Humanity has always been captivated by tales of surviving against insurmountable odds. The struggle against a hostile environment resonates deeply, mirroring early human endeavors for survival. The quest for sustenance, shelter, and safety amidst countless perils forms a timeless conflict of man versus nature. This narrative of survival often intertwines with another prevalent theme: isolation.
Just as survival stories have enthralled audiences in various forms of media, they have found a significant following in the realm of video games. Survival elements in games like Far Cry or Tomb Raider add depth to gameplay, often plunging players into solitude. These games frequently isolate players in remote, desolate landscapes, introducing challenges such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue, amplified by dynamic weather and temperature mechanics, all designed to evoke a sense of profound solitude.
1 The Long Dark (Survival Mode)
Endure the Harsh Canadian Wilderness Solo
Hinterland's game immerses players in the chilling Canadian Wilderness, emphasizing intense survival gameplay. The solo experience in the game's survival mode offers no hope of rescue, challenging players with the sole objective of staying alive as long as possible.
The Long Dark deliberately excludes any cooperative play, reinforcing the theme of isolation. Players must rely solely on their decisions and skills to stave off impending doom.
2 Praey For The Gods
Navigate an Ailing Island Alone
In this indie adventure, players find themselves marooned on a dying island, accompanied only by a mysterious wolf ally. As they scavenge for resources and unravel the island's mysteries, encounters with remnants of past inhabitants and their tragic fates intensify the sense of isolation.
Amidst undead foes and chilling giants, players must brave the desolation, with survival hanging by a thread.
3 Rise Of The Tomb Raider (Endurance Mode)
Conquer the Siberian Wilderness Alone in Search of Treasures
Rise of the Tomb Raider thrusts Lara Croft into the remote Siberian mountains, isolated from her usual allies. The Endurance Mode intensifies survival mechanics, challenging players to manage essentials like food and warmth while evading hostile forces.
Alone against the elements and enemies, players must endure the harsh wilderness and secure ancient relics until rescue arrives.
4 Stranded Deep
Survive the Pacific's Perils
In this open-world adventure, players must survive a plane crash in the Pacific Ocean. Stranded on remote islands, they face the challenges of securing food, crafting shelter, and navigating hazardous waters.
Whether in single-player or multiplayer mode, players find themselves isolated in a vast ocean, reminiscent of a modern-day Robinson Crusoe tale.
5 Subnautica (Survival Mode)
Survive Alone on an Alien Planet
Embark on an alien oceanic adventure as an astronaut stranded on a mysterious planet. Isolated and devoid of human contact, players must decode cryptic messages and navigate perilous waters.
The challenge escalates as players confront the planet's hidden dangers, testing their resilience against an alien environment determined to thwart their escape.
6 Voidtrain
Survive the Isolation of the Void
In this unique indie game, players enter a realm of isolation through a portal to an alternate dimension. Amidst managing a train and exploring the void, players encounter enigmatic factions and bizarre creatures in a desolate expanse.
Traversing skeletal remnants and evading hostile forces, players must unravel the mysteries of the void while braving the oppressive solitude that surrounds them.