The Best Games Set In A Nuclear Wasteland

Few game settings are as bleak and horrific as a post-nuclear wasteland. These titles depict worlds from our worst nightmares, from the irradiated forests of Chornobyl to the war-torn wastes of a post-apocalyptic future. Often set in open worlds, players are taken to extreme environments and must survive against mutated monsters, bloody-thirsty humans, and hazardous nuclear fallout.

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While some of these games are lesser-known gems, others have become genre classics and are part of successful franchises. Nuclear wastelands continue to instill a mixture of wonder and fear in players. These terrifying settings, where society has fallen apart, continue to engage players with exciting action and immersive tales of survival at the end of the world.

8

ZERO Sievert

Scavenge Loot Across A Desolate Wasteland

Top-down Shooter

Extraction

Systems

Released

November 15, 2022

Set in a procedurally generated wasteland, this top-down extraction shooter is a hidden indie gem that fans of S.T.A.L.K.E.R and Escape from Tarkov might enjoy. Set in a familiar Eastern European setting, across five unique biomes, players explore the world, scavenging for loot while avoiding bandits and mutated monsters.

While ZERO Sievert isn’t a perfect game and can be challenging for new players, fans of post-apocalyptic settings and pixel art games should love this fun indie title.

7

Chernobylite

An Atmospheric Narrative Survival Shooter

Survival Horror

Adventure

Action

Released

July 28, 2021

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence

In this first-person survival horror game, players control Igor, a former Chornobyl physicist searching the exclusion zone for his missing wife, Tatyana. Players must scavenge for crafting materials while avoiding the many dangers of the zone. The game presents a non-linear narrative where any character can die permanently.

Chernobylite blends action and survival in an atmospheric science-fiction horror setting. The mystery surrounding Igor and the strange substance known as Chernobylite is engaging and unique. Chernobylite will appeal to fans of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R and Metro series of games.

6

Nuclear Throne

The Monsters Have Inherited the Earth

Released

December 5, 2015

ESRB

t

In this post-apocalyptic roguelike, humanity has become extinct, and monsters roam the wastes. Players battle their way across the game, controlling one of twelve possible characters and collecting radiation, which allows players to grow new limbs. The game is fast-paced, chaotic, and a lot of fun.

Nuclear Throne is a classic roguelike release that is a must-play for fans of the genre. The gameplay offers simple shooting fun that holds up extremely well for being ten years old. Nuclear Throne is action-packed, challenging, and very addictive.

5

Fallout 4

Explore, Build, Survive

Released

November 10, 2015

ESRB

M FOR MATURE: BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, USE OF DRUGS

Fallout 4 is the latest mainline game in Bethesda’s successful Fallout franchise and is an expansive open-world action RPG that offers hours of gameplay. Fallout 4 takes players to the broken remains of post-apocalyptic Boston, known as The Commonwealth. Here, players control The Sole Survivor, who awakes after 200 years of cryogenic sleep to find their spouse murdered and their son taken.

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Fallout 4 allows players to explore a large map with hidden secrets, dangerous enemies, and warring factions around every corner. Unlike previous games, players can now also build large complicated settlements in different locations. Fallout 4 is a fun post-apocalyptic adventure, filled with unique characters and dangerous enemies and will appeal to all open-world RPG fans.

4

Metro Exodus

A Journey Across Post-Apocalyptic Russia

Released

February 15, 2019

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs

Based on the novels by author Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro Exodus is the third entry in the popular Metro series. The games are set in a post-nuclear war-torn Russia, where the last survivors are forced to exist below ground in Moscow’s extensive metro system.

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Metro Exodus, however, takes players out of the dark, claustrophobic setting of the first two games and into the ruined remains of Russia. The story revolves around the series’ recurring protagonist, Artyom, as he and his team venture out into the world on their locomotive named Aurora, searching for other survivors. The game is a fun story-driven FPS that includes several semi-open world areas. The world is rich and diverse and blends action-packed shooting with immersive storytelling. Fans of single-player shooters will love this expansive and detailed post-apocalyptic game.

3

Fallout: New Vegas

A Fan Favorite In The Popular Series

Released

October 19, 2010

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this spin-off from the main Fallout series is an immersive open-world RPG set in the irradiated wastelands of the Mojave Desert. Players control a courier who is left for dead at the start of the game. After surviving the attack, players explore the world, uncovering the assailant’s identity.

Fallout: New Vegas is a fun open-world game filled with dangerous enemies and numerous discoverable locations. The game offers a lot of choices, with players able to pick between two major factions to side with. The game was well received, with its writing in particular being highly praised. Fallout: New Vegas is a favorite among Fallout fans and is still consistently played today.

2

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

A Classic Survival Shooter

Released

March 20, 2007

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol

Inspired by the science fiction novella Roadside Picnic, S.T.A.L.K.E.R is a cult classic survival shooter where players explore the irradiated open world of The Zone. In the game, players control an unnamed protagonist known as a Marked One. Set in and around the Chornobyl exclusion zone, players will encounter strange anomalies, mutated beasts, and dangerous bandits.

The game perfectly blends RPG, survival, and FPS mechanics to create an immersive and challenging experience that is instantly addictive. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl was a critical hit and would spawn several sequels, most notably 2024’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

1

Wasteland 3

Experience The Frozen Wasteland

Systems

Released

August 28, 2020

ESRB

m

This third entry in this popular RPG series takes players to the frozen post-apocalyptic lands of Colorado, where two Arizona Rangers are forced to work for a local ruler named Patriarch. Set in an alternate history where the world ended after a nuclear war between the US and the Soviet Union, Wasteland 3 is a fun and highly immersive isometric RPG.

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For fans of post-apocalyptic games, turn-based combat, and CRPG mechanics, Wasteland 3 comes highly recommended. In the game, players control a squad of survivors, who can be played solo or in multiplayer. Players will explore the world with their customized characters, making tough moral decisions through the engaging story. The frozen post-nuclear setting is both atmospheric and violent making Wasteland 3 is a must-play experience for CRPG players.

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