10 best post-apocalyptic games like Fallout to play on PC & Steam in 2023

Civilization is in shambles, the landscape is barren, and survival is the ultimate goal. The best post-apocalyptic games let you experience the thrill of being a true survivor as you navigate untamed, mutant-infested wastelands.

While the genre is often associated with Bethesda's popular series, there's much more to discover, as our roundup will show. So brace yourself, fellow adventurers, as we dive into the chaotic worlds in games like Fallout.

What are the best post-apocalyptic games like Fallout?

Don't count on finding any zombie games here! This list is filled to the brim with RPGs, shooters, and open-world titles featuring mutants and all sorts of radioactive creatures. We've made sure to mix it up to cater to all tastes. 

Borderlands

The Borderlands series underwent quite a transformation before becoming the wild, comic-style adventure we enjoy today, especially with the first game. It initially aimed for a more serious tone, similar to Bethesda's Fallout franchise, which the later titles ditched for all-out mayhem.

But that doesn't mean the original isn't worth a try. Its unique blend of RPG and FPS elements still feels fresh after all this time. With tons of crazy weapons to loot, customizable vehicles, and an enjoyable co-op mode, it deserves its place among the best post-apocalyptic games.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, developed by Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, is scheduled for release in December 2023. While that's still a long way off, why not explore the previous chapter in the series along with its standalone expansions? They put players in the shoes of stalkers, seeking a new life and opportunities in the dangerous Zone.

Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat aren't your typical shooters. Caution is key as you navigate contaminated terrain and eliminate enemies one by one. These are also some of the top games that run on low-end PCs, making them an ideal choice for those with less powerful hardware.

Metro series

Unlike S.T.A.L.K.E.R., almost every entry in the Metro franchise has pushed consoles and computers to their limits. With its breathtaking visuals and combination of FPS, survival, and RPG mechanics, it quickly captured the hearts of gamers. While the story in the first installment is based on the novel by Dmitry Glukhovsky, subsequent entries have deviated from the source material.

As you play, you join Artyom and his companions as they navigate in decaying Moscow. Exodus broadened the horizons by venturing beyond the confines of the metro into various open environments. If you're looking for the best single-player first-person shooters, the Metro series is a must-try.

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG

If you're a fan of old RPG games, Encased might just be your cup of tea. Inspired by genre classics, Encased transports players to a world under the Dome where six influential factions vie for dominance.

You begin by creating your own hero before venturing out into the dystopian landscapes. Combat is turn-based, and your actions affect how NPCs perceive you. It's up to you to choose whether you want to be their ally or the greatest threat to society.

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

Up next in our lineup of post-apocalyptic games is Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. It immerses you in a dystopian world, where you join a band of Mutants on a quest to find the elusive Eden. The team itself is quite unique, with characters such as a feisty duck and an irritable boar.

Gameplay involves real-time exploration, with combat switching to a turn-based system similar to the more recent XCOM titles. You have the freedom to switch between these modes, allowing for stealthy maneuvers and tactical surprise attacks.

RAGE

Your adventure in RAGE begins as you leave a shelter designed to protect you from an asteroid impact on Earth. As you delve into the vast open world, you're immediately thrown into battle against hostile humans, mutants, and the formidable military group known as The Authority.

Vehicles are your best friend here, allowing you to move quickly between locations and engage in frantic races. The gameplay mainly involves taking on waves of enemies. Overall, it's among the most immersive games like Fallout.

UnderRail

Our list of post-apocalyptic games wouldn't be complete without UnderRail. Certainly, it's a notable addition to the cRPG genre. The story begins with a mysterious cataclysm striking Earth, decimating most of its inhabitants and rendering the surface unlivable.

You take on the role of one of the survivors, caught in the middle of a feud between opposing factions. At the heart of this conflict is an object that could be humanity's last hope. The gameplay sticks to the classic formula with turn-based combat. So if you enjoy games like Fallout, you'll feel right at home.

Mad Max

You've probably heard of the Mad Max movie series, right? The latest entry, "Fury Road", directed by George Miller, was a huge hit in the post-apocalyptic action genre with its breakneck pace and breathtaking desert scenes. While the game's story doesn't directly follow the movie, it still has nods to the franchise and some familiar characters.

In Mad Max, you're thrown into a massive environment that you can explore with your trusty Magnum Opus. The gameplay involves epic car races and battles, and when you're on foot, the combat feels a bit like the Arkham series or Shadow of Mordor, with a focus on counters. With its plethora of quests and unique atmosphere, it stands out as one of the finest open world games out there.

ATOM RPG

This collection is all about games similar to Fallout, so many of them fall into the RPG genre, like the ATOM RPG. It transports you to the Soviet wastelands, where you must find your place while unraveling a conspiracy that could lead to the downfall of humanity.

Along the way, you'll face a variety of enemies, complete quests, and interact with NPCs. The visuals may be simple, but they capture the atmosphere of the USSR well, with humble settlements and propaganda murals.

Wasteland 2 and 3 (Included with PC Game Pass)

To wrap up our list of the greatest nuke survival games, we have Wasteland 2 and 3. We decided to skip the first entry due to its dated feel, but the sequels are more accessible. Brian Fargo, the creator behind the original, also had a hand in their development. The second installment sends you to the scorching Arizona desert, while the third plunges you into the frigid landscape of Colorado.

Both are isometric games, focusing on exploration and turn-based combat. Not every conflict requires you to use force; clever negotiation with enemies, much like in classic tabletop RPGs, can often do the trick.

Exciting news! Dive into Wasteland 2 and 3 with PC Game Pass, a subscription service from Microsoft that gives you access to a growing collection of titles. Options range from zombie games to grand strategy experiences and beyond. Check out the deals for new users below.

Where to buy the Fallout series cheap?

Before we end, we'd like to take a closer look at the series of post-apocalyptic games in question. Created by Interplay Entertainment in 1997, it has been under the wing of Bethesda Softworks since 2008. With eight titles available on PC, they cover various genres, from RPG to strategy to simulation. Fallout New Vegas is widely considered the franchise's highlight, making it a solid starting point for newcomers.

And if you're a PC Game Pass subscriber, you're in luck; all of these are included as part of your subscription. But if not, be sure to check out the deals below!

What are your favorite nuke survival games? Are you a fan of post-apocalyptic worlds? Do you enjoy old RPG games or perhaps more modern releases? Share your thoughts in the comments!