Looking for the best zombie games to play on your PC for some action-packed and horrifying moments? I’ve got you covered!
Welcome to the ultimate zombie gaming experience on your PC! Get ready to unleash your adrenaline as I list the most gripping zombie games of all time.
Brace yourself for intense battles and thrilling survival challenges that will put your skills to the test. Whether you’re a fan of explosive shootouts, immersive storytelling, or strategic decision-making, this curated list has something for everyone.
However, before we check out the entries on this list, let’s get to know a bit more about the history of zombie games on PC.
Commercial Success of Zombie Games on PC 💰
Zombie games have experienced remarkable commercial success, firmly establishing themselves as a highly profitable genre in the gaming industry. These games consistently attract a significant player base and generate substantial revenue for developers. The popularity of zombie-themed titles is evident through their impressive sales figures and widespread recognition.
Iconic franchises like Left 4 Dead 2 (56 million+ units sold according to VG Insights), Resident Evil 4 (4 million+ units sold for both the original version and the remake according to VG Insights), and Call of Duty: Black Ops (5.9 million+ units sold according to VG Insights) have achieved massive commercial success worldwide. These games have garnered a loyal fan base that eagerly anticipates new releases and expansions.
The enduring appeal of zombie games can be attributed to their ability to deliver intense and thrilling experiences. The combination of survival challenges, strategic gameplay, and atmospheric storytelling resonates with a wide range of players. Furthermore, the popularity of multiplayer modes and the rise of eSports within the genre have contributed to its commercial viability.
Mods and User-Generated Content
Mods and user-generated content persuade the players to participate in the gaming life cycle. By allowing players to modify and create, these zombie games have become dynamic platforms for creativity, customization, and community engagement.
Mods allow you to tailor your gaming experience by introducing new gameplay mechanics, new characters, or new features. Thus the game stays fresh and appeals to a large group of players, prolonging its lifespan and attracting new audiences.
User-generated content further increases the longevity of zombie games by enabling players to share their creations with the community. Whether it’s custom maps, challenging scenarios, or player-made campaigns, this content fosters a sense of collaboration and excitement. It stimulates players to return to the game and explore new experiences. Also, such content facilitates a vibrant exchange of ideas among the community.
Now that you have got a preliminary idea about zombie games, let us explore some of the best PC games title carrying the zombie tag below:
The Callisto Protocol
The Callisto Protocol is a suspenseful horror game that immerses you in the futuristic world of Callisto. It is set on one of Jupiter’s moons, the titular Callisto. The game invites you on a chilling journey to uncover the mysteries of a derelict prison colony on the moon. This desolate facility has been overrun by nightmarish creatures, infected prisoners driven by an unknown sickness. As players navigate the eerie corridors, they must face relentless attacks from these twisted inmates.
With its atmospheric setting, intense gameplay, and cutting-edge graphics, The Callisto Protocol delivers a truly horrifying experience. Players must navigate dark and treacherous environments, solving puzzles while fending off grotesque threats. Uncovering the truth behind the sickness becomes a battle for survival. Brace yourself for an unparalleled and bone-chilling adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Developers: Striking Distance Studios
Publisher: Krafton
Release Date: December 2, 2022
Get The Callisto Protocol on Steam.
Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is a whimsical game merging the tower defense concept with multiplayer shooter gameplay. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world where you can choose to align with either the plants or the zombies. You will find that the two clans are in a never-ending battle.
You can experience a range of captivating modes, including team-based multiplayer battles and cooperative missions. Customize your favorite characters, each equipped with unique abilities and playstyles, to craft a truly personalized adventure. Explore vivid and imaginative environments brimming with wacky humor and inventive designs.
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![Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 - Origin PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61u6-VvcMBL.jpg)
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Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
With its accessible gameplay and family-friendly appeal, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 offers endless entertainment for players of all ages. Its quirky style, humorous tone, and addictive multiplayer action set it apart as a standout entry in the Plants vs. Zombies series, guaranteeing hours of strategic enjoyment and lighthearted fun.
Developers: PopCap Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: February 23, 2016
Resident Evil 4
Once again, Capcom has demonstrated its mastery by delivering another exceptionally successful remake. This time, they have breathed new life into one of the most adored games in history. While the Resident Evil 4 Remake diverges from the traditional zombie theme found in its predecessors, the infected villagers it introduces are arguably more menacing.
Your initial playthrough of Resident Evil 4 Remake is a thrilling experience, filled with hair-raising moments, heart-pounding pursuits, and instances where you find yourself frantically fighting with only a handful of bullets left in your inventory.
However, subsequent playthroughs become notably shorter as you utilize the unlockables of Resident Evil 4 to effortlessly conquer the game and achieve an impressive S Rank. Check out Resident Evil 4 Remake to discover the unique elements that make this remake truly extraordinary.
Developers: Capcom
Publishers: Capcom
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Get Resident Evil 4 on Steam.
State of Decay 2
If your primary interest lies in a captivating narrative, the original State of Decay would be a more suitable choice. However, the sequel admirably expands upon the foundational systems of the first game, resulting in a more gratifying open-world experience.
Playing similar to an RPG, State of Decay 2 revolves around a straightforward yet fulfilling core loop. Within your community of survivors, you select a protagonist and venture into the wilderness to scavenge for essential resources like food, fuel, or medicine to sustain the rest of your group.
Once your chosen survivor returns home, fatigued or succumbing to the undead, you can seamlessly assume control of another character from your base, each with their own unique background, personality, and combat skills.
Every time you welcome a new stranger into your growing enclave, you gain another playable character, adding a fresh story to develop from start to finish.
Developers: Undead Labs
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Release Date: May 22, 2018
Get State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition on Steam.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – Zombies
Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – Zombies game! Developed by Treyarch, this action-packed first-person shooter will take you on an intense and exciting adventure against hordes of zombies, which were the results of the Cold War scientific research exploitations.
You will explore iconic locations that reflect the Cold War era and gear up with a wide range of weapons. Also, you will unlock powerful perks and upgrades to your fighting skills to ensure your survival in this gripping experience against the undead.
Join forces with friends and face wave after wave of zombie enemies together. With its immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and non-stop action, this game is a must-play for all fans of the zombie genre.
Developers: Treyarch and Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: November 13, 2020
Get Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – Zombies on Steam.
World War Z
Prepare for a heart-pounding adventure in World War Z, an exhilarating cooperative third-person shooter that plunges players into an unforgiving zombie apocalypse. Drawing inspiration from the renowned novel and film, this game delivers an intense and fast-paced gameplay experience, where hordes of the undead swarm the world.
World War Z’s dynamic Swarm Engine sets the stage for epic battles against massive zombie hordes. Join forces with friends or AI-controlled companions to devise strategic plans and navigate treacherous locations such as New York, Moscow, and Jerusalem. Choose from a variety of classes, each equipped with unique abilities and an extensive arsenal of weapons to take on the relentless undead threat.
Whether you’re fending off relentless waves of zombies in intense defensive encounters or engaging in adrenaline-fueled multiplayer matches, this game keeps the excitement levels soaring.
Developers: Saber Interactive
Publisher: Saver Interactive
Release Date: April 16, 2019
Get World War Z on Steam.
Days Gone
Days Gone offers a refreshing take on zombie games, catering to those who crave an open-world experience rather than the more focused approach of titles like Dead Rising. Initially, the game sets a slower pace as you control the motorcycle-riding protagonist, scavenging for resources amidst the desolate roads of the Pacific Northwest region. However, it swiftly accelerates into an intense and exhilarating journey.
In contrast to many other zombie games, where the threat diminishes once you acquire a vehicle, Days Gone presents a different challenge. The relentless Freakers are prone to launching themselves recklessly at you as you speed along the debris-littered roads. Before long, you’ll find yourself confronting hordes of both infected humans and animals. And if that isn’t enough to captivate your interest, imagine the adrenaline-pumping thrill of defending against zombie bears. The Day Gone PC version highlights the significant improvements thanks to quality-of-life enhancements implemented by the developer.
Developers: Bend Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: May 18, 2021 (Windows)
Get Days Gone on Steam.
Half-Life 2
While Half-Life 2 is primarily known for its groundbreaking narrative and immersive gameplay, it also features a compelling and memorable zombie element. The game introduces the terrifying headcrabs, parasitic creatures that attach themselves to human hosts, turning them into mindless zombies. These zombies roam the desolate streets of City 17, adding a haunting and eerie atmosphere to the game.
Half-Life 2 masterfully blends action, storytelling, and survival horror elements, creating intense encounters with hordes of zombies. Players must strategically navigate through these environments, conserving resources and utilizing a variety of weapons to fend off the undead.
The inclusion of zombies in Half-Life 2 enhances the overall experience, adding an element of tension and fear to an already captivating narrative. It showcases the game’s versatility, offering players a unique twist on the traditional zombie genre within a rich and immersive world.
Developers: Valve
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: November 16, 2004
Get Half-Life 2 on Steam.
Left 4 Dead 2
In a genre often saturated with conventional zombie narratives that fail to evoke the same impact, Left 4 Dead 2 presents a world where the remnants of normality still linger. It stands as an unparalleled zombie game, surpassing even its thematically distinct counterparts like Vermintide and the Payday crime series.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Left 4 Dead 2 - PC |
$5.25 |
Buy on Amazon |
As cities lie abandoned following multiple waves of evacuations, the essence of humanity remains palpable through the heartfelt messages scrawled on the walls of safe houses. What sets Left 4 Dead 2 apart is its distinct warmth, which stems from the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans and its surroundings. This influence seeps through the swamps onto the streets and resonates within the game’s captivating soundtrack.
Developers: Valve
Publisher: Valve
Release Date: November 17, 2009
The Last of Us Part I
Naughty Dog created The Last of Us Part I as a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game for zombie and open-world game lovers. Players assume the role of Joel, a hardened survivor who navigates a world devastated by a fungal infection. Ellie, a young girl with a mysterious immunity against the fungal infection, joins Joel to start a journey to a hospital where scientists can create a cure from Ellie’s blood.
The game seamlessly blends intense combat, stealth, and exploration in an environment flooded with infected and undead human beings. With its magnificent storytelling, memorable characters, and stunning visuals, The Last of Us Part I stands as a gaming masterpiece. It captivates players with its emotional depth and unforgettable experience.
Developers: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Get The Last of Us™ Part I on Steam.
Wrapping Up
The thrilling stories of the undead have long been a part of folk stories in many cultures. The games on World War II and the Cold War have become too predictive. Hence, game developers shifted to the world of the undead. Here, the opponent is the mutated or virus-infected humans that crave flesh and blood.
Your task is to survive by eliminating the herd of undead! If you are up to this challenge, give any or all of the games listed here a try already.
For something different, check out these best puzzle games on PC to keep your brain charged and ready to take on challenges!
