Best Fantasy Survival RPGs

The survival game genre comes in tons of different flavors, but one that's a little more elusive is the fantasy RPG survival game niche. Having a solid combination of all three in a video game is no easy task to accomplish, and it usually means that at least one game feature is a bit more diluted than the rest. For example, a higher focus on fantasy and RPG means that the survival mechanics can be a little more shallow and forgiving, but a more survival-oriented game is unlikely to have the deepest RPG systems.

With an open mind, there are still some games that do a pretty good job of capturing these three fantasies in one cohesive package. If you want to dive into fantastical worlds, create the kind of hero you would like to be, while thinking strategically about what you need to do to survive, these games are the perfect niche for you. I want to give a special shoutout to Valheim, which didn't quite make this list due to its slightly less deep RPG mechanics, but if that's okay with you, I really recommend checking out Valheim, as it ticks a lot of boxes.

Dune: Awakening

Chapter 3 Added some much needed changes

Dune: Awakening didn't have the smoothest landing ever. It's hard to find a game that relies on multiplayer servers, and many players had things to say about the forced PVP aspect of the game. Now, with the latest update out, many of those wrinkles have been smoothed out, and it's a much more viable experience for those who'd rather jump into the iconic world of Arrakis without having to worry about bumping into enemy players. The game is an alternate universe take on Dune books, where the story never came to fruition, although they still feature characters you'll recognize from Frank Herbert's universe.

As an agent of the Bene Gesserit, your task is to survive the hostile environment of Arrakis, build a base and manufacture equipment and technology, while exploring the desert and its secrets. Arrakis is not an easy world to traverse, and you have a couple of vehicles to help you with that. That said, the survival aspect comes from dealing with the scorching heat, from having the technology necessary to survive the desert, and avoiding angering the massive sandworms. Oh, and did I mention you also have Bene Gesserit powers? It is a unique opportunity to finally imagine your own character as the protagonist Dune's epic story, flaws and all.

V rises

Live life as a bloodsucking vampire

V rises has a rather unique setup compared to many survival games. It's a combat-packed, hack-and-slash-style gothic fantasy RPG where you take on the role of a vampire lord. And as with vampires in general, you must drink blood to survive. The world is your oyster, but only at night, providing an interesting, strategic challenge. Under the cover of night, you can set out to raid villages to conquer the wilderness for more resources to transform your gothic abode into something to fear and admire.

Of course, you're not the only predator out there. You'll be hunted by crusaders who want you dead, and you'll also have to face a host of bosses to test your might. Speaking of power, you have a nice mix of swordplay and magic at your fingertips, all quite customizable from various shapeshifting abilities to elemental magic. Like all other games here, V rises is also one that you can enjoy with your friends, or even participate in its PVP side and challenge other would-be vampires. If action RPGs are your cup of tea, definitely give this one a try.

Conan exile

A harsh world full of bloody potential

With magic and gods in play, Conan exile has more than earned its place among other fantasy survival RPGs. It's a little more demanding in terms of survival gameplay than perhaps some other titles here, but that makes it perfect for discerning survival gamers. You basically start from nothing, build your character through bloody battles, build your base, craft all your weapons and other equipment, and even enslave NPCs to do your bidding. All the while you have to take care of your hunger, thirst and body temperature while you explore the lands outside.

The fun (depending on what kind of gamer you are) of this game comes from the multiplayer aspect. There are servers that pit players against each other, but luckily you can also just jump into your own world with friends you know and experience everything in co-op. It has some of the deepest crafting and building gameplay here, so if you value those features above all else and prefer your combat and exploration on the challenging and gory side, this is the game to go for.

Wrapped up

Defy the envelope and build your home

Even if Wrapped up is still in Early Access, it's a game that shows a lot of promise and is one of the best co-op experiences in the fantasy survival RPG genre. In the world of Embervale, your task is to survive while uncovering the hidden history of a world that has fallen to the corruption of the Shroud. It really is a great marriage of all the best features from all three genres that it represents. You have a large skill tree to experiment with that comes with lots of variety and nuance to define exactly what kind of class you want to jump into. Embervale, as a world, is everything you could hope for in a fantasy game, with different biomes, monsters, ruins and more.

Finally, there is the survival craft aspect of Wrapped up. You can build your own permanent base, and the game has so much variety and freedom when it comes to this. With the resources you collect, you can also craft gear. You won't easily get bored with the variety of weapons and armor, as there is a perfect option tailored for every archetype and class in the game. If you've ever dreamed of entering a huge fantasy world with your friends and creating a home in it, don't sleep on this game.

Outwards

A brutal dive into an unforgiving fantasy world

Rounding out this list is Outwardsa fantasy RPG that takes difficulty very seriously. If you love a challenge at all, and maybe have some experience playing Soulslikes, this is the pick for you. Outwards the world is full of danger, and with no fast travel option available like in most traditional RPGs, you really have to consider every step you take before you set off. With a backpack on your shoulders and temporary camps as your only solace, the world is free for you to explore. But you have to toughen up. You have to manage your needs like in any traditional survival game, and getting hurt isn't just a matter of quickly healing yourself up with potions or bandages. It is a long, arduous process.

Even death can be a death sentence, as it introduces random scenarios: you can be helped by a friendly passerby, or your belongings can be robbed and your body transported across the map to a completely different location. This is a fantasy RPG that really forces you to think strategically about your adventures, where you won't be held by the hand or embraced. To achieve all your power fantasies, you need to work hard for them, find coaches to help you improve your skills and focus on preparation before you go out. If all of this sounds like it's right up your alley, get excited, because Outward 2 will be released sometime in the third quarter of 2026.