The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog, is a game that revolutionized the landscape of narrative-driven action-adventure gaming. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it combines stealth and action elements with a deeply engaging story about two characters’ struggle for survival. The game’s exceptional character development, moral complexities, and thought-provoking themes set it apart in the genre. If you’ve found yourself drawn into the immersive world of “The Last of Us” and are seeking similar experiences, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we present a list of 10 games that capture some aspects of The Last of Us’ compelling formula. Whether it’s the intense combat against terrifying creatures, the struggle for survival in harsh environments, the exploration of human relationships in challenging circumstances, or the high stakes of consequential decision-making, these games offer something for every fan of The Last of Us. Take a look through our picks, and get ready to immerse yourself in new compelling narratives and engrossing gameplay experiences.
God of War
God of War, developed by Santa Monica Studio, is an action-adventure game that features a strong father-son narrative and visceral combat. The game's narrative depth and character development are comparable to The Last of Us.
The Evil Within
The Evil Within series, developed by Tango Gameworks, are survival horror games featuring tense atmosphere, horrific enemies, and a twisted narrative. Players navigate both real and altered realities to survive.
Dead Space
The Dead Space series, developed by Visceral Games, are survival horror games that mix intense combat, puzzle-solving, and a deeply atmospheric setting. Players face grotesque alien creatures in the confines of a spaceship.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn, developed by Guerrilla Games, is an action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world. It combines thrilling combat with a deeply engaging story, exploring themes of survival and discovery.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Developed by Naughty Dog, the same studio behind The Last of Us, the Uncharted series offers cinematic storytelling, engaging characters, and intense action-adventure gameplay. Players control the treasure hunter, Nathan Drake, through a variety of environments.
Tomb Raider
Developed by Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider reboots the series with a younger Lara Croft. This action-adventure game offers a gritty survival experience, coupled with exploration and puzzle-solving.
Alan Wake
I really liked this game. Shadow monsters are all over a small mountian town, you need to rescue your wife who has gone missing. The gameplay is fun and the story is even better. Same controls and combat style that Last of Us has. Both games are quite alike. Very high production values.
State of Decay
This is a different take on zombie survival with a lot more depth. It kind of feels like the multiplayer game mode in Last of Us where you have a camp or survivors that you need to take care of. You have a camp in State of Decay that you base yourself at. You then go out during the day, hunting for supplies and other things to keep people alive.
Metro: Last Light
Metro is based around a nuclear apocalypse and the radiation has created all sorts of creatures and monsters. It is a linear game like Last of Us where you have to follow the story rather than running around doing free roam stuff. Supplies are limited so you need to be careful and take things slowly. I really liked these games.
Fallout 4
This is a different type of game since it is a full RPG rather than being a more linear experience, but it is set in a post apocalyptic world with a survival game mode that might be more what you are looking for.
Dying Light
Different kind of zombie than the ones in Last of Us, but it is still a zombie survival game. Dying light is open world so you can run all over the map and it has some parkour elements to it too. It isn't as gritty and realistic as Last of Us, but it is a fun zombie surrival game.
ZombiU
This was re-released as just Zombi on other platforms. It is actually a good game that is sort of pseudo open world like Last of Us is. You get to run around a bit, but you are tied to the main story of the game and need to follow the path that it brings you on. There are fun survival elements to this game. It is set in the UK which is a nice change from the normal American cities we see in these kinds of games.
The Walking Dead: Season One
Developed by Telltale Games, The Walking Dead is a story-driven episodic adventure game set in the same universe as the comic books. It emphasizes player choice and its impact on character relationships and story outcomes.
Resident Evil
The Resident Evil series, developed by Capcom, are survival horror games that blend tense atmosphere, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players often face hordes of zombies and other terrifying creatures.
Days Gone
Days Gone is an action-adventure survival horror game developed by Bend Studio. Set in a post-apocalyptic open world, players control a drifter and bounty hunter facing hostile humans and infected creatures called Freakers.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Developed by Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an action-adventure game set in a vibrant, open-world environment. It offers a strong narrative, character-driven story, and dynamic interactions with the game world.
