The upcoming game Atomfall has already made waves in the gaming community with its intriguing blend of post-apocalyptic survival, British countryside eeriness, and Cold War-era paranoia battle royale. Set in an alternate-history UK ravaged by nuclear disaster, Atomfall promises tense exploration, unsettling atmospheres, and a narrative-rich experience rooted in both folklore and fallout.
But while you wait to dive into the radioactive ruins of rural Britain, there are plenty of other games that capture a similar vibe. Whether it’s the setting, the tone, or the gameplay, these five titles deliver that same hauntingly immersive experience that fans of Atomfall are craving.
1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series
Best for: Hardcore survival fans who love gritty, immersive worlds
Why it’s similar:
Like Atomfall, the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series is set in the aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe—in this case, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. With its bleak Soviet-era aesthetic, mutated wildlife, and supernatural anomalies, it delivers a chilling mix of survival, horror, and open-world exploration.
Highlights:
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Dynamic A-Life AI system makes the world feel alive (and deadly)
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Deep survival mechanics (radiation, hunger, gear maintenance)
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Rich atmosphere that mixes science fiction and Slavic folklore
Must-play entry: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (or try the Anomaly mod for the ultimate experience)
2. Fallout: New Vegas
Best for: Players who want deep RPG mechanics and narrative choices
Why it’s similar:
Fallout: New Vegas is the gold standard of post-apocalyptic storytelling. While Atomfall swaps the American desert for the foggy moors of Britain, both games share that love for exploring the consequences of nuclear devastation, encountering eccentric factions, and making morally grey choices.
Highlights:
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Branching dialogue trees and multiple endings
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Robust faction system with real consequences
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Tons of lore and environmental storytelling
Bonus: Mods like “Project Nevada” or “Tale of Two Wastelands” can breathe new life into the game if you’re returning.
3. Metro Exodus
Best for: Players looking for a cinematic survival experience
Why it’s similar:
Set in post-nuclear Russia, Metro Exodus offers a blend of linear story missions and open-world survival, much like what Atomfall promises. Its realistic environments and detailed world-building create a strong emotional connection to its characters and setting.
Highlights:
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Semi-open world levels with dynamic weather and day-night cycles
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Scavenging, crafting, and stealth mechanics
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Gritty realism and excellent environmental design
Note: The earlier Metro 2033 and Last Light are more linear but still worth playing for lore.
4. Chernobylite
Best for: Tactical thinkers and fans of sci-fi horror
Why it’s similar:
Chernobylite dives into an alternate-history Chernobyl filled with paranormal phenomena and military threats. It blends exploration and base-building with a narrative-driven campaign. The game’s eerie atmosphere, psychological horror, and Eastern European flair are a natural fit for fans of Atomfall‘s unsettling tone.
Highlights:
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Non-linear storytelling with decisions that matter
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Crafting and resource management
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Atmospheric visuals and creepy sound design
Pro Tip: Play at night with headphones for full immersion.
5. The Forest / Sons of the Forest
Best for: Survivalists who enjoy horror-infused exploration
Why it’s similar:
Though it leans more into survival horror than retro-futurism, The Forest (and its sequel) shares a key component with Atomfall: a constant sense of dread in a beautiful but hostile world. Instead of radiation and Cold War paranoia, you’re dealing with cannibalistic tribes and underground horrors—but the feeling of isolation and discovery is strikingly familiar.
Highlights:
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Base building, scavenging, and crafting
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AI-driven enemies that evolve in behavior
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Co-op mode for a shared nightmare
Fans of eerie, unexplained mysteries will find plenty to love here.
Bonus: Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
Best for: Players who want atmosphere and story above all else
Set in a rural English village after a mysterious disappearance, this game offers a non-combat, slow-paced narrative journey full of emotional depth. While not a survival game, it shares Atomfall’s British setting and mood of quiet catastrophe.
Final Thoughts
While Atomfall is still on the horizon, these games will more than fill the void for fans who love bleak, atmospheric adventures steeped in mystery and survival. From the radioactive ruins of Russia to the haunting hills of Britain, the post-apocalypse has never felt so varied—or so compelling.