Do you like Fallout 76, Bethesda’s multiplayer survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world? Then brace yourself for a refreshing ride as we journey through ten other games that will certainly pique your interest. These games, each unique in their style, share a common thread of engrossing world exploration, intense survival tactics, and an engaging narrative reminiscent of the iconic Fallout 76.
Take a break from the post-apocalypse and explore these riveting worlds where every decision impacts your survival and gameplay experience. From commanding your town in Fallout 4 to experiencing ancient, mythical combat in Conan Exiles, this is your ultimate guide to the top ten games that are similar to Fallout 76. Now, get ready for an adventure!
Understanding Fallout 76
What is Fallout 76
Fallout 76 is a post-apocalyptic online multiplayer game developed and published by Bethesda and part of the much-celebrated Fallout franchise. It’s an exciting fusion of multiplayer fun and intricate role-playing game elements that has gathered quite the following despite initial skepticism.
A brief look at its gameplay mechanics
In Fallout 76, you get to discover and explore an open-world map four times the size of Fallout 4. The game introduces an array of multiplayer elements to the series, enabling you to form teams with up to three other players to build bases together or engage in combative player-versus-player scenarios. On top of that, the game comes with a progression system involving S.P.E.C.I.A.L stats and perk cards to enhance gameplay.
Fallout 76 popularity and reception
Despite a rocky start with mixed reviews and criticism due to various technical issues, Fallout 76 has been steadily gaining popularity. Ongoing updates, additions, and improvements have engaged the fanbase and attracted newcomers, making it a widely recognized name in the multiplayer survival game genre with a dedicated player base.
1. Fallout 4
Release date and developer
Fallout 4 was released on November 10, 2015, and developed by Bethesda Game Studios.
The game’s genre and main features
Fallout 4 is a post-apocalyptic role-playing game that offers players an immersive single-player experience. It features an expansive open world, a robust crafting system, and a deep character customization mechanic. The game also includes a design system allowing players to build and manage their settlements.
Available platforms
Fallout 4 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Similarities with Fallout 76 in storyline and gameplay mechanics
Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 are set in a post-apocalyptic world brimming with peculiar personalities and hostile creatures. They share similar game mechanics, such as character progression systems, base-building elements, and combat. The primary difference lies in the multiplayer aspect, exclusive to Fallout 76.
2. Skyrim
Release date and developer
Skyrim, officially known as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, was released on November 11, 2011, and was developed by Bethesda Game Studios.
The game’s genre and main features
Skyrim is an open-world role-playing game that offers players a rich, lore-filled, fantastical world to explore. It features many quests, a comprehensive character customization system, and a robust combat mechanic with magic systems and melee abilities.
Available platforms
Skyrim is available for play on PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
Similarities with Fallout 76 in world-building and mechanics
Like Fallout 76, Skyrim offers players a vast, open world to explore. Each game’s focus on exploration, environmental storytelling, and combat mechanics align. Nevertheless, Skyrim’s high-fantasy setting vastly contrasts Fallout 76’s post-apocalyptic wasteland.
3. ARK: Survival Evolved
Release date and developer
ARK: Survival Evolved was released on August 29, 2017, and was developed by Studio Wildcard.
The game’s genre and main features
ARK: Survival Evolved is an open-world survival game that pits players against prehistoric creatures. With multiplayer options, building mechanics, and a wide array of dinosaurs to tame and ride, it offers an exciting survival experience unlike any other.
Available platforms
ARK: Survival Evolved is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Same survival aspect as Fallout 76
ARK: Survival Evolved shares a survival aspect with Fallout 76. Both games require players to gather resources, build bases, and survive against hostile entities within a large open world.
4. Conan Exiles
Release date and developer
Conan Exiles was released on May 8, 2018, and was developed by Funcom.
The game’s genre and main features
Conan Exiles is a survival game set in the brutal lands of Conan the Barbarian. The game features an expansive open world, a complex crafting system, and base-building mechanics while offering a multiplayer experience.
Available platforms
Conan Exiles is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Familiar survival and world-building mechanics with Fallout 76
With its heavy focus on survival and base-building, Conan Exiles shares several gameplay mechanics with Fallout 76. Both games involve exploring hostile environments, gathering resources, and building bases to survive.
5. Rust
Release date and developer
Rust was released on February 8, 2018, and developed and published by Facepunch Studios.
The game’s genre and main features
Rust is an online multiplayer survival game where your sole aim is to survive. That involves everything from hunting for food building shelter, to defending against other players and wildlife.
Available platforms
Rust is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Gameplay similarities with Fallout 76
Much like Fallout 76, Rust relies on open-world survival gameplay where players must contend with environmental threats while potentially facing off against other players. The emphasis on building and managing resources is a shared aspect between both games.
6. 7 Days to Die
Release date and developer
7 Days to Die was released on December 13, 2013, and was developed by The Fun Pimps.
The game’s genre and main features
7 Days to Die is a survival horror game with a mix of first-person shooter, tower defense, and role-playing game mechanics. The game features a dynamic, destructible world with a unique blend of exploration, crafting, and combat.
Available platforms
7 Days to Die is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Shared post-apocalyptic theme and survival mechanics with Fallout 76
7 Days to Die shares a post-apocalyptic setting with Fallout 76. Additionally, the emphasis on survival mechanics, resource management, and base-building are common elements between the two games.
7. The Forest
Release date and developer
The Forest was released on April 30, 2018, and developed by Endnight Games.
The game’s genre and main features
The Forest is a survival horror game that tasks players with surviving in a forest full of cannibalistic mutants after a plane crash. The game features an open-world environment, crafting mechanics, and base-building elements.
Available platforms
The Forest is available on PlayStation 4 and PC.
Similar survival-horror vibes with Fallout 76
Although The Forest trades a post-apocalyptic wasteland for a mutant-infested forest, the survival aspects are similar to Fallout 76, with elements such as crafting, shelter-building, and combat against hostile entities.
8. The Long Dark
Release date and developer
The Long Dark was released on August 1, 2017, developed and published by Hinterland Studio.
The game’s genre and main features
The Long Dark is a first-person survival game emphasizing exploration and survival in the harsh, frozen wilderness. The game features a strong narrative, exploration, and a realistic survival mechanic.
Available platforms
The Long Dark is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
The same harsh survival mechanics with Fallout 76
Like Fallout 76, The Long Dark requires players to actively engage in survival mechanics such as maintaining warmth, hunger, and fatigue levels while exploring the vast open-world environment.
9. Don’t Starve
Release date and developer
Don’t Starve was released on April 23, 2013, and developed and published by Klei Entertainment.
The game’s genre and main features
Don’t Starve is a survival game with unique, hand-drawn graphics focused on exploration, science, and survival. Players must gather resources, build structures, and fend off strange creatures to stay alive.
Available platforms
Don’t Starve is available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
How it’s similar to Fallout 76 in terms of the game’s punishing survival mechanics
Don’t Starve and Fallout 76 share a deep and punishing survival mechanic that keeps players on their toes? While the settings and art styles are vastly different, the core gameplay loop of exploration, resource gathering, and survival are the same.
