a game when the environment itself is your mortal enemy?