Summary
Post-apocalyptic settings have become somewhat cliched over the years. However, there remain a number of games that provide immersive, distinctive settings that take place in locations long past their prime.
From the ruined kingdom of Hallownest to the open expanse of the Mojave wasteland, many video game post-apocalyptic settings are broad and varied. Furthermore, many of these titles feature wildly different gameplay opportunities from one another. For those looking to dive in, here are thebest post-apocalyptic settings in games.
Unsightedis acombination of top-down action and Metroidvania gameplay, excelling with its crunchy pixel-art visuals and unique sci-fi setting. The game takes place in a war-torn future, a landscape populated by sentient robots slowly losing their minds after an apocalyptic battle with humanity.
Waking amid this ruined world, players are tasked with regaining control and saving whoever they can along the way. The game’s distinctive setting is particularly notable for its distinctive zones, and the constant sense of tension provided by the in-game timer makes for a unique tone.
Though technicallyDarkest Dungeon 2tasks players with averting the apocalypse, it’s already in full swing by the time the player arrives. Catastrophic events have already happened, leaving players floundering in a burning dark age amid abandoned bastions, lost knowledge, and ruined homes.
In a world populated by madmen, eldritch horrors, and nightmarish monsters,Darkest Dungeon 2presents a setting that synergizes perfectly with its harsh and unforgiving gameplay. Though its opportunities for world-building are somewhatlimited by its roguelite structure,Darkest Dungeon 2manages to set the scene via evocative writing, stylish presentation, and a dramatic soundtrack.
Sunset Overdrivetakes place in the vibrant, summery environments of Sunset City, a veritableplayground for expressive movementand bombastic action. Despite its post-apocalyptic setting,Sunset Overdriveis bursting with color, offering a uniquely exuberant take on a typically dismal genre.
This works in tandem withSunset Overdrive’s tongue-in-cheek tone and movement-based gameplay. The fluidity of movement also makes traversal a more engaging experience than is typical of open-world games, with the urban environments facilitating exciting exploration.
Mutant Year Zero: Road To Edenis a strategy RPG that takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting populated by quirky mutants. The creative character designs, overgrown environments, and abundance of greenery help tremendously in making the world a unique and interesting place to explore.
This tactical title also features real-time exploration, allowing players to poke aroundthe game’s eerie environmentswith relative freedom. For fans of ruined and overgrown settings, the world ofMutant Year Zerois likely to appeal.
Caravan SandWitchis a conflict-free exploration game witha focus on relaxationand discovery. This exploration-heavy experience is elevated by the game’s stylish visuals, charming characters, and unique post-apocalyptic setting.
Though it takes place on an exploited and ruined planet,Caravan SandWitchremains a decidedly hopeful experience. The game’s atmosphere is ultimately peaceful, supported by a harmonious population that exudes kindness over hatred.
The post-nuclear world ofFallout: New Vegasmay at first appear as a typical wasteland. However, it remains a unique place to be thanks to creative location design and the incredible variety of NPCs that breathe life into its many towns and hidden nooks.
The multitude of distinctive factions also helps to makeFalloutunique, supported by a cast of memorable creatures. More importantly,Fallout: New Vegasis simply full of things to see and do, packed with points of interest both big and small that drive exploration and consistently pique curiosity.
Though its action may be fairly typical, especially by today’s standards,Bastionremains a truly unique and memorable experience throughout, thanks in no small part to its setting. In the game, players battle through various hand-painted environments as they attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding a catastrophe known as the Calamity.
The game’s visual style and dynamic presentation of each environment are certainly amongBastion’s greatest strengths. However, the wild environments,creative character and enemy designs, and surreal imagerymakeBastion’s post-apocalyptic setting particularly distinct.
Caves Of Qudis an open-world RPG that takes place ina distinctive science-fantasy worldbuilt from an innovative combination of hand-crafted and procedural content. This allows players to explore meaningful locations while also encountering constant surprises, facilitating a frequent sense of discovery.
The exotic environments ofCaves Of Qudare made up of ancient ruins and untamed wilds, painting lost civilizations with a retro-futuristic eye. And although its old-school and minimalist visuals won’t be for everyone, they only allow the music, writing, and ambiance of the game to shine all the brighter.
