5 Best Post-Apocalyptic Worlds in Gaming

The end of the world has captivated humans for years. Movies, books, and video games have been made around the concept of end days. These forms of media explore how people would interact and survive during these times. Video games take this a step further by letting you actually play in a devastated world. In these games, everything wants to kill you or the world has become twisted. There is little hope in these titles, and very little that's still holding society together. If you are looking for a good set of post-apocalyptic worlds to explore, then the list below has you covered. These games have deep lore around what happened after society finally decided to collapse.

5. Danganronpa

Danaganronpa is a post-apocalyptic game that usually doesn't find its way onto lists. This is due to the game being a visual novel, that is usually popular among anime or JRPG fans. The game series has long been acclaimed for its amazing storytelling and unique concepts. The games center around a group of students who are placed in a merciless killing game that is being televised or happening inside a computer. The world around them has fallen into despair and society has fallen. All four games in the series take place in this universe, including Ultra Despair Girls which lets you explore the outside world.

The deaths in the game are grizzly, and the feeling of danger is always looming over players. The world has collapsed, teenagers have been left to kill each other, and very few places in the world are safe. If you are looking for a unique take on the end of the world, then Danaganronpa's is where to go. The series will have you binge-playing just so that you can figure out who's behind the end of the world.

4. Death Stranding

Death Stranding is one of the strangest games that you will ever play. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the afterlife is crossing over and threatens to destroy everything. You play as Sam, a porter man who treks packages across the land. Your job is to help link the last pockets of humanity while keeping yourself alive. The environment is harsh and filled with hazards. There is even rain that will speed up aging and is fatal to humans. If that's not bad enough BTs, an enemy that you are mostly helpless with will appear and try to kill Sam.

The game isn't very action-heavy and involves a lot of walking. The main theme of the game is moving across the land and uncovering Sam's story. If you want an in-depth story and an interesting world then Death Stranding is a great pick. There truly isn't another game out there that is similar to it.

3. The Last of Us

The Last of Us completely smashed Sony's expectations and has become one of the most beloved games of all time. The game is set in a world after the zombie apocalypse. You follow Joel and Elly as they make their way through the story of the game. Of course, the apocalypse isn't a friendly place, and even a young girl isn't safe. The game was visually stunning still to this day and the story still holds strong. The game is being remade from the ground up for the PlayStation 5 and has already received a sequel.

Both games not only show the zombie side of the apocalypse but also focus on human greed. Many of the moments in the games are emotionally charged, and by the second game, you will learn that not every character will have a happy ending. While some players may not agree with the darker direction of the second game, it's still well worth checking out. If you are looking for an incredible story narrative, then this should be your go-to.

2. Horizon

The Horizon series follows Aloy as she uncovers the truth about her past and the post-apocalyptic around her. The game, like Last of Us, is extremely story-heavy and focused on telling different narratives. The world around Aloy is made out of the remnants of a failed society. The technology that once helped humans has mostly fallen into ruin. This is with the exception of the robotic creatures that wander the land. Aloy must find the secrets of the fall of humanity, and help to save the world.  Luckily, there are two games in the series that you can spend hundreds of hours in.

The best thing about Horizon is the beautiful world design and the intricate quests that you can pick up. The game isn't about running from point A to point B, there is a ton to do in between. You can take on sidequests to learn more about areas, or delve deeper into the lore of the land. The combat mechanics are also fun, and the second game builds on the first to introduce even more innovative gameplay.

1. Fallout

Fallout is probably the most well-known post-apocalyptic gaming franchise out there. Every game in the series is set in a different city after nuclear fallout has happened. New Vegas is the most acclaimed of the series and even lets you wander around a destroyed Las Vegas. The game is RPG heavy and there are plenty of different ways to play.  You can also choose to run off into the open world or follow the game's main story. You can buy tons of perks to further alter gameplay and even pick up companions.

It's easy to sink over a hundred hours into each game, especially with the most recent game Fallout 4. The replayability is also high as your choices do affect how certain quests play out. Whether certain characters survive or not is up to you. In Fallout 3 you are even able to completely decide the fate of an entire city.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.