After years of anticipation and unfortunate delays,Stalker 2is finally here. Many dedicated gamers out there will have already finished GSC Game World’s latest title, and are on the lookout for the next great survival game.

We’ve compiled a list of the 8 best games we think you’ll like if you’re a fan ofStalker 2, especially if you’re looking for that survival fix.

A STALKER 2 screenshot featuring a cozy campsite.

DayZ

DayZevokes many of the same feelings asStalker 2, even if the gameplay is considerably different. There’s a loneliness to the exploration inDayZ, the world inhabited by mindless zombies and the occasional player. Truthfully, there’s nothing quite like it, and could be a great game to play straight afterStalker 2.

Even over a decade after its initial Early Access release,DayZremains incredibly janky, but there’s something about it that is undeniably charming. Thanks to frequent updates, its community is as large as ever, meaning you’ll never be truly alone in the vast world ofDayZ.

A snapshot of DayZ gameplay, which is a game featuring a similar harsh world to that of Stalker 2.

Chernobylite

IfStalker 2didn’t exist, thenChernobylitewould almost certainly be deemed the de factoStalkersequel. The gameplay loop is remarkably similar, centered around surviving the Chornobyl Exclusive Zone while fighting off military and enemies called “Stalkers” (yes, really).

Chernobyliteeven features some RPG mechanics, with branching choices toinfluence the narrative. If you just finishedStalker 2and want more of exactly the same, I can’t think of anything better thanChernobylite.

Chernobylite gameplay, which is a game similar to Stalker 2.

Project Zomboid

If the survival elements ofStalker 2are what you enjoyed most about the game, thenProject Zomboidshould be well worth your time. Played from an isometric perspective,Project Zomboidfocuses on realistic survival mechanics, where you must fight every step of the way to stay alive.

Each run of the game inevitably ends in death – there’s no end goal here. It’s about all the fun you’ll have along the way.Project Zomboidis technically still in Early Access, but it doesn’t feel unfinished. I mean, it has been 11 years.

A snapshot of Project Zomboid gameplay, which features similar survival mechanics to Stalker 2.

Into the Radius

I’m pretty sure that if GSC Game World were to make a VRStalkergame, the end result would essentially just beInto the Radius. Yeah, this title is VR-exclusive, but if you already own the tech, thenInto the Radiusis a must-have app.

Into the Radiusis all about surviving and scavenging in a dystopian Eastern European hellscape filled with hostiles and dangerous anomalies. Sounds veryStalker 2-ish, doesn’t it? The game is dripping with atmosphere, and experiencing it in VR makes it ten times spookier.

A snapshot of Into the Radius gameplay, which is a game similar to Stalker 2.

Metro Exodus

The world ofMetro Exodusis one you can fully lose yourself in. Set in post-apocalyptic Russia,Metro Exodusoffers vast levels to explore, unlike the linearity of previous games in the series. There’s all your standard survival fare here, given a shine of AAA polish by 4A Games. It’s arguably the bestMetrogame and has everything aStalker 2fan could want.

Although it’s a sequel toMetro 2033andLast Light, you don’t have to play the previous two games to enjoyExodus. It’ll help you appreciate the story, of course, but you’ll still be able to take in the vibe of the post-apocalyptic world around you regardless.

A snapshot of Metro Exodus gameplay, which is a game that features similarities to Stalker 2.

Escape From Tarkov

If you want a game that feels likeStalker 2but is a bit more all-action, thenEscape From Tarkovhas you covered. This is a multiplayer title based on completing raids, where you must find loot and escape in a rundown world filled with enemy players.

Moments of quiet allow you to take in the atmosphere before it’s interrupted by intense bursts of combat. The real appeal ofEscape From Tarkovis how hardcore it is. It features a minimal HUD, which immerses you further into the world.

A snapshot of Escape From Tarkov gameplay, which features all the brutality of a Stalker 2 game.

ZERO Sievert

ZERO Sievertis going to feel like a change of pace for players coming directly fromStalker 2, but a welcome one, at that. This top-down extraction shooter has everything you’d expect to find in a standard survival game, from scavenging to crafting and inventory management.

Combat feels smooth, the procedurally generated maps keep the gameplay feeling fresh, and there are even quests to give you a sense of purpose beyond survival. For an indie game,ZERO Sievertis incredibly polished.

Zero Sievert gameplay, which is a game that offers a similar experience to Stalker, albeit in a 2D environment.

Stalker: Call of Pripyat

Well,yeah. It stands to reason that if you likeStalker 2, then you’ll probably enjoyStalker: Call of Pripyat. Its DNA remains all overStalker 2, with the two games following a near-identical gameplay loop.

Graphically,Stalker: Call of Pripyatis admittedly dated. But gameplay-wise? It still holds up. It’s janky, yes, but that was always part of the charm of theStalkerseries. If you like the newest entry, I’m pretty confident you’ll find much to love aboutStalker: Call of Pripyat.

Stalker: Call of Pripyat gameplay, which is a game by the developers of Stalker 2 and thus plays very similarly.

Indie game collage of Blue Prince, KARMA, and The Midnight Walk