Survival games have become one of the most beloved game genres with massive hits from Rust, Valheim, Ark, Sons of the Forest, and more. Below are some upcoming games that have a good amount of hype and are definitely worth keeping an eye on if you’re a fan of the Survival genre.
Under a Rock
Under a Rock might just be one of the most charming survival games in development right now. It brings a colorful, cartoon-like world packed with prehistoric creatures, magical ruins, and procedurally generated islands to explore with up to 10 players in online co-op.
Survival here is about more than danger it’s about discovery. Players can tame creatures, build elaborate bases with physics-based construction, and adventure across a living, breathing island ecosystem. It stands out not just for its visuals, but for its sense of whimsy and potential for replayability.
Subnautica 2
Subnautica is already a staple in survival gaming, and Subnautica 2 promises to push the oceanic exploration genre even further. Set on a new alien world, this sequel will introduce 4-player co-op, DNA-based player upgrades, and even more terrifying—and awe-inspiring—underwater lifeforms.
While keeping its signature survival and base-building gameplay, Subnautica 2 introduces live-service elements and co-op functionality without microtransactions. For anyone who loved the first two games, this will be a must-play when it hits Early Access in 2026.
There’s been some drama around the studio, lead developers, and the release of Subnautica 2 here during the summer of 2025. It remains to be seen if it’ll effect the game at large, but still a game that many are excitedly awaiting for after the success of the first title.
Ark 2
ARK 2 has been a mystery project for some time, with numerous delays and little communication from Studio Wildcard. While the original ARK: Survival Evolved became one of the most successful games—not just in the survival genre, but in gaming overall—its sequel has yet to show meaningful gameplay or a firm release plan.
Now well into 2025, the ARK community is anxiously awaiting any proof of life from this project: gameplay footage, an updated roadmap, or even a solid developer update. Despite the radio silence, it’s still worth keeping an eye on. Few games have had as passionate and dedicated a fan base as ARK, and if ARK 2 delivers on modern gameplay and visuals, it could steal the spotlight.
The core ARK concept—mixing sci-fi tech, dinosaur taming, shooting, and deep survival progression—resonates with a wide variety of players. But don’t hold your breath. With constant delays and zero gameplay footage to date, many in the community are beginning to wonder if ARK: Survival Ascended is the long-term strategy instead. Wildcard is actively developing ASA on a modern engine, releasing map expansions and updates, even amid mixed reception.
Could ARK 2 still arrive in 2025? We hope so—but we’re not betting on it just yet.
Crosswind
Crosswind is a promising new pirate-themed survival game that blends naval combat, island exploration, and base-building into a dynamic, procedurally generated open world. Players can command customizable ships, sail between hostile biomes, scavenge for resources, fight supernatural bosses, and build outposts to stake their claim across the archipelago. Whether playing solo or in co-op, survival is about managing crew, crafting gear, and navigating both the seas and the secrets of cursed lands.
The game emphasizes “souls-lite” action combat and lets players board enemy ships, tame wildlife, and progress through loot-driven exploration. Crosswind entered closed alpha testing in mid-2025 with thousands of players already exploring early content, and it’s quickly become one of Steam’s most wishlisted upcoming survival titles. With its mix of PvE depth and optional PvP, it aims to fill a niche between Sea of Thieves and Valheim – a survival sandbox with real weight behind its ship battles and progression.
Light No Fire
Light No Fire is one of the most ambitious and intriguing survival games in development today—at least, on paper. Revealed during The Game Awards 2023 by Hello Games (creators of No Man’s Sky), it promises a fully explorable, procedurally generated fantasy planet the size of Earth, complete with dragons, mythical creatures, climbable mountains, and seamless multiplayer adventure. The pitch was bold: a game about exploration, survival, and storytelling in a shared, persistent world that continues to evolve even after you log out.
And then… silence. Since that jaw-dropping trailer, there’s been little more than a whisper from the studio. No gameplay footage, no development blogs, no follow-up reveals—leaving fans to speculate and wait. Despite the quiet, anticipation remains sky-high. If Hello Games delivers even half of what’s promised, Light No Fire could redefine what a survival RPG can be. But for now, it’s a mysterious beacon on the horizon—glowing brightly, but still just out of reach.
More titles ahead…
There are some incredible games in the making, and this genre probably has not peaked. We’ll see a flood of half baked survival games, but amongst the many will be some gems we’ll have to explore