Best Post-Apocalyptic Settings In Video Games

Post-apocalyptic settings have become somewhat cliched over the years. However, there remain a number of games that provide immersive, distinctive settings that take place in locations long past their prime.

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From the ruined kingdom of Hallownest to the open expanse of the Mojave wasteland, many video game post-apocalyptic settings are broad and varied. Furthermore, many of these titles feature wildly different gameplay opportunities from one another. For those looking to dive in, here are the best post-apocalyptic settings in games.

8

UNSIGHTED

A War-Torn Sci-Fi World

Released

September 30, 2021

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes

Unsighted is a combination of top-down action and Metroidvania gameplay, excelling with its crunchy pixel-art visuals and unique sci-fi setting. The game takes place in a war-torn future, a landscape populated by sentient robots slowly losing their minds after an apocalyptic battle with humanity.

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Waking amid this ruined world, players are tasked with regaining control and saving whoever they can along the way. The game’s distinctive setting is particularly notable for its distinctive zones, and the constant sense of tension provided by the in-game timer makes for a unique tone.

7

Darkest Dungeon 2

A Dismal, Burning Dark Age

Systems

Released

May 8, 2023

ESRB

t

Though technically Darkest Dungeon 2 tasks players with averting the apocalypse, it’s already in full swing by the time the player arrives. Catastrophic events have already happened, leaving players floundering in a burning dark age amid abandoned bastions, lost knowledge, and ruined homes.

In a world populated by madmen, eldritch horrors, and nightmarish monsters, Darkest Dungeon 2 presents a setting that synergizes perfectly with its harsh and unforgiving gameplay. Though its opportunities for world-building are somewhat limited by its roguelite structure, Darkest Dungeon 2 manages to set the scene via evocative writing, stylish presentation, and a dramatic soundtrack.

6

Sunset Overdrive

A Vibrant Post-Apocalypse

Third-Person Shooter

Open-World

Systems

Released

October 28, 2014

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

Sunset Overdrive takes place in the vibrant, summery environments of Sunset City, a veritable playground for expressive movement and bombastic action. Despite its post-apocalyptic setting, Sunset Overdrive is bursting with color, offering a uniquely exuberant take on a typically dismal genre.

This works in tandem with Sunset Overdrive‘s tongue-in-cheek tone and movement-based gameplay. The fluidity of movement also makes traversal a more engaging experience than is typical of open-world games, with the urban environments facilitating exciting exploration.

5

Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden

Lush Greenery & Creative Character Designs

Released

December 4, 2018

ESRB

m

Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden is a strategy RPG that takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting populated by quirky mutants. The creative character designs, overgrown environments, and abundance of greenery help tremendously in making the world a unique and interesting place to explore.

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This tactical title also features real-time exploration, allowing players to poke around the game’s eerie environments with relative freedom. For fans of ruined and overgrown settings, the world of Mutant Year Zero is likely to appeal.

4

Caravan SandWitch

A Surprisingly Hopeful World

Released

September 12, 2024

ESRB

e

Caravan SandWitch is a conflict-free exploration game with a focus on relaxation and discovery. This exploration-heavy experience is elevated by the game’s stylish visuals, charming characters, and unique post-apocalyptic setting.

Though it takes place on an exploited and ruined planet, Caravan SandWitch remains a decidedly hopeful experience. The game’s atmosphere is ultimately peaceful, supported by a harmonious population that exudes kindness over hatred.

3

Fallout: New Vegas

Extreme Attention To Detail & Unique Factions

Released

October 19, 2010

ESRB

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

The post-nuclear world of Fallout: New Vegas may at first appear as a typical wasteland. However, it remains a unique place to be thanks to creative location design and the incredible variety of NPCs that breathe life into its many towns and hidden nooks.

The multitude of distinctive factions also helps to make Fallout unique, supported by a cast of memorable creatures. More importantly, Fallout: New Vegas is simply full of things to see and do, packed with points of interest both big and small that drive exploration and consistently pique curiosity.

2

Bastion

A Dream-Like Fantasy World

Released

July 20, 2011

ESRB

E10 For Everyone 10+ Due To Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Though its action may be fairly typical, especially by today’s standards, Bastion remains a truly unique and memorable experience throughout, thanks in no small part to its setting. In the game, players battle through various hand-painted environments as they attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding a catastrophe known as the Calamity.

The game’s visual style and dynamic presentation of each environment are certainly among Bastion‘s greatest strengths. However, the wild environments, creative character and enemy designs, and surreal imagery make Bastion‘s post-apocalyptic setting particularly distinct.

1

Caves Of Qud

An Expansive Science-Fantasy Setting

Systems

Caves Of Qud is an open-world RPG that takes place in a distinctive science-fantasy world built from an innovative combination of hand-crafted and procedural content. This allows players to explore meaningful locations while also encountering constant surprises, facilitating a frequent sense of discovery.

The exotic environments of Caves Of Qud are made up of ancient ruins and untamed wilds, painting lost civilizations with a retro-futuristic eye. And although its old-school and minimalist visuals won’t be for everyone, they only allow the music, writing, and ambiance of the game to shine all the brighter.

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