Don’t Starve, the stylistic survival game from Klei Entertainment, recently celebrated its 8th anniversary. A real indie success story,Don’t Starvehas grown massively over the years, adding extra content and being ported to new consoles. In 2015 it received a multiplayer expansion calledDon’t Starve Together, which was also warmly received by the community.
WhileDon’t Starverode the first wave of survival games, there have been many similar titles over the years, both good and bad. No other game could copyDon’t Starve’s unique art-style, but there are a few that provide equally satisfying survival gameplay. For all the fans of Klei’s game that are looking for something new, here are some of the best alternatives toDon’t Starveout there.
The Long Dark
The first survival game that is often recommended to fans ofDon’t Starvemay not look very similar on the surface.The Long Darkis an indie titledeveloped by Hinterland Studio, and drops players into the frigid cold of the Canadian Wilderness. UnlikeDon’t Starve,The Long Darkis played from a first-person perspective, and has much more of a realistic art-style.
However, both games share the same brutal approach to survival, with limited resources and tough decisions to be made. Fuel is essential to keeping warm, but clothing and calorie intake can be equally important. Just like inDon’t Starve, eachopen-world game ofThe Long Darkwill challenge players in a different way, making it a fine choice for those seeking a similar experience.
Oxygen Not Included
Oxygen Not Includedis another survival-simfrom Klei Entertainment, but with a very different theme. Instead of Tim Burton-esque wanderers in a surreal realm,Oxygen Not Includedchallenges players to keep colonists alive in a hollow asteroid. WhileDon’t Starvehas players control a single character, inOxygen Not Includedthey are responsible for an entire colony.
Despite this core difference,Oxygen Not Includedis just as much of a survival-sim asDon’t Starve. Players must contend with limited oxygen, adequate food sources, and even proper disposal of waste. The lives of the trapped colonists balance on a knife’s edge, and it’s up to players to make sure that they survive for as long as possible. For those particularly fond ofDon’t Starve, trying out this other Klei Entertainment game could be worthwhile. With some solidmods available forOxygen Not Includedas well, players could put some real time into the game.
Subnautica
Another popular survival-sim from an indie developer,Subnauticawas released in 2018 by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. LikeThe Long Dark,Subnauticahas a more realistic art-style, but still shares a lot in common withDon’t Starve.Subnauticabegins with the player crash landing onto the uninhabited ocean planet 4546B, where they must survive with only their wits and the replicator inside their emergency pod.
Because of its aquatic setting,Subnauticaadds an extra level to the survival gameplay. A lot of the game revolves around the player increasing how deep they can dive, and for how long. Thetreasures and secrets of 4546Bare located far below the surface, but there are plenty of dangers to contend with too. Although they look nothing alike,Subnauticareally captures the same atmosphere and fear of the unknown asDon’t Starve.
Don’t Starveis out now for PC, Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
