Third-person shooter games have seen a surge in popularity, especially with games like Helldivers 2 hitting the scene. While traditional third-person shooters offer great entertainment, some players crave a tougher challenge that blends shooting with survival elements.
These games often feature open-world exploration or defense objectives, adding a layer of intensity to the gameplay. Here are seven of the most thrilling third-person shooter survival games that will keep players hooked for hours on end. It's important to note that this list focuses on survival shooters and excludes survival horror shooter games.
7 Lost Light
Steam User Rating: 55%
Lost Light provides a gameplay experience akin to Escape From Tarkov but with simpler mechanics. Players venture into a harsh environment to scavenge for supplies and survive or engage in all-out warfare as the lone survivor amidst the wilderness.
With the option to switch between third and first-person perspectives, players join the Firefly Task Force to experience realistic warfare survival.
6 Aliens: Fireteam Elite
Metascore: 69
Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a cooperative third-person shooter set in the Alien universe. Players combat alien threats with an array of powerful weapons while working together to level up, eliminate Xenomorphs, and contain the alien menace.
The game has garnered positive reviews from Steam players, offering an engaging survival experience within the Alien franchise.
5 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Metascore: 70
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands offers a survival shooter experience set in vast wilderness environments. Players can explore the open world in third person, discovering new missions and engaging in solo or cooperative gameplay with friends.
For those seeking a break from open-world survival, PvP modes provide additional excitement and challenge.
4 Palworld
Metascore: TBD
Palworld blends genres to create an innovative gaming experience. Players capture and train 'Pals,' survive in an expansive world, and engage in battles using firearms, offering a unique and exciting gameplay loop.
Leveling up companions and crafting powerful weapons enhance the immersive survival experience in Palworld, encouraging players to build structures and collect Pals.
3 Tom Clancy's The Division 2
Metascore: 82
Tom Clancy's The Division 2 by Ubisoft offers a gripping survival shooter set in a post-pandemic Washington, DC. Players navigate urban environments, collaborating to complete objectives and restore order in a world on the brink of collapse.
Teaming up with friends enhances the gameplay, as players work together to survive hostile environments and tackle challenging missions.
2 Risk Of Rain 2
Metascore: 85
Risk of Rain 2 stands out with its unique art style and engaging third-person shooter mechanics in a roguelike setting. Players must battle through alien-infested planets, strategically combining items and abilities to survive and escape.
While unconventional in its weaponry, Risk of Rain 2 delivers an immersive shooter experience ideal for solo play or cooperative adventures with friends.
1 PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
Metascore: 86
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) remains a standout title in the battle royale genre, offering intense strategy and survival challenges. Players must scavenge for weapons and gear to outlast opponents and emerge as the sole survivor or victorious team.
As a pioneer of the battle royale concept, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds provides a realistic shooter experience that continues to attract a large player base since its launch in 2017.