The Best Survival Games for Xbox Series X

Update : Albatroz added at rank #40.
1

Palworld (2024)

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90
Review score
Logo of Palworld Screenshot of Palworld Screenshot of Palworld Screenshot of Palworld

early access PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5

Embark on a thrilling adventure in Palworld, a game that fuses the fun of creature-collecting with hardcore survival challenges! Build, battle, and bond with your Pals in a vast, dynamic world. Whether you're crafting the perfect base or exploring uncharted territories with friends, every decision carves your path to survival. Are you ready to conquer this wild, whimsical world?


What we like:
  • Unique blend of creature-collecting and survival
  • Engaging base-building with the help of Pals
  • Wide variety of Pals for strategic gameplay
  • Multiplayer mode to share the adventure
  • Expansive world full of exploration and challenges
What could be improved:
  • Combat mechanics and base management need refinement
  • Some themes and humor may not appeal to all

  • survival
  • crafting
  • open-world
  • collector
  • creature
  • pokemon

2

Valheim (2022)

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87
Review score
Logo of Valheim Screenshot of Valheim Screenshot of Valheim Screenshot of Valheim

early access Xbox One Android Mac OS Linux PC Windows Xbox Series X

Valheim is an epic, Viking-tinged survival-creation game with blocky graphics and a modern twist. You are dropped in a wild forest with runes to guide you on your mission to conjure and defeat supernatural beasts. Players must craft weapons and armor, puzzle out how to summon the beasts, and build structures for shelter along the way.


What we like:
  • Simple default building system
  • Instant rebuilding/repairing
  • Randomly generated 3D universe
  • Easy-to-read color highlights for structural integrity
  • Level up abilities by repeating actions
  • Robust physics engine underlies all actions
What could be improved:
  • Wonky battling system
  • Limited traversal over rivers and oceans at this point

  • survival
  • crafting
  • open-world
  • cooperative

3

Grounded (2022)

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86
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Android PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Xbox One

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

4

Stranded: Alien Dawn (2022)

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86
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Stranded: Alien Dawn drops you into an unknown alien world, where you'll lead survivors, build a high-tech outpost, and make tough decisions to survive. With engaging gameplay, a variety of planets, and a peaceful non-combat option, you'll experience a unique, unpredictable journey. But beware, time may slow and crafting can get repetitive in this thrilling survival sim.


What we like:
  • Engaging gameplay
  • Variety of planets and moons
  • Non-combat peaceful option
  • Customizable difficulty settings
  • Beautiful graphics
What could be improved:
  • Time can feel slow
  • Crafting becomes repetitive
  • Lack of depth in some systems
  • Requires internet connection to play

  • survival
  • simulation
  • base-building
  • management
  • crafting
  • colony
  • hunting
  • destruction
  • cooking

5

Subnautica (2018)

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98
Review score
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Mac OS Android Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 4 Playstation 5 osvr Xbox One Xbox Series X

Plunge into Subnautica's alien ocean world, where survival hinges on your ability to adapt. Build, explore, and unravel mysteries in a breathtaking underwater realm. It's not just a game—it's an odyssey beneath the waves that will test your instincts and dazzle your senses.


What we like:
  • Gorgeous, immersive environments
  • Deep crafting and base-building
  • Compelling exploration and discovery
  • Rich storyline and world-building
  • Dynamic sound design enhancing atmosphere
What could be improved:
  • Occasional performance dips in deep areas
  • Limited inventory space can frustrate resource management

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

6

Subnautica: Below Zero (2019)

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90
Review score
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Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5

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?


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

7

Core Keeper (2024)

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86
Review score
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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

8

The Eternal Cylinder (2021)

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83
Review score
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Xbox Series X/s Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox Series X Playstation 5

The Eternal Cylinder is a deep narrative-focused game that pushes the creativity of game design to its limits. You play as a species known as the Trebhum, which have an ability to rapidly evolve by consuming certain items. You must explore the strange foreign world and find a way to stop the Eternal Cylinder from destroying everything.


What we like:
  • Over 50 unique mutations
  • Gorgeously detailed visuals
  • In-depth story
  • Creative puzzles and challenges
  • Helpful accessibility options
What could be improved:
  • Linear progression limits player choice
  • Some puzzles can be difficult or frustrating

  • survival
  • puzzle
  • exploration
  • surreal
  • platform
  • narration
  • open-world
  • story

9

Endling (2022)

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78
Review score
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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

Green Hell (2019)

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81
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows

Survive the uncharted Amazonian rainforest in Green Hell, a gripping psychological thriller. With realistic survival mechanics, you'll build shelters, craft weapons, and hunt for food. The immersive gameplay and beautiful visuals will keep you on your toes, as you unravel the truth in this unique and unforgettable experience.


What we like:
  • Realistic survival mechanics
  • Immersive and challenging gameplay
  • Psychological twist adds intrigue
  • Beautiful and detailed graphics
  • Multiplayer mode for added replayability
What could be improved:
  • Inaccurate portrayal of native plants
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited building system
  • Lack of replayability

  • survival
  • crafting

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