Escape from Tarkov, released in 2017 by Battlestate Games, has set a benchmark in the gaming world for its intense, realistic, and hardcore gameplay. It’s a game that tests players’ survival instincts in a high-stakes environment.
For those who relish the challenge and the thrill of such games, the gaming industry has seen a surge in titles that offer similar experiences. In this article, we delve into the best 19 games like Tarkov, known for their gritty realism, tactical gameplay, and immersive experiences.
Hunt: Showdown
Developer and Release Date: Crytek, 2018
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: Set in the 1890s in Louisiana, “Hunt: Showdown” offers a unique blend of first-person shooter and survival horror. Players take on the role of bounty hunters tasked with hunting down and killing malevolent creatures. The game is notable for its intense PvPvE elements, where not only the monsters but also other players pose a significant threat.
The Cycle: Frontier
Developer and Release Date: Yager Development, 2022
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S
Plot: This free-to-play first-person shooter is set on the alien planet Fortuna III. “The Cycle: Frontier” challenges players to explore, gather resources, and survive in a hostile environment while contending with other players and indigenous creatures. The game stands out for its unique setting and the strategic depth of its survival mechanics.
DayZ
Developer and Release Date: Bohemia Interactive, 2018
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: A pioneer in the survival game genre, “DayZ” drops players into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The game emphasizes survival through resource gathering, building shelters, and, importantly, interactions with other players that can range from cooperative to hostile.
Deadside
Developer and Release Date: Bad Pixel, 2020
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Plot: “Deadside” is a hardcore multiplayer shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players engage in both PvE and PvP combat, scavenging for resources and battling for survival. The game’s realistic ballistics and survival elements make it a fitting addition to the list of games like Tarkov.
Vigor
Developer and Release Date: Bohemia Interactive, 2018
Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Plot: Set in post-war Norway, “Vigor” challenges players to survive in a world of scarce resources. The game focuses on scavenging and crafting, with a significant emphasis on player interactions that can lead to tense and unpredictable encounters.
Marauders
Developer and Release Date: Small Impact Games, October 3rd, 2022 (Early Access)
Platform: PC (Steam)
Plot: This first-person shooter game is set in a dark, diesel-punk universe where Earth has become uninhabitable. Players take on the role of “Marauders,” space mercenaries who fight for survival by scavenging resources from derelict ships. The plot revolves around completing missions, acquiring loot, and escaping with your life amidst intense competition and danger.
STALKER Anomaly
Developer and Release Date: Various independent developers, led by “bluetherobot”, First release in 2018, with ongoing updates and expansion.
Platform: PC
Plot: STALKER Anomaly doesn’t have a linear storyline like the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games. Instead, it serves as a sandbox environment with extensive lore and emergent gameplay. Players take on the role of a “Stalker,” exploring the Zone – a post-apocalyptic wasteland surrounding the Chornobyl nuclear power plant.
Badlanders
Developer and Release Date: 101.Studio, March 9, 2022 (Early Access)
Platform: PC, iOS, Android
Plot: Welcome to the Red Beach Shelter, once a haven for cutting-edge technology but now a battleground for scavengers and mercenaries. In Badlanders, players compete in tense 25-person online matches to claim valuable loot and escape alive.
Insurgency: Sandstorm
Developer and Release Date: New World Interactive, 2018
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: “Insurgency: Sandstorm” offers a realistic and intense experience of modern battlefield combat. It stands out for its tactical gameplay, where teamwork and strategy are just as important as shooting skills.
7 Days to Die
Developer and Release Date: The Fun Pimps, 2013
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: This game combines first-person shooting with survival horror, tower defense, and role-playing elements. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, “7 Days to Die” challenges players to survive by scavenging resources, building shelters, and defending against hordes of undead.
Back 4 Blood
Developer and Release Date: Turtle Rock Studios, 2021
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: A spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead series, “Back 4 Blood” is a cooperative first-person shooter where players fight against hordes of infected. The game is known for its intense action and cooperative gameplay mechanics.
Miscreated
Developer and Release Date: Entrada Interactive LLC, 2018
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Plot: “Miscreated” is an online multiplayer hardcore survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players must navigate a world filled with dangers, including weather conditions, mutated creatures, and, most importantly, other players.
Arma 3
Developer and Release Date: Bohemia Interactive, 2013
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Plot: Known for its realistic military simulation, “Arma 3” offers a vast sandbox environment where players engage in various military operations. The game stands out for its realism, large-scale battles, and extensive modding community.
Payday 2
Developer and Release Date: Overkill Software, 2013
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: A cooperative first-person shooter, “Payday 2” revolves around players planning and executing heists. The game offers a range of missions, from bank robberies to corporate espionage, requiring teamwork and strategic planning.
Metro Exodus
Developer and Release Date: 4A Games, 2019
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: Set in post-apocalyptic Russia, “Metro Exodus” combines first-person shooter and stealth elements. Players must navigate a hostile world, battling both human and mutant foes, while dealing with environmental hazards.
Fallout 4
Developer and Release Date: Bethesda Game Studios, 2015
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: “Fallout 4” is an open-world action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world. The game is known for its expansive world, deep role-playing elements, and the freedom it offers players in terms of exploration and decision-making.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
Developer and Release Date: PUBG Corporation, 2017
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: A pioneer of the battle royale genre, “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” (PUBG) drops players onto an island where they must scavenge for weapons and equipment while fighting to be the last one standing.
Rust
Developer and Release Date: Facepunch Studios, 2013
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: Rust, unlike many other games, doesn’t have a linear, pre-defined plot. Instead, it’s a sandbox experience focused on survival and multiplayer interaction. Players are dropped onto a harsh, unforgiving island with minimal resources and must work to stay alive. This involves finding food and water, building shelter, and crafting tools and weapons.
FAQs
1. What makes “Escape from Tarkov” unique compared to other survival games?
Escape from Tarkov stands out for its high level of realism, complex gameplay mechanics, and intense PvPvE scenarios, setting a high bar for survival and tactical gaming.
2. Are these games suitable for casual gamers?
While these games are challenging and often cater to hardcore gamers, many offer adjustable difficulty levels and tutorials, making them accessible to a broader audience.
3. Can these games be played solo, or do they require multiplayer interaction?
Most of these games offer solo gameplay modes, but the experience is often enriched by multiplayer interactions, whether cooperative or competitive.
4. How important is strategic planning in these games?
Strategic planning is crucial in these games, as players must constantly make decisions that affect their survival, from resource management to combat tactics.
5. Are these games regularly updated with new content?
Yes, most of these games receive regular updates, including new content, features, and improvements, keeping the gameplay experience fresh and engaging.
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