5 games like Rust you should try in 2024

Rust is a multiplayer survival shooter that provides players with an opportunity to explore both an immersive PvP and PvE experience. Offering unique features during its initial debut, and over time, growing to be one of the most popular survival games in the world. However, in 2024, it faces competition from several other games.

In case you've grinded hours in the game, or simply are a newbie to the whole survival genre, this article will provide you with a list of five games like Rust, that share quite the same gameplay design. To know more, read below.

Note: Entries in this list are subjective and are solely based on the author's opinion.

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DayZ, Escape from Tarkov, and other games like Rust you should try in 2024

1) DayZ

DayZ falls in the same category as games like Rust (Image via Bohemia Interactive)

Bohemia Interactive's DayZ is a great alternative to Rust. Released in 2018, the game remains ever-popular and has a distinctly loyal player base. If you are into the genre of survival games, this game will undoubtedly be the right fit for you.

In DayZ, a lobby of 60 players struggles to survive in a PvPvE environment. Your primary goal is to secure a good base, and progress in your map of choice. A fantastic twist that makes DayZ an appealable alternative is the element of zombies present in the game. This PvE twist makes for some fun scavenger hunts, which oftentimes also lead to skirmishes against other players roaming in the area.

Read about: DayZ console update delayed indefinitely

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2) Escape from Tarkov

Escape from Tarkov (Image via Battlestate Games)

Escape from Tarkov is a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter video game that is still in its Beta phase since 2017. Developed by Battlestate Games, this game offers players a chance to experience realistic survival-style gameplay through its unique hyperrealism mechanics.

In Escape from Tarkov, players join Raids, where they deploy into a PvPvE world. Their primary goal is to scavenge and get their hands on the best loot possible by running through different points of interest. Players will be met with extremely ruthless AI, and in certain cases, they might have to fend off other players as well.

Lastly, upon securing the best loot, players must survive and head towards the nearest extraction point to exfiltrate, and successfully retain the progress they've earned by playing the match. It's a great alternative to Rust if you prefer a more hyper-realistic style of gameplay.

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3) ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved gameplay (Image via Studio Wildcard)

Released in 2017, ARK: Survival Evolved is purely a survival game at its core. It is one of the biggest competitors against the aforementioned titles, and a perfect game to try out if you're interested in this genre.

While ARK offers the same crafting, harvesting, and other survival mechanics as Rust, what sets this game apart is the addition of dinosaurs in the mix. The game offers players a unique mechanic that allows them to tame and breed more than 100 different dinosaurs and other creatures. If you want a spin on your survival gameplay, you should try this game out.

You might be interested in: Complete ARK Survival Ascended DLC roadmap, explored

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4) Valheim

Valheim (Image via Iron Gate AB)

If you enjoy what Rust offers, minus the PvP, Valheim is the perfect alternative for you. Valheim, for the most part, offers similar building mechanics and gameplay features in the game. This survival-themed game is based on a Viking backstory and solely deals with a PvE element.

Unlike Rust; however, Valheim is an open-world survival game. It features a third-person perspective and is majorly a co-op game supporting up to ten fellow partners in a distinct server.

Released in 2021, players in Valheim must forage, hunt, mine, and farm, to ensure they survive the harsh conditions of the wild lands. With a skill tree to work up to and grind for, players can have a chill and relaxing experience playing this survival-themed game.

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5) Subnautica

Subnautica (Image via Unknown Worlds Entertainment)

Subnautica is still one of the most trending and popular games in 2024, despite being released way back in 2018. It is a perfect alternative to Rust, as it offers not only a great survival experience but a chance to explore the vast oceans on an alien planet.

Subnautica is definitely a perfect pick for those who want a challenge. With the clock ticking on your supplies, including food and oxygen, your primary goal is a scourge for resources to help you sustain your life in the game.

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That's all there is to know about the five games like Rust that players should try in 2024. For more related news and guides, check out Sportskeeda's MMO section.