10 Must-Play Post-Apocalyptic Games for Atomfall Fans!

Summary

Atomfall is a post-apocalyptic game set in a fictional Lake District after a nuclear disaster, featuring an open world and rich characters.
Fans of Atomfall may enjoy similar post-apocalyptic adventures like Chernobylite, Death Stranding, Fallout, The Forgotten City, and more.
Atomfall draws inspiration from Fallout, offering open-ended gameplay, exploration, unique characters, and storytelling with consequences.

2025 has seen some intriguing game releases, but none quite as captivating as “Atomfall” by Rebellion. This British-developed post-apocalyptic adventure is set in the picturesque Lake District and has caused a stir since its announcement. Post-release, it has left an indelible impression on the post-apocalyptic gaming landscape. The game skillfully blends familiar genre elements with something fresh and innovative.

“Atomfall” presents an open world Lake District in an alternate reality influenced by the 1957 Windscale Disaster. It’s gained popularity for its retro-futuristic design, expansive open world, and a cast of memorable characters, as well as its peculiar anomalies. What truly resonates with fans is its authentic British setting that it fully embodies.

Enthusiasts of the game “Atomfall” may find themselves intrigued to explore other engaging post-apocalyptic adventures. It just so happens that there are numerous excellent choices available. This genre is versatile, encompassing everything from First-Person Shooters (FPS) to Role-Playing Games (RPG), and there’s a wide array of apocalyptic settings to delve into. Here are some top post-apocalyptic games that fans of Atomfall might appreciate.

9. Chernobylite

Anomalies and Mysteries in the Exclusion Zone

In the game “Chernobylite,” developed by The Farm 51, players step into the actual Chernobyl Exclusion Zone post-1986 disaster, as portrayed by a survivor seeking his lost spouse. Unlike its predecessor, Atomfall, it’s not just about exploring the zone; it also involves scavenging resources, constructing bases, managing a team, and navigating complex relationships. Although not an open-world game, each section of the zone is accessible for exploration at will. Crafting and resource management play crucial roles, allowing players to enhance their skills and improve their base for better gear. Additionally, Igor recruits allies who can either gain or lose favor with him, sometimes leading to dire consequences. Maintaining their well-being becomes a challenge, as keeping them fed, healthy, and comfortable isn’t always straightforward.

One key aspect of Chernobylite lies in its non-linear gameplay structure. The narrative is deeply connected to the titular substance’s ability to influence time, enabling Igor to manipulate timelines. Throughout his journey, Igor encounters situations requiring difficult decisions that carry long-term impact. However, he has the unique opportunity to reassess, re-live, and even alter these choices. A significant part of the gameplay involves finding the optimal sequence of decisions for the most favorable outcome.

8. Death Stranding

A Weird Apocalypse

In simpler terms, Hideo Kojima’s game, Death Stranding, places players in the role of a mail carrier amidst a bizarre post-apocalyptic scenario. The Death Stranding refers to an enigmatic catastrophe that has drastically altered the world, and while it can be challenging to grasp, imagine a highly unusual apocalypse conceived by fiction. This apocalypse is marked by peculiar elements such as colossal hybrid creatures resembling whales and squids, personal extradimensional beaches upon death, psychic infants in containers, and even a figure metaphorically walking among the dead. Despite these oddities, the game offers a richly detailed world to traverse. As the protagonist, Sam Porter-Bridges, you’ll strategize delivery routes, gradually unlocking better resources and gear as you advance.

Death Stranding presents a perilous world brimming with unusual phenomena and intriguing personalities. Navigating treacherous landscapes is only part of the challenge; Sam must also contend with lethal entities called “BTs,” hazardous weather known as timefall, and bandits intent on stealing his packages. The narrative revolves around exploring the origins of Death Stranding, even if it’s not always Sam who does the digging. Despite having less player interaction, the game still delivers a captivating storyline with memorable characters and distinct locations. With a sequel set to release this year, now is an ideal time to dive into the chaos before Kojima introduces new twists for fans of the original series.

7. Fallout

One of the Biggest Influences

The game titled “Atomfall” was playfully nicknamed “British Fallout” prior to its launch due to its striking resemblances. Like the “Fallout” series, “Atomfall” presents a retro-futuristic timeline where the Cold War escalated due to capitalism, leaving America a radioactive wasteland. Players traverse different parts of the U.S., making choices that determine the world’s future and the survival of other characters. It’s evident that many “Atomfall” encounters were influenced by the “Fallout” games, with the “outlaws” resembling the raiders from “Fallout”, the “ferals” drawing inspiration from its feral ghouls, and the presence of competing factions, some rooted in local myths and history, mirroring the various groups found within the “Fallout” games.

Similar to Atomfall, one defining aspect of Fallout is its free-roaming gameplay. Players traverse an expansive world, scavenging for supplies and interacting with diverse characters who each possess distinct personalities. The games are structured to accommodate a variety of approaches. Whether one chooses to act out roles or engage in a rampage of violence, the choice is theirs. Additionally, some installments incorporate puzzles and investigations, though they often come with more defined objectives and quest lines. Fallout: New Vegas, for instance, presents a protagonist suffering from amnesia who seeks to unravel the secrets of a post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert.

6. The Forgotten City

A Doomed City Full of Secrets

In a surprising twist, the once-popular mod for the game Skyrim, now an independent title, shares striking similarities with Atomfall in terms of structure and themes, although it may initially appear unrelated. In essence, The Forgotten City can be seen as post-apocalyptic (in a non-traditional sense) due to its narrative revolving around a doomed city that the player repeatedly experiences through the game’s Groundhog Day Loop mechanic.

The storyline of The Forgotten City follows a contemporary explorer who is mysteriously transported back to the era of Emperor Nero (specifically 64 AD, shortly after the Great Fire of Rome) and finds themselves trapped within an enigmatic city nestled deep within a chasm from which escape seems impossible. An intriguing twist unfolds as it’s revealed that this city is bound by the “Golden Rule,” which imposes punishment on everyone if any individual commits a transgression. However, the challenge lies in determining exactly what actions constitute a sin in this society.

Much like the game Atomfall,

5. Half-Life 2

The Original Post-Apocalyptic Shooter

One essential contributor to the FPS genre and a significant inspiration for numerous post-apocalyptic games, it would be amiss not to acknowledge Valve’s renowned series. Although its visuals may appear dated, and its gameplay might seem somewhat fundamental compared to more recent releases, the genetic code of Half-Life is evident in many excellent post-apocalyptic games. However, it was truly in Half-Life 2 that the post-apocalyptic world was fully realized. By this time, Earth had been subdued by the multidimensional Combine Empire, who swiftly crushed all resistance within 7 hours and have since ruled over humanity with a harsh hand for the past 20 years, leaving much of the planet as a radioactive wasteland. This state of affairs continues until protagonist Gordon Freeman finds himself in a unique position to ignite a rebellion.

Indeed, compared to many post-apocalyptic games such as Atomfall, Half-Life 2 is noticeably more linear. However, its influence on the genre is indisputable. Half-Life 2 paved the way for the more complex mechanics found in later titles, and upon playing it today, one can spot hints of it within Atomfall.

4. Horizon Zero Dawn & Forbidden West

A Post-Apocalyptic World Full of Robots

The Horizon series by Guerrilla Games features a meticulously crafted open world, set in the aftermath of a past disaster. In this unusual setting, humans live as hunter-gatherer tribes and hunt robot creatures that behave like animals. The story follows Aloy, an accomplished hunter, who is determined to discover what led to the downfall of human civilization. Players especially fond of Atomfall will find themselves drawn to the first game, where Aloy embarks on a quest for answers. Although her freedom isn’t as expansive as in Atomfall, she must still make decisions, collect information from other characters, and follow leads. As the story progresses, she uncovers the intricate history of the world, both before and after the catastrophe. By the time Forbidden West rolls around, Aloy is working to prevent such a disaster from occurring again.

In addition, these games share some mechanics that players may recognize. Building up skills, collecting resources, and trading are key elements. However, what truly sets this series apart is the challenge Aloy faces in battling colossal robots with limited supplies. Fans who relished battling the B.A.R.D. robots in Atomfall will find a familiar thrill in hunting some of the lethal robots the Horizon games will present, each one possessing unique strengths and weaknesses and demanding distinct strategies to conquer.

3. Metro: Exodus

Train Ride Through an Irradiated World

The Metro series has built up a solid fanbase due to its depiction of post-nuclear Russia, but it’s in Exodus that the franchise truly finds its stride. The initial games were predominantly linear (although they did offer some elements for impacting story segments), and primarily took place in Moscow with a focus on its subway system. In contrast, Exodus offers a broader selection of locations. Although it might be considered slightly more linear compared to Atomfall, the narrative of Artyom and his group traveling on a train through a post-apocalyptic landscape allows each chapter to unfold in a miniature open world, each with its unique storyline, characters, and history tied to the nuclear war. This results in a diverse range of environments due to the varying ways these areas were affected by the conflict.

Similar to Atomfall, Metro: Exodus offers a player-driven approach to its open world, allowing for flexibility in progression. Instead of sticking to main missions, players may opt for side quests. The protagonist, Artyom, has the freedom to choose his strategy when facing challenges, ranging from immediate violence to stealth and avoidance tactics. Additionally, non-lethal solutions are possible against most (if not all) enemies. However, the choices made by the player do matter, as a high body count can affect gameplay outcomes and even influence the destinies of certain characters.

2. The Outer Worlds

A Corporate Nightmare

In this unconventional role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment, known for creating Fallout: New Vegas, the apocalypse takes an unusual twist. Instead of nuclear devastation or zombie outbreaks, it’s the fallout from a botched interstellar colonization mission that sets the stage. As the player, you find yourself arriving 300 years too late at your intended colony, only to discover chaos and corruption. What was supposed to be a utopia for humanity has transformed into a corporate dictatorship, where a handful of directors wield absolute power over every aspect of life – from business and entertainment to law enforcement. Not surprisingly, the world is far from idyllic; most inhabitants are oppressed under the heels of their rulers. However, as the newcomer, you have the potential to instigate change.

Similar to Atomfall, the player’s character initially serves as an enigmatic factor, stirring things up when they inexplicably awaken in this environment. Although it isn’t an open-world game, it does provide ample opportunity for players to traverse multiple alien planets and engage with characters whose actions resonate over time. Additionally, there are numerous factions to navigate, along with the choice of collaborating with different allies. Players can choose to aid the masses, align with powerful corporations, or embark on a killing spree if they so desire.

1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Survival in the Radiation Zone

Upon the unveiling of Atomfall, it was met with humorously comparing it to “British Fallout,” but that wasn’t its only point of comparison. In quick succession, fans of big series drew parallels to GSC’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R., and the resemblance is easy to spot. The influence from these games on Atomfall is evident, even down to the shared concept of an alternate reality born from a real-life nuclear catastrophe. While Atomfall uses Windscale instead of Chernobyl as its disaster point, it still presents a zone marred by strange phenomena and a complete collapse of social order. Interestingly, the initial game in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, Shadow of Chernobyl, shares a similar premise with Atomfall, featuring an amnesiac character venturing into the zone to interact with other survivors, ultimately aiming to reach the power plant at the heart of it all.

The original series may not have aged flawlessly, but its mechanics will resonate with players who are familiar with Atomfall. Notably, these games offer an open world environment with minimal guidance and a focus on crafting and scavenging resources. For those unwilling or unable to deal with the older graphics or compatibility issues, there’s good news: The series has been updated with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, which seamlessly transfers the beloved aspects of the original games into a modern context for a fresh generation of players to enjoy.

2025-04-03 19:10