Open-world survival games deliver experiences that few other genres can match. The constant cycle of day and night, managing basic needs like hunger and sleep, and the thrill of building something from nothing keep players coming back for more. While the market has many options, some titles stand out from the pack.

We've selected 5 open-world survival games that are still worth your time in 2025:

1. Raft

2. No Man's Sky

3. Valheim

4. ARK: Survival Ascended

5. Subnautica: Below Zero

Each game brings something different to the table. Some focus on cooperative PvE experiences where you team up against environmental challenges, while others throw you into ruthless PvP environments where other players pose the greatest threat. Despite some of these games being a few years old, they've maintained active player bases through regular updates and expansions.

Let's dive into what makes each game unique, why they're still worth playing in 2025, what platforms you can find them on, and how much they'll cost you.

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1. Raft

• Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $19.99

Raft launched in early access on Steam in May 2018 and received its full release on June 20, 2022. The game stands out among survival titles with its ocean-based setting. Players begin on a small floating raft and must collect resources from the endless sea to expand their vessel.

The game's hook-throwing mechanic for gathering resources creates a unique gameplay loop. Unlike land-based survival games, resources come to you rather than requiring exploration. This doesn't mean Raft lacks adventure—underwater exploration and visiting mysterious islands add depth to the experience.

Raft supports up to 10 players in online co-op mode, making it perfect for friends looking to build massive ocean structures together. The cooperative focus means you'll spend time fishing, cooking, purifying water, and defending against the ocean's threats as a team.

2. No Man’s Sky

• Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $59.99

• Best Deals: Buy No Man's Sky Steam Key at GameBoost for $20.66

No Man's Sky launched in August 2016 to massive expectations and initial disappointment. The procedurally generated universe containing over 18 quintillion planets promised more than it initially delivered. Hello Games faced severe backlash as features like multiplayer were missing at launch.

The game's redemption story is now legendary in the industry. Through numerous free updates over the years, No Man's Sky transformed into one of gaming's greatest comebacks. The continuous updates added multiplayer, VR support, improved graphics, settlement building, space combat, and countless quality-of-life improvements.

Players can now explore unique planets, build elaborate bases, command fleets of starships, trade resources across the galaxy, and interact with other travelers. The game balances survival elements with creative freedom, letting you choose between challenging yourself against harsh environments or focusing on exploration and discovery.

In 2025, No Man's Sky continues to receive updates, making it an excellent value despite its age. The cross-platform availability and significant discounts available through third-party sellers make this an accessible entry point to space survival games.

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3. Valheim

• Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $19.99 / Available on Game Pass

• Best Deals: Find Valheim Steam Key at GameBoost for $18.03

Valheim became incredibly popular when it launched in early access in February 2021. This Norse mythology-inspired survival game puts players in the role of fallen Vikings who must prove their worth to enter Valhalla.

The procedurally generated world features distinct biomes that increase in difficulty as you progress. Starting in the relatively safe Meadows, players eventually face challenges in the Black Forest, Swamp, Mountain, Plains, and Mistlands. Each area contains unique resources, enemies, and building materials.

Valheim's building system stands out with its structural integrity mechanics. Players can create elaborate bases limited only by their imagination and engineering skills. The game rewards cooperation, with server support for up to 10 players working together to defeat bosses and build settlements.

Combat requires skill and strategy rather than button-mashing. The stamina system forces thoughtful engagement with enemies, while the food mechanics add depth to preparation before battles.

Despite its early access status extending into 2025, Valheim delivers a complete experience with regular updates adding new content. Available on Game Pass and with affordable Steam keys at GameBoost for $18.03, it offers excellent value for players seeking a challenging yet rewarding survival experience.

ARK: Survival Ascended

• Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $44.99

ARK: Survival Ascended was released in 2023 as a complete remake of the popular ARK: Survival Evolved. Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, this version delivers significant visual upgrades and performance improvements over the original.

Players wake up stranded on a mysterious island filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The core gameplay loop involves gathering resources, crafting tools, building bases, and taming dinosaurs. These tamed creatures become companions, mounts, and workhorses that drastically change how you interact with the world.

The game supports both solo play and multiplayer with robust PvE and PvP options. Players can join official servers or create private environments with customizable settings. The cross-platform play feature lets friends enjoy the adventure together regardless of their gaming system.

Studio Wildcard also confirmed that ARK 2 is in development with an expected release in 2025. The sequel will launch as a console exclusive on Xbox Series X|S with a simultaneous PC release. This makes ARK: Survival Ascended a good entry point for players wanting to familiarize themselves with the franchise before the sequel arrives.

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5. Subnautica: Below Zero

• Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

• Retail Price: $29.99

• Best Deals: Subnautica: Below Zero Steam Key at GameBoost for $24.96

Subnautica: Below Zero takes players back to the alien planet 4546B, this time to an arctic region. This standalone sequel builds on what made the original successful while adding new environments, creatures, and story elements.

The game emphasizes underwater exploration and survival. Players must manage oxygen, temperature, hunger, and thirst while gathering resources to build equipment and underwater bases. The harsh arctic setting adds another layer of challenge compared to its predecessor.

Below Zero features a more structured narrative than the original, with voice acting and defined characters. The story follows Robin Ayou, a scientist investigating the mysterious death of her sister on the frozen planet.

Base building remains a core gameplay element. Players construct underwater habitats with various modules for crafting, storage, food production, and vehicle maintenance. The game's scanning mechanic encourages thorough exploration to find new blueprints.

Final Words

Open-world survival games continue to evolve and maintain dedicated player bases years after release. From Raft's oceanic adventures to Subnautica's underwater exploration, each title offers distinct environments and mechanics that keep players engaged.

For newcomers to the genre, consider your preferred setting and gameplay style when making your choice. Each game emphasizes different aspects of the survival experience while maintaining the core resource-gathering and crafting mechanics that define the genre.

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