What are the best Xbox survival games? When it comes to survival games on Microsoft’s platform, there’s a lot to choose from. Whether it’s classic horror survival or something a little more sci-fi, the charts have been filled with games spanning the genre. But, for the Xbox Series X|S console line-up, some of the games that were already achieving greatness on the previous-gen consoles needed updating. Luckily, Microsoft has done just that.
There’s clearly a lot to choose from when it comes to the best survival games to put on our list, with major optimization updates to existing games, new releases, and the ability to play previous generation’s games on the newest model. Here are the best Xbox survival games you can try right now, including some of the best Xbox Series X games in existence.
Here are the best Xbox Series X survival games:
- Subnautica: Below Zero
- Valheim
- Rust
- Minecraft
- Conan Exiles
- No Man’s Sky
- The Long Dark
- Ark: Survival Evolved
1. Subnautica: Below Zero
Subnautica: Below Zero is the sequel to the 2018 original and while the original Subnautica is available to play on Xbox’s Game Pass, developers Unknown Worlds Entertainment has optimized this one for Xbox Series X|S which means you can play Subnautica in beautiful 4K resolution.
In between scavenging, hunting, and battling sea life, there’s one solid feature of Subnautica constantly hanging over you – your oxygen level. Imagine the oxygen level depletion of underwater segments of games but having it there 100% of the time.
Throw in a day and night cycle that turns you into the prey of the ocean at night, and you’ve got yourself an ultimate survival game.
2. Valheim
After an incredibly successful launch on PC, Valheim has made its way to Xbox consoles and it is just as good. With an expanding world to explore, everything on offer in the PC version, and more updates to come there is easily enough to absorb weeks and months of your time.
As you explore, build up your bases, expand your arsenal, and defeat bosses, you will uncover new secrets. All of this can be done with friends or alone to offer an experience that best suits you. It’s one of the only games of this type and style that has made the jump to consoles.
So, if you are a big survival head, then this is one for you.
3. Rust
How do you feel about being stripped butt naked and left with nothing but a torch and a rock to your name? Well, that’s the reality you face in Rust, a huge sandbox adventure that’ll pit you against a server full of trigger-happy players.
Here you’ll need to gather resources, make friends, and build (and raid) shelters in order to survive. If you last a night without being raided, then you’ve done your job well.
4. Minecraft
We can’t have the best Xbox survival games guide without this blocky adventure game, can we? Minecraft can be played in countless ways these days, but if you’re looking for a classic survival experience, the sandbox offers plenty of modes to cater to just that.
You can find the best Minecraft survival servers right here.
5. Conan Exiles
If you’re looking for a quintessential sandbox survival game, look no further than Conan Exiles. This Funcom game is optimized for next-gen consoles and receives swathes of updates on a regular basis.
So if you’re looking to tackle big woolly mammoths or test your combat skills against other players, Conan Exiles is for you.
6. No Man’s Sky
This infinitely procedurally generated survival game has been out since 2018, but in 2020, developers Hello Games released a specific upgrade to the game for next-gen consoles and it was free for those who already owned the game.
The Xbox Series X|S optimized version boasts fuller worlds with higher resolution textures and more detailed geometry, richer base construction with the ability to construct larger and more complex builds, and a seamless transition, meaning you can move old-gen console saves onto the Xbox Series X.
There’s also 4K 60fps smoothness and the ability for cross-platform play which adds so many more layers to this survival game.
7. The Long Dark
Like many on this list, you’re fending for yourself in a land that has been destroyed by some sort of disaster. For The Long Dark, you’re in Canada in the winter and there’s something called the Quiet Apocalypse which throws you into a world of isolation that has you lost in thought.
Currently playable via Game Pass, The Long Dark isn’t quite optimized for Xbox Series X|S running at the lower framerate but it is still an excellent survival game to add to this list.
8. Ark: Survival Evolved
Much like No Man’s Sky, Ark: Survival Evolved released a specific update to ensure it was taking full advantage of the Xbox Series X|S by adding in some major enhancements to the game.
This allows Ark: Survival Evolved to be the best version of itself by upping the layering, the quality, the loading speed, and finally, making sure you can fully extend to that 4K 30-60 FPS output. For this action-adventure survival game, optimization for the Xbox Series X|S gives players a much more detailed and realistic environment.
However, if you’re willing to wait for the Ark Survival Ascended release date, you’ll be able to experience the world of Survival Evolved with remastered visuals and mechanics.
So, that’s it for our best Xbox Series X survival games list. If you’re still keen to find some more games to play, check out our list of the best Xbox horror games, the best Xbox open world games, and the best Xbox strategy games. Have fun!
