Zombie games are plentiful; it feels as if we see new ones released year after year without fail. Many of them gain some attention from horror and zombie fans alike, but ultimately they lose traction not long after release as many of them are seen as unoriginal or uninspiring.
However, there have been some spectacular exceptions. These games deserve all of the praise they get and then some. They made an impact on the gaming community and took the world by storm for various reasons. These zombie games proudly stand tall as some of the best zombie game experiences from the last decade.
10 Killing Floor 2
While they may not be your average slow walking and brainless zombie, they sure are terrifying. The fast-paced nature of Killing Floor 2 is what it sets it apart from the competition. Blood, guts, and gore make this game absolutely brutal in every aspect of the word. Perhaps brutal is even an understatement as the limitless blood splatter you endure while slaying zombies is quite riveting. Fans of the Left 4 Dead series would surely be into this game as teaming up with friends is more enjoyable than playing alone.
9 Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
It may only be an expansion to the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption, but don't count it out just yet. Releasing at the end of 2010, Undead Nightmare took the gaming community by surprise at launch. Not only could we play as our favorite outlaw John Marston again in a brand new fully fleshed out story, but we could also fight zombies in the wild west. It was a unique concept that was never seen before and fans of the series are clamoring for and Undead Nightmare 2 for Red Dead Redemption 2.
8 State Of Decay 2
A sequel to a generally well-received game, State of Decay 2 took what was good about the original and made it great by expanding upon the ideas of the previous game and making it a better experience for players overall. One of the limitations of the original was the lack of multiplayer as it seemed like a perfect game to include that in. State of Decay 2 finally made it possible to enjoy the survival systems in place with friends, making for a more enjoyable playthrough.
7 World War Z
Another cooperative zombie game makes this list, but it comes with a twist. Based off of the book and movie, World War Z brought players a truly surreal moment where zombies are piling on top of each other, creating a never-ending mountain of undead until they can finally reach a ledge to proceed towards the player.
Witnessing this for the first time is breathtaking in a technical sense but also a frightening sense. Combine this with being able to see this moment with friends and you have an unforgettable experience.
6 Dead Island
It's heartbreaking that we don't have a sequel to Dead Island yet. Riptide was decent, but the original was simply amazing. It was graphically impressive, boasting the most realistic visuals of a game at the time that were even stunning on the Playstation 3. The gorgeous paradise island filled with undead at every turn is an unforgettable setting that stands out in a genre filled with the more gloomy zombie games available right now. Again, another game made even better when playing with friends, as taking a vacation on this island definitely requires backup.
5 Days Gone
Arguably the most underrated zombie game of all time, Days Gone received mixed reviews at launch due to technical issues but has improved dramatically since then. The story was great and mysterious as you weren't quite sure how the zombies, known as freakers in the game, were evolving the way that they did. The hordes of freakers coming at you was a sight to behold and would easily make you tense up because you knew you didn't stand a chance without the proper equipment. Plus you can drive a fully customizable motorcycle, how cool is that?
4 Dying Light
Fans of this fantastic game can't wait for the sequel's release. Dying Light took some of the beloved aspects of Dead Island, such as weapon modification and zombie dismemberment, and improved upon that in various ways. The main selling point became the addition of a very elaborate parkour mechanic system. No longer were you running on foot or driving everywhere, you were scaling buildings and running and jumping from rooftop to rooftop while evading the undead. Not to mention a well thought out night and day system where the zombies became more aggressive at night.
3 Resident Evil 2 (2019)
Capcom did the unthinkable; taking a very beloved game and remaking it in a way that appealed to old and new fans alike. Resident Evil 2 was a worthwhile experience for its atmospheric tension and stunning visuals.
The zombies in the game were quite possibly the most realistic representation of how a zombie should actually look and walk. Fans are anxiously awaiting the release of Resident Evil 3's remake because if the previous game is anything to go off of, this one will be fantastic.
2 The Last Of Us
Naughty Dog really outdid themselves with this entry. The Last of Us was nothing short of a masterpiece as the narrative was a work of art and beautifully written. The infected and clickers in the game are uniquely represented in a way that makes them feel real. Based on a real fungus that's only infectious to plants, it gives the game a sense of mystery, as if it was actually feasible in real life if the fungus was to mutate to become infectious to humans. That would be horrific, to say the least.
1 The Walking Dead
Don't let it's cel-shaded graphics deceive you. Telltale's The Walking Dead season one was a masterfully crafted journey. From beginning to glorious end, it was an unforgettable and emotional roller coaster. The characters all stood out in their own way and some of them have left a lasting impression that's sure to make long time fans of the series feel nostalgic. Thinking back to how magnificent the game was, there's no denying how truly captivating the experience was and still is. If you were to play anything on this list, play The Walking Dead first, you won't regret it.