What’s Wrong with Survival Games and How Can They Be Fixed

SEO Manager at RetroStyle Games | Jan 23, 2025

Subnautica, Minecraft, The Long Dark… what do they have in common? Is it cartoonish style, but complicated gameplay? Why do people get attracted to such a “kids-like” style? If you don’t appreciate survival games you might think that Terraria is made for 5-year-olds.

As well as Minecraft or RimWorld. But it’s like this until you try it. Did you know that many games you probably played are also survival-like? Fallout, ARK: Survival Evolved, Rust, and many famous games have survival in them.

But what is survival? These are video games where players need to survive (duh). In most cases, it narrows to managing resources like food and water, and building your shelter. That’s the most “traditional” description for a most “traditional” survival game. But it’s not like that all the time. Even games that weren’t meant to be hard-core survival ones still may have some features of this genre, like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. with the need to eat something and manage radiation poisoning. You can also choose Fallout New Vegas with its surviving mechanics, where you need to manage hunger, thirst, and sleep needs, or you can face increasing debuffs (if you choose to play Hardcore Mode).

But it’s still not like a life-simulator (that’s an entirely different genre). The players will face some enemies such as wildlife, weather, and sometimes other players (if it’s a multiplayer or co-op game). The goal is to stay alive as long as possible in harsh environments and/or among enemies. Some games, besides the goal of “staying alive”, also have a deeper purpose. For example, like in The Forest, you not only fight enemies and try to not freeze to death, but you’ll have to find your son. Or like in Valheim. The main reason why you need all those resources is to get ready to fight seven main bosses.

Survival games have been around for a long time. Starting from classics like Atari’s 1974 game “Survival” to more modern titles like “The Long Dark”. Over the years, survival games have evolved significantly, both in gameplay and in how they engage with gamers. The closer the survival game is to our times — the more sophisticated it gets (usually).

Survival games are popular because they have exciting adventures. There players can explore, build, and overcome difficult challenges. They provide a sense of accomplishment when gamers successfully survive against all odds. Survival tests users’ strategy, resource management, and problem-solving skills. However, some gamers find these games frustrating due to repetitive tasks. Constantly gathering resources, complicated inventory systems, and severe penalties for dying aren’t ok. Survival games are really popular, but many players find some parts frustrating or boring. We highlighted the most common problems in modern survival games and tried to find some solutions to make these games better.

Key Types of Survival Games

Survival games are the subgenre of the action games themselves. However according to the study “Survival-Themed Video Games and Cultural Constructs of Power”, we still can separate survivors based on the theme.

Survival Horror

These games, like “Resident Evil” and “Alone in the Dark”, mix survival mechanics with horror elements. Users often face supernatural threats and have limited resources. This makes the gameplay tense and frightening. The focus is usually on escaping or surviving against terror and odds rather than fighting back.

Wilderness Survival

Games like “Unreal World” and “The Long Dark” focus on surviving natural environments. These games emphasize resource management and environmental challenges like weather. Most of the time, you will interact with wildlife. They are less about combat and more about strategy and endurance.

Emerging and Hybrid Types

New survival games often mix elements from different game genre designs. For example, “This War of Mine” includes strategy and survival in a war-torn setting, asking users to make tough moral decisions. Others, like “Sunless Sea”, blend adventure, exploration, and survival in a fictional setting.

Survival games are cool because they push gamers to think critically and plan. They allow players to test their problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of adversity. Survival games can also reflect and influence cultural attitudes. They make players think about resource scarcity, survival instincts, and ethical choices. How players choose to manage resources or interact with others can parallel real behaviors.

TOP Things That Bother Players in Survival Games

Over-reliance on player vs. player combat

Many survival games are heavily focused on PvP (Player vs. Player) combat. There the main challenge becomes fighting other players. But the main point of survival was missed — surviving against the game’s environmental hazards.

Solution: developers could shift some of the focus away from constant PvP interactions. Even if you do PvP, it enhances the role of environmental challenges. You can do it by introducing more complex weather systems, more aggressive wildlife, and disease outbreaks. If you want to make a PvP survival game, a little diversity can’t hurt. The game could emphasize survival against nature first, while still having a PvP in it. This makes gameplay more engaging and also allows players to get interested in your game’s universe.

Tedious resource gathering

A common complaint among survival enthusiasts is the monotony of constantly needing to gather basic resources such as food, water, and crafting materials. This routine can quickly become repetitive, especially if you decide to put some insane requirements like a simple pickaxe needing dozens of different resources to make. So the players want more exciting gameplay elements.

Solution: to reduce this issue, developers might consider adjusting the resource depletion rates. They should allow gamers to enjoy longer periods of exploration and adventure. Introducing more varied and interactive methods for resource collection could keep gameplay engaging. Developers may also make different difficulty levels, where the higher the level, the more resources the player needs to complete the same task.

Lack of clear long-term goals

After surviving the initial threats, players often lose a clear direction or objective. This will lead to boredom and a feeling of aimlessness within the game. Gamers pay money to get the game that will make them feel fun. And when they feel like the only way to get fun is to create it themselves, they will simply leave after some time.

Solution: developers should add a variety of long-term goals and dynamic storylines to maintain an interest. Motivations such as rebuilding a community, rescuing other survivors, or uncovering the mysteries of the game world can keep players engaged. These goals should also evolve based on choices made. For example, offering players multiple endings — such as siding with the “bad guys” (like dark gods or a group of bandits) at the cost of their initial objective (like escaping or saving someone) — can add depth and intrigue. Countless plot twists and changes to the game world based on player decisions can enrich the experience, though this will require additional development time.

Limited skill specialization

In many survival games, players can become “jacks of all trades”. It means that they can master every skill needed to survive on their own. This can diminish the need for cooperation and community building.

Solution: introducing more stringent skill specialization would make gamers depend on each other for survival. If you want to make a game with a more collaborative community, the users will love it. For example, one player might specialize in hunting while another focuses on building shelter. This interdependence can enrich user interactions and create a better social environment. It won’t be a good idea to restrict players from certain activities, but letting them be more effective in some of them is a good idea.

Static and Unresponsive Game Worlds

The environments in many survival games can feel static and unresponsive. They don’t change on their own, or even worse — they don’t react to player’s actions.

Solution: creating dynamic environments that react to player activities can greatly enhance users' engagement. Elements such as natural growth, decay, changing weather patterns, and wildlife that adapt to player presence make the game world feel more alive and interactive. Additionally, it’s important to create an independent world. What does this mean? It means developing systems that allow the game world to change and evolve without direct user intervention. This can be achieved by programming animals to exhibit natural behaviors, such as aggression towards each other and other NPCs. Relying solely on every living creature uniting against the user is both lazy and uncreative. Instead, focus on creating a world where various entities interact in complex and believable ways, making the game environment more engaging and realistic.

The tedious grind of resource gathering

The most common gripe with survival games is the mundane task of resource gathering. It’s affectionately or frustratingly known as “punching trees”. This can be a very repetitive action just to gather necessities like wood and stone. We can see it in Minecraft and Satisfactory — monotonous minutes spent clicking away just to collect enough materials to progress. It is relaxing though.

Solution: developers could introduce automation earlier in the game or make resource gathering more strategic and less frequent. Games like Banished and V Rising excel in this area by making resource management about strategy and planning, allowing users to focus on other exciting survival aspects. It's important to note that “automation” doesn't mean building huge factories. Instead, players can be given an NPC companion — whether a human, a robot, or another entity — that can gather resources while the user focuses on more important tasks. Gradually introducing more companions or complex mechanics can shift the responsibility of resource gathering away from the player in the mid and late-game. This approach ensures that resource gathering is only a primary concern at the start, allowing gamers to engage with more critical aspects of survival as the game progresses.

Clunky inventory and storage systems

Managing inventory is a core part of many survival games. However, it often feels unnecessary. Users are forced to create storage systems or waste time shuttling items back and forth just to craft or use them effectively.

Solution: a more simple approach like universal access points for materials or automated systems. They will allow crafting from a centralized inventory, similar to what's seen in Horizon Zero Dawn. Yes, it may not sound realistic but most gamers will thank you for such a decision. Making an overcomplicated storage system doesn’t make your game more hardcore or realistic, it makes it way more tedious and frustrating than it has to be.

Arbitrary crafting tiers and recipes

Many survival games feature tiered crafting systems. They force gamers to grind through repetitive tasks to unlock the next level of gear or tools. This often involves defeating specific enemies or collecting rare materials, which can become a grind.

Solution: instead of locking progression behind repetitive crafting quests, developers could incorporate tier advancement into the natural progression of the game's storyline or achievements. For example, if a new sword requires an anvil, create a quest where the player must find it. This approach, while simple, makes more sense than arbitrarily blocking crafting recipes. By integrating progression with the narrative or achievement milestones, players experience a more cohesive and engaging gameplay.

Too harsh death penalties

Retrieving items from your corpse after death, often while unarmed and vulnerable. It’s a mechanic that feels more punitive than challenging. It can detract from the enjoyment of the game by breaking the flow and adding frustration.

Solution: a balanced approach might involve adding less punishing mechanics for gear retrieval or providing alternative ways to recover or replace lost items. Making this mechanic optional allows players to choose whether they want to engage with it. Additionally, incorporating lore-friendly explanations for why players may or may not lose their gear upon death can enhance immersion. Possible explanations include ancient magic, a strange curse, or a logical checkpoint system, such as the New-You stations in the Borderlands universe. This approach adds depth to the game while giving users control over their experience.

Lack of respect for player time

Ultimately, many survival games don’t respect the player’s time. All these extensive grinding and repetitive tasks demand constant attention. They aren’t providing equivalent entertainment value.

Solution: developers should focus on creating an ebb and flow within the gameplay, offering peaks of intense action interspersed with meaningful low-intensity tasks. What does this mean? It involves placing the gamer in dangerous situations that require resource expenditure to survive, followed by periods of recovery where they can replenish their resources. During these calmer moments, gradually introduce mechanics that allow the player to gather resources more efficiently over time. This cycle of tension and relief keeps the gameplay dynamic and engaging, providing a balanced and rewarding experience, as well as a sense of progression, which is very important in survival games.

Design and Attributes of Survival Game Characters

Survival games often feature characters that are integrated into the gameplay mechanics. Let’s explore how to create and design characters for survival games.

Real Examples:

Joel from “The Last of Us”

A complex character burdened with protecting a young girl in a post-apocalyptic world. His skills in combat, stealth, and crafting make him a quintessential survival game character.

Lara Croft from “Tomb Raider”

Lara Croft is well-known for her agility, intelligence, and survival skills. Recent games have focused on her resourcefulness and ability to adapt to harsh environments.

Lee Everett from “The Walking Dead”

As the protagonist in Telltale Games’ narrative-driven episodic game, Lee’s survival hinges on making quick moral decisions that affect not only his fate but also that of the young girl, Clementine, whom he vows to protect in a zombie apocalypse.

John Dahkeya from “ARK: Survival Evolved”

In a game that emphasizes survival through crafting, building, and taming dinosaurs, gamers often create their characters like John Dahkeya, a custom survivor who must use intelligence and creativity to thrive on an island filled with prehistoric and mythical creatures.

To make a survival game and build an interesting character for a survival game you’ll need:

a) Develop a complex plot so you can add some characters with complicated emotions

b) Don’t try to copy-paste the hero from another game. You can get inspired but it’s recommended to not copy.

c) Hire game character designers and use the services of an outsourced art company to help you develop any character that comes to your mind.

What else will help you to design a character?

The character’s background should directly influence their skills and weaknesses. For instance, a character who grew up in a rugged environment might have advanced survival skills. Survival game characters often need a balanced set of skills, from combat to resource management. Designing a skill tree that players can develop as the game progresses can add depth and customization.

Characters should also display physical traits that align with their survival skills, such as endurance and agility. Emotionally, they must be resilient yet show vulnerability to create a relatable narrative. That would also be nice to create their physical appearance to be the result of their past and philosophy. Our team will help you with a detailed stylized 3D character creation to achieve this.

Making of the Environment You’ll Put Your Characters In

This is just advice, of course, you can do whatever you please with your game. Based on the topic “What’s the most over-done environment that survival games make you survive in?”, we can get you some ideas on how to make your environment unique.

Creating an engaging environment for a survival game involves careful consideration of setting, resources, and thematic elements. They should match the game’s overall tone and challenge level. Drawing from the ideas shared in the images and comments, here are some simple guidelines on how to design an environment for a survival game:

1
Fresh Settings to Revitalize the Survival Game Genre
Instead of opting for typical post-apocalyptic or zombie-infested landscapes, developers should explore underused or novel settings. Consider focusing on thriving instead of merely surviving, with settings such as a medieval world or fantastical environments presenting unique challenges. Imagine a survival game featuring dinosaurs — it's been ages since a good one like Turok, which is quite outdated now. Alternatively, think about pirates; there are not nearly enough quality pirate survival games. The first “AAA” game (Skull and Bones) doesn't count, for obvious reasons. Exploring these fresh and intriguing settings can breathe new life into the survival genre.
2
Creative Biomes and Terrain for Deeper Survival Gameplay
From forested areas with water sources to deserted islands or underground biomes – anything that requires digging and tunnel creation for logistics and resource connectivity.
3
Resource Placement that Drives Exploration and Strategy
Strategically place resources that encourage you to move around and explore. Resources should feel integral to the survival experience, not just scattered randomly.
4
Interactive Environments for Strategic Depth in Survival Games
Make the environment interactive, where players can manipulate elements or alter the terrain. This adds a layer of strategy and depth, as players can create shelters, set traps, or even modify the landscape to their advantage.
5
Dynamic Wildlife Ecosystems for Immersive Survival Experiences
Populate the environment with wildlife or other entities that interact logically with each other and the player. For instance, predators that hunt other animals, which in turn can be hunted for food.
6
Dynamic Weather and Day/Night Cycles for Enhanced Survival Challenges
Implement dynamic weather systems and a day/night cycle that affects gameplay. For example, certain predators might only come out at night. Or specific plants could only be harvested in certain weather conditions.
7
Risky Regions to Encourage Progression and Exploration
Design areas that are more dangerous than others such as regions with higher enemy density or severe environmental hazards. This can create a natural progression as players become more equipped to explore riskier areas.
8
Vibrant and Unique Visuals to Make Your Game Stand Out
As discussed, moving away from the typical gray and dreary colors can make your game stand out. Bright environments or stark settings can both be effective, depending on the game’s theme.
9
Environmental Storytelling Through Thoughtful World Details
Details like crumbling ruins, overgrown paths, or abandoned campsites. They can tell stories without words and add layers to the gameplay by providing clues or history about the game world. Don’t place those randomly, though, think a bit if this particular thing should be here or not.
10
Environmental Narratives: Telling Your Game's Story Through Setting
Use the environment to tell parts of the game's story. For example, an abandoned village with signs of a hasty evacuation can hint at past events that have shaped the game world.

By carefully designing the game environment to support these elements, developers can create a survival game that feels fresh and engaging, offering players both challenges and the opportunity to explore richly crafted worlds. Our team can create custom 3D-themed environments for any game. These environments should not only challenge the player’s survival skills but also bring them into a story that unfolds through their interactions with the world around them.

How to Make a Survival Game on Mobile

If you’ve ever been thinking about making your own survival game, then stop thinking about it. Do it! Creating mobile survival games can reach a broader audience since more people have smartphones than PCs. These games allow us to enjoy the game on the go. Mobile games offer strong monetization opportunities through ads and in-app purchases. However, developing for mobile isn’t necessarily easier than for PC. These games face technical limitations and require careful adaptation of controls for touchscreens. The highly competitive mobile market demands innovative game design to stand out. Mobile survival games need to consider the platform’s limitations and advantages. Here’s how to approach them:

Game Design Considerations:

Mobile devices offer less control complexity than consoles or PCs, so game controls should be intuitive and easy to manage.
Mobile games must be optimized for varying device capabilities, ensuring smooth gameplay on both high-end and older phones.

Concept Art and Environment Art:

You should craft the visual style and aesthetics of the game. For mobile games, concept art should be clear and detailed yet optimized for smaller displays.
Mobile survival games benefit from environments that are visually engaging but not overly complex to navigate. Designers should focus on creating immersive yet performance-friendly settings.

Mobile Game Examples:

Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition.

A mobile adaptation of the popular PC game, “Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition” is an isometric survival game. It’s all about exploration, resource management, and crafting. You are playing as a scientist that was put in another world. Your goal is to study it and find a way home. What’s cool about this game is the Tim Burton-ish style and beautiful usage of the isometric layout. If you want to do the same — we invite you to take a look at isometric game assets creation.

Last Day on Earth.

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Your goal is to survive by crafting shelter, scavenging for resources, and fending off the undead. The game is about resource management, base building, and player interaction including potential clashes with other survivors.

Last Pirate: Survival Island.

This is the project we are proud to present. You’re a pirate on a deserted island. Unexpectedly, there are hordes of zombies and skeletons hunting for you at night. The game combines survival mechanics with adventure. Users need to gather resources, craft tools, and weapons. You will build shelters while battling island wildlife and exploring mysterious territories.

LifeAfter.

This PvE and PvP game is set in a post-apocalyptic world. A virus has devastated humanity. Survivors are left to fend for themselves against infected creatures and hostile environments. You will collect resources, build shelters, and form alliances with other players.

Arena Breakout: Realistic FPS.

This game is a tactical shooter that blends realistic first-person combat with survival elements. Players must carefully manage their gear and health. They fight to secure high-value targets in dangerous environments.

Frostborn: Action RPG.

Set in a mythical Norse-inspired world, “Frostborn” features cooperative RPG gameplay. Here, players battle creatures, forge alliances, and defend their homesteads. The game has elements of base building, resource gathering, and team-based combat. All are set within a richly detailed mythological backdrop.

Creating characters for survival games involves an understanding of narrative, gameplay mechanics, and player interaction. Mobile game concept art for the characters should embody them through their skills, traits, and the challenges they face.

Summary

Gamers often face repetitive tasks such as gathering resources and managing large inventories which can become tedious over time. The complex crafting systems can also feel overwhelming because they require players to spend a lot of time on activities that aren’t always enjoyable. Additionally, harsh penalties for dying and the need to perform time-consuming corpse runs can add to the frustration. This can make the game feel punishing rather than challenging.

Game developers need to consider these issues to enhance the overall experience. Developers can simplify inventory management, making resource gathering more engaging. They can also create more balanced death penalties that could make these games less of a chore. Looking ahead, there’s a lot of potential for survival games to evolve and become even better. With thoughtful design improvements, future survival games could be much better.