The Best Survival Games for Nintendo Switch

Update : Oppidum added at rank #35.
1

Subnautica: Below Zero (2021)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Subnautica: Below Zero Screenshot of Subnautica: Below Zero Screenshot of Subnautica: Below Zero Screenshot of Subnautica: Below Zero

Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X Mac OS Playstation 4

Plunge into the icy depths of Subnautica: Below Zero! Unravel the mystery of your sister's disappearance while braving the alien arctic. Craft, explore, and survive in a world teeming with otherworldly wonders. Each discovery propels you through a story rich with adventure and intrigue. Are you ready to uncover the secrets beneath the ice?

Buy

What we like:
  • Stunning alien underwater environments
  • Engaging narrative with a personal quest
  • Diverse biomes filled with unique creatures
  • Streamlined survival mechanics
  • Inviting to both series veterans and newcomers
What could be improved:
  • Some resources can be challenging to locate
  • Exploration may be hindered by confusing terrain

  • underwater
  • survival
  • crafting
  • exploration
  • open-world

2

Grounded (2022)

View Similar Games
86
Review score
Logo of Grounded Screenshot of Grounded Screenshot of Grounded Screenshot of Grounded

Nintendo Switch Android Playstation 4 Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Windows

Grounded is an exciting survival game that sees you playing as one of four teenagers who find themselves miniaturized and exploring the backyard of Dr.Tully, the inventor of the SPAC.R shrinking device. You'll need to hunt for resources, craft tools and armor and build shelters in order to survive the hostile creatures that inhabit this new world. With a great variety of biomes to explore, landmarks to discover and surprises around every corner, Grounded provides an epic adventure in a surprisingly small space!


What we like:
  • Unique setting
  • Varied biomes to explore
  • Visually impressive sights
  • Great character development and story telling
  • Challenging yet accessible difficulty levels and accessibility options
What could be improved:
  • Occasional glitches and bugs
  • Lacklustre quest design at times
  • Quests requiring backtracking

  • survival
  • crafting
  • sandbox
  • cooperative

3

Astroneer (2019)

View Similar Games
94
Review score
Logo of Astroneer Screenshot of Astroneer Screenshot of Astroneer Screenshot of Astroneer

PC Windows IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One

Embark on a cosmic journey in Astroneer, where you can shape worlds to your heart's content. Dig, build, and survive in a sandbox universe, creating bases and vehicles with friends. Uncover mysteries and enjoy a crafting odyssey across vibrant planets—your space adventure awaits!

Buy

What we like:
  • Engaging crafting and building mechanics
  • Vibrant, immersive worlds
  • Relaxing, open-ended gameplay
  • Satisfying cooperative multiplayer
  • Regular updates with new content
What could be improved:
  • Occasional control and camera issues

  • survival
  • crafting
  • sandbox
  • open-world
  • cooperative
  • exploration
  • space
  • drop-in
  • drop-out
  • base-building
  • resource
  • adventure

4

ARK: Survival Evolved (2017)

View Similar Games
91
Review score
Logo of ARK: Survival Evolved Screenshot of ARK: Survival Evolved Screenshot of ARK: Survival Evolved Screenshot of ARK: Survival Evolved

Android Playstation 4 PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch Mac OS Linux IOS iPhone stadia

ARK: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure game that throws you into a mysterious world filled with dinosaurs, where you must learn to survive and craft your own weapons, clothing, and tools in order to thrive. You must explore the land, build bases and enlist the help of creatures in order to defend against predators. With beautiful water animations, lush forests and varied creatures ARK will keep you engaged and entertained for hours.

Buy

What we like:
  • Varied creatures to explore & tame
  • Combat is incredibly satisfying
  • Crafted weapons can be used to threaten or destroy enemies
  • Trading items with other players
  • Stunning visuals & water animations
What could be improved:
  • Awful character customisation
  • Long taming process can test patience

  • survival
  • dinosaurs
  • crafting
  • open-world

5

Core Keeper (2024)

View Similar Games
86
Review score
Logo of Core Keeper Screenshot of Core Keeper Screenshot of Core Keeper Screenshot of Core Keeper

Linux Xbox One Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X Playstation 5 PC Windows

Core Keeper is a mining/crafting-adventure game that combines elements from games like Terraria, Stardew Valley, and Valheim. Dive into a subterranean world where you mine, build, and battle in an ever-expanding cave of wonders. Forge your path, unearth relics, and conquer monstrous foes, solo or with friends. It's a sandbox of secrets waiting for you to uncover!


What we like:
  • Infinite exploration with diverse biomes
  • Complete creative freedom in a fully destructible environment
  • Rich in secrets and stunning vistas
  • Varied gameplay with distinct regions
  • Extensive mod support enhances replayability
What could be improved:
  • Challenging navigation without clear landmarks
  • Limited inventory and storage space

  • survival
  • crafting
  • sandbox
  • cooperative
  • mining
  • cooking
  • farming
  • pixel
  • open-world
  • building
  • boss
  • procedural
  • simulation

6

60 Seconds! Reatomized (2019)

View Similar Games
98
Review score
Logo of 60 Seconds! Reatomized Screenshot of 60 Seconds! Reatomized Screenshot of 60 Seconds! Reatomized Screenshot of 60 Seconds! Reatomized

PC Windows Android IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One Mac OS

60 Seconds! Reatomized is a remastered version of the original game that released back in 2015, set in the 1950s and following the McDoodle family as they try to survive a nuclear apocalypse. The game is split into two parts - scavenging for supplies where you have 60 seconds on the clock and survival mode, making decisions inside a bunker to keep the family alive. Challenge modes give an additional layer of strategic gameplay.

Buy

What we like:
  • Replayability
  • Wacky moments
  • Strategic challenge mode
  • Hand-drawn style visuals
What could be improved:
  • Clunky controls when scavenging

  • survival
  • comedy
  • choices
  • post-apocalyptic
  • dark
  • simulation
  • hand-drawn
  • text
  • adventure
  • point-and-click
  • difficult
  • outbreak
  • interactive
  • horror
  • funny

7

Mr. Prepper (2021)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Mr. Prepper Screenshot of Mr. Prepper Screenshot of Mr. Prepper Screenshot of Mr. Prepper

Nintendo Switch Mac OS Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows

In Mr. Prepper, you must build an underground shelter, craft machines, and explore atmospheric locations to survive in a world controlled by an authoritarian government. Will you help Mr. Prepper defy the government and stay alive? This thrilling survival game offers an interesting prepper/survival concept, with a decent variety of items to build and explore. The game will keep you on edge with the slight stress of coming under inspection, all while providing a relaxing experience. Craft, trade, explore, and scavenge your way to success!

Buy

What we like:
  • Interesting prepper/survival concept
  • Decent variety of stuff to build
  • Slight stress of coming under inspection
  • Fun exploring the map
  • Relaxing game
What could be improved:
  • Building/crafting loop is low-impact
  • Short replay value
  • UI improvements needed
  • Lots of grinding

  • survival
  • crafting
  • resource-management
  • simulation
  • base-building
  • underground
  • life
  • 2.5d
  • atmospheric
  • management
  • point-and-click
  • economy

8

Rain World (2017)

View Similar Games
94
Review score
Logo of Rain World Screenshot of Rain World Screenshot of Rain World Screenshot of Rain World

Playstation 4 PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X

Rain World is a grim industrial wasteland game where you take on the role of a vulnerable Slugcat, torn away from their family after a huge flood. Your mission is to reunite with your family while also surviving and navigating around the dangerous creatures in this world.

Buy

What we like:
  • Challenging platforming gameplay
  • Unique predator-prey relationships
  • Great music and sound design
  • Huge map with interconnecting levels and hidden areas
  • Creative use of hibernation chambers as save checkpoints
What could be improved:
  • Controls could be improved

  • platform
  • survival
  • post-apocalyptic
  • difficult
  • pixel
  • 2d
  • exploration
  • metroidvania
  • atmospheric

9

Endling (2022)

View Similar Games
78
Review score
Logo of Endling Screenshot of Endling Screenshot of Endling Screenshot of Endling

Playstation 4 Android IOS iPhone Playstation 5 Xbox Series X PC Windows Xbox One Nintendo Switch

Endling puts you in the role of the last fox on Earth. Driven from her forest home by a devastating fire (started by humans), our poor vulpine heroine is forced to find a makeshift den in which to deliver her pups, while simultaneously trying to track down her kidnapped baby. As each night falls, you'll need to venture forth from your makeshift den and forage or hunt for food, while also protecting your brood from trappers and other opportunistic humans.


What we like:
  • Heart-wrenching story
  • Stunning visuals
  • Powerful soundtrack
  • Adorable fox pups that grow and learn skills as they explore with you
  • Tough decisions between food or rescuing pup
What could be improved:
  • Can feel like stuck in a rut without making much progress

  • survival
  • skill

10

No Man's Sky (2016)

View Similar Games
89
Review score
Logo of No Man's Sky Screenshot of No Man's Sky Screenshot of No Man's Sky Screenshot of No Man's Sky

psvr Android Mac OS Playstation 5 Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows Xbox Series X osvr Nintendo Switch

No Man's Sky is a massive universe-sim sandbox experience that lets you explore an infinite number of planets with unique lifeforms and environments. Upgrade your ship and suit for survival and choose your own path - whether you want to be a trader, fighter, or explorer. The game offers great graphics and good VR support with the ability to play with friends and share your discoveries.


What we like:
  • Deliver on promises
  • Great graphics
  • Cross-play enabled
  • Good VR support
What could be improved:
  • Some bugs present
  • Not challenging enough
  • No co-op progression

  • inventory
  • survival
  • exploration
  • crafting
  • sci-fi
  • pirates
  • resource
  • aliens
  • trading
  • discovery
  • multiplayer
  • sandbox
  • space
  • management
  • open-world

Not seeing your game?